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To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you’ll be exploring words inspired by science, classic cartoons, alternative ways to say you’re eating healthy and multiple ways to express that you’re upset.

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 Crossword on Thursday, August 20, 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 Thursday, August 20, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Scientist’s workplace — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

4 Across: Best friend of Charlie Brown — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

6 Across: Looking for a fight, informally — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

7 Across: Turtle’s hiding place — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

8 Across: Give an effort — HINT: Ends with the letter “Y”

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Plant food? — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

2 Down: “Don’t Look Back in ___” (Oasis hit) — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”

3 Down: Large and muscular — HINT: Starts with the letter “B”

4 Down: ___ Vegas — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

5 Down: Note after do, re, mi, fa … — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Thursday, August 20, 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: Scientist’s workplace — LAB

4 Across: Best friend of Charlie Brown — LINUS

6 Across: Looking for a fight, informally — AGGRO

7 Across: Turtle’s hiding place — SHELL

8 Across: Give an effort — TRY

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Plant food? — LIGHT

2 Down: “Don’t Look Back in ___” (Oasis hit) — ANGER

3 Down: Large and muscular — BURLY

4 Down: ___ Vegas — LAS

5 Down: Note after do, re, mi, fa … — SOL

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Wednesday, August 19, 2026

More than five decades after its release, Blind Faith’s 1969 song “Presence of the Lord” not only marked a major milestone in Eric Clapton’s songwriting career but also remained one of the standout songs from the band’s only studio album.

In the ’60s, when seasoned musicians were coming together to form all-star bands known as supergroups, the quartet, composed of legendary English musicians Steve Winwood on lead vocals, Ginger Baker on drums, Ric Grech on bass and Clapton on guitar and vocals, formed one of rock’s earliest and most influential supergroups.

Although they only had a short-lived career, Blind Faith released several impressive rock songs that became staples of the era.

As part of their self-titled debut album, they came up with six songs featuring the gospel-influenced track “Presence of the Lord.”

Blind Faith Steve Winwood, Ric Grech, Ginger Baker, Eric Clapton pose for a portrait in 1969.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Written by Clapton, the soulful and meaningful track, which he calls a “song of gratitude,” has a deep personal meaning to him.

Aside from the song’s meaning as his declaration of faith and his way of “say ‘thank you’ to God, or whatever you choose to call Him, for whatever happens,” it was also his first song he wrote entirely by himself, as cited by Song Facts.

The song was inspired by Clapton’s life transition, as he had just left Cream at the height of the band’s popularity.

With his new band, Blind Faith, he was hopeful and comfortable with where his career was heading, but his personal life was a different story.

In June 1969, Blind Faith made their live debut in front of more than 100,000 fans at a massive free concert in London’s Hyde Park.

Later that summer, they released their one and only album, which reached No. 1 on both the U.K. and U.S. charts. However, “Presence of the Lord” had modest success, landing at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100.

With a career lasting less than a year, Blind Faith’s song continues to resonate with generations of rock listeners 57 years later.

Contributors on Reddit expressed how “amazing” “Presence of the Lord” was and called it a standout track from the album.

“Clapton’s Presence of the Lord is amazing as well and elevated by Winwood’s emotional vocals,” one wrote.

The same goes for another who said: “Presence of the Lord was my favourite.”

“I think ‘Presence of the Lord’ is a great song. Rest of the Album doesn’t do it for me,” a fan commented.

Related: ’60s Rock Band, Disbanded After One Year, Ranked Among ‘Best Supergroups’ of All Time

Like so many popular songs of the ’60s (and pretty much every other decade), “Walk Away Renée” by the Left Banke was inspired by young, unrequited love. The backstory, however, might be a little messier than some, as it involves one band member’s hopeless crush on another’s girlfriend.

When the Left Banke formed in New York City in 1965, the members were all still teenagers, influenced by the Beatles and other British Invasion bands of the time. Sometimes, when they first started playing together, bassist Tom Finn would bring his girlfriend, Renée Fladen, to rehearsals. That was all it took for keyboard player/songwriter Michael Brown to fall head over heels for the young woman.

“A bunch of teens got an apartment together around Tin Pan Alley, in the Broadway area, and Renée lived there part time when she wasn’t living with her mother,” Finn explained in an interview with Dawn Eden.

“Most of the kids were like half runaways in those days, and there was a ‘crash pad’ there, as we used to call it,” Finn continued. “I guess I brought her to the studio one day were Michael met her and fell in love with her.”

Fladen was just a teenager, too, but Finn remembered her as being particularly mature for her age.

“For a kid of 16 or 17 she was just sort of free and liberal and open minded, sexy, everything, you know? She was just very different for that time, so she just bowled Mike over. I was brokenhearted when she lost interest in me after a while,” he admitted.

At just 16 years old, Brown wrote “Walk Away Renée” about Fladen, in addition to two other songs.

“Around that time, maybe within another month he wrote ‘Pretty Ballerina’ about her, even though she wasn’t a ballerina, and ‘She May Call You Up’ was written on the same day, or maybe the same week, as ‘Pretty Ballerina,’ and he never mentioned at the time that they were about her,” Finn said.

When it came time for Brown to record his harpsichord part for “Walk Away Renée,” Fladen showed up at the studio…much to his horror.

“My hands were shaking when I tried to play, because she was right there in the control room,” Brown said later, per Far Out. “There was no way I could do it with her around, so I came back and did it later.”

Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Released in July 1966 as the Left Banke’s debut single, “Walk Away Renée” went all the way to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100; later that year, “Pretty Ballerina” peaked at #15. (The Four Tops also had a hit with their cover of the song.)

A decade later, in 1976, another band had a career-defining hit with a song inspired by “Walk Away Renée.” As late Boston frontman Tom Scholz once explained, the wistful melancholy of the tune influenced “More Than a Feeling.”

“There was another song out that, whenever I heard it, caused me to pine miserably for this particular girl. That song was called ‘Walk Away Renée’ by The Left Banke,” Scholz said.

Of course, as any classic rock fan knows, in “More Than a Feeling,” it’s Marianne who walks away…following in Renée’s footsteps, as it turns out.

Related: 1977 Classic Rock Hit With Soaring Guitars and ‘Dazzling’ Harmonies Was Recorded in a Basement

Ella Langley is having a huge year, but one piece of advice from country icon Miranda Lambert has helped her stay focused during her fast rise.

Langley’s hit song “Choosin’ Texas” has now spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The milestone gives the country singer the longest No. 1 run for a non-holiday song by a female artist. As her success continues to grow, Langley says Lambert has reminded her to stay true to herself and put music first.

“Miranda has given me more advice than I can possibly ask for,” Langley told Variety. “She’s always reminded me to stay true to myself, keep the music at the center of everything, and trust that the rest will take care of itself.”

The advice comes during a major moment in Langley’s career. “Choosin’ Texas” has become one of the biggest songs of 2026, while Langley has also collected major awards, released her sophomore album Dandelion, and continued performing across the country.

Ella Langley performs onstage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2026 day one on June 04, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Her latest chart milestone puts her close to another piece of Billboard history. With 18 weeks at No. 1, “Choosin’ Texas” is one week away from tying the No. 2 spot for the longest run at the top among non-holiday songs. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, are among the songs at that mark.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” remains ahead with 22 total weeks at No. 1 when holiday songs are included.

The 18-week run is only one part of Langley’s successful 2026.

Earlier this year, she swept all seven of her nominations at the ACM Awards. The achievement set a new record for the most wins by an artist in a single year. Her victories included female artist of the year, along with song and single of the year for “Choosin’ Texas.”

Langley later added two American Music Awards to her growing list of honors. She won best female country artist and best country song. “Choosin’ Texas” also earned a nomination for best country at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

Her second album, Dandelion, arrived in April. Since then, Langley has continued building her audience through live shows and new music.

She also teamed up with Koe Wetzel for the viral song “Jaded,” adding another high-profile release during her busy year.

Despite the major wins and chart records, Langley has kept a packed schedule. She has been living on a tour bus and performing across the country. Her arena-headlining Dandelion Tour is scheduled to run through October, with stops including Red Rocks and two nights at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.

The tour also features a mix of artists Langley says she believes in and enjoys as a fan. Among the all-female opening acts are Kaitlin Butts, Gabriella Rose and Laci Kaye Booth. Avery Anna and Madeline Edwards were also added for the Hamilton show.

Langley explained that she and her management team look at what makes sense for the fans and the artists involved when planning each show.

Lambert’s guidance may be especially meaningful as Langley deals with the growing attention that comes with having one of the year’s biggest songs.

Langley and Lambert already share a connection that began when Langley approached the country star as a fan on a carpet. Now, Lambert has become someone Langley can turn to for advice during her rise.

Langley also appears to be thinking about what comes next. When asked about artists she would like to collaborate with, she named Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton and Harry Styles.

She is also already looking toward her third album. When asked if she wanted to explore another genre in the future, Langley kept her answer short: “You’ll just have to see as we start writing for album 3.”

Away from the charts and awards, Langley has also spoken openly to fans during her live performances.

At a recent show in Fort Worth, Texas, she introduced “Loving Life Again” with an uplifting message. “I want you to know that you are loved. You are so loved,” Langley told the crowd.

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She continued, “Not just by the person that you’re here with, the people that you’re here with, but most importantly, you’re loved by Jesus Christ. That’s all you can ask for in this world.”

Langley later admitted to the audience, “I know I look like I have it all figured out up here, but I do not. I’m living every day flying by the seat of my pants.”

Related: Country Star Ella Langley Sends Message to Texas After Show

Kai Trump is the typical college freshman. She goes shopping for her new apartment at Target, hangs out with her mom, and… drops a new line of merch? That’s right, President Donald Trump’s granddaughter just launched a limited-edition clothing collection—and it’s for a very good cause.

Kai Trump’s new line. Photo: Kai Trump Shop

Kai Trump Shop

The 19-year-old recently left home for her first year playing golf (and studying, of course) at the University of Miami in Florida. But before she started college, Kai helped to create a casual, sporty, and beachy line of tees, tanks, crewneck sweatshirts, hats, and totes. 

Kai shared her thoughts on this new endeavor on her shop’s website, writing, “Every piece was created to feel effortless, elevated, and easy to make you own—styles for today and a foundation for everything still to come. This launch is the beginning of the future of Kai, and I can’t wait to see where we take it.”

Kai Trump’s new line. Photo: Kai Trump Shop

Last May, her mom, Vanessa Trump, revealed a breast cancer diagnosis. The following June, Vanessa shared (on Instagram), “Over the past four weeks, I’ve been recovering from surgery, and I’m grateful to be healing and moving forward.” In honor of her mother, a portion of the proceeds from Kai’s new August drop will go to breast cancer awareness organizations. 

Kai Trump’s new line. Photo: Kai Trump Shop

Kai Trump Shop

Vanessa recently joined Kai in a back-to-school shopping vlog for her popular YouTube channel. Like just about every other parent of a new college freshman right now, Vanessa said (as the pair made their way through Target), “I am totally exhausted from going to her apartment, coming back and forth, and moving everything.” 

Kai admitted, “Well, I kind of messed up the furniture delivery, so she went and drove to Miami yesterday,” as her mom added, “To wait for three deliveries…That’s okay. It was during rush hour too. So, it was fun times. What we do for our children, right?” 

So, what is Vanessa helping Kai pick up at the big red bullseye retailer? According to the mom of five, “We need kitchen stuff, bathroom stuff, toiletries, bedding. She already has clothes. I’m not buying clothes. She can open up a clothing store with all the clothes she has.”

But that’s not all. Fame won’t stop Kai from doing something every college should (but probably doesn’t) do. If you’re wondering what that is, Vanessa explains, “And cleaning stuff. Because she’ll be cleaning her own apartment. She’s going to learn how to do that, or else it will just stay a mess.”  

The totally relatable moments keep coming as Vanessa gets real about shopping with children, “It’s draining and exhausting. That’s why I always go to the supermarket by myself, not with little kids around. Because they grab everything and you have to put stuff back.”

She continues,  “So, I like to do the shopping by myself. And you don’t spend as much when you go by yourself. I think a lot of parents can relate to me. Going shopping with children, it’s almost triple the amount. And then you look like the parent because you’re taking everything out of the shopping cart.” 

Even though Kai’s now at college and hopefully cleaning her own apartment, her new merch is available online right now.

Could Steve Perry make one final appearance with Journey?

Longtime Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain just dropped a tantalizing hint about a possible reunion at the band’s final scheduled concert, raising an intriguing possibility just months after Perry addressed rumors about returning to the group.

Journey will launch the final leg of its farewell tour in September before bringing the trek home to San Francisco, where the band was formed more than five decades ago, for its final scheduled concert at Chase Center on Nov. 28.

And according to Cain, fans might want to expect the unexpected.

“It’ll be fitting to end there for sure,” Cain told The Independent. “Who knows who’s going to show up? I don’t know. There might be a reunion of sorts, I hope.”

Cain didn’t name Perry or offer any clues about who might participate in that potential reunion. Journey has had numerous members throughout its history, so his comments could refer to any number of former bandmates.

But Perry is inevitably a name that comes to mind, particularly after months of speculation about whether Journey’s legendary former frontman could play some role in the band’s farewell.

Could Steve Perry Reunite With Journey?

Perry joined Journey in 1977, helping usher in the band’s most commercially successful era and becoming the unmistakable voice behind hits including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Who’s Crying Now.”

He left Journey in 1987 and later reunited with the group in the 1990s, recording the 1996 album Trial by Fire, before departing again.

Earlier this year, however, Perry directly addressed rumors that he might rejoin Journey for its farewell tour.

“While I’m always grateful for the love people still have for Journey, the rumors about me rejoining the band are simply not true, and I want to gently put them to rest,” Perry wrote in a message to fans.

Perry said he understood why people would hope to see it happen, adding that the music he made with Journey “means a great deal to me too.” But he explained that he was continuing to pursue new creative work and make music reflecting where he is today.

His statement seemingly closed the door on Perry rejoining Journey for the tour. It did not, however, specifically address whether he would consider a one-night appearance with his former bandmates.

In fact, fans immediately floated that possibility in response to Perry’s statement.

“Totally understandable. But here’s a thought…..maybe a short cameo before it’s too late?” one person wrote. “You will always be the defining voice of Journey.”

“If this is the final tour for Journey, it would be a tribute to the fans for Steve to do a few dates,” another suggested. “The fans deserve one more show!”

For now, a Perry appearance remains entirely speculative. Cain never mentioned him by name, and a “reunion of sorts” could just as easily involve another former member of Journey.

Still, if there were ever going to be a night for a surprise appearance, Journey’s final scheduled concert in the city where it all began would certainly be one.

Journey’s Final Concert Will Be a Homecoming

Journey co-founder and guitarist Neal Schon is already anticipating an emotional night when the band returns to San Francisco.

“I’m sure it’s going to be somewhat emotional because that’s where it all started,” Schon told The Independent. “I know the audience is going to be off the hook.”

The final leg will follow a massive year on the road for Journey, with the band expected to have played more than 100 concerts by the time it reaches San Francisco.

The current lineup features Schon, Cain, singer Arnel Pineda, keyboardist Jason Derlatka, drummer Deen Castronovo and bassist Todd Jensen.

And while Journey is calling this its farewell tour, what happens after that final show isn’t nearly as certain.

“The future kind of remains up in the air really,” Cain said.

Schon also made it clear that he’s not ready to stop making music.

“I’m not nearly done with what I want to do,” he said. “I think there’s many great opportunities in the future. Whether or not it’s with everybody that’s here right now, I’m not certain.”

First, however, comes Nov. 28 in San Francisco—and Cain has now given Journey fans one more reason to wonder exactly who might show up.

Related: Neal Schon Calls Out Steve Perry in Journey Tribute—and Fans Notice the Wording

In August 2014, James Gunn introduced audiences to his very first full-length Marvel film, Guardians of the Galaxy. But beyond establishing himself as a space-opera force, he solidified himself as a certified mixtape master.

Fusing retro hits into the DNA of his modern superhero blockbuster, Gunn, with his music supervisors, curated the soundtrack for the film. But rather than treat the songs as passive sidekicks in the background, he deliberately embedded each track into the screenplay as a core storytelling device.

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Gunn titled his debut soundtrack Awesome Mix Vol. 1, and its tracklist more than lives up to its moniker. Featuring Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky,” Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling,” Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love,” and more, the record is brimming with killer needle drops. It even hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making history as the first soundtrack composed entirely of previously released songs to top the chart.

According to Radio X, however, there’s one music moment that is particularly “memorable” and stands above the rest.

The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb,” a teenage riot from an all-female band, takes center stage closer to the end of the film, when the Guardians and the Ravagers finalize their team-up. Following Peter Quill’s “buncha jacka–es” speech, the rebel yell kicks into high gear while the eclectic group of screen heroes performs the inevitable action-film slow-mo walk montage.

“When you see the characters strutting down the hallway to ‘Cherry Bomb,’ they were actually strutting down the hallway to ‘Cherry Bomb,’” Gunn told Vulture, sharing that he played the music aloud on set. “I find it helps the actors and the camera operators to find the perfect groove for the shot.”

Released in June 1976, “Cherry Bomb” was the lead single from The Runaways’ self-titled debut studio album. Though the song, belted out by frontwoman Cherie Currie, failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100, it reached No. 106 on the Bubbling Under chart and eventually became an iconic punk-rock anthem.

Written by founding band member Joan Jett and producer Kim Fowley, the song actually has a fun backstory. During her audition for The Runaways, Currie was prepared to sing Suzi Quatro’s “Fever,” but the band didn’t know how to play it.

“So Kim and Joan looked at me and wrote ‘Cherry Bomb’ right there for me to audition to,” Currie told The Classic Rock Music Reporter. The title was a play on Currie’s name and the idea of a teenage firecracker, so “they thought, Cherry … Cherie, and they just thought I was a cherry bomb. They just wrote this song, and it was great.”

Great indeed. Nearly four decades after its release, The Runaways’ punk-rock signature found an entirely new generation of fans, and one of its most unforgettable showcases, in Gunn’s superhero blockbuster.

Related: 1991 Thriller, Based on the Thomas Harris Novel, Features One of Classic Rock’s Greatest Movie Moments

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As summer starts giving way to fall, there’s one change we can count on besides cooler temperatures: The sun starts calling it a day earlier. The same everyday errands that happened in broad daylight in July, like taking out the garbage, walking the dog, grabbing something from the car, or sitting on the deck after dinner, are happening in the dark. And while flipping on an outdoor light works when you’re standing right next to the switch, it’s less convenient when you’re halfway down the driveway.

That’s where automatic lighting comes in handy. If you’re looking for some, the Szrsth Solar Outdoor Lights are currently just $18 at Walmart, down 51% from their typical $39 price tag thanks to a Walmart flash deal. With four in the set, the math works out to you paying less than $5 per light. Spread them around walkways, entrances, the garage, or other darker spots around the house for a little more visibility as the evenings get longer.

Szrsth Solar Outdoor Lights, $18 (were $39) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The four-pack is designed to work without being plugged into an outlet, powered by built-in solar panels. During the day, each light collects energy from the sun and stores it in a 1,200 milliamp-hour lithium-ion battery, so the lights have power to use after dark. The manufacturer says they can provide more than 12 hours of lighting after a full charge, which means you can let all four soak up some sunshine and then have them ready for the evening. In other words, there’s no wiring to run, no batteries to swap out, and no need to remember to charge each light yourself. 

The motion sensor is where the convenience really kicks in. Rather than staying lit all night, each light detects movement within about a 120-degree range and up to 3 meters, or roughly 10 feet, and switches on when someone approaches. This feature can be especially handy with a four-pack because you can spread the lights around different parts of your outdoor space, such as near the back door, along a walkway, by the garage, or beside the driveway. 

Each one contains 12 light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, which produce a bright, cool-white light. The lights stay on for about 10 seconds after detecting movement, then switch off again, helping conserve the energy stored during the day. There’s also an automatic setting, so once they’re installed, you can mostly forget about them and let them handle the lighting whenever they sense activity.

Shop More Deals

• Daybetter Motion-Sensor Solar Lights, $18 (were $26) at Walmart
• Tzumi Motion-Sensor Solar Flood Lights, $30 (were $50) at Walmart
• Hovmap Solar Powered Motion Sensor Wall Lights, from $14 (were $24) at Walmart

These lights have an IP64 weather-resistance rating, which means they’re protected against dust and water from all angles, and they’re designed to withstand heat and everyday outdoor conditions. Each compact light measures about 4.9 inches long by 3.8 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, so they can tuck neatly along walls, fences, steps, porches, and other spots where you want light without a bulky fixture. 

Installation is also straightforward with the included screws, making it easy to position all four lights around your property. Use them to brighten the path to the trash cans, illuminate the steps when you’re coming home late, or add some extra visibility around entrances and other darker areas.

Walmart shoppers had plenty of praise for these “extremely bright” and “quick-to-activate” fixtures, saying that the “light covers a large area” and “would stop anyone in their tracks that didn’t know the lights were there.” One reviewer wrote, “The motion sensors are spot-on, lighting up instantly when someone walks. What I love most is that they’re 100% wireless and solar-powered, so no running cords or paying extra on my power bill.”

Related: Walmart’s ‘Bright’ $35 Solar Light 6-Pack ‘Looks So Elegant’ in Yards and Gardens

If you want to experience the “peace of mind” that shoppers said the Szrsth Solar Outdoor Lights bring, shop them now at Walmart while they’re still over 50% off! 

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Michael Monroe is returning to the country where his solo career began four decades ago.

The former Hanoi Rocks frontman has announced a short U.S. tour for the spring of 2027. The six-date run begins April 29 in Hamden, Connecticut and includes stops in New Hampshire, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles before concluding aboard the Monsters of Rock Cruise.

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale Friday, Aug. 21. The tour will bring Monroe back to American stages after he canceled his planned 2025 appearances with Buckcherry to recover from a ruptured meniscus.

“We definitely wanna come to the States to play,” Monroe said in a February 2026 interview. “When we played there, it was fantastic. It was a great reaction.”

The announcement comes 40 years after Monroe started his first solo band in New York. He had moved to the city at the end of 1985 following the breakup of Hanoi Rocks and his involvement with Artists United Against Apartheid’s “Sun City.”

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Monroe initially struggled after arriving in New York, but he eventually found an apartment on East Third Street and began writing and recording his solo debut. Released in 1987, Nights Are So Long helped him secure a worldwide record deal and was followed by Not Fakin’ It in 1989. Monroe recently recalled that New York felt like the right place to make a new start.

Before going solo, Monroe had become known as the singer and multi-instrumentalist for Hanoi Rocks. Formed in Finland in 1979, the band combined punk, glam and hard rock while building an international following during the early ’80s. Its original run ended in 1985 following the death of drummer Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley.

Monroe has continued releasing music and touring throughout the decades since. His current band includes fellow former Hanoi Rocks member Sami Yaffa alongside guitarists Steve Conte and Rich Jones and drummer Karl Rockfist. His latest album, Outerstellar, was released in February 2026.

The upcoming tour will give Monroe another chance to perform for American fans while returning him to New York, the city where his solo career first took shape.

Michael Monroe’s 2027 U.S. Tour Dates

• April 29: Hamden, Connecticut – Space Ballroom
• April 30: Derry, New Hampshire – Tupelo Music Hall
• May 1: New York, New York – Gramercy Theatre
• May 4: Las Vegas, Nevada – Fremont Country Club
• May 5: Los Angeles, California – Whisky A Go Go
• May 6-11: Monsters of Rock Cruise

Related: 1973 Iconic Ballad, Never a No. 1 on Billboard, Is Still a Beloved Hit 53 Years Later

Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 hit “Dreams,” written by Stevie Nicks in a separate studio room in Sausalito, California, has been ranked among the best rock songs of all time.

In its list of the 25 Best Rock Songs of All Time, Collider placed “Dreams” at No. 15.

Released from Fleetwood Mac’s landmark 1977 album Rumours, “Dreams” became the band’s only No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Nearly five decades later, the song continues to reach new listeners and remains one of the group’s best-known recordings.

Collider described “Dreams” as a song that appears simple at first but carries a strong emotional weight. The outlet pointed to Stevie Nicks’ lead vocal as the center of the recording, with the song telling the story of a lover who wants freedom.

NEW HAVEN, USA – 1st OCTOBER: Singer Stevie Nicks of British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac in a recording studio in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, October 1975. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images)

The story behind the song is also unusual. Nicks wrote “Dreams” in early 1976 while Fleetwood Mac was working on Rumours. At the time, the band members were dealing with major changes in their personal relationships, including the breakup of Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

Nicks found time away from the main recording room and went into another studio at the Record Plant in Sausalito, California. The room was said to belong to Sly Stone. It was there that one of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest songs began.

The finished song would become very different from that early idea. But Nicks first had to convince the rest of Fleetwood Mac to give it a chance.

Some members initially thought the song was too simple. The basic structure did not immediately impress everyone.

Christine McVie once described the early version as having “just three chords and one note in the left hand” and called it “boring” when Nicks first played it on piano.

However, the song began to take shape after Lindsey Buckingham worked on its arrangement. McVie later changed her view after Buckingham “fashioned three sections out of identical chords, making each section sound completely different.”

The band recorded a demo, keeping Nicks’ vocals and the basic drum track from the early sessions. Other parts, including guitar and bass, were added later in Los Angeles.

The simple structure of “Dreams” became one of its greatest strengths. Its slow, steady rhythm helped give the song a sound that was easy to recognize.

Mick Fleetwood played an important role in shaping that feel. The drummer called “Dreams” a “given” when naming his greatest Fleetwood Mac recordings.

“The intro, I think, is one of those stupidly simple things that came from the drummer who played with Al Green and The Staple Singers,” Fleetwood told Music Radar in 2012. “So, it’s from my love of what I call ‘greasy music.’ It has a real feel, and it’s lazy. Behind the beat. Stupidly simple, but well thought-out.”

He also explained the message he gave the band before performing the song.

“Keep it greasy, guys.”

Fleetwood continued: “So, this is me keeping it greasy and letting go to form a groove that is infectious.”

That groove helped turn a song built around a small number of chords into one of rock music’s most lasting hits.

“Dreams” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1977 and became Fleetwood Mac’s only chart-topping single in the United States. The song later found new life several times, including a major resurgence in 2020 after a TikTok video featuring the track went viral.

The renewed attention sent “Dreams” back onto music charts and helped introduce it to a new generation. The song also appeared at No. 9 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Fleetwood Mac has sold more than 120 million records worldwide, while Rumours remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978.

For “Dreams,” the path from a separate studio room in California to rock history started with a simple idea and a song written in about 10 minutes.

Related: 1973 Rock Song, Best Billboard Hit for Iconic Rock Band, Is Still a Motivational Hit 53 Years Later

There is strong scientific research showing that what you eat impacts the brain. The MIND diet, Mediterranean diet and DASH diet have all been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.  

While much of this impact is cumulative and gradual, there are ways you might have noticed it firsthand. For example, you’ve probably found that it’s easier to concentrate after eating a balanced, nutrient-rich breakfast versus days when you skip a morning meal.

If you eat eggs regularly, you already have a powerhouse brain food as part of your diet. But depending on how you prepare them, you might not be getting as much nutrient value out of them as you could be. Here, a neurologist shares what he wants everyone to know about eggs and brain health. Plus, find out what foods to pair with your eggs to up the brain benefits even more.

Related: The Supplement Neurologists Say Is a Waste of Money for Brain Health

How Eating Eggs Regularly Supports Brain Health 

There isn’t just one nutrient in eggs that makes them a brain-supporting food; it’s the whole package. “The nutrients in eggs that are associated with brain health in general include choline, omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin,” says Dr. Lona Sandon, PhD, RD, an associate professor of clinical nutrition at the UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Alexander Zubkov, MD, PhD, a neurologist and nutrition scientific medical advisory board member for 1MD, adds that eggs are one of the richest forms of choline, which the brain uses to produce acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter behind memory, focus and learning. 

Related: Neurologists Warn This Nightly Habit Could Be Secretly Shrinking Your Brain

Besides these immediate benefits, Dr. Zubkov notes that choline supports long-term brain health. “Choline is critical for maintaining myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers. When it degrades, cognition slows. Adequate choline intake is also linked to reduced risk of cognitive decline,” he explains. 

Eggs also contain tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, which regulates mood. “When people say they feel sharper after a protein-rich breakfast, there’s real neurochemistry behind it,” Dr. Zubkov says.

Eggs are also high in saturated fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, which also support brain health. Dr. Sandon explains that omega-3s are needed for building healthy nerve cell membranes, regulating neurotransmitters and lowering inflammation. 

The lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs also support cognitive health. While you may know that these nutrients are important for eye health, Dr. Zubkov tells Parade that they also protect against oxidative stress in brain tissue over time.

Related: 23 Ways to Boost Your Brain and Keep Your Mind Sharp at Any Age

What a Neurologist Wants Everyone To Know About Eggs

As you can see, eggs are jam-packed with nutrients that support brain health both short-term (helping with focus, learning, memory and mood) and long-term (helping preserve memory and cognitive function). But if you really want to reap these benefits, there’s something Dr. Zubkov wants you to know: The yolky yellow part of eggs is where most of the nutrients are.

“The yolk is where all the brain benefits are—choline, lutein and DHA—and for decades we told people to discard it,” Dr. Zubkov tells Parade. “The fear around dietary cholesterol has been substantially walked back by science, but the egg white omelet habit persists. From a neurological standpoint, that’s a real missed opportunity. Eat the whole egg.”

It’s true that people with cardiovascular disease (or high-risk for it) do need to be mindful of the cholesterol in eggs. But even people with this health risk can still safely eat one to three eggs a week. 

“Eggs can be part of a healthy diet. Eggs have been given a bad rap in the past and many people may still believe they should not be eating eggs,” Dr. Sandon says. “The bottom line is that eating a variety of whole foods, including eggs, nuts and seeds, vegetables and whole grains, is best for a healthy brain and body.”

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Other Breakfast Foods That Are Good for Your Brain

There’s no question that eggs are a nutrient-rich food, but you still need to pair other foods with them for a well-rounded breakfast. Eggs do not have any fiber, for example. For this reason, Dr. Sandon recommends scrambling eggs with spinach. She points out that spinach also has lutein and zeaxanthin, which, as explained earlier, help protect the brain from oxidative stress.

“Leafy greens provide folate and vitamin K, which protect neurons,” Dr. Zubkov adds. 

For most people, the protein in two eggs is not enough. If you have any leftover cooked salmon, Dr. Sandon recommends adding that to your egg-and-spinach scramble. This will also increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your meal, which will benefit both the heart and brain.

Don’t have any salmon on hand? Dr. Sandon says that Greek yogurt and nuts are some other protein-rich foods you can add to your breakfast to round it out. Greek yogurt contains probiotics, which support both gut and brain health, while nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which help protect against inflammation.

Consider topping your Greek yogurt off with blueberries, which Dr. Zubkov says are particularly high in antioxidants. They’ll also up the fiber in your breakfast.

Pairing your eggs with avocado is another way to get more fiber, saturated fats and antioxidants. This will also make your breakfast more satiating, keeping you full longer.

“Eggs are one of the few foods that support brain health across multiple pathways simultaneously through antioxidants, choline, protein and healthy fats. That combination is rare and underappreciated,” he says.

Remember, just make sure you’re eating the yolks along with the whites. That way, you’re getting all the nutrients out of the eggs as possible, something that will benefit you both now and in the years to come.

Up Next:

Related: The 3 Best Types of Exercise for Brain Health, According to a Cleveland Clinic Neurologist

Sources

• Puri, S., Shaheen, M. and Grover, B. (2023). Nutrition and cognitive health: A life course approach. Frontiers in Public Health. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1023907.
• Dr. Lona Sandon, PhD, RD, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the UT Southwestern Medical Center.
• Dr. Alexander Zubkov, MD, PhD, neurologist and nutrition scientific medical advisory board member for 1MD.
• The Relationship Between Eggs, Cholesterol and Heart Health. Cleveland Clinic.

Disneyland is making it very clear that standing up on one of its most popular rides could bring your day at the park to an early end.

New warning signs have appeared around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in recent weeks, telling guests exactly what to expect from the ride—and what will happen if they don’t follow the rules.

“This attraction is a turbulent flume ride with high speeds, heights, sudden drops, stops,” one of the signs reads before instructing guests to “remain seated at all times.” Other variations of the sign are posted along the queue, all sharing the same warning: “Failure to stay seated will result in removal from the park.”

According to one Instagram user, the new signs clarify verbiage from the old ones that said parkgoers “may” be removed from the park.

View this post on Instagram

Fans had a lot to say about the new additions.

“For me it’s the fact that Disney has to even post 12 signs regarding this. What is wrong with people in today’s age?” one person asked.

“Those make the ride sound so much scarier than it actually is,” another noted.

A third said, “I’m glad they changed the language about WILL be removed from the park because we don’t need people in the parks who won’t follow rules for the safety of everyone. “

The tougher messaging comes after several concerning incidents on the ride, including a frightening accident involving a 13-year-old boy in June.

READ MORE: Disney World Guest Dies After Tragic Medical Emergency on It’s a Small World

The teen reportedly exited his ride vehicle while Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was still moving and before it reached its signature drop. Harrowing video of the incident circulating online shows the boy falling approximately 50 feet down the water-covered track. Despite the terrifying fall, he did not suffer serious injuries. He was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation as a precaution.

The attraction closed for the remainder of the day following the incident. After an investigation found no operational problems with the ride, it reopened.

And it looks like Disneyland isn’t playing around when it comes to the warning. A more recent video shared on social media reportedly showed a family being removed from the attraction before the major drop after a rider allegedly stood up.

Fans have been concerned about “Small Town USA” hitmaker Justin Moore, and he’s been worried about himself, too.

The 42-year-old singer sat down with fellow star Tracy Lawrence for a new episode of the legend’s TL’s Road House podcast this week, where Moore revealed he recently had a cancer scare. Fans had noticed he seemed to have gained significant weight around his neck, with many expressing worry online that he might be having health issues, per Country Chord.

“I’m sure people think, ‘Golly, he’s been eatin’ good'” Moore says to Lawrence with a laugh (video of the interview below).

He feared the roll that developed on his neck might be cancer or a lipoma, so he had it tested. Fortunately, it is benign and is just, well, fat.

“It doesn’t affect me, I just look like a linebacker circa 1982,” Moore explains after sharing that it would be “very, very difficult to do surgery and it may affect my singing.”

The country singer wasn’t thrilled with the doctor’s findings, even though he’s relieved it’s not cancer. But his wife put things into perspective, telling him, “If you just have a fat neck and you’re here for the next 50 years, then shut up and stop complaining.”

That resonated, and he agrees. “I’ve never sold records because of my looks in the first place,” he jokes.

Why Did Justin Moore Go to Rehab?

Moore recently completed a 30-day stint in rehab for an alcohol addiction that struck with the pandemic in 2020 and got out of control in the years that followed. He’s more than two months sober now.

“I noticed that I was putting so much energy into drinking that it was taking away from not only my professionalism, but my family, most importantly, church, that kind of stuff,” he shared in his chat with Lawrence. He has four kids, including three teenage daughters and a 9-year-old son.

“I came home one Sunday and I walked straight upstairs and told my wife, ‘I gotta go get help. I just gotta do it,'” he recalls.

“It wasn’t fun,” he adds of his time in rehab, but he’s “actually proud of myself for the first time in awhile.”

Moore is back on tour after a break and is opening shows for Riley Green this week.

What Are Justin Moore’s Biggest Country Hits?

Moore tends to slide under the radar, but he’s actually one of the bigger hitmakers of the 2000s. All of the following songs hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts:

• “Small Town USA” (2009)
• “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” (2011)
• “‘Til My Last Day” (2012)
• “Lettin’ the Night Roll” (2013)
• “You Look Like I Need a Drink” (2015)
• “Somebody Else Will” (2016)
• “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” (2018)
• “Why We Drink” (2019)
• “We Didn’t Have Much” (2020)
• “With a Woman You Love” (2021)
• “Time’s Ticking” (2024)

MasterChef: Global Gauntlet was down to its Top 8 home cooks as the competition to win the grand prize of $250,000 and the trophy awarded by host/judge Gordon Ramsay, judge Joe Bastianich and judge Tiffany Derry continued tonight.

As this is the Global Gauntlet season, the teams are divided up into regions of the world: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and The Americas.

Tonight, The Wall challenge returned in which the home cooks, separated by an eight-foot barrier, must partner up and rely solely on communication to create identical dishes that not only taste alike but are plated alike. It’s another double elimination, but Gordon explained the twist is that it may not necessarily be a team that goes home, but the two worst dishes of the night in the “The Wall” episode.

Check out our spoiler-filled recap below to find out who went home on MasterChef tonight.

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Who went home on MasterChef tonight? Foo Nguyen

Photo courtesy: FOX

Foo Nguyen

Representing: Vietnam
Current Residence: Irvine, CA

Tkaiya Dryden

Photo courtesy: FOX

Tkaiya Dryden

Representing: Jamaica
Current Residence: Jamaica Queens, NY

Who’s left on MasterChef: Global Gauntlet? TEAM EUROPE

Basia Newman
Representing: Poland
Current Residence: Asbury Park, NJ

Julia Cili
Representing: Italy
Current Residence: Miami, FL

TEAM AFRICA

Peter Egede
Representing: Nigeria
Current Residence: Dallas, TX

Dave Patera
Representing: Morocco
Current Residence: Chicago, IL

Heidi Muston
Representing: South Africa
Current Residence: Plantation, FL

Related: MasterChef’s Tiffany Derry Reveals the Biggest Mistake Contestants Keep Making (Exclusive)

TEAM AMERICAS

Jake Kelley
Representing: Mexico
Current Residence: Mount Pleasant, MI

Who won the MasterChef: Global Gauntlet challenge tonight?

Surprisingly, Dave and Jake, who won last week’s challenge together and were given the task of assigning the partners for The Wall challenge, decided to split up since they weren’t really familiar with the type of cuisine that each of them is most comfortable making. Here are the teams they assigned:

Team Red: Dave and Heidi
Team Yellow: Jake and Julia
Team Blue: Tkaiya and Basia
Team Pink: Peter and Foo

The teams were tasked with making a protein, two sides and a sauce which must be identical dishes without the cooks being able to see their partner.

The winning team was the Red Team, so Dave and Heidi made it into the Top 6.

“I feel really amazing,” Dave said. “It feels really good to remain on top. I definitely feel that I could not have made the dish that I made with another cook in this challenge. Heidi was the right partner for the right challenge.”

Coming in second were Jake and Julia. Jake said, “I guess the strategy paid off. I paired with Julia and we are both Top 6 now. That’s huge. We’re getting further and further into the elite of MasterChef.”

Who was in the MasterChef: Global Gauntlet bottom this week?

Gordon announced that the two individuals leaving were not from the same team. It was Foo and Tkaiya who cooked for the last time in the MasterChef kitchen. Tkaiya burnt her salmon and it was overcooked; Foo undercooked his mushroom side dish and forgot to put his sauce on the plate.

“When I walked into this kitchen, I never thought I would be Top 8,” Foo said. “This journey has been a roller coaster and it has fulfilled me and will push me on forever. I am a dad and I always tell my girls, age is just a number. There’s nothing you can’t accomplish.”

“I came here after my undergrad,” Tkaiya said. “I put my master’s in marketing on hold because I was following a calling. Coming here has allowed me to find my voice into the culinary world. I am really sad, but I’m only 23 and I know I’m going to go further.”

MasterChef airs Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. Streams next day on Hulu.

Next,  MasterChef Returns With an International Theme for Season 16 in 2026 — What to Know

Actress Gillian Anderson has played a plethora of diverse characters, from X-Files FBI agent Dana Scully to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in The Crown. However, there’s another iconic role that she would like to take on.

During an August 18 interview with Elle magazine, alongside her Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma co-star Hannah Einbinder, Anderson was asked to share, “What’s a rumor you’ve read about yourself you wish were true?” Anderson replied that she was aware of a rumor that her name had been thrown around to play secret agent James Bond.

“That I’m the next James Bond. It was a few years ago, but I mean, I’m kind of joking,” said Anderson during the Elle interview.

Einbinder interjected that she “wish[ed] it were true. The Hacks star then asked Anderson what her “take on James Bond” would be if she were offered the role, which has been played by Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig, Roger Moore, and Sean Connery throughout several films, based on Ian Fleming’s book series.

“I’d be a woman. And I wouldn’t be called Jane. I wouldn’t be Jane Bond. I’d still have a gun. And maybe I’d still collect women,” said Anderson, in reference to 007’s womanizer ways.

Gillian Anderson Opened up About the Sudden Fame that Came With Starring on ‘The X-Files’

Anderson was catapulted into the spotlight after the first season of The X-Files premiered in 1993. During an August 2026 interview on Conan O’Brien‘s podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, Anderson revealed she didn’t like the public notoriety that came with playing Scully.

“Hated it,” said the actress.

She said that the saving grace was that The X-Files was filmed in “Vancouver for the first five years,” which gave her and her castmates a level of privacy.

“When we were in L.A., you know, we had the experience that a lot of celebrities did at that time, which just followed everywhere and chased down the street and photographed with kids in playgrounds and all that kind of stuff, which I found disturbing and it really angered me. I pointed my car at many paparazzi over the years. And so being up there and not having that, it just didn’t exist up in Vancouver, was very freeing,” said Anderson.

Check your cabinets! Prince Bakery is recalling multiple products that may contain undeclared sesame or milk.

The bakery, located in the Bronx, New York, warns those with allergies or severe sensitivities to sesame and milk to avoid the following products: Sesame Italian Bread, Large Italian Bread, Large Sesame French Bread, Long Sesame French Bread, and Pan de Manteca Spanish Style Bread.

Milk and sesame allergies can result in serious or life-threatening allergic reactions. According to the Mayo Clinic, milk allergy symptoms differ between people but often cause hives, wheezing, itching, vomiting, coughing, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

Sesame is recognized as one of the nine most common food allergies by the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms vary but are similar to milk allergy reactions.

The products were available for purchase at bodegas and small retail markets across the Bronx and Westchester, New York. The affected items were packaged in white bags with blue, green, and red lettering. The breads typically have a shelf life of three to five days; however, they may be frozen.

Both Prince Bakery and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. It was initiated during a routine inspection by the agency. They found that the Spanish Style bread had Whey Milk in its ingredients, but its packaging did not list milk in the “Contains” statement.

The Italian Bread and Large Italian & French Bread did not list sesame in the Ingredients or “Contains” statement. Investigations show that the issue was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s production and packaging processes.

Customers who have purchased any of the recalled products are urged to throw them away. No illnesses have been reported to date.

In 1966, a 17-year-old Kenny Loggins wrote “Danny’s Song” as a tribute to his older brother, Danny, after the birth of Danny’s first son, Colin. Loggins was initially inspired to write the song after reading a letter his brother wrote about his new son and his family’s plans to move to Berkeley to start a new life. In the letter, Danny shared how he planned to marry Colin’s mother and that, despite having no money, they were rich with hopes and dreams.

@kindred.old.soul

THE ICONIC ORIGINAL: “DANNY’S SONG” – KENNY LOGGINS & JIM MESSINA 👶🎶 What if the most comforting song of the 1970s wasn’t written for the radio, but adapted directly from a private family letter? 📝❤️ In 1971, the iconic American folk-rock duo Loggins and Messina released their debut album Sittin’ In, introducing the world to a tender acoustic masterpiece. But the story behind “Danny’s Song” began years earlier in a high school classroom, long before Kenny Loggins became a household name. 🏫🎸 The track was actually penned entirely by a 17-year-old Kenny Loggins as a deeply personal gift for his older brother, Danny. 👶🎁 Danny had just welcomed his first son, Colin, and sent Kenny a raw, emotional letter mapping out his hopes, dreams, and financial struggles as a young father moving his family to Berkeley. Kenny literally took his brother’s exact words, adopted his first-person perspective, and added a soothing acoustic arrangement alongside bandmate Jim Messina to create an ultimate anthem of love over materialism. 🎵🏡While the duo’s acoustic version became a beloved staple, the song achieved massive commercial heights through an incredible twist of fate. 🇨🇦🍁 In 1972, Canadian country-pop star Anne Murray covered it, catapulting the track to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 10 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It even earned Murray a prestigious Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1974. 🏆🎤 Decades later, its emotional weight remains entirely unmatched in pop culture. 📺👶 The song served as the emotional anchor for the hit TV comedy series Raising Hope, used as a comforting lullaby in the pilot and later performed by Kenny Loggins himself in the emotional series finale. It stands as a timeless reminder that when everything else falls away, love makes us richer than money ever could. ☀️🕊️ #DannysSong #KindredOld Soul #LogginsAndMessina #ClassicRock #NostalgiaMusic dannys song kenny loggins, Kindred Old Soul, loggins and messina sittin in, 1970s soft rock, 70s folk rock, anne murray cover, raising hope soundtrack, kenny loggins brother, acoustic guitar classics, billboard hot 100 hits, 1970s music history, 70s vinyl classics, classic love songs, real stories behind songs, old school lullaby

♬ original sound – Unique Two – Unique Two

The song would later appear on Loggins and Messina’s 1971 debut album, Sittin’ In, but it was Anne Murray’s cover of “Danny’s Song” that turned it into an enduring hit.

Anne Murray Turned “Danny’s Song” Into a Hit @60.70.80muziekvoorjou

Anne Murray’s 1972 cover of “Danny’s Song” was a major chart hit, reaching number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 10 on the country chart, and number 1 on the Easy Listening/Adult Contemporary chart in early 1973. #1972 #top40 #70smusic

♬ origineel geluid – 60.70.80muziekvoorjou

When Anne Murray discovered “Danny’s Song” on Loggins and Messina’s album, she was already an acclaimed country-pop singer. In 1972, she recorded and released her own version as a single. Her version turned the song into a major crossover hit and is the version fans most associate with the song.

Murray’s version of “Danny’s Song” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 10 on the country chart and spent two weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. The song also reached No. 1 in Murray’s native Canada.

“Danny’s Song” would go on to become one of Anne Murray’s signature songs and demonstrated her unique ability to move between country, pop and adult contemporary genres. What made it such an enduring hit was the deeply relatable theme of the song.

Related: 1973 Song Inspired by a Notorious Texas Brothel Became ZZ Top’s First Big Hit

“Danny’s Song” Took on New Meaning for Anne Murray

Murray had always loved the song, but it took on a deeper meaning for her when she became a mother herself. Suddenly, Loggins’ themes of finding the richness in life despite one’s circumstances became personal, creating an enduring connection with Murray despite not writing the song herself.

“Danny’s Song” started as a teenage songwriter’s gift to his brother but became a global hit with Anne Murray’s cover.

In 2007, Anne Murray re-recorded “Danny’s Song” as a duet with Martina McBride for her album Duets: Friends & Legends, but it is her early cover that remains most closely associated with the singer.

Kenny Loggins may have been a teenager inspired by his brother’s heartfelt letter, but Anne Murray made the song her own—and the world embraced it.

Related: 1986 Song Inspired by ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ Became Carly Simon’s 12th Top 40 Hit

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If your jewelry collection could use a little extra sparkle heading into fall, the Adornia 14-Karat Gold-Plated Baguette Crystal Chain Bracelet is worth a look. It’s currently on sale for just $15 at Nordstrom Rack, down from $65, which is an impressive 76% off. It comes in a gorgeous gold-plated design and is available in one size. 

The bracelet blends two different styles: one half is covered in baguette-shaped crystals, while the other half is made up of chunky gold links. It measures 7 inches long and comes with a 1.75-inch extender, so you can easily adjust how it sits on your wrist. It also features a lobster-clasp closure and is made with 14-karat gold plate and crystal.

Adornia 14-Karat Gold-Plated Baguette Crystal Chain Bracelet, $15 (was $65) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

This would pair especially well with fall staples like a long-sleeve top, jeans and flats, or a sweater dress with boots. Since the bracelet already mixes crystals with chunkier chain links, it works well as a single statement piece, or you could add a slim watch or simple bangle if you prefer a layered look.

One shopper rated it five out of five stars and called it an “eye-catching bracelet.” They also said it’s “very pretty” and “looks like fine jewelry,” which says a lot considering it’s under $20 right now. Its dressier look also makes it easy to wear with everyday fall outfits or dinners, events, and holiday plans later in the season.

Related: Macy’s ‘Sparkly’ Diamond Bracelet ‘Looks More Expensive Than It Is,’ Now 65% Off

The price is also great if you’ve been wanting to refresh your accessories without spending much. The bracelet is currently $50 less than its $65 value, and it gets bonus points for having gold plating, crystal detail, and an adjustable length. It could also make an excellent fall birthday gift or something to set aside early for the holiday gifting.

Shop More Deals

• Adornia Crystal Halo Stud Earrings Set, $19 (was $145) at Nordstrom Rack
• Adornia Initial Pendant Layered Necklace, $16 (was $95) at Nordstrom Rack
• Adornia Crystal Toggle Tennis Necklace, $20 (was $95) at Nordstrom Rack

At 76% off, this Nordstrom Rack deal is definitely worth grabbing before the price changes. The Adornia 14-Karat Gold-Plated Baguette Crystal Chain Bracelet would be perfect now and into the fall with sweaters, denim, and other accessories, so be sure to add it to your cart while it’s still in stock and the markdown is this good.

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.

Pumpkin spice season is getting a new addition, and this one is designed with protein and fiber in mind.

Smoothie King has introduced its new Slim-N-Trim GLP-1 Pumpkin Smoothie, a limited-time seasonal drink that the company says is designed for people taking GLP-1 medications or anyone looking for a more balanced way to enjoy a pumpkin-flavored treat.

The new smoothie is made with 100% organic pumpkin puree and Smoothie King’s pumpkin spice blend. It contains more than 23 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber and 0 grams of added sugar, according to the company.

The smoothie is part of Smoothie King’s GLP-1 Support Menu, which launched in 2024. The company says the menu was created in response to changing nutritional priorities among customers taking GLP-1 medications.

The new pumpkin offering joins several other seasonal drinks in Smoothie King’s 2026 pumpkin lineup, including the Power Meal Pumpkin, Coffee High Protein Pumpkin, Slim-N-Trim Pumpkin, D-Lite Pumpkin and Vegan Pumpkin.

The Coffee High Protein Pumpkin contains more than 31 grams of protein and 83 milligrams of caffeine, while the Vegan Pumpkin is plant-based and contains more than 12 grams of protein and is a good source of vitamin C.

The new Slim-N-Trim GLP-1 Pumpkin Smoothie and the rest of the fall lineup are available for a limited time at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide and through the Smoothie King app.

On Aug. 27, Healthy Rewards members can visit participating locations for a free Pumpkin D-Lite Smoothie sampling, while supplies last.

The pumpkin lineup is expected to be available only through the fall season, so pumpkin spice fans won’t want to wait too long to try the new offerings.

RELATED: Keke Palmer Has a New ‘Loyal’ Relationship—and It’s Not What You Think 

There’s nothing quite like a new haircut to boost your confidence. But sometimes, we get in our own way and ask for something that doesn’t actually flatter us. Stylists see a lot of this when clients sit down in their chairs, and one celebrity hairstylist is begging women over 50 to stop asking for one thing in particular.

Kenna Kennor, who has styled the likes of Victoria Beckham, Lily Collins and Gigi Hadid, tells Parade he sees women over 50 making the same mistake repeatedly when they head to the salon to get their hair done. Kennor reveals why the common mane mishap backfires on mature women and explains what it actually does to mature hair.

The celebrity stylist, who runs an award-winning salon in Brooklyn, New York named Kennaland, underscores the importance of having a thorough consultation with your stylist to make sure you learn exactly which style will flatter you the most. If you’re unsure what to ask your stylist, Kennor has a few solid suggestions for making the most of your next consultation.

To help you prepare for your next salon session, Kennor also provides several haircuts that generally work well for women over 50.

Related: How To Transition to Gray Hair Without the Awkward ‘Skunk Stripe’ Phase, According to Celebrity Hairstylists

The 1 Thing Women Over 50 Should Stop Asking Their Hairstylist For

When asked for the one thing he’d encourage women over 50 to avoid at the salon, Kennor quickly suggests ditching the mentality that you have to get “a drastic chop to short hair ‘because of your age.'”

“I have women sit in my chair all the time and open with, ‘I’m over 50 now, I suppose I should cut it all off.’ That instinct—that a certain birthday means it’s time to go short and low-maintenance—is the one request I’d retire tomorrow. Age isn’t a haircut. It never has been,” he tells Parade.

What the Request Actually Does to Mature Hair

Automatically assuming that you need to cut your hair at a certain age can hold you back for a number of reasons.

“It’s a decision made about your hair instead of for it,” Kennor says.

Mature hair has specific needs, so cutting it shorter isn’t always the best solution.

“Hair after 50 often loses density and diameter, so it can read as finer. An aggressive short cut with heavy internal layering scatters what weight you have left, which can make thin hair look even thinner, rather than fuller,” Kennor explains.

The right hair length frames and softens your face shape. The wrong short cut, on the other hand, can harden the features you’re trying to soften.

Texture should also be taken into consideration when you’re deciding which haircut to get.

“Since natural oils distribute less efficiently over time, some cuts need more styling and moisture to look intentional, not less. A short cut isn’t automatically ‘wash and go.’ Sometimes, it’s the highest maintenance thing in the room,” Kennor tells Parade.

Above all, the stylist says cutting your hair short after 50 out of a sense of obligation can have unintended emotional effects on you.

“The highest cost is joy. I’ve talked women out of the chop and watched them rediscover their hair. Length, movement, a bit of dimension—those aren’t things you age out of. You lose all of that the moment you treat a haircut as a resignation,” he says.

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The 3 Haircuts a Celebrity Stylist Recommends for Women Over 50 Right Now

Following your heart and getting a haircut you love, regardless of what others think, never goes out of style. But if you’re looking to keep up with current haircut trends, Kennor has a few recommendations for styles that are en vogue right now.

1. The graduated (“granny”) bob

Moritz Scholz/Getty Images

The graduated (“granny”) bob is often where Kennor starts the conversation during consultations with clients over 50.

“The graduation builds real volume through the back, so it’s worth raising with your stylist if density is your concern,” he says.

During a consultation, Kennor suggests asking your stylist how much graduation actually suits your face so you can determine whether the haircut lands at the jaw or lower.

2. The collarbone lob with dimensional color

Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

“If you tell me you want to keep length, this is usually where we go. It holds enough weight for a strong shape, and I’d walk you through adding subtle dimensional color to build movement and the illusion of fullness,” Kennor says.

The stylist says Jennifer Aniston’s grown-out lob is a great example of this haircut, but notes that the right version for each client depends on their texture and how much they’re willing to style the look themselves at home.

3. A soft, modern shag or wolf cut

Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images

“Done right for your texture, the layers give natural, lived-in movement and volume with very little effort. Put some product in, dry naturally and you’re done,” Kennor says.

The stylist says this haircut is proof that “low-maintenance” doesn’t have to mean “short.”

“It reads as confident and current, rather than fussy,” he says.

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How To Have a Better Salon Consultation After 50

If you’ve never had a proper consultation with your hairstylist, you’re missing out. These mane mavens are a wealth of knowledge and can help advise you on which styles will flatter your unique features.

“Come with openness, not a single fixed photo. Reference images are useful, but bring a few that show a vibe, and be ready to hear how they’ll actually translate to your texture, density and face shape because a shag on one person is a completely different haircut on another,” Kennor says.

The stylist recommends talking honestly about your routine and lifestyle while chatting with your stylist.

“Telling a stylist what you’re genuinely willing to do at home is the single most useful thing you can tell me because it changes everything about what I’d recommend,” he explains.

Most of all, having an open mind is critical.

“One of the most common mistakes I see is deciding on the haircut before the conversation starts, so the consultation becomes a negotiation instead of a collaboration,” he says.

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Source:

• Kenna Kennor is a celebrity hairstylist who runs Kennaland, an award-winning salon in Brooklyn, New York.