Parade

The NFL has made a new announcement ahead of its historic 2026 Melbourne Game, revealing that the cast of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will perform a special live rendition of Neil Diamond’s 1969 hit, “Sweet Caroline.”

The performance will be part of the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game, which will see the San Francisco 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sept. 11.

The announcement, shared on Instagram, adds another major music moment to the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Australia.

“Sweet Caroline” was written and performed by Neil Diamond and was released as a single on May 28, 1969. More than five decades later, the song remains one of Diamond’s best-known recordings and has become a familiar singalong at major sporting events.

Will Swenson and the cast of “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” perform onstage during The 76th Annual Tony Awards at United Palace Theater on June 11, 2023 in New York City.

Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

The NFL has not only brought football to Melbourne for the landmark game. It has also built a full entertainment schedule around the event, including live music, fan activities and the special halftime performance by the Jonas Brothers.

View this post on Instagram

The cast performance comes as A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical begins its Australian season in Melbourne.

The production opened at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre and marks the first time the musical has been staged outside the United States. Broadway star Will Swenson has returned to play the younger Neil Diamond, while Australian actor Terence Crawford plays Diamond in his later years.

The musical tells the story of Diamond’s life and career through many of his best-known songs. “Sweet Caroline” is included in the production and is presented as part of Diamond’s journey through commercial success and the demands of touring.

The Australian production will continue at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne until Nov. 9, 2026. It will then move to the Lyric Theatre in Sydney beginning Nov. 14.

The special NFL performance will bring the musical’s cast and one of Diamond’s most famous songs to the Melbourne Cricket Ground during a major weekend for American football in Australia.

The 2026 NFL Melbourne Game will take place on Sept.  11, with kickoff scheduled for 10:35 a.m. AEST.

The game will feature the 49ers and Rams in the NFL’s first regular-season matchup held in Australia. Fans around the world will also be able to watch the game, including the Jonas Brothers halftime performance, live on Netflix.

The NFL’s official game-day information says the NFL Stadium Campus in Yarra Park will open at 7:00 a.m. AEST. The wider area will include food and beverage outlets, merchandise, entertainment, sponsor activities, and fan experiences before fans head inside the MCG.

“Sweet Caroline” has remained a popular song long after its original release.

The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969 and later became one of Neil Diamond’s most recognizable hits. It has also developed a strong connection to the sports world over the years.

In the United States, “Sweet Caroline” has been played at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, since at least 1997. It became a regular part of Red Sox games and has been played during the middle of the eighth inning at every game since 2002.

Peking Duk, Kita Alexander, Public Figures, Grinspoon, Hot Dub Time Machine and Sneaky Sound System are among the announced acts. The Jonas Brothers will headline the halftime show during the 49ers-Rams game.

Related: NFL Makes Halftime Show Announcement for Brazil Game

A 1969 song by The Beatles never reached No. 1 or even charted as a single when it was first released, but it has now been recognized among the greatest classic rock songs that never topped the charts.

In a July 15, 2026 ranking, Collider placed “Here Comes the Sun” at No. 2 on its list of “The 10 Greatest Classic Rock Songs That Were Never No. 1 Hits, Ranked.” The song was written and sung by George Harrison and appeared on The Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road.

The reason behind its unusual chart history is simple. During its original release period, “Here Comes the Sun” was intended as an album track rather than a single. Because The Beatles did not release “Here Comes the Sun” as a single in 1969, it did not have the opportunity to compete for a position on the singles chart at the time, per Collider.

The Beatles play in the Star-Club in Hamburg, in 1962.

Photo by: Photo 12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

However, that did not stop it from becoming one of the best-known songs in The Beatles’ catalog.

Collider’s ranking puts the Harrison composition ahead of many other famous rock songs that also missed the top spot. 

“Here Comes the Sun” came during a difficult period for Harrison and The Beatles.

By 1969, Harrison had been writing songs for the band for several years, but he often had to compete for space on their albums with the prolific songwriting partnership of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. 

According to uDiscover Music, Harrison explained his motivation for writing songs in 1969, saying, “I wasn’t Lennon, or I wasn’t McCartney. I was me. And the only reason I started to write songs was because I thought, ‘Well, if they can write them, I can write them.’”

At the beginning of 1969, Harrison had a growing collection of songs. He also became frustrated during the group’s Get Back sessions and briefly left the band on Jan. 10 before returning later that month.

The inspiration for “Here Comes the Sun” arrived in April 1969, when Harrison decided to skip a meeting connected to The Beatles’ Apple business.

Instead, he went to the country home of his friend Eric Clapton in Ewhurst, Surrey.

Harrison recalled the experience in his autobiography, I Me Mine: “Here Comes The Sun” was written at the time when Apple was getting like school, where we had to go and be businessmen: ‘sign this’ and ‘sign that.’”

The Beatles began recording “Here Comes the Sun” at EMI Studios on July 7, 1969. Harrison played acoustic guitar, Paul McCartney played bass, and Ringo Starr handled drums. John Lennon was absent from the recording after being hospitalized following a car accident in Scotland.

The finished track grew beyond its acoustic guitar foundation. Over the following weeks, the recording gained more guitar parts, drum fills, handclaps, vocals, a harmonium, strings and sounds from an early Moog synthesizer that Harrison had acquired.

The song also showed Harrison’s interest in Indian music through its changing time signatures.

Ringo Starr recalled Harrison presenting the song with an unusual rhythmic idea: “He said, ‘Oh, I’ve got this song. It’s like seven-and-a-half time.’” Starr said he had to find a way to perform the changing rhythm consistently.

The result became one of the key songs on Abbey Road. Harrison’s other contribution to the album, “Something,” also helped show how far his songwriting had developed.

“Here Comes the Sun” was later used to promote the 50th anniversary reissue of Abbey Road in 2019. It also reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart and has been certified triple platinum for U.K. sales since 2010. As of 2026, it is the most-streamed Beatles song globally on Spotify.

More than 50 years after it first appeared on Abbey Road, the 1969 classic continues to show that a song’s chart position and its lasting place in music history are not always the same thing.

Related: 1984 Hit Song, With 20-Year-Old Singer From Kentucky, Ranked Among ‘Best Country Songs’ of All Time

If you’ve ever spent the final morning of your Disney vacation dreading the chaos of airport check-in lines with bulky suitcases in tow, leaving the theme parks just got a whole lot smoother.

Walt Disney World is officially expanding its complimentary Airport Luggage Transfer service, and for the very first time, a Moderate Resort is getting in on the action.

Beginning August 18, 2026, guests checking out of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort can drop off their checked luggage directly at the property before departing for Orlando International Airport (MCO). Disney’s team handles the legwork of transporting the bags straight to MCO and handing them over to participating airlines for the flight home—freeing travelers to enjoy one final morning at the parks or a relaxed brunch without dragging luggage along for the ride.

As reported by WDW Info’s Chloé Ferreira, who broke the news of the rollout, the service currently supports passengers flying out on American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines.

Related: Disney World Just Brought Back a Massive, Deeply Missed Vacation Perk

View this post on Instagram How the Service Works

The luggage transfer program brings back a much-loved convenience that harkens back to the days of Disney’s former Magical Express (which ended in 2022). While the current setup does not include motorcoach transportation for passengers—travelers still need to book their own ride via rideshare, taxi, or airport shuttle—it completely eliminates the hassle of navigating curbside drops or ticket counter bag drop queues once you reach the airport terminal.

Disney initially piloted the service at Pop Century in 2025 before rolling it out across its Value properties, including:

• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

Related: Gen-Xers Will Love This Nostalgic Detail About Disney’s New Muppet Coaster

Why Caribbean Beach Is a Strategic Upgrade

Bringing the service to Caribbean Beach marks a major milestone in Disney’s rollout strategy. As Ferreira pointed out, the sprawling island-themed resort is an especially notable addition given how massive the grounds are and its prime location as the central hub for the Disney Skyliner, which connects vacationers directly to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For guests taking an evening flight home, the perk is a game-changer: you can check your luggage at Caribbean Beach first thing in the morning, hop on the Skyliner for a full afternoon of park hopping, and head straight through airport security at MCO without ever touching your heavy bags again until you land at your home airport carousel.

With a Moderate Resort now officially in the rotation, all eyes are on whether Disney will continue expanding the perk to Deluxe properties and bringing additional domestic airline carriers onboard in the months ahead.

Related: Disney’s Newest Lake Houses Are a Love Letter to Classic Disney Artistry

Clay Walker was 26 years old, riding a run of No. 1 hits, and had a baby daughter at home when a doctor delivered the worst news of his life: he had multiple sclerosis, and according to that diagnosis, he’d be in a wheelchair within four years and dead within eight.

“I was told that I wouldn’t be around very long,” Walker recalled of that 1996 diagnosis. At the time, MS research was still limited, and the neurosurgeon who broke the news wasn’t even an MS specialist. Walker said the words landed like a death sentence.

Rather than accepting the forecast, Walker found a new doctor and began a treatment that halted the disease’s progression and sent it into remission. He kept touring, kept charting, and kept building. His debut single, “What’s It to You,” had already hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in 1993, and he went on to notch five more chart-toppers, four platinum albums, and more than 30 charted singles, all while managing MS behind the scenes. Between music, touring, and business ventures, his fortune is now estimated in the tens of millions, according to celebrity finance trackers.

In 2003, Walker turned his diagnosis into a public mission, founding Band Against MS to raise money and awareness for the disease. He’s stayed active with the cause for more than two decades.

The battle hasn’t stayed entirely in the past. Walker revealed in 2025 that he was going through a “rough patch,” including new balance and mobility issues that led to spinal surgery earlier that year. He’s continued physical therapy since, calling his slow but steady progress on a treadmill a genuine win.

Now, three decades after that grim prediction, Walker is marking a birthday few doctors expected him to see. He turns 57 today, still touring, still fighting, and still proving the original prognosis wrong one year at a time.

In 1965, being offered a new song by Paul McCartney would have seemed like a golden ticket. But one British Invasion star was reportedly offered what would become one of The Beatles’ most famous songs and decided it wasn’t for him.

Billy J. Kramer, who became one of the biggest stars to emerge from Liverpool’s Merseybeat scene outside of The Beatles, turns 83 on Aug. 19.

Born William Howard Ashton in Bootle, England, in 1943, Kramer initially had his sights set on a much different career. He took an engineering apprenticeship with British Railways and played guitar in his spare time before eventually becoming a vocalist.

Music won out, and after coming to the attention of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Kramer was paired with the Dakotas and signed to Parlophone under producer George Martin.

But his connection to The Beatles went much deeper than sharing a manager, producer and record label.

Billy J. Kramer Turned Down Paul McCartney’s ‘Yesterday’

Kramer became one of the chief beneficiaries of McCartney and John Lennon’s rapidly developing songwriting talents in the early 1960s.

His first major hit was “Do You Want to Know a Secret,” which had already appeared on The Beatles’ debut album Please Please Me. Kramer followed it with “Bad to Me,” a Lennon-McCartney composition that The Beatles never commercially recorded themselves.

“Bad to Me” went all the way to No. 1 in the U.K., while other Lennon-McCartney songs recorded by Kramer included “I’ll Keep You Satisfied” and “From a Window.”

But Kramer eventually went looking elsewhere for material. His gamble paid off spectacularly with “Little Children,” which became another No. 1 hit in the U.K. and reached the Top 10 in the United States.

Later, Kramer reportedly approached McCartney about giving him another song. McCartney’s offer was a little number called “Yesterday.”

Kramer passed.

According to an account by longtime Merseybeat journalist Bill Harry, Kramer simply didn’t think “Yesterday” was suitable for him.

The Beatles went on to release “Yesterday” on Help! in 1965, with McCartney performing the song essentially solo, accompanied by a string quartet. It became one of the group’s most enduring recordings.

For Kramer, turning it down became one more remarkable chapter in a career that was intertwined with The Beatles almost from the beginning.

John Lennon Even Gave Billy J. Kramer His Name

Kramer also has Lennon to thank for one of the most recognizable parts of his stage name.

After Epstein agreed to manage the young singer, Kramer recalled being called into Epstein’s office for a meeting where Lennon was waiting.

Lennon suggested adding the middle initial “J” to Billy Kramer to give his name more distinction. When Kramer wondered what he should tell reporters the letter stood for, Lennon suggested “Julian.”

Kramer kept the “J,” although not Lennon’s proposed explanation.

More than six decades after his breakthrough, Kramer has continued recording and performing. He released the album I Won the Fight in 2013 and published his autobiography “Do You Want to Know a Secret” in 2016. More recently, he released the singles “Are You With Me” in 2024 and “Go On Girl” in 2025.

And while Kramer may forever be the singer who once said no to “Yesterday,” he didn’t exactly need The Beatles’ future standard to leave his mark. By then, Lennon and McCartney had already helped give him a collection of hits all his own.

Related: Paul McCartney’s No. 1 Duet Partner Swooped In to Outbid Him For The Beatles’ Catalog For $47.5 Million 41 Years Ago Today

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

For decades, people have sworn by one very particular pair of resort sandals to complete their warm weather looks. The catch? Those shoes retail for $900, making them a bit out of reach for the average consumer. If you’re wild about the iconic style but don’t want to spend a small fortune, you can just as easily achieve the chic look for a fraction of the price with a pair of Madden Girl Hailey Slides.

These cute shoes are a dream for spring and summer wear, adding a classy finishing touch to virtually any outfit. Wear them with jeans, skirts, shorts, or dresses — the choice is yours, and Walmart has them in an assortment of pretty colors right now. Snag the black, merlot patent, gold, dark brown fabric, taupe suede, and tortoise versions in assorted sizes for as little as $24, down from their usual $39.

Madden Girl Hailey Slides, from $24 (was $39) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The similarities between this and the premium brand’s shoe are striking. It features a signature “H” cutout and the same sleek, flat sole that makes the sandals so wearable. The square toe is equally on trend, giving the slip-on style a classy appearance that sets them apart from ordinary slides and flip-flops.

While the geometric vamp channels a designer vibe, it serves a dual purpose, too. Because it’s so wide, it holds down your foot comfortably while you’re on the move. The effect is a clean, minimalist look that is “just gorgeous” and “very mistakable for expensive similar styles,” according to a reviewer who gave the pair five stars.

Another person dubbed them “chic and comfy,” adding that they’re a “great” alternative to luxury styles and feel “like walking on a cloud” thanks to the padded foot bed. Dozens of other shoppers agreed that the shoes bring instant understated elegance to any look. It’s a small investment for a wardrobe staple you can wear on vacations, brunches, and even errand runs.

Shop More Deals

• Fantaslook Lounge Set, $24 (was $46) at Walmart
• Wuuwee Chiffon-Sleeve T-Shirt, $11 (was $20) at Walmart
• Somer Sweater Dress, $15 (was $23) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s $15 Milkmaid-Inspired Midi Dress Is So ‘Well-Made,’ and Comes in 3 Timeless Patterns 

Don’t miss the chance to pick up a pair of Madden Girl Hailey Slides in the color of your choice for just $24 at Walmart. They’re moving fast at this price, but there are still options available in assorted colors and whole and half sizes ranging from 5 to 11. 

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.

On the latest episode of The Challenge, titled “Say It To My Face,” the Blue Team gets a massive advantage in the team challenge… and is still a complete embarrassment.

In other news, which person who should be on their best behavior is going to fall first? And Nurys Mateo goes scorched earth on some of her castmates.

Related: Who Wins ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’? Season 42 Spoilers, Eliminations, Disqualifications and Finalists

SPOILER ALERT: There are spoilers ahead for the fourth episode of The Challenge: Cutthroat, so don’t keep reading if you don’t want to be spoiled.

Who Went Home on ‘The Challenge’ Season 42 Last Night? Nurys Mateo

Jonne Roriz/Paramount+

Nurys Mateo, 31 (veteran)

Related: How Old Are Johnny Bananas, CT Tamburello, Cara Maria and Brad Fiorenza From ‘The Challenge’?

Advancing Contestants on ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’ Adrienne Naylor, 29 (veteran)
Alexis “Lete,” 29 (rookie)
Anna Leigh Wilson, 30 (rookie)
Cara Maria Sorbello, 40 (veteran)
Cassidy Clark, 30 (veteran)
Chris “CT” Tamburello, 45 (veteran)
Chris Underwood, 33 (veteran)
Cory Wharton, 34 (veteran)
Deb Chubb, 29 (rookie)
Isabella “Izzy” Fairthorne, 26 (veteran)
Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, 44 (veteran)
Josh Goldstein, 29 (rookie)
Justin Hinsley, 26 (veteran)
Keanu Soto, 33 (rookie)
Leonardo “Leo” Dionicio, 24 (veteran)
Michele Fitzgerald, 35 (veteran)
Nelson Thomas, 37 (veteran)
Sydney Segal, 30 (veteran)
Victoria “Tori” Deal, 32 (veteran)
Will Gagnon, 29 (veteran)

Related: Where Was ‘The Challenge’ Season 42 Filmed? Here’s Every Location Featured in ‘Cutthroat’

What Were the Challenges on the ‘Cutthroat’ Premiere Episode & Episode 2?

The team challenge was called “Infiltration Dive” and it tasked the teams with swimming to a dock, then one at a time swimming a decent distance complete underwater, with only submerged air cones to surface in. Along the way, they would have puzzle pieces to grab. Blue Team had a huge advantage because they only had to get five people through the swim; both other teams had eight people. And Blue Team still lost.

It was entirely the fault of (captains, ahem) Cara Maria and Nelson. Nelson had decent excuse — he was absolutely not prepared to swim with his prosthetic leg on, so he eventually took it off. However, after that, he should’ve been able to do it and he got into the first air bubble and kind of panicked.

Related: ‘The Challenge’ Season 42: Cast, Premiere Date, Trailer and More

Cara Maria had no excuse. She’s not a good swimmer, but good lord. As she yelled later at Josh, she’s been doing The Challenge since she was 23 years old. She is now 40. Basically her entire adult life. Why in the name of all that is holy haven’t you become a better swimmer?! It’s seriously insane. Get your ass down to the YMCA and learn how to frickin’ swim!

Her teammates had every right to be pissed. Lete, Josh and Anna Leigh absolutely crushed it and then Cara Maria and Nelson really dropped the ball. Josh later confronted her about even wanting to be there and she tearfully said she does. And I think she truly does want to be there. She’s in arguably the best shape of her entire life.

HOWEVER — how many seasons of this show have you done and you still haven’t bothered to learn how to swim? C’mon.

Related: How to Watch ‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’ Season 42: Streaming, Premiere Date and Time

Personally, I think Cara Maria should have sucked it up and volunteered for the elimination. Because that’s what a captain whose fault it was they lost should do. But she didn’t and of course, the Orange Team full of vets didn’t choose her. They also didn’t chose Lete because she’s making out with Bananas. So Anna Leigh had to go into ANOTHER elimination before either girl on her team had done one. That’s garbage.

Nurys got voted into the choice for Orange Team by her team and Adrienne was the other one, so obviously Captain Izzy didn’t pick her BFF Adrienne to go into the sand. Nurys was super mad about it and lashed out hard. I don’t think what she said to Sydney is fair. Sydney is pretty real. Nurys just doesn’t like that Sydney is frank with some meanness rising.

Either way, Anna Leigh aboslutely smoked Nurys in “I’ve Got You Pegged,” a puzzle and strength challenge. Just about everyone on the sidelines was rooting for Anna Leigh because everyone’s pretty much over Nurys and her drama.

Afterward, they were informed that at the next challenge, they would tell him who the sole (permanent) new captain is. Dun dun dun!

In other news, Anna Leigh needs to stop trying to blow up her marriage on national TV by sitting with Leo and saying some super borderline things top him. Girl, he will jump your bones at the slightest nod, so if you don’t want to cheat on your husband for all the world to see, you better tighten up.

And Izzy and Cory are also both half a step away from making a big mistake. Izzy, girl, RUN. You in danger, girl. STOP.

The Challenge: Cutthroat season 42 premieres Wednesday, August 5 at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m. PT on Paramount+ with two back-to-back episodes. Subsequent new episodes drop every Wednesday at the same time.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

A good cardigan is one of those pieces you’ll keep around because you can wear it almost all year. It’s light enough for cool summer evenings but works just as well layered over heavier pieces once fall arrives. Whether you throw it over a tank top, wear it buttoned on its own, or layer it over a dress, it’s an easy way to add coverage without making an outfit feel bulky.

One elevated option at a surprisingly affordable price is the Arach&Cloz 100% Cotton Lace Cardigan. Right now, it’s on sale for 57% off at Amazon, bringing the price down from $30 to just $13. Considering many cardigans at this price point are made from synthetic materials, the combination of an all-cotton construction and a stylish design makes this a particularly good value.

Arach&Cloz 100% Cotton Lace Cardigan, $13 (was $30) at Amazon 

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The cardigan comes in three neutral shades — black, brown, and beige — so each one is easy to work into an existing wardrobe. It’s available in sizes small through extra large, giving you the option to choose the fit that works best for your preferred styling.

The biggest standout is the 100% premium cotton material. The fabric is soft, lightweight, breathable, and designed to help wick moisture, making it comfortable when you need a little extra coverage without overheating. It’s also machine washable, although the brand recommends placing it in a laundry bag to protect the delicate lace detailing.

The design gives this otherwise classic layer a little more personality. A V-neckline with lace trim adds a feminine touch, while metallic buttons bring a subtle hint of shine. The front-slit hem creates a more modern finish, and the closer-fitting silhouette is flattering and can be paired with just about everything.

Related: Shoppers Are Calling Amazon’s Oversized Vegan Leather Jacket a Fall ‘Staple,’ and It’s Over 30% Off

There are plenty of ways to style it depending on the occasion. Wear it open over a simple tank top with straight-leg jeans, ballet flats, and a tote for an easy casual look. Button it up and pair it with trousers and loafers for a more refined outfit, or layer it over a dress or maxi skirt for something softer and more romantic. It’s also an easy choice for commutes, dates, weekend plans, and casual outings.

One shopper said the cardigan offers “breathable coverage for warm days,” calling it a “must-have for layering.” They added, “Its breathable material is soft, with a lovely stretch to it..” Another described it as “beautiful” and “comfortable,” writing, “This cardigan is such a versatile piece that can be styled in so many different ways. It easily transitions from casual daytime wear to something a bit more dressed up.”

Shop More Deals

• Zesica Long-Sleeve Ribbed Knit Fitted Cardigan, From $16 (was $50) at Amazon
• Wiholl V-Neck Knit Cardigan Sweater, From $20 (was $37) at Amazon
• Prettygarden Button-Up Cardigan Sweater, $24 (was $43) at Amazon

For a lightweight layer you’ll be able to reach for from summer through fall and beyond, the Arach&Cloz 100% Cotton Lace Cardigan is tough to beat. And with Amazon’s current 57% discount, you can save more than $15 and even pick up multiple shades for just $13 each.

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.

ZZ Top has announced that it will continue The Big One! Tour following the death of longtime drummer Frank Beard, though the band has canceled two shows scheduled for Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs.

The rock band shared the update on X, writing: “Following Frank’s passing, ZZ Top has canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs. The band will resume The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues in a city he considered a second home.”

Beard died at age 77 on Monday. According to the band’s statement, he was in hospice care at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members by his side. No cause of death was given.

Elwood Francis, Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top perform at Stiefel Theatre on August 6, 2025 in Salina, Kansas.

Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images

The canceled concerts had been scheduled in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. ZZ Top is now set to return to the stage for two shows at ACL Live at the Moody Theater in Austin on Saturday and Sunday.

Following Frank’s passing, ZZ Top has canceled its upcoming shows in Salt Lake City and Colorado Springs.

The band will resume The Big One! Tour this weekend with two dates at Austin City Limits, one of Frank’s favorite venues in a city he considered a second home.

— ZZ Top (@ZZTop) August 18, 2026

The band is expected to continue its current tour with Billy Gibbons on guitar and vocals, Elwood Francis on bass and Michael Monahan on drums.

The Austin concerts hold special meaning following Beard’s death. ZZ Top said the city had been something of a second home for the drummer, while Austin City Limits was one of his favorite venues.

The band plans to continue touring after those two dates. Its next scheduled show is set for Aug. 29 in Terre Haute, Indiana, followed by concerts in Kettering, Ohio; East Meadow, New York; Gilford, New Hampshire and other cities across the United States.

The current run will also take ZZ Top to Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Argentina. The tour is scheduled to end on Nov. 24 in Buenos Aires.

In a statement following Beard’s death, per Ultimate Classic Rock, Gibbons paid tribute to his longtime bandmate.

“Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas,” Gibbons said.

He continued: “His signature backbeat was key to keeping ZZ on top. The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished.”

Beard had been part of ZZ Top for more than 50 years and was one-third of the band’s famous classic lineup with Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill.

Frank Beard’s death marks another major loss for ZZ Top. Hill, the band’s longtime bassist and vocalist, died in July 2021. Following Hill’s death, ZZ Top continued performing with Elwood Francis, the band’s longtime guitar tech, taking over bass duties in line with Hill’s wishes.

Gibbons is now the only surviving member of ZZ Top’s classic lineup.

The group’s last concert featuring Gibbons, Hill and Beard took place on July 18, 2021, at Iroquois Amphitheater in Louisville, Kentucky. The band performed songs including “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” “Legs” and “Tush.”

Beard had also been mostly absent from ZZ Top’s recent touring schedule. He stopped touring in March 2025 after the band announced that he was dealing with unspecified health issues. John Douglas initially filled in, while Michael Monahan later became the group’s substitute drummer and has continued performing with the band.

ZZ Top was formed in Houston, Texas, in 1969. Beard, Gibbons, and Hill formed the lineup that would remain together for five decades, making it one of rock music’s longest-running groups with the same core members.

The band released 15 studio albums and became known for songs including “La Grange,” “Tush,” “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs” and “Sleeping Bag.”

Its 1983 album Eliminator became one of the group’s biggest releases. The record included “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” and later received diamond certification after selling more than 10 million copies.

ZZ Top was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. The group continued to perform across North America, Europe and South America and has sold an estimated 50 million records.

Beard was also known as “The Man With No Beard,” a nickname that came from the fact that, despite his last name, he was the only member of the band’s famous classic lineup who did not wear the long facial hair associated with ZZ Top.

Now, after losing both Hill and Beard, the band is preparing to carry on with the next chapter of The Big One! Tour.

Related: ’90s Rock Band Remembers 21-Year-Old Album Recorded in L.A.

Lee Ann Womack is celebrating a milestone birthday.

The country music star turns 60 on Aug. 19, giving fans another reason to revisit the song that became her signature hit and introduced her music to an audience far beyond country radio.

Womack was born Aug. 19, 1966, in Jacksonville, Texas. She began her professional music career in Nashville and released her self-titled debut album in 1997. Her breakthrough came a few years later with her 2000 album I Hope You Dance.

The album’s title track, “I Hope You Dance,” became Womack’s biggest hit. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, where it reached the Top 15.

Written by Mark D. Sanders and Tia Sillers, “I Hope You Dance” became closely associated with Womack and helped establish her as one of the leading country artists of the early 2000s.

The song’s crossover success also helped Womack earn major recognition outside the country genre. “I Hope You Dance” was nominated for multiple awards and became a popular choice for milestone moments, from graduations to weddings.

Womack continued releasing music throughout the following decades, earning additional country hits and maintaining a career that has spanned more than 25 years.

Her other notable songs include “A Little Past Little Rock,” “The Fool,” “I’ll Think of a Reason Later” and “I Hope You Dance,” the latter of which remains the song most closely associated with her career.

Now, as Womack turns 60, the country singer has another milestone to celebrate: more than two decades after its release, “I Hope You Dance” remains one of the most recognizable crossover hits of the country music era.

RELATED: Garth Brooks Producer Allen Reynolds, Who Shaped His Biggest Hits, Turns 88

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Parade and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Parade.

When you’re looking for jewelry that blends bold glamour with classic sophistication, a pair of sparkly hoops is always a go-to. For something a bit more elevated, inside-out hoop earrings take things up a notch. These designs feature stones on both the outer front and the inner back, so they shine from every angle instead of just one side.

While styles like this can easily cost hundreds, the Gem Treasures Sterling Silver and White Topaz Graduated Inside-Out Hoop Earrings are a more budget-friendly find that still look incredibly luxe. Thanks to ShopHQ’s current 40% discount, the price drops from $167 to just $100. Stock is moving fast, so interested shoppers should add them to their cart before they sell out.

Gem Treasures Sterling Silver and White Topaz Graduated Inside-Out Hoop Earrings, $100 (were $167) at ShopHQ 

Courtesy of ShopHQ

These earrings are crafted from sterling silver with a rhodium-plated, high-polish finish for extra shine and durability. They have a total gram weight of 6.3 grams and feature untreated white topaz stones totaling 4.1 carats. The stones are set in graduated sizes, including 5, 4, 3, and 2 millimeters, which adds dimension and sparkle.

In terms of size, they measure about 1.1 inches in length and 0.2 inches in both width and height. They’re designed with a push-button release closure, making them secure while still easy to put on and take off. 

Despite the hoops’ eye-catching design, the moderate size means they’re still comfortable enough for extended wear. The balanced weight and secure closure make them feel stable without being too heavy, so you can wear them throughout the day without constantly adjusting them. That combination of statement-worthy style and everyday comfort makes them even more versatile.

Styling them is simple thanks to their classic look. You can wear them with a crisp white button-down or a neutral turtleneck for an elevated casual outfit. They also work well in office settings with a blazer, or paired with a dress for a dinner or special event. They even make a thoughtful gift that feels luxe, unique, and timeless.

One reviewer called them “beautiful” and “expensive”-looking, adding: “They are going to be a 60th birthday gift for a friend, and I know she will love them.”

Related: We Found Satiny Gold Button Stud Earrings That Add Quiet Luxury to Any Look for Nearly 40% Off

If you want a subtle twist on a classic hoop, the Gem Treasures Sterling Silver and White Topaz Graduated Inside-Out Hoop Earrings deliver old-money levels of luxury at a great price. With the current 40% discount, you can save nearly $70 on this polished, high-end style.

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.

At a time when women had few legal rights and even fewer choices about the lives they could lead, Coco Chanel was making a name for herself. Women in France could not vote, married women faced significant restrictions on their financial and legal independence, and many professions and institutions remained largely closed to them. Against that backdrop, Chanel wasn’t just designing clothes. She was creating a new vision of what a woman could be.

Coco Chanel completely transformed fashion. Born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel rose from an impoverished childhood to become one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. After her mother died when Chanel was a child, her father placed her and her sisters in an orphanage, where she learned to sew. From those difficult beginnings, she would go on to build a fashion empire. And she transformed the way women dressed.

Chanel was a true pioneer. At a time when women’s clothing was often restrictive, she introduced designs that gave women greater freedom to move. She borrowed from menswear, embraced comfortable fabrics and showed women that elegance didn’t have to mean discomfort. Her little black dress, Chanel suit and other groundbreaking designs helped redefine modern femininity.

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

And Chanel didn’t just create clothes. She created a new kind of woman: independent, confident and unapologetically herself. Her life was itself an extraordinary act of reinvention, rising from poverty to become a global fashion icon.

Chanel was also very gifted at reinventing herself. As biographer Axel Madsen wrote, she “made things up,” transforming her own story as she moved from a poor childhood to the upper echelons of society and from seamstress to celebrated couturier. Her life became almost as legendary as her clothes. As she famously said, “My life didn’t please me, so I created my life.”

In honor of Chanel’s birthday on August 19, her words offer the perfect reminder that sometimes the thing that makes us stand out is precisely the thing that makes us different.

Quote of the Day by Coco Chanel

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”

—Coco Chanel

The quote comes from Coco Chanel: Her Life, Her Secrets, the 1971 book by French journalist Marcel Haedrich. In it, Chanel reflects on the importance of individuality and standing apart from the crowd.

The meaning is simple but powerful. If you want to be truly irreplaceable, you can’t simply follow everyone else. You have to embrace what makes you different. That philosophy was at the heart of Chanel’s own life and career. She didn’t follow the rules of fashion—she changed them.

Chanel put that philosophy into practice throughout her career. She introduced designs inspired by menswear and made comfort part of elegance. Her little black dress, Chanel suit and other groundbreaking designs challenged women’s ideas about what they could wear and how they could present themselves to the world.

Related: Quote of the Day: Martina McBride on Why Being Your Best Doesn’t Mean Being Perfect

Deeper Meaning of Coco Chanel’s Quote

At first, Chanel’s words sound like advice about fashion. She made her name by creating designs that looked different from what other women were wearing. But the deeper meaning is about individuality.

Being “different” doesn’t necessarily mean trying desperately to stand out. Chanel’s philosophy was more radical. It meant developing a point of view of your own. Instead of asking what everyone else is doing and then trying to imitate it, she encouraged people to discover what makes them distinctive. She inspired people to have the confidence to embrace it.

Chanel’s own life was an act of reinvention. She didn’t begin with wealth, connections or an established place in the fashion world. She created a new identity for herself and then built a career that was equally original. Her clothes reflected that same philosophy. She didn’t simply decorate existing fashions. She changed the idea of what women’s clothing could be.

That’s why the word “irreplaceable” is so important in the quote. Chanel isn’t saying that everyone needs to be famous or extraordinary. She’s suggesting that what makes someone memorable is an authentic quality that cannot simply be copied. The little black dress could be imitated. A Chanel-inspired suit could be reproduced. But the vision behind those creations belonged to Chanel.

And that idea extends far beyond fashion. Whether you’re an artist, writer, entrepreneur, performer or simply someone trying to figure out who you are, there can be enormous pressure to fit in. Chanel’s advice offers another possibility. Instead of worrying about being like everyone else, figure out what is uniquely yours.

Related: Quote of the Day: Audra McDonald on Why the Scariest Choices Often Lead to the Greatest Growth

More Quotes By Coco Chanel

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”

“Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!”

“Fashion is architecture. It is a matter of proportions.”

“Nothing is ugly as long as it is alive.”

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”

“Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!”

Next, 225 life quotes.

For today’s New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle, think of words of Tennessee professional teams, familiar SEC nicknames, first names of Dallas Wings players and famous terms associated with Italian soccer, among other things.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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

Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Tuesday, August 18, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

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

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on August 19, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Volunteer State.
• Green: Major college sports conference.
• Blue: They play in Texas.
• Purple: European football.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: TENNESSEE PRO TEAMS
• Green: SEC TEAMS, FAMILIARLY
• Blue: FIRST NAMES OF DALLAS WINGS PLAYERS
• Purple: ASSOCIATED WITH ITALIAN SOCCER

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #664 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• TENNESSEE PRO TEAMS: GRIZZLIES, NASHVILLE SC, PREDATORS, TITANS
• SEC TEAMS, FAMILIARLY: A&M, BAMA, MIZZON, VANDY
• FIRST NAMES OF DALLAS WINGS PLAYERS: ARIKE, AZZI, ODYSSEY, PAIGE
• ASSOCIATED WITH ITALIAN SOCCER: AZZURRI, ROSSONERI, SAN SIRO, SCUDETTO

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Our devices are no longer just a matter of convenience; they’re a means of survival. You can hardly function out in the world without access to an app or a map in your pocket. If you were to arrive at an airport without your phone, how would you even check in for your flight, let alone entertain yourself during the hours of waiting in line to get through security and board? Even on a road trip, having your phone to guide you to the nearest rest stop or gas station is a necessity. Letting your phone die when you’re away from home simply can’t happen. 

If a wireless multi-use charger isn’t already part of your travel cache, now’s the time to add one. For less than $30, you can snag the Iseyyox 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charger at Amazon that’s built to power your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once and will barely take up any space in your carry-on. 

Iseyyox 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charger, From $27 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Designed with MagSafe technology exclusively for the Apple ecosystem, this device can charge your phone, earbuds, and smartwatch simultaneously, saving you from having to pack three different plugs and charging cords. Unlike bulkier models, this sleek wireless charging pad folds out into a completely flat charging pad with designated areas for each device, but also gives you the option to charge your phone propped up horizontally or vertically.

When it’s time to stash it away, this charger folds up into a little square measuring approximately 7 centimeters wide and long and 3 centimeters thick. That’s pretty tiny — think matchbox-sized, not even as long as a credit card. It can easily slip into your purse or your pocket so you can save space in your bag for all your other travel essentials. 

Amazon shoppers have given this folding charger over 4,000 five-star reviews, with multiple travelers calling it a “game changer” for its space-saving design. “The foldable design is compact and convenient, so it’s easy to keep on a desk or take while traveling,” a reviewer said. Beyond traveling, many customers shared that they keep this charger handy at work, school, or any other time they’re spending the day away from home.

Shop More Deals

• Duloch USB-C Charging Blocks, $22 (was $26) at Amazon
• Rynd Traveling Wireless Mag-Safe Fast-Charging Station, $18 (was $20) at Amazon
• Murpiso Foldable Magnetic 3-in-1 Charger, $20 (was $28) at Amazon

Related: Aldi’s 3-in-1 Charger Is a Game Changer for Frequent Travelers

Snag the Iseyyox 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charger ahead of your next trip and never be caught with a dead device away from home again. You can add it to your Amazon cart today for just $27.

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.

You might recall a scene from The Help when Octavia Spencer’s character Minny asks Jessica Chastain’s Celia what she knows how to cook, to which she replies, “Oh, um, I can cook corn pone,” among a scant few other things. But unless you’re from the South, you probably have no clue what corn pone even is. Lucky for you, yours truly is a resident Southerner who loves an opportunity to nerd out about all things comfort food, and it would be my pleasure to give you all the deets. 

Corn pone, sometimes referred to simply as pone, is a traditional unleavened bread made up of cornmeal, salt and water. Unlike its cakier cousin, cornbread, corn pone is dense and flat, more similar to Johnnycakes or hoecakes with a texture similar to grits. As for where it came from, corn pone is an amalgamation of recipes co-opted by colonists from Native Americans, who made a type of bread they called apones. It became a staple on tables across the United States due to its simple preparation and relatively low cost, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

🍳 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & fun food news in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳

Naturally, then, it makes sense that a certain Smoky Mountain Songbird from East Tennessee (aka country music legend Dolly Parton) would have her own recipe for the classic Southern staple, and of course I had to try it out for myself. Read on to find out how Dolly Parton makes her version of corn pone, and learn how you can make it entirely your own with a few tiny tweaks. 

Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone

Courtesy Kenn C. Bivins

The beauty of Parton’s recipe is that it’s almost impossibly simple with only five ingredients total, and most of them are probably already in your pantry. All you need to make Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone is 2 cups of cornmeal, 2 teaspoons of flour, salt, 2 teaspoons of some sort of fat (Parton uses bacon grease), and just enough milk to make a thick batter (about a cup). Once you’ve got the basics, you can play around with extra flavors or additions to make Parton’s corn pone uniquely yours. 

Related: I Tried Reese Witherspoon’s Grandma’s Corn Salad and It’s the Refreshing Ode to Summer That I’ll Be Making on Repeat

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone

Courtesy Kenn C. Bivins

In keeping with the easy-as-pie theme, making corn pone is as simple as tossing everything into a bowl, mixing it up and shaping the pones by hand. From there, you can either fry them up in a cast-iron skillet like I did, or place them on a sheet pan and put them in an oven preheated to 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes. After that, all that’s left to do is enjoy! This recipe makes about a half dozen pones depending on their size, but you can always double it to make as many as you need.

As far as serving them goes, you can go either sweet or savory. Pones with gumbo are a match made in heaven, but they’re also fantastic with a drizzle of honey or a slather of jam. You could even enjoy yours the true Southern way by pouring a generous amount of milk on top and digging in. 

What I Thought of Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone

Courtesy Kenn C. Bivins

Hot diggity dog, these corn pones are good! For those of you not from the South, that translates to you should, in fact, absolutely make these. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they’re the perfect little something to add to your dinner spread to beef up whatever else you’re making. They’re dense in a way that’s endearingly satiating, but also craveable enough that you can’t eat just one. Parton is definitely onto something with her corn pone recipe.

That said, they are a tad bit plain, but that’s also what makes them perfect to pair with other dishes like red beans and rice or beef stew. Even for how simple they are, the possibilities for making them even more flavorful are virtually limitless. Personally, I can’t wait to make some with cheddar and minced jalapeños folded in. Needless to say, corn pone has absolutely found its way into my recipe rotation.

Related: I Made the Retro School Cafeteria Pizza We All Remember—Here’s Why It Still Holds Up

5 Tips for Making Dolly Parton’s Corn Pone

Courtesy Kenn C. Bivins

Although Parton’s recipe is pretty perfect as is, you can always kick things up a notch by making a few smart adjustments. Here are five tips for making Dolly Parton’s corn pone even better.

1. Use the right cornmeal.

To stick as close to the original recipe as possible, you’ll want to look for plain cornmeal without any extra leavening agents or additives. Of course, if you’ve already got a self-rising corn meal mix on hand, you can use that, but you’ll end up with a fluffier finished product. And as far as how coarse you like your cornmeal, that’s totally up to you. 

2. Swap out the liquid. 

While there isn’t a ton of liquid in this recipe, you can still play around with what you use to give your corn pones some extra flavor—whether it’s chicken broth or the water from soaking dried chiles. You could even make a corn broth to wade further into cornmaxxing territory. Whatever liquid you use, the key is to use just enough to help create your batter without making it runny. You want a thicker oatmeal consistency rather than a runny porridge when it comes to this recipe. 

3. Experiment with fat. 

Another way to experiment with flavor is to choose the right kind of fat. In this case, it’s bacon grease, but you can also use butter, oil or lard to give your pones their own unique flavor. Brown butter would also be fabulous in these, adding a rich, nutty flavor. Fortunately, because this recipe is so forgiving, you can add a little extra fat if you want to really concentrate the flavor without much change to the finished product.

4. Add a little sugar.

This is more of a personal preference, but a pinch or two of sugar can go a long way in bringing out the cornmeal’s natural sweetness. It helps to balance things out and give the entire dish a subtle lift. Honey is also a great addition, and as a bonus, it’ll give your pones a little bit of added moisture. And if you really want to kick things up a notch, I suggest reaching for your favorite hot honey. 

5. Don’t forget the mix-ins. 

Although it’s definitely not traditional, corn pones are practically begging to be studded with mix-ins. You can fold in cheese or caramelized onions, and why not crumble in that bacon you just rendered the fat from? And who says you have to stop at savory inclusions? You could add in diced peaches or a swirl of strawberry jam and even butterscotch chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix-ins are a low-effort way to make your corn pones even more of a showstopper, and who knows—you might just find yourself with a new favorite recipe.

Related: I Tried Princess Diana’s Favorite Stuffed Bell Peppers—and They Weren’t What I Expected

Today’s Strands puzzle refers to a popular food you’d purchase at a football or baseball game.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #899 on Wednesday, August 19.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “For better or wurst.”

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Summer supper, in color.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are seven theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• ON
• CH
• RE
• KE
• MU
• SA
• TO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mixture of vertical & horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 19

Today’s Spangram answer on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Wednesday, August 19, 2026, is TOPDOG.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Wednesday, August 19?

• ONION
• CHEESE
• RELISH
• KETCHUP
• MUSTARD
• SAUERKRAUT
• SPANGRAM: TOPDOG

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, August 17, 2026

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

We’re already in the latter half of summer, which means that fall will be here before you know it. When the temperatures start to drop and leaves begin to change colors, there’s nothing better than snuggling up on your couch while reading a book or watching your favorite rom-com. No lounge session is complete without a cozy throw blanket, and we found one that you can use all year long: This Msgkv 100% Cotton Throw Blanket at Amazon. 

While it looks like something you would find at a high-end retailer, you can currently score it on sale for under $20! This is a deal that you don’t want to miss, as several TikTok users and numerous Amazon shoppers stated that “it’s reminiscent of something you would find at Anthropologie.”

@wildandalmostfree

BOHO Bird and Floral Large Throw Blanket 🩵 is lightweight and so soft it makes a perfect gift for the holidays ! #throwblanket #blanket #muslinblanket #softblanket #bohoblanket #bohodecor #bohostyle #bohohome #giftsforher #giftsformom #shoptoysandtots #autumnfashion #giftsforkids #christmasgift #falldealsforyou #TikTokShopBlackFriday #TikTokShopCyberMonday #TiktokShopHolidayHaul #cozycountdown

♬ original sound – Wild & Almost Free Inc.

Normally retailing for $23, the floral, butterfly, and bird style is now marked down to just $19 in the 50-by-60-inch throw size. From summer evenings out on the patio to rainy fall days on your couch, this throw blanket delivers lasting comfort. 

Msgkv 100% Cotton Throw Blanket, From $19 (was $23) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The floral, butterfly, and hummingbird blanket is also available in five larger sizes, ranging from 60 inches by 80 inches to 90 inches by 108 inches, with prices starting at $28 and going up to $75. You can also score this blanket in 36 other styles, including several other floral patterns, coastal designs, Roman-inspired motifs, and more. Prices for those in the throw size range between $24 and $33, which is still a fantastic deal. 

Boasting a stunning nature-inspired design, this throw blanket heavily lends itself to the cottagecore aesthetic. The abstract botanical print boasts vibrant flowers and leaves in a plethora of hues, and cheerful hummingbirds and butterflies fluttering around, creating a buzzy scene that’ll bring your space to life. 

The artwork is woven into the throw to prevent it from peeling or fading, ensuring a pristine look for years to come. This throw blanket has a reversible design — one side has a white background, and the flipside has a moody blue background. 

Made of 100% cotton, this throw blanket is crafted with four layers of fabric. While it’ll keep you warm during the chillier months, it’s lightweight and breathable. This blanket promotes airflow to help keep your body temperature regulated so you don’t overheat, making it ideal for all-season use. Because of its not bulky, multiple shoppers mentioned that they were able to pack it up easily and travel with it. 

Msgkv 100% Cotton Throw Blanket, From $19 (was $23) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Designed for comfort, this blanket is soft to the touch and incredibly comfortable to snuggle up with. Over 200 reviewers attested to this, raving about its soft texture. For peace of mind, this blanket is Oeko-Tex certified. Safe and skin-friendly, the fabric has been tested and is free of over 1,000 harmful toxic substances. 

When you aren’t snuggled up in this blanket, it doubles as a chic accent. You can lay it on the foot of your bed, drape it on an armrest, or sling it over a backrest for a pop of color. It’ll create a cozy yet intentional look that’ll pull your living space together.  

Whenever the blanket needs a refresh, you can toss it into the washing machine with cold water and tumble dry it on low heat afterwards. Shoppers noted that it washed beautifully without any shrinking or pilling. They also commented that it held up through numerous cycles. 

This throw blanket has racked up over 2,000 five-star ratings, and it’s really no surprise. Shoppers absolutely loved the style of this blanket, describing it as “whimsical,” “gorgeous,” and “chic.” One reviewer said that it’s “so beautiful, incredibly soft, snuggly, and breathable.” A second customer noted that it’s “warm but lightweight, so it’s perfect for year-round use.” 

Shop More Deals 

• Sidefeel Ruffled Cardigan, $22 (was $40) at Amazon
• Keloris Path Beaded Gemstone Necklace, From $16 (was $18) at Amazon
• Your Heart’s Content 5-Pack of Mini Knit Pumpkins, From $12 (was $17) at Amazon

Related: Kohl’s Cheerful $20 Woven Sunflower Storage Basket Is the Cutest Way to Ease Into Fall Decor

If you’re looking to spruce up your living space or simply want something cozy to cuddle with this fall, be sure to grab the Msgkv 100% Cotton Throw Blanket at Amazon while it’s still on sale for as low as $19! 

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.

To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, you’ll be exploring expressions for something easy, words meaning to conceal, terms that come before “ball” in sports and homophones of popular animated movies.

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 #1165 on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Wednesday, August 19, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Wednesday’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 Wednesday, August 19

1. Easy
2. Hide
3. Sounds like a sport
4. Could be a movie

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 Wednesday, August 19:

1. PIECE OF CAKE: BREEZE,CINCH, PICNIC, SNAP
2. CONCEAL: BLANKET, HIDE, MASK, OBSCURE
3. WORDS BEFORE “BALL” IN SPORT NAMES: BASE, BASKET, FOOT, PICKLE
4. HOMOPHONES OF CGI-ANIMATED FILMS: ANTS, COCOA, RHEO, SEOUL

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: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Toy Story 5 has delighted fans with the return of the beloved franchise. Luckily for those who missed the theatrical run, the film is being released on streaming services.

The latest installment hit big screens on June 19. It brought in over $1 billion, with $312 million of that being made during opening weekend, a new record for the franchise.

Toy Story 5 follows the beloved toy characters after their owner, Bonnie, is gifted a tablet that lets her play online, not just with the toys.

It was directed by Andrew Stanton and brought back the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack for Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie. It introduced new characters voiced by A-listers such as Conan O’Brien, Bad Bunny, and Greta Lee. It also featured an original song by Taylor Swift, “I Knew It, I Knew You.”

Walt Disney Home Entertainment revealed that fans will be able to watch Toy Story 5 at home on demand starting Tuesday, August 18. The film will be available for purchase on digital platforms such as Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and YouTube Movies & TV.

Disney also shared that there will be a physical-media release for Toy Story 5. Fans can purchase the film in 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD formats starting September 22. Additionally, they will offer a Steelbook Blu-ray with a variant cover and a five-movie box set.

Digital copies will include several bonus features. When purchased, fans will be able to access five production featurettes, five deleted scenes, and commentary on the film by co-director Kenna Harris, production designer Bob Pauley, and VFX supervisor Thomas Jordan.

Is it a total surprise that some of your favorite video-game franchises from back in the day are still going strong?

That includes the annual NBA 2K releases, with the 2027 edition dropping as soon as next month. And if the anticipation wasn’t already building — especially following the real-life New York Knicks’ historic championship win this year — 2K just unveiled a number of never-before-seen gameplay features that will be included in NBA 2K27.

On Tuesday, August 18, the video-game publisher announced a brand-new mode in MyCAREER, where players can now step outside the modern NBA and build their career in one of five historical eras, built on the foundation of the so-called MyNBA Eras.

Each era reportedly features its own specific window of time, with rosters, rules, and presentation meticulously calibrated to that period. Players can start their journey in one the following:

• the Magic vs. Bird Era (1984)
• the Jordan Era (1991)
• the Kobe Era (2003)
• the LeBron Era (2010)
• the Steph Era (2016)

Each will have historically locked rosters, trades and player movement to keep the league behaving exactly as it unfolded, 2K reports, allowing players to be an active participant in NBA history.

The official NBA 2K27 Instagram account joint-posted a reel on Tuesday to tease the all-new Eras mode, which clearly reignited fans’ excitement for the upcoming release.

View this post on Instagram

Gamers have since flooded the post’s comments section to show their support for the new component. “That’s lit ima go crazy Ina 2000s 😂,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “Damnit boys they got us again we’re all back interested💀.”

Plus, for the first time ever, 2K27 players can invite a friend to play co-op multiplayer directly in their MyCAREER, made possible by “Running Mate Trace Miller,” a custom teammate introduced in the G League who stays through a player’s full NBA career. Players choose one of nine build templates carrying shades of current NBA stars, then earn points through gameplay to upgrade Trace’s attributes, Badges, and playstyle, unlocking new Running Mate play skills along the way.

The game launches worldwide on September 4.