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Pacific Northwest-based bestselling author Kristin Hannah is renowned for her sweeping, emotional stories that span years and take place against real-life historical events. Her 2015 historical fiction novel The Nightingale is one of her most beloved titles, with the massively successful work having sold over 11 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 45 languages.

Upon publication, The Nightingale spent more than 20 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and 45 weeks on the NPR Hardcover Fiction Bestseller List. The novel is still captivating readers 11 years later, with it recently being ranked among the “Most Read Books of 2026” on the reader platform Goodreads. On the platform, The Nightingale holds a 4.65 rating and has been shelved by readers more than 327,000 times.

The book was optioned in 2015 for a film adaptation produced by TriStar, and in 2019, it was announced that sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning would star in the movie, marking the first time they’ve shared a screen together as actresses. After several years of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other halts, The Nightingale officially went into production in March of 2026. Currently, the movie is set to release in March of 2027.

Estranged sisters Vianne and Isabelle are the center of the novel against the backdrop of World War II and the Nazi invasion and occupation of France. Vianne, quieter and more reserved, opts to house a German officer in order to protect her daughter while secretly hiding Jewish children at a local Catholic orphanage. The opposite of her sister, Isabelle is more fiery and forceful and joins a rebel resistance, guiding pilots through the Pyrenees mountains. The novel tells the story of the sisters during the war and how they both attempt to survive a nightmarish time in history.

The Nightingale is available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Novel by Kristin Hannah Ranked a ‘Most Read Book of 2026’ by Goodreads

Queens of the Stone Age have more new music on the way. The announcement for the hard rock band’s ninth studio album was released this week, with the hard rock legends also sharing the title. Fans now have Perfecth to look forward to later this year, per Louder.

The news follows the band’s July 14 release of “Easy Street,” a track that represents the band’s first piece of new music in three years. Surprisingly mellow, the song forgoes the heavy, hard-hitting stoner rock riffs QOTSA are known for and instead gives fans a spacey, starry-eyed psychedelic track to zone out to.

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But the announcement wasn’t your everyday press release from the eight-time Grammy nominated group. Instead, frontman Josh Homme and guitarist-slash-keyboardist Dean Fertita confirmed the moniker of their new album while playing one of the oldest, most notorious games in the book: the five-finger fillet.

Also known as the knife game, the exercise in speed and coordination sees a player place their palm flat on a table with their fingers spread wide. Then, with a sharp knife, they rapidly stab back and forth into the empty spaces between their fingers. The goal is to move as quickly as possible in a set pattern without filleting any little digits.

In their announcement video posted to Instagram, fans can watch Fertita master the game while Homme sinks a knife deep into his flesh.

“Does it hurt?” Fertita asks.

“Yes, it f—ing hurts, dude,” Homme says. “Pull it out. “I can’t do it.”

Homme eventually removes the blade, leaving behind a geyser of blood.

QOTSA formed in 1996, with singer and guitarist Homme launching the band as Gamma Ray. He changed the name a year later. Since their founding, they have released eight studio albums, debuting with their self-titled record in 1998.

The debut introduced the band’s raw, heavy, hypnotic vibe, with key songs “Regular John,” “Mexicola,” and “If Only” becoming fan favorites.

In 2002, they released Songs for the Deaf. Widely considered their masterpiece album and commercial peak, it features Nirvana/Foo Fighters drummer Dave Grohl and singer Mark Lanegan. Standout tracks include “No One Knows,” “Go With the Flow,” and “Millionaire.”

Perfecth follows QOTSA’s last album, 2023’s In Times New Roman…, which marked a back-to-basics return to the band’s gritty and sinister desert rock roots. The record also served as the final chapter in a trilogy of Matador Records releases, beginning with …Like Clockwork in 2013 and Villains in 2017.

QOTSA are currently touring North America with Foo Fighters, with additional dates scheduled for September. The band will then head to Australia and New Zealand in December, where Primus and Tropical F— Storm are also on the bill.

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

Today’s NYT Wordle is essential when it comes to having a cookout in your backyard.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1887 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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There is one vowel in today’s five-letter word.

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are double letters in today’s Wordle.

A hint for today’s Wordle is: refers to an outdoor appliance used to cook food.

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

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

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle answer on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, is GRILL.

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

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

It’s one of the most famous country songs of all time, but it’s also one of the saddest.

The 1980 George Jones classic “He Stopped Loving Her Today” is considered one of the most heartbreaking country songs ever written, but even outside of the country genre, it’s been ranked as one of the saddest songs in music history.

Rolling Stone ranks the emotional ballad at No. 6 on its list of the 10 Saddest Songs of All Time, alongside other deep cuts like “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails, ranked at No. 2, and “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton (No. 1). In 2019, the outlet released a similar roundup of the saddest songs particularly within the country genre, where Jones’ hit landed at No. 4.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today,” penned by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, tells the tragic story of a man heartbreaking story of a man who remains devoted to his former lover for decades, with his love for her only ending when he dies. It was released in April 1980 as the lead single from Jones’ album I Am What I Am, which spent a week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

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“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is widely considered to be one of the best country songs ever recorded. Rolling Stone ranks the Jones track at No. 5 on the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time, among the ranks of other country mega-hits, like Dolly Parton‘s “Jolene” (No. 1) Johnny Cash‘s “I Walk the Line” (No. 2), Patsy Cline‘s “Crazy” (No. 3) and Hank Williams‘ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (No. 4).

Billboard‘s 2025 ranking of the 100 Best Country Songs of All Time features “He Stopped Loving Her Today” at No. 4, while the Grand Ole Opry has declared the Jones classic as the official No. 1 Greatest Country Song of All Time, according to a fan vote conducted in 2025.

Related: Hayden Panettiere Once Performed Country Icon Patsy Cline’s Biggest Hit Alongside a Rock Legend

Summer is centered around the outdoors. Beach days, pool parties, backyard cookouts…Activities like these are what make summer special. Maybe you’re fortunate enough to have a vacation, where you’ll spend the remainder of your summer days sightseeing and exploring.

To fully enjoy everything summer has to offer, it’s important to know how spending time in the heat can impact your health so you can take precautions and stay safe. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, July 2026 was the warmest month on record for the contiguous U.S. Every single state ranked in the warmest third of their July temperature records and none ranked near or below average.

Related: Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop Doing This One Thing in Extreme Heat

Spending prolonged time in hot weather can impact cardiovascular health, particularly for senior adults and anyone with a pre-existing heart condition. According to a scientific article in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, an average of 702 deaths were due to the heat each year between 2004 and 2018.

When exactly do temperatures reach a point when they become dangerous and how can you protect yourself? Here’s everything you need to know, straight from cardiologists.

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Simply put, spending time in hot weather puts added stress on the heart, explains Dr. Waseem Chaudhry, MD, the director of non-invasive cardiology and cardiac prevention for RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and Community Medical Center. “The heart has to work harder to keep the body cool, increasing the risk of heart-related problems,” he says.

When the body becomes dehydrated and overheated, Dr. Chaudhry says it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or chest discomfort, especially in people with underlying heart conditions. “When the body is dehydrated, there is less circulating fluid, which also forces the heart to work harder to maintain blood flow,” he says.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Sit Outside All Day in the Heat, According to a Cardiologist

To avoid putting added stress on your cardiovascular system from dehydration, Dr. Sandip Patel, MD, an interventional cardiologist with the Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute, says it’s important to be well-hydrated before you spend time outside on a hot day as well as continuing to stay hydrated while you’re outside. 

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, Dr. Chaudhry says to move to a cool place, drink water if you are able to and immediately stop any physical activity. “If symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion or fainting develop or don’t improve, seek immediate emergency medical care,” he says.

Dr. Patel says that there isn’t one exact temperature that is considered dangerous for cardiovascular health because different people have different levels of heat tolerance. “There isn’t really any set temperature cutoff because humans adapt to their climate and it’s more about changes from the norm,” he says. For example, someone who lives in a state where it never gets very hot and then vacations somewhere with 90℉+ heat is going to be more at risk than someone who lives somewhere hot year-round.

Even though different people have different levels of heat tolerance, Dr. Chaudhry says that spending prolonged time in 90℉+ heat can be dangerous for anyone—especially when the heat is accompanied by humidity. “Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade or air-conditioning can help reduce strain on the body,” he says.

Related: Urologists Are Begging People Over 50 To Stop Ignoring This Warning Sign in the Summer

To gauge how outdoor temperatures where you live may impact your health, Dr. Patel recommends using the National Weather Service’s heat risk map as a tool. “Yellow means people who are extra heat sensitive, like those with heart conditions, are at risk, and orange means anyone heat sensitive can be at risk,” he says. Dr. Patel says that it’s important to know that “heat sensitive” doesn’t just refer to age and health. It’s also about how long someone is outside and the type of work they are doing outside. “Working or doing something strenuous for more than an hour makes you automatically heat sensitive, in my professional opinion,” he says.

Both doctors say that people with heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure or a history of stroke need to be particularly cautious in summer heat. Dr. Chaudhry adds that older adults and people taking blood pressure medications and water pills (diuretics) may also be more vulnerable to the heat.

To protect yourself from the heat during summer (whether you have an underlying health condition or not), Dr. Chaudhry recommends avoiding being outside during peak afternoon heat and spending time in the air conditioning whenever possible. He also recommends wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, which helps the body release heat more effectively. 

Both cardiologists reiterate the importance of staying hydrated, including before and after you spend time outside. If you are sweating a lot, Dr. Patel recommends using electrolyte powders or drinks. “Oral rehydration works as fast as 15 to 30 minutes if you are mildly dehydrated. That’s the first step. But if you pass out, have a fever, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath or don’t feel better after hydrating, go to the emergency room,” Dr. Patel says.

To fully enjoy summer, safety must come first. Especially if you aren’t used to spending time in hot weather, it’s important to take breaks to be inside in the air-conditioning when you can. That way, you can enjoy the sunshine without fearing the heat.

Up Next:

Related: ‘I’m a Cardiologist, and This Is the One Supplement I Actually Take for Heart Health’

• Assessing the U.S. Temperature and Precipitation in 2026. National Centers for Environmental Information.  
• Desai, Y., Khraishah, H. and Alahmad, B. (2023). Heat and the Heart. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. 96(2):197-203.
• Dr. Waseem Chaudry, MD, director of non-invasive cardiology and cardiac prevention for RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and Community Medical Center.
• Dr. Sandip Patel, MD, interventional cardiologist with the Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute.

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Extra stovetop space can become especially valuable when you don’t have any left. Whether you’re cooking a big dinner, working with a smaller kitchen, or need a backup while your regular stove is out of commission, the Sunmaki Portable Dual Electric Cooktop gives you more room to cook without installing another appliance. The best part? It’s currently $126 at Walmart, down from $240, and has a slim black design that can sit right on the counter.

The cooktop features two independent heating zones, 10 temperature levels, and nine power levels, so you can adjust each side depending on what you’re making. There are sensor touch controls, a timer that can be set for up to three hours, a child safety lock, a high-temperature indicator, and an automatic shutoff. The crystal glass surface also wipes clean easily, and the entire cooktop measures 22.9 inches deep, 14.2 inches wide, and just 2.7 inches high.

Courtesy of Walmart

If you’ve ever hosted a party or cooked a big meal, you probably know the struggle of wishing you had just one more place to cook. This portable model lets you boil pasta while a sauce simmers, cook vegetables alongside a protein, or keep another dish going while the rest of the stovetop is occupied. It’s especially useful when several parts of dinner need to be ready at the same time.

One shopper said the cooktop is “excellent for a small apartment,” while another mentioned that “it heats up so fast.” A third person was impressed by the cooking area, noting its “very nice size” and how large the cooktop is. Other reviewers mentioned using it while their regular stove was being repaired and liked how easy it was to get cooking quickly.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Very Pretty’ $30 Leaf and Pumpkin Wreath Is an Easy Way to Get Ahead on Fall Decor

One important thing to know before buying is that this is an induction cooktop, so your cookware needs to be compatible. It works with cast iron, iron, enameled iron, and stainless steel cookware with a magnetic bottom. An easy way to check what you already own is to place a magnet against the bottom of the pan. If it sticks, it should work with the cooktop.

• Ccdes Portable Double Coil Hot Plate Burner, $22 (was $47) at Walmart
• Astercook 6-Piece Floral Kitchen Knife Set, $15 (was $48) at Walmart
• Imountek Portable Double Hot Plate Electric Burner, $27 (was $100) at Walmart

The Sunmaki Portable Dual Electric Cooktop is a practical option for anyone who could use more flexibility in the kitchen without adding a full-size appliance. Its slim shape makes it easier to store, while the adjustable heat settings and two cooking zones give you plenty of options for everyday meals. With the price down to just $126, now is a great time to grab it for nearly 50% off at Walmart.

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Denis Leary, the Hollywood actor known for his role in the 2012 movie The Amazing Spider-Man, is celebrating a major milestone.

The comedian, actor, writer and producer, who played the role of Captain George Stacy, has just turned 69.

Born on Aug. 18, 1957, the Worcester, Massachusetts, native developed an interest in entertainment and acting after an unexpected incident.

Before making a name for himself on screen, Leary admitted to being a rebellious student in Catholic school.

During his guest appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, he recalled a special moment when a school nun changed his life and introduced him to musicals.

Describing himself as a “terrible student,” he mentioned Sister Rosemary Sullivan, a determined nun who encouraged him to try out for acting.

Theo Wargo/WireImage

“Everyone in the neighborhood went to that school, so they knew the troublemakers. My older brother was a troublemaker, so there’s no hope for me. I didn’t believe in what they were teaching… this nun grabs me in the hallway and goes, ‘Leary, you’re in the musical,’” he shared. “‘I don’t want to be in a musical,’ but [she said] ‘You have to,’ so I go…”

What initially seemed like a divine intervention led Leary to develop an interest in musicals and participate in rehearsals.

Seeing that he could confidently sing and portray roles, the actor realized that “moment changed my [his] life.”

After joining musicals in high school, he began his professional career in the Boston comedy scene after graduating from college.

In the ‘90s, he caught the public’s attention with his edgy commercials and music video-style comedy appearances on MTV. However, it was his one-man stand-up show No Cure for Cancer that became his breakthrough.

Performed on an Off-Broadway stage, the show was also released as a TV special in 1993.

It even earned multiple prestigious awards, including The Critics’ Award at the 1992 Edinburgh International Arts Festival and The Recommendation Award from the BBC Festival in 1992.

From then on, he became a household staple, appearing in 1990s movies such as Demolition Man and Judgment Night in 1993, as well as the dark comedy The Ref in 1994.

In the 2000s, he showed a different side of his acting range after joining the critically acclaimed FX series Rescue Me.

Co-created and produced by Leary, the series ran from 2004 to 2011. He also starred as the lead actor, taking on the role of New York City firefighter Tommy Gavin.

The role earned him major recognition, including three Primetime Emmy Award nominations, two for Outstanding Lead Actor and one for Outstanding Writing.

Apart from this, fans also saw his impressive skills as a voice actor in the 2002 movie Ice Age.

Beyond his work on screen, Leary is also known for his philanthropic endeavors, including the Leary Firefighters Foundation, which he founded in 2000.

Related: ’70s Rock Legend and Lead Singer of Beloved Supergroup Turns 74

Village People singer Victor Willis died on June 30, and his official cause of death has been revealed. He was 74 years old at the time of his passing.

Willis’ wife, Karen Willis, shared a post on Facebook, saying that he died of primary liver cancer with metastasis.

“Primary liver cancer runs in Victor’s family as his mother also died of primary liver cancer, and so has several other relatives,” she wrote.

Karen initially broke the news of the singer’s death in June, saying he died after “a short but aggressive illness.”

Willis was a member of the popular disco group, having famously co-wrote hit songs including Y.M.C.A.,” “Macho Man,” “Go West” and “In The Navy.” In July, his Village People bandmates came together and honored the singer in a very heartfelt tribute, all showing up to the funeral dressed and ready as if they were going to perform a show. It was James Kwong; the construction worker; Nicholas Manelick, the cowboy; Javier Perez, the Native American; James Lee, the G.I.; and J.J. Lippold, the leather man, who were spotted in costume based on photos obtained by TMZ.

As for Willis, he always dressed as the group’s police officer. He was one of the founding members in 1977, and after a break, he rejoined the band in 2017.

Following his death, many tributes poured in, including from President Donald Trump, who said he would think of Willis every time he hears the song “Y.M.C.A.” Trump shared a message on social media following news of his passing, remembering him as ” a great and happy guy.”

“They loved the action, and we loved them and their great and uplifting song,” Trump wrote. “We will think of Victor every time YMCA is played, like today, and all throughout this July Fourth Birthday week. My condolences to his wonderful family and group, Victor Willis will be sorely missed, God Bless Him!!!”

Julie Chen Moonves has been hosting Big Brother since its very first season in 2000—and now she’s finally revealing what makes a good game player.

On Sunday, Aug. 16, Chen Moonves was joined by executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan as well as BB24 winner Taylor Hale for a panel titled “Big Brother: 1,000 Episodes Inside the House” at the Televerse festival in Los Angeles, Calif.

During the panel, the longtime host shared her advice for becoming a Big Brother winner.

“I think if you want to win, you got to do the Derrick Levasseur, which is you cannot have loose lips,” Chen Moonves said. “Now Derrick wasn’t boring … but I think to be a good player to win, maybe be a little bit boring and not talk. That would be terrible for us on the show.”

She continued, “We’ve seen so many personalities win from the loudmouth Dick Donato, original pots banging, to Dr. Will Kirby, the original guy who was like, ‘I hate all of you. You should vote me out.'”

“We’ve seen different types of gameplay and strategies and personalities win, and I think that’s what makes the show so compelling,” she added. “There is no formula because you never know what kind of chemistry is going to exist and what other personalities you have to coexist with because someone might bring out the worst in you.”

Chen Moonves then joked about her love of “showmances,” noting there are some players who don’t care about the game once they find the love of their life inside the BB house.

RELATED: Frankie Grande Slams ‘Big Brother’ Contestant Who Hit on Sister Ariana

Big Brother will airs its 1000th episode, a first for primetime television, during the Thursday, Aug. 27th episode of Big Brother 28.

The show will broadcast a special 90-minute live episode, and according to a press release from the network, the historic night “will feature surprise appearances from former Houseguests determined by interactive fan votes and kick off the biggest twist of the summer.”

“The episode will look back at some of the most memorable moments from the show’s historic 26-year run and shift into overdrive with the BB Blockbuster and a live eviction,” the release continued.

Though the game-changing twist has yet to be revealed, fans are speculating that this season’s time travel theme will be woven into whatever’s in store.

Big Brother airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays on CBS and Paramount Plus.

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We’ve all got those staple jewelry pieces that we reach for constantly, but wearing the same necklace every day can start to feel a little repetitive. An interchangeable pendant set is an easy way to switch things up without needing a whole jewelry box full of necklaces. With one chain and several pendants, you can create different looks in seconds.

The Cultured Freshwater Pearl 3-Piece Interchangeable Pendant Set gives you three distinct looks without having to buy three separate necklaces. All three pendants work with the same chain, so you can swap them depending on your outfit or mood. During Macy’s Semi-Annual Jewelry Sale, the set is 72% off, bringing the price down from $200 to just $56.

Courtesy of Macy's

The set features three cultured freshwater pearl pendants in gray, pink, and white, each offering its own look. The white pearl is a classic everyday option, while the blush pink pearl adds a soft, feminine touch that works especially well with warm-weather outfits. The gray pearl has a more modern feel and pairs nicely with cool tones, dark neutrals, or evening looks.

Each pendant is designed to work with the included 18-inch sterling silver box-link chain, with an approximate 0.6-inch drop. The simple chain keeps the focus on the pearls while making the set easy to wear with everything from casual basics to office outfits and dressier pieces.

The interchangeable design also makes styling more flexible. Wear the white or pink pearl during the day, then switch to gray for dinner or drinks without changing your entire necklace. You can also wear the pendants individually for a minimalist look, layer the chain with other necklaces, or cluster two or all three pendants together for a more distinctive statement.

Related: Anthropologie’s ‘Pretty’ Coastal-Chic Necklaces Are Effortlessly Stylish and Start at Just $30 

One shopper described it as “versatile” and “beautiful,” writing, “This set can be worn with dressy, professional, and casual outfits.” Another said it’s “pretty” and “dainty,” adding, “I like jewelry that is more subtle and refined, and not too flashy — this fits the bill perfectly. The colors on the pearls are very smooth and lustrous.”

Beyond being an easy addition to your own jewelry rotation, the set could also make a thoughtful gift. The three pearl colors give the recipient options, while the interchangeable design makes the necklace feel more unique than a traditional single-pendant style.

• On 34th Twist Collar Necklace, $15 (was $50) at Macy’s
• Giani Bernini 18-Karat Gold Over Sterling Silver Ankle Bracelet, $35 (was $100 at Macy’s
• Belle de Mer Cultured Freshwater Pearl Slide Pendant Necklace, $26 (was $75) at Macy’s

For a versatile pearl set that gives you multiple looks in one, the Cultured Freshwater 3-Piece Interchangeable Pendant Set is a great find. And with Macy’s Semi-Annual Jewelry Sale bringing it down to just $56, you can save nearly $150 on a set that you’ll be able to wear again and again.

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.

August 1966 was a big month for “Sunny.” Bobby Hebb’s soulful new song climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the biggest hits of the summer.

Just months later, the song would take on another life thousands of miles away, as Chris Noel, a young actress, singer, and iconic Armed Forces personality, began performing it for American troops in Vietnam.

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Known to many as the “Voice of Vietnam,” Noel completed eight tours to the war zone between 1966 and 1971. Her active involvement included visiting troops during two of Bob Hope’s traditional USO Christmas shows and hosting A Date With Chris, a popular Top 40 music show broadcast through the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. In fact, Noel became the first woman broadcaster on Armed Forces Radio since World War II.

“I just think that war is hell, no matter who is fighting or where the wars are,” she said per her website. “But sometimes I think you have to have war in order to have peace. What you really need to know is how important our veterans are when they come back. How they should be treated with dignity, because that’s what they gave to you; their dignity. And they made a vow that they would give up their life for you.”

During her live appearances at remote bases and other military installations, one song became as synonymous with Noel as her signature greeting, “Hi, love.” And that was the 1966 soul standard “Sunny.”

Shimmying through rows of soldiers and even stopping to perch on some of their laps, Noel would customize the lyrics to the song on the spot, weaving in the actual names of the GIs sitting before her. She did it so often, “Sunny” became a Noel standard.

According to The Washington Post, the soldiers were affected by Noel’s performances in different ways, with some blushing and others being moved to tears by Noel’s deeply emotional touch of home. But even though the song had a sunny disposition and brought hope to those who heard it, it was actually born from a dark time in its writer’s life.

Penned by Bobby Hebb, whose own 1966 recording became the song’s breakthrough hit, “Sunny” remains ambiguous in its inspiration—its lyrics could pertain to anyone or anything. According to Songfacts, the song is often linked to the death of Hebb’s brother, Harold, who was murdered outside a Nashville nightclub on Nov. 23, 1963, which is also the day after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The tragedy deeply affected Hebb, although he later described the song as coming to him during a late-night burst of inspiration about comfort, love, and survival.

Gems / Getty Images

“I was working at Brandy’s, a bar and restaurant in New York City on 84th close to Second Avenue,” Hebb said, explaining the genesis of the song, per the outlet. “I was under the influence of Tennessee Sipping Whiskey, highly under the influence. As a matter of fact, I was so under the influence that I was afraid to try to go to sleep. And I looked up, and I saw a purple sky. I had my guitar in my hand, and without touching a pencil, I started writing it. And that’s how the song was born. I hit the nail right on the head.”

Hebb then recorded the song with producer Jerry Ross, with Joe Renzetti handling the arrangement. The result, a classic mid-tempo soul-jazz standard with an infectious beat and a sophisticated R&B groove, was a smash.

Released in mid-1966, the tune not only peaked at No. 2 in the U.S. in late August, blocked only by The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City,” but it went all the way to the top of the Cash Box chart. Its success even led to Hebb landing a spot as an opening act on The Beatles’ final U.S. tour that month.

The soul standard went on to become one of pop music’s most-recorded compositions, with hundreds of versions by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra, Cher, and Marvin Gaye to Stevie Wonder and James Brown, who all put their own spins on the classic song. But perhaps none more unique than Noel, whose improvised renditions offered soldiers something they desperately needed: that vital reminder of home.

Related: 1974 Soft-Rock Song, Whose First Note Left Eric Clapton Awestruck, Became a Cross-Generational Hit

In 1972, a melancholy ballad written by a 21-year-old singer-songwriter became one of the biggest hits of the year, spending six weeks at No. 1 and even leaving Neil Diamond amazed by the young musician behind it.

The song was Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally),” which was nearing the end of its massive run atop the Billboard Hot 100 54 years ago.

“Alone Again (Naturally)” first reached No. 1 on July 29, 1972, and ultimately spent six nonconsecutive weeks at the top, interrupted only by Looking Glass’ “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl).” Its sixth and final week at No. 1 came on the chart dated Aug. 19.

What made the song’s success particularly remarkable was O’Sullivan’s age when he wrote it.

The Irish singer-songwriter was just 21 and living in a cottage on the estate of his manager Gordon Mills when the melody first came to him.

“The songs were just coming out of me,” O’Sullivan recalled in an interview with the Galway Advertiser. “I wrote this melody. I thought it was nice, but I put it to one side.”

O’Sullivan didn’t return to the melody until later, when he needed more material. Even after “Alone Again (Naturally)” was recorded, however, nobody involved seemed to realize they had just made a future No. 1 hit.

O’Sullivan said another song from the session, “Out of the Question,” was initially the favorite, while Mills only decided at the last moment to go with “Alone Again (Naturally)” instead.

“It may not be as commercial as ‘Out Of The Question’, but let’s go with it,” O’Sullivan remembered Mills saying.

The song’s sophistication later caught the attention of Neil Diamond, who recorded his own version for his 2010 album Dreams.

“Neil Diamond covered ‘Alone Again’ and said he couldn’t believe a 21-year-old wrote it,” O’Sullivan said. “But for me it was just one song I had written.”

Even more remarkably, O’Sullivan said there was no sense at the time that the song was destined for the top of the charts.

“Nobody said ‘Wow! That could be No. 1 in America!'” he recalled, but within months, that’s exactly where it would end up.

Music historian Fred Bronson also traces O’Sullivan’s unusual path to American stardom in his book “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits.”

Born Raymond Edward O’Sullivan in Waterford, Ireland, the future singer moved with his family to England as a teenager. Inspired by everyone from The Beatles to Cole Porter, he began writing songs while attending art college.

After O’Sullivan connected with manager Mills, who had previously helped transform Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck into stars, Mills changed Raymond’s first name to Gilbert. O’Sullivan kept the name even though, as he joked, some people assumed Gilbert O’Sullivan had to be his real name.

When “Alone Again (Naturally)” entered the Hot 100 in June 1972, Bronson writes, Mills also decided that O’Sullivan needed a new image for American audiences. Out went the singer’s earlier Chaplinesque look, replaced by a more collegiate style.

The strategy worked. “Alone Again (Naturally)” reached No. 1 on July 29 and became a blockbuster, spending 11 weeks in the Top 10, 15 weeks in the Top 40 and 18 weeks on the Hot 100. It ultimately finished as the No. 2 song of 1972 on Billboard’s year-end Hot 100.

Not everybody was quite as impressed with the song as Diamond.

Years later, humorist Dave Barry included “Alone Again (Naturally)” in his “Book of Bad Songs,” where he identified O’Sullivan as one of the leading vote-getters in his “Bad Song Survey” category of what he jokingly called “weenie music.”

The joke may not have aged as well as the song. More than five decades later, “Alone Again (Naturally)” remains O’Sullivan’s biggest U.S. hit.

And he’s still making new music.

As Parade recently reported, the now-79-year-old singer-songwriter is preparing to release his 21st studio album On The Record on Nov. 6. The 13-song collection was recorded in just five days and arrives as O’Sullivan celebrates 60 years in music.

More than half a century after a song written at 21 took him to No. 1, O’Sullivan’s songwriting career is still going.

Related: 1966 Hit, After He Faked Celebrity Autographs to Look Successful, Launched Neil Diamond’s Career

Las Vegas is about to lose one of its most dazzling shows. After four years of high-flying acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts, Cirque Du Soleil’s Mad Apple is coming to an end at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Fans have just two weeks left to experience the show before it takes its final bow.

“Mad Apple introduced stand-up comedy to a Cirque du Soleil resident show for the first time, and its blend of acrobatics and humor was the right combination to lead us out of the pandemic,” Mark Cornell, CEO of Cirque du Soleil, said in a Saturday, August 15, statement. “We thank the cast, crew, and creative team and every guest who joined us at New York-New York, and we remain focused on the next chapter of our Las Vegas portfolio.”

While Mad Apple is saying goodbye, four Cirque Du Soleil shows will continue enchanting fans in Las Vegas: Mystère at Treasure Island, “O” at Bellagio, KÀ at MGM Grand and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay.

The captivating show debuted in May 2022, taking over the showroom where Zumanity was a fixture for 17 years. Fans have until September 5 to catch a show. Ticket holders with admission scheduled for after September 5 will be refunded or offered an exchange.

It looks like Nathan Gallagher and Gael Cameron are sailing on some choppy waters. The couple has had an on-again, off-again relationship since they met on Season 9 of Below Deck Mediterranean.

However, things seemed to be looking up after the couple welcomed a son named Kayden in June 2025. Cameron also made several appearances on Season 11 of Below Deck Med as Nathan took on the position of bosun.

Sadly, things have taken a dark turn for the new parents, as court documents show that an “apprehended violence application” was filed in New South Wales, Australia, involving the couple.

According to the case, which was filed in 2025, the application will be heard in court on the morning of September 1, 2026. It is not known whether it was filed by Cameron or Gallagher, although it seems the AVO was filed by police on behalf of Cameron.

“An ‘Apprehended Violence Application,’ or AVO, is a formal request made to a court to protect a person from somebody they believe could cause them harm,” Reality Tea wrote.

This news comes amid rumors that the couple had split. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Cameron no longer followed Gallagher on social media, and her Instagram is clear of any photos of her baby daddy.

Fans of Below Deck Med were not suprised by the split or the court filing, as the tension between the couple was very obvious on the latest season of the Bravo reality series.

“I figured they weren’t together but didn’t realize it was that bad…. now I feel even worse for everyone that’s been asking or talking about him to Gael,” one person commented before another added, “Not surprised, his anger issues were peeking through a lot in this last season.”

A third chimed in, “I knew it. Always has given me bad vibes.” Yikes!

It could be argued that The Who was, perhaps, one of the angriest of the British Invasion bands. Beyond the smashing of instruments and trashing of hotel rooms, The Who gave a voice to millions of disaffected, disenchanted teens of the time with songs like “My Generation” and “Substitute” in the ’60s…and they were still feeling pretty fed up in the ’70s.

In fact, one of The Who’s most enduring classics, “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” was actually inspired by an altercation that took place at Woodstock, according to Far Out.

During The Who’s set on the second day of the historic festival, activist Abbie Hoffman barged onstage and grabbed the microphone. While the rumors that Pete Townshend hit Hoffman with his guitar have never been confirmed, the musician made it clear that he didn’t want to be used as a political platform.

I wrote ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ as a reaction to all that,” Townshend told Creem in 1982. “Leave me out of it: I don’t think you lot would be any better than the other lot! All those hippies wandering about thinking the world was going to be different from that day. As a cynical English arsehole, I walked through it all and felt like spitting on the lot of them and shaking them and trying to make them realize that nothing had changed and nothing was going to change.”

The lyrics of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” were the product of Townshend’s societal frustrations:

There’s nothing in the street / Looks any different to me / And the slogans are effaced, by-the-bye / And the parting on the left / Is now the parting on the right / And the beards have all grown longer overnight

I’ll tip my hat to the new Constitution / Take a bow for the new revolution / Smile and grin at the change all around / Pick up my guitar and play / Just like yesterday / Then I’ll get on my knees and pray / We don’t get fooled again / Don’t get fooled again / No, no

The last line, ranked by Ultimate Classic Rock as the #1 Top Classic Rock Lyric of All Time, summed it all up:

Meet the new boss / Same as the old boss

Related: 1973 Power Ballad, Ranked Among Iconic Band’s ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Is Making a Sudden Resurgence 53 Years Later

Decades later, “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is just as relevant as ever, if not more so. In a 2025 interview with Stephen Colbert, Townshend singled “Won’t Get Fooled Again” out as his song that was “most applicable to the modern world.”

“Our leaders are never any good,” he said. “And when people try to tell us who to vote for, we always don’t feel quite right about that, so I wrote this song called ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again.’ As Bob Dylan said, ‘Don’t follow leaders, watch the parking meters.’ It’s a comment on the fact that the people we put in power always seem to end up breaking their promises. And that’s not directed at anybody today, but everybody there’s ever been. Politicians promise stuff, and they have their fingers crossed behind them. They know that they can’t deliver some of the stuff that they promise.”

“I was being bullied in ’72 by a bunch of hippies who said, ‘Pete, the revolution is coming and you’ve got to get behind it,'” Townshend continued, adding, “No, I won’t be part of your revolution. I think the revolution, if it comes, won’t need me to write for it.”

Related: How a ‘Sneaky’ Guru Inspired This 1971 Hit by The Who That’s Been Streamed Over 300 Million Times

Dancing With The Stars‘ Ezra Sosa is sharing his wishes for season 35 of the ABC reality series.

In a recent interview People, the pro dancer shared which of his colleagues he thinks deserves a real shot to win the upcoming season.

“I just want to see Pasha [Pashkov] in the finale, and Britt [Stewart],” Sosa said. “There’s so many people that haven’t gotten the chance to be in the finale that I really hope they just get a front-runner so that we can see how they can truly shine as a pro.”

Sosa’s comments come shortly after he shared a video to TikTok where he pointed out how some DWTS pros consistently get paired up with frontrunners every season. Pashkov has only appeared in the finale once during his seven season tenure, while Stewart, who joined the show as a pro in 2020, has made the semifinals twice.

“We’re coming into that time of year where pros are starting to get calls for next season. In my opinion, I don’t believe there is a good or a bad partner on Dancing With the Stars. I believe you’re paired with that person for a reason,” Sosa said in the since-deleted video.

“It’s not about the professional. It’s about giving that celebrity the best experience ever,” he continued. “But what I want more than anything is for the pros who don’t necessarily get front-runners to have them this season. I want to see them shine. I want to see them have that glorious moment. I want to see them in the finale. I want to see them with the mirrorball because they deserve it.”

RELATED: ‘DWTS’ Pro Witney Carson Expecting Baby No. 3 and Returning for Season 35

“I also think it’d be really refreshing to see pros in the finale that haven’t been there before, because when you hit that finale, and you see that freestyle, you are seeing a pro’s true creative capability,” he added.

Sosa also noted that he doesn’t need the “best” partner, as he already had that with Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles last season, but that he wouldn’t complain if he ended up with someone naturally talented.

“I’m wanting it for those who haven’t really had the opportunity yet. I really want this to happen for them,” Sosa concluded.

So far, the only season 35 pairing revealed is Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez and reigning DWTS champion Witney Carson.

Three other contestants—Summer House‘s Ciara Miller, Love Island‘s Maura Higgins, and the Savannah Bananas‘ Jackson Olson—have been confirmed for the show, but their partnerships won’t be revealed until later.

As for the rest of the cast, Giada De Laurentiis, Taylor Hanson, Harry Shum Jr., and Tyler Cameron are among the names rumored to be competing, but nothing has been officially confirmed by ABC.

Dancing with the Stars airs returns on Tuesday, Sept. 15. on ABC and Disney+ and streams next day on Hulu. The full cast will be revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 2 on Good Morning America.

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British filmmaker John Irvin died Thursday, August 11, at 86 years old. He is known for directing projects such as Hamburger Hill, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and Ghost Story.

Irvin’s producers confirmed his death. They shared that he died peacefully in his sister-in-law’s UK home with his family.

The three-time BAFTA Award nominee was known for his versatility. Throughout his decades-long career, he created over 30 films that ranged from TV shows to documentaries to independent films.

In 2021, Roel Haanen shared that “Not many filmmakers directed both Fred Astaire and Patrick Swayze. Or followed up a tender, thoughtful film written by Harold Pinter with an Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick. But John did …”

The 1987 war film Hamburger Hill is regarded as one of the most accurate portrayals of war. It starred Don Cheadle, Dylan McDermott, Michael Boatman, Steven Weber, and Courtney B. Vance.

Irvin was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, on May 7, 1940. He went to the London Film School and graduated in the 1950s.

By the 1960s, he had already made several documentaries, including the 1967 short Mafia No!, which followed Italian social activist Danilo Dolci. The film was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Short Film.

“When I did my documentaries, I would have dealings with the security services from time to time but that was MI6 not MI5,” Irvin said about his time working on a documentary about the North Yemen War, according to Variety.

“When I came back from Yemen, where I shot a documentary on the Civil War I was debriefed,” he continued. “There wasn’t much I could tell them, but I was never part of that world or paid. I was far too left-wing, for a start, but was anti-apartheid, anti-war, anti-nuclear. They were probably well aware of my leftwing activities, so I was certainly not involved in any hanky-panky.”

In the 1970s, he pivoted to television. This is when he worked on shows like Tinker Tailor Soldier, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Series.

In the 1980s and 1990s, he was working with A-list stars like Swayze in Next of Kin and Schwarzenegger in Raw Deal.

Irvin married Sophie Litchfield in 1970. She died of cancer in 1991. The couple had three children: Emilie, Luke, and Amy Irvin, who survive him.

It was hard to flip open a magazine, drive down a billboard-filled highway or watch TV without coming across a SlimFast ad in the 1990s. Ever wonder, “What exactly happened to SlimFast?”

Since you may not have heard of the brand in a while, allow us to jog your memory:

“SlimFast is a weight-management brand best known for portion-controlled meal-replacement shakes,” Johannah Katz, RD, a registered dietitian, tells Parade. “It’s traditional ‘1-2-3 Plan’ recommends one regular meal, two SlimFast meal replacements and three snacks each day. The program is designed to make calorie reduction easier by simplifying meal decisions and portion sizes.”

There’s been a lot of blowback about fad diets lately (not complaining), and SlimFast often gets lumped in with them. But Katz says its place in diet history is nuanced.

“Meal replacements can be a legitimate weight-management tool,” she says.

Katz points to one review suggesting that programs incorporating meal replacements produced greater weight loss after one year than diets, especially when they included ongoing support.

“However, that does not mean SlimFast is uniquely effective or that everyone needs a branded shake-based plan to lose weight,” she explains.

Hold up—Is SlimFast even still around? Where can you find it today, and can it become popular again? Registered dietitians take a trip down memory lane, look ahead and answer the question, “Whatever happened to SlimFast?” Go inside the rise, decline and bounce-back prospects for the diet brand that dominated the ’90s.

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SlimFast is a weight-loss and meal replacement brand that was founded in 1977.

“They make ultra-processed ready-to-drink diet shakes, treats and dry mixes,” explains Eleana Kaidanian, RD, CDN, CPT-WFS, a registered dietitian and the owner of Long Island Nutritionist. “Their products are meant as meal replacers to encourage weight loss.”

She notes that the SlimFast product line originally consisted only of diet shakes, but they began offering meal bars in the mid-1990s. Additionally, Katz says the brand expanded to frozen meals and desserts.

Nowadays, Kaidanian shares that the SlimFast Plan includes two SlimFast meal replacements, three 100-calorie snacks and one “sensible” 500-600-calorie meal per day. The SlimFast website claims the plan is “clinically proven to offer a weight loss of between 1-2 pounds per week.”

“Their ‘plan’ allows 1,200 calories per day for women and 1,600 for men,” she adds.

Related: Doctors Say These ’90s Health Tips Actually Hold up Today

Kaidanian states that SlimFast reached its peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.

“Television commercials made it a household brand,” she says. “Before and after transformations in the commercials made it an easy sell.”

Kaidanian recalls that SlimFast’s most recognizable slogan was, “A shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and then a sensible dinner.”

“They also advertised heavily in women’s magazines, which also made their way into the homes of Americans,” she explains.

But women weren’t SlimFast’s only targets. Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda endorsed the brand, for example.

Related: I Tried Jane Fonda’s ’80s Aerobic Workout for 2 Weeks—Here’s How It Holds Up Today

“The constant advertising made it a brand that felt trustworthy to many with little risk involved,” Kaidanian says. “Its biggest selling point was that it took the thinking out of dieting in a time where diet-culture was everywhere. SlimFast was easy to follow and portion-controlled and overall convenient.” 

The convenience factor was a major draw for another core part of SlimFast’s target customer base.

“The plan also appealed to busy workers, parents and people who wanted a clearly defined program without extensive meal preparation,” Katz tells Parade. “Consumers could drink a preportioned shake instead of deciding what to prepare, how much to serve and how many calories it contained.”

Related: More Than 40 Years Ago, This Diet Became a National Obsession—Dietitians Say It Didn’t Hold Up

The “pre-prepared weight loss food” space got a lot more crowded as time went on.

“SlimFast did well when they had no competition,” Kaidanian says. “Now, there are tons of competitor brands that offer similar products to SlimFast but do a better job with branding.”

For instance, she points out that other brands aren’t selling “meal replacers” or “plans.”

“Their ready-to-drink shakes are pretty similar, only they are selling as a ‘high protein shake,'” Kaidanian explains.

The marketing copy is important—times have changed.

“There has also been a broader cultural shift away from products overtly associated with ‘dieting’ and quick-fix weight loss,” Katz tells Parade. “SlimFast remains strongly connected to an earlier era of fad diets, while many consumers today respond more positively to language involving strength, metabolic health, wellness and sustainable habits.”

Additionally, Kaidanian shares that other brands have done a better job marketing products similar to SlimFast’s as “cleaner,” which aligns with current trends and priorities in diet and wellness.

Related: What To Know About the ‘Pink Salt Trick,’ the New Weight Loss Method Everyone’s Talking About

SlimFast still exists today. You can find it online and in major U.S. retailers, though Katz notes that selection varies by door and location.

“Heartland Food Products Group, the company behind Splenda, acquired the U.S. SlimFast business in September 2025,” she states. “SlimFast’s U.K. and European operations were acquired separately by Supreme PLC in October 2025.” 

The acquisition seems to have come with a branding shift.

“SlimFast appears to be trying to modernize its image by emphasizing protein, fiber and convenience rather than relying only on its original low-calorie diet message,” Katz explains. “Its current high-protein shakes provide 20 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, aligning the brand with today’s strong consumer interest in protein and fullness.”

Related: Was the Cabbage Soup Diet Healthy? Here’s What Registered Dietitians Think of It Today

Registered dietitians are cautious about SlimFast’s comeback prospects.

“I could see SlimFast making a smaller, modernized comeback, but it is unlikely to regain the cultural dominance it had during the 1980s and 1990s,” Katz says. “The brand still has substantial name recognition, and meal replacements can be helpful for people who want convenience, portion control or a structured way to create a calorie deficit.”

That said, the competition is fierce.

“SlimFast now competes with countless protein products, prepared meals, wellness programs and prescription medications,” Katz explains. “To become more relevant, it may need to move beyond its old ‘two shakes and a sensible dinner’ identity and present itself as a flexible nutrition option rather than a complete weight-loss solution.”

Kaidanian echoes similar sentiments.

“It will come down to their rebranding and advertising,” she states. “While many of my clients are still looking at convenience, as a dietitian, I always encourage real, whole foods and limiting or avoiding processed food products.”

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Registered Dietitians About the Worst ’80s Diet and They All Said the Same Thing

• Johannah Katz, RD, a registered dietitian
• A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Meal Replacements for Weight Loss. Obesity Reviews.
• Eleana Kaidanian, RD, CDN, CPT-WFS, a registered dietitian and the owner of Long Island Nutritionist
• Diet Company Ads Are Mixing Fame With Physique : Marketing: Celebrity endorsements have helped boost profits–and also fattened the wallets of some slimmed-down stars. Los Angeles Times.
• Heartland Food Products Group, manufacturer of SPLENDA BRAND, acquires SLIMFAST US brand. Reuters.

To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, brush up on legendary music solos, pickle ingredients, British terms, choir voices, soccer abbreviations, woodworking tools, personal disputes, the Golden Rule and classic comic-book sound effects, among other things.

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 Wednesday, August 19, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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

1 Across: Instrument with an iconic solo in Phil Colins’s “In the Air Tonight” — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

5 Across: It’s in a pickle — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

6 Across: Elevators, in British English — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

7 Across: Certain choir voices — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

8 Across: Sports org. for the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls: Abbr. — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

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

1 Down: Carpentry Tool — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

2 Down: Personal fallouts — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

3 Down: “Do ___ others …” (starts of the Golden Rule) — HINT: Starts with the letter “U”

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

5 Down: “Kapow!” — HINT: Ends with the letter “M”

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

1 Across: Instrument with an iconic solo in Phil Colins’s “In the Air Tonight” — DRUM

5 Across: It’s in a pickle — BRINE

6 Across: Elevators, in British English — LIFTS

7 Across: Certain choir voices — ALTOS

8 Across: Sports org. for the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls: Abbr. — MLS

1 Down: Carpentry Tool — DRILL

2 Down: Personal fallouts — RIFTS

3 Down: “Do ___ others …” (starts of the Golden Rule) — UNTO

4 Down: — Pickle — MESS

5 Down: “Kapow!” — BLAM

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Tuesday, August 18, 2026

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Whether you’re heading off to college or already making a list of fall projects around the house, having a few basic tools nearby can save you from digging through the garage every time. Walmart’s Kelvin 17-In-1 Urban Multitool packs a surprising number of functions into one compact gadget, and the black version is currently just $15, down from $33. It also comes in six other colors, with the black/pink and purple versions also priced at $15.

The 17-in-1 design includes 13 interchangeable screwdriver bits, including four Phillips, three Torx, three flathead, and three Allen key options. It also has a built-in LED flashlight, liquid level, 3-foot tape measure, hammering surface, and magnetic bit holder. The screwdriver can lock at a 90-degree angle, and the whole multitool weighs just over half a pound.

Courtesy of Walmart

Instead of keeping a separate screwdriver set, tape measure, level, and flashlight nearby, you get all those functions in one compact tool, which makes it especially useful for a dorm room or apartment with limited storage space. It could help with assembling furniture, tightening cabinet hardware, measuring for wall decor, or checking whether a shelf or picture frame is level.

One shopper rated the multitool five out of five stars and wrote, “This was a gift, and it was a hit!” Another said it’s a “great screwdriver set!” and liked how many different functions were included. However, that reviewer did note that the bits can be difficult to remove from their storage slots, so that may be worth keeping in mind if you plan to switch between bits often.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Top-Quality’ 13-Piece Dorm Essentials Set Takes the Stress Out of College Move-In

One occasion where this could really earn its keep is during a move, when there always seems to be furniture to assemble, hardware to tighten, or something that needs a quick fix. Afterward, it’s compact enough to keep in a drawer for loose cabinet handles, wobbly chairs, crooked frames, and other small jobs that pop up around the house.

• Suptree 21-in-1 Multitool, $12 (was $23) at Walmart
• Jeexi 11-in-1 Multitool, $14 (was $23) at Walmart
• Dewalt 11-in-1 Multitool, $30 (was $36) at Walmart

If college move-in, fall decorating, or a few home projects are on your calendar, now is a great time to grab the Kelvin 17-In-1 Urban Multitool while it’s just $15. It’s a super easy way to keep a lot of everyday tools within reach without making room for a bulky toolbox, so be sure to snag it while your favorite color is still in stock. 

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