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A catchy early ’80s country smash had fans singing along for years, without realizing they may have misunderstood its title entirely.

The Oak Ridge Boys had a crossover smash with 1981's "Elvira." The song elevated the country quartet from a respected country favorite into a crossover sensation with broad pop appeal.

However, fans thought the song was a homage to the woman it appeared to be named after. But the song had an entirely different meaning.

The tune was originally written and recorded by Dallas Frazier in the mid-1960s. It achieved only modest success at the time of its initial release before gaining wider recognition years later when the Oak Ridge Boys took "Elvira" to No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts in May 1981 before the song crossed over to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July.

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Oak Ridge Boys bass vocalist Richard Sterban discussed the song's little-known backstory with the Houston Chronicle.

Sterban explained, "That song was written by Dallas, who passed away last year. And there’s a great story before I get to your question, though it gets to your question."

RELATED: 1979 Country Rock No. 1 Smash Inspired by World’s Worst Pickup Line

"I believe he was coming home from a recording session in east Nashville. He passed a street sign for Elvira Street and pulled over and wrote 'my heart’s on fire for Elvira.' He also wrote 'giddy-up' into it."

Sterban concluded, "The way he told the story before he passed away, Elvira Street had a lot of potholes; chuckholes he called them. And he said the oom-papa parts were supposed to imitate the bumps on the road. He didn’t have enough song there, so he got home and wrote verses about a woman."

"The whole thing makes sense. But the original inspiration came from a street sign, which a lot of people don’t realize. Writers never know where the inspiration will come from."

RELATED: 1982 Country Classic That Almost Wasn’t Played on the Radio

"We wanted 'Elvira' to be a summer record for families of four – two kids, a mother and a father – on vacation in an automobile, listening to the radio," Duane Allen told The Tennessean. "Mom's singing the verses, the kids sing the 'giddy up' hook, and dad comes in with the 'oom papa' chorus. It's the best planning we ever did."

The Oak Ridge Boys "Elvira" won three major awards between 1981 and 1982, The song won a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, Country Music Association (CMA) Single of the Year, and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Single of the Year. 

Oak Ridge Boys tenor vocalist Joe Bonsall died on July 9, 2024, at age 76 due to complications from ALS. The remaining band members continue to perform, with dates scheduled through 2026.

MORE: 49 Years Ago, a Single-Word Country Hit Broke Hearts and Conquered the Charts

After a decade of anticipation, the V&A East Museum has officially opened in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. While its sister site, the V&A East Storehouse, gave us a "backstage" look at the archives last year, this new five-story powerhouse is designed to be a fully immersive, public-facing playground for art, design and music.

For travelers who are tired of the massive crowds and entry fees of South Kensington, V&A East offers a fresh, high-velocity alternative. It’s part of the new East Bank development—sitting alongside heavy hitters like the BBC and Sadler's Wells—and it is arguably the most ambitious "free" cultural opening in London this decade.

"Our design is driven by the idea of openness—a building that welcomes its community, celebrates creativity, and frames the exchange between art, people, and place," said Jen McLachlan, V&A East Project Director, in a post about the opening.

Related: One of NYC’s Most Beloved Art Museums Will Reopen After Nearly Two Years—At Twice the Size

View this post on Instagram The "Immersive" Edge

What sets this apart from a traditional gallery is the tech. The museum launched with its first flagship exhibition, "The Music Is Black: A British Story," which is less of a walk-through and more of a sensory experience. Visitors wear tracking-enabled headsets that play a curated, spatial-audio playlist that changes based on where you are standing in the gallery. You aren't just looking at Little Simz’s fashion or Joan Armatrading’s guitar; you are literally hearing the evolution of 125 years of Black British music as you move through the space.

Related: This Museum Was Designed By I.M. Pei of the Louvre—And It’s in the Midwest

Why It’s a 2026 Must-Visit

The museum isn't just resting on its permanent collection. To celebrate the opening, they’ve commissioned site-specific works from global stars like Es Devlin and Carrie Mae Weems. Even the entrance is a statement, featuring an 18-foot-tall sculpture by Thomas J Price titled A Place Beyond, designed to reflect the local Stratford community.

If you’re looking for a pro move, skip the central London museum rush and take the Elizabeth Line out to Stratford. You can spend the morning in the immersive galleries, grab a bite at the museum's new Jikoni café (which features a "cooking without borders" menu), and then wander through the Olympic Park. It’s the secret way to get a world-class art fix without spending a single pound on admission.

Related: America’s Best New Museum Just Opened in North Texas

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Adding extra storage to your home doesn't have to mean investing in bulky cabinets or large pieces of furniture. In fact, a compact side table with built-in storage can help keep things tidy and within easy reach in most spaces. Beside your bed, next to the couch, in an entryway, or tucked into a reading nook, the right end table can be a practical solution for small spaces that need extra organization. To tackle the clutter that can pile up in these areas, we love the Vasagle Small Round Side Table at Target. The best part? It's currently on sale for 50% off! 

Normally $80, you can snag this side table right now for just $40. It features a sleek, Scandinavian-style design with a spacious fabric basket underneath for convenient storage. Plus, it's available in six color combinations — gray, forest green, or cream with a cream basket, white with a beige basket, black with a slate gray basket, or pink with a white basket.

Vasagle Small Round Side Table, $40 (was $80) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at Target

The table features a clean, modern design that is both practical and stylish, making it a functional addition that can work in pretty much any area of your home. At just under 20 inches high, this piece is perfect for organizing a room without taking up much space. Despite weighing just 9 pounds, the high-quality particleboard tabletop is sturdy enough to support up to 77 pounds. 

Measuring just under 16 inches in diameter and 7 inches deep, the double-layered polyester basket at the bottom of the table provides convenient storage. It's made without a chemical coating, so you can feel comfortable using it around pets and children. Steel U-shaped legs hold the basket in place and keep the table stable. Plus, it has adjustable feet that add extra stability and prevent floor scratches. 

Related: Walmart's $140 Lift-Top Coffee Table Is a 'Nice and Modern' Storage Upgrade for Your Living Room

Described as "cute and sturdy," shoppers appreciated that this side table was "easy to assemble" and said the size "fits well in small spaces." It works well in all sorts of places — in a reading corner to store books, between two chairs on a covered patio, and as throw blanket storage in the living room, and next to the bed to store medical supplies like a blood pressure monitor or sleep apnea machine.

A reviewer who used it as a nightstand in their child's room said it's "great for a bedside table," and that they "love the additional storage" it provides for toys. Another customer who used this table next to the glider in their baby's nursery said it's "not super heavy duty, but it’s perfect for what we need it for."

Shop More Deals

• Costway Narrow Sofa Table, $43 (was $133) at Target
• Jonathan Y Colby Decorative End Table, $98 (was $166) at Target
• Ornavo Home Flower Boucle Storage Ottoman, $24 (was $40) at Target

At just $40, the Vasagle Small Round Side Table is a wonderful way to add storage and style to small spaces for less. Target's 50% off deal won't last long, so hurry and add one to your cart while you still can!

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.

U.S. travelers are finally finding a reason to smile at 30,000 feet, as the latest 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Travel Study reveals an industry-wide gain of 3%. This surge brings passenger happiness nearly to its all-time high, but the real story is a massive reshuffling at the top that proves high-tech perks are officially more important than legacy loyalty.

Delta Air Lines has reclaimed the throne with a score of 79, proving that its "connected cabin" strategy is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. While the entire industry saw "across-the-board" improvements, the report highlights two staggering milestones in technology: customer satisfaction with in-flight internet jumped 20% this year, while the usefulness of real-time flight information rose 15%. For travelers who have spent years being blindsided by cryptic delays, Delta’s investment in transparency is clearly paying off.

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Related: Delta Just Announced 3 Game-Changing Upgrades for Coach Passengers

"How airlines are using technology to improve the travel experience in real, visible ways is one of the biggest drivers behind the gains. Things like better flight information and stronger in-flight connectivity are becoming central to how customers judge an airline," Morgeson said in an e-mail to USA Today regarding the report.

However, the 2026 rankings weren’t all smooth sailing, especially for Southwest Airlines. After leading the pack in 2025, the fan-favorite carrier saw the largest drop in the industry, sliding to a 77. The decline follows a fundamental identity crisis for the airline, which recently scrapped its iconic open-seating policy and introduced checked-bag fees. For a brand built on the "un-carrier" promise of simplicity, the move toward assigned seats and extra charges has left many long-time loyalists feeling like Southwest is becoming "just like everyone else."

Related: Southwest Announces 2 Exciting Updates for Travelers—Including a First-Ever Program

At the other end of the terminal, the legacy carriers are finally finding their groove. American Airlines saw a 7% surge in satisfaction—the biggest gain in the study—tying with JetBlue for second place. Much of that success is credited to the AAdvantage loyalty program. While initial changes to the program were met with skepticism in 2025, business travelers have officially come around to its "simplicity and generosity," helping the carrier nearly reverse its steep decline from the previous year.

However, the news wasn’t all celebratory for Southwest Airlines. After leading the pack in 2025, the carrier saw the largest drop in the industry, sliding 4% to land at a 77. The decline follows a fundamental identity crisis as the airline moves toward assigned seating and introduces checked bag fees. For a brand built on the "LUV" of simplicity, these changes—along with new policies regarding larger passengers—have left many long-time loyalists feeling like Southwest is losing its soul. Meanwhile, the budget segment continues to diverge: Frontier enjoyed a 6% boost by cleaning up its operations, while Spirit Airlines remains anchored at the bottom with a score of 66.

For 2026, the message from passengers is clear: we’ll forgive a lot, but don’t mess with our Wi-Fi or our "Bags Fly Free" nostalgia.

Related: Delta Airlines Officially Adds Fan-Favorite Brand as In-Flight Snack

A beloved children’s book published in 1971 has climbed to the top of modern sales charts, as The Lorax becomes a No. 1 best-selling title once again. 

Written by Dr. Seuss, the picture book is drawing fresh attention decades after it faced criticism and even removal from some school reading lists.

Originally released as a hardcover picture book in August 1971, The Lorax has found new life with readers, ranking among the top-selling titles on major platforms like Amazon. 

The book’s return to prominence highlights its lasting message about protecting nature and speaking up for the environment, ideas that remain relevant for today’s younger generation.

At the heart of the story is a small orange character who delivers one of the most famous lines in children’s literature: "I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees." 

The story follows a young boy who meets the Once-ler, a mysterious figure who shares a cautionary tale about a once-beautiful land filled with Truffula Trees. Through the Once-ler’s story, readers learn how unchecked business growth and greed led to environmental destruction.

The Lorax, who represents the voice of nature, repeatedly warns against cutting down the trees. Despite these warnings, the Once-ler continues to grow his business, causing pollution and driving animals away. The damage becomes irreversible when the last tree falls.

Despite its current success, The Lorax was not always universally accepted. In 1988, a school district in California kept the book on its reading list, but some community members argued it was unfair to the logging industry. This criticism led to debates about whether the story’s message was too one-sided.

The controversy even inspired a response book titled Truax, which presented a more industry-friendly viewpoint. Still, critics noted that The Lorax stood out because it told its message through storytelling rather than direct argument.

Over time, the book’s impact has only grown. It has been recognized as one of the “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children” by the National Education Association and ranked among the top picture books in major surveys. Its ability to explain complex environmental issues in simple language has made it a classroom staple.

Beyond the page, The Lorax has inspired multiple adaptations, including a 1972 television special and a 2012 animated film. These versions helped introduce the story to new audiences, expanding its reach across generations.

The book’s message also extends beyond entertainment. Printed on recycled paper and often highlighted during Earth Day celebrations, The Lorax is widely seen as a tool for teaching sustainability and environmental care.

Its ending offers a hopeful note. After telling his story, the Once-ler gives the boy the last Truffula seed, trusting him to grow a new forest. This moment reinforces the idea that even small actions can lead to big change.

Today, as environmental concerns continue to rise worldwide, the story’s message feels more urgent than ever. What began as a simple children’s book has become a lasting symbol of environmental awareness.

Related: Award-Winning Author’s Hit Novel Emerges as Best Seller on Amazon

Gary Busey, a familiar face in blockbuster films of the 1980s and 1990s, built his career on more than just acting. 

Before he became known for roles in action hits and award-nominated performances, the Hollywood veteran started as a musician, forming a rock band in the 1960s that would quietly shape his path to fame.

Busey, born June 29, 1944, rose to wide recognition after portraying rock and roll legend Buddy Holly in the 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story. His performance earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor and won him the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor. The role remains one of the most defining moments of his career.

Gary Busey appearing on the ABC tv series 'The Texas Wheelers' episode 'The Twister'.

Photo by Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

But long before that breakthrough, Busey was already immersed in music. In the spring of 1966, Busey formed a band called Carp while attending Oklahoma State University. He teamed up with fellow students Ron Getman on guitar, John Crowder on bass and Glen Mitchell on piano. The group later moved to Los Angeles and signed with Epic Records.

Carp released a self-titled album in 1969 that blended rock, blues and country sounds. The band also released two singles, “Save the Delta Queen” and “Page 258.” Despite their efforts, the songs gained little attention, and the band eventually broke up.

Even so, the experience proved important. Busey continued working as a drummer under the alias “Teddy Jack Eddy,” collaborating with musicians like Kris Kristofferson and Leon Russell. His musical background would later play a key role in landing his most famous acting job.

When Busey auditioned for The Buddy Holly Story, his ability to perform music authentically set him apart. He performed his own renditions of Holly’s songs in the film, helping bring the character to life in a way that critics praised.

Following his success as Buddy Holly, Busey’s acting career expanded rapidly. He appeared in a wide range of films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Lethal Weapon (1987), Predator 2 (1990), Point Break (1991), Under Siege (1992), and The Firm (1993).

These roles helped establish him as a reliable and often scene-stealing performer in major Hollywood productions. His performances ranged from intense villains to memorable supporting characters, making him a standout presence on screen.

In addition to acting, Busey occasionally returned to music. He performed the song “Stay All Night” on Saturday Night Live in 1979 and later appeared on The Late Show with David Lettermanin the 1990s, showcasing his continued passion for performing.

Outside of film, Busey explored television and voice acting. He voiced the character Phil Cassidy in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and later reprised the role in its prequel. He also appeared in reality television shows and even portrayed exaggerated versions of himself in scripted series.

In recent years, Busey has continued to engage with fans. In January 2026, he shared a heartfelt message about self-belief on social media, saying, “It’s called the power you own, to believe in yourself. Cause yourself is what you have.” He added, “So know in your heart and your mind and your purpose, you are great!”

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Today, at 81 years old, Busey remains a unique figure in entertainment. His journey, from a college rock band drummer in the 1960s to an award-nominated actor and ’90s film staple, shows how music and film shaped his lasting legacy.

Related: Gary Busey's Latest Video Has Fans Saying He's 'Still The Best'

Comedy legend Carol Burnett, one of the most influential figures in television history, turns 93 on April 26.

Burnett rose to national fame in the 1960s before making television history with The Carol Burnett Show, which ran for 11 seasons from 1967 to 1978. The series was groundbreaking for its time, making Burnett the first woman to host a comedy-variety show and helping redefine what sketch comedy could look like on television.

Blending musical numbers, film parodies and unforgettable characters, the show became a massive success, earning 23 Emmy Awards during its run and cementing Burnett as one of the defining comedic voices of her era. Sketches like “Went with the Wind!”—a parody of Gone With the Wind—remain some of the most iconic moments in television comedy.

One of the show’s most enduring trademarks was Burnett’s connection with the audience. She often opened episodes with an unscripted question-and-answer segment, showcasing her quick wit and ability to improvise. She also ended each show by tugging her ear—a gesture that became her signature and a quiet message to her grandmother, who had helped raise her. Those personal touches helped set the show apart and made viewers feel like they were part of something special.

Her influence extends far beyond that single show. Over the course of her career, Burnett has earned seven Emmy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award and a Tony Award, along with honors like the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

Burnett’s impact on television has been so lasting that in 2019, the Golden Globes introduced the Carol Burnett Award for career achievement in television, naming her as its first recipient.

She has also remained active well into her later years, appearing in projects like Better Call Saul, Palm Royale and Hacks, continuing to reach new audiences decades after her breakout success.

As she celebrates her 93rd birthday, Burnett’s legacy as one of the greatest comedic performers of all time—and a trailblazer who opened the door for generations of women in comedy—remains firmly intact.

Cast your mind back to April 26, 2017. It was a time before the pandemic and before everything going on in the world right now with a cost of living crisis and questions about what comes next. This was the date The Handmaid’s Tale first premiered.

At the time, we had no idea what it would become. There wasn’t even a way to see how it could continue more than one season. While it had source material, that source material was nothing like Game of Thrones and Outlander. Was it possible to continue the tale?

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Brought Life to Offred

The very first episode quickly proved that The Handmaid’s Tale would be a show to watch. It remained relatively faithful to the story that we knew by Margaret Atwood. We got to meet Offred, Commander Fred Waterford, and his wife Serena-Joy. Aunt Lydia, Ofglen, and many others were quickly introduced, making it clear that this was Atwood’s world that she had created back in 1985.

The series quickly made it clear that it would differ from the book, as Elisabeth Moss's Offred received her own name: June Osborne. It was a name never mentioned in the novel, suggesting that there were many more ideas to flesh out the world of Gilead for show lovers.

It was culturally relevant, even in 2017. Little did we know that it would grow into something even more relevant and eye-opening, but that’s exactly what has happened. It was quickly renewed for second season, and eventually, it would go on for six seasons, telling a much bigger story than the book ever did.

That was the big question at first. How could the series go past the end of the book? It did so because it had the freedom to do that. The book ends with Offred being taken away, and we have no idea what happened to her because there were no more tapes to “listen” to. Bruce Miller was able to tell us what he thought happened, which was slightly different to the ending of the 1990 movie starring the late Natasha Richardson.

Hulu

‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Led to a Sequel

Despite the novel being published in 1985, it wasn’t until 2019 that a sequel was written. That sequel is now being transformed into a TV series. The Testaments premiered almost nine years to the day of The Handmaid’s Tale, premiering back on April 8, 2026.

It continues the story of Gilead, this time focusing on June’s teenage daughter Hannah, who has been raised as Agnes in Gilead. The novel includes June’s younger daughter, but the TV series has changed Daisy’s identity to suit its own timeline, and that makes perfect sense — books and shows are different entities.

However, none of this would have been possible without the success of The Handmaid’s Tale series premiere. Yes, Atwood even made a cameo in that episode, and there's one to come in the sequel.

If you’ve ever heard of the psychological theory of the “hierarchy of needs,” then you’ve heard of Abraham Maslow’s work. In addition to being a psychologist, he was also a philosopher who popularized the self-actualization theory of psychology, which argues that the “primary goal of psychotherapy should be the integration of the self,” per Britannica.

Born on April 1, 1908, in Brooklyn, NY, Maslow was the oldest of seven children and came from a first-generation Jewish immigrant family from Kyiv (now the capital of Ukraine, but at the time it was a part of the Russian Empire), per the School of Philosophy and Economic Science. And in the vein of his main research and work on the self and hierarchy of needs, our quote of the day includes his thoughts on growth and the choices we have to make to either level up or stay “safe.”

As Positive Psychology reported, Maslow was “one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century.” His work advanced the field of humanistic psychology, which is a movement that believes humans are unique individuals and “should be recognized and treated as such” by mental health professionals, according to Britannica. This is where his hierarchy of needs theory comes in, where he argued that each human has this order in which needs need to be satisfied. This includes basic physiological needs (food, water, shelter, etc.), then safety needs (security, resources), followed by love needs, esteem needs and then self-actualization at the top.

Maslow studied psychology at the University of Wisconsin, then studied Gestalt psychology at the New School for Social Research in New York City. He became the head of the psychology department at Brandeis University in 1951 and stayed there until he retired in 1969. He died on June 8, 1970, and his work still influences psychology to this day.

Today’s quote is in line with the majority of his teachings and research and, again, talks about what we need to do to grow. Hint: it’s the opposite of staying in our comfort zone. 

Related: Quote of the Day: Historian Howard Zinn on Hope in Hard Times

Quote of the Day by Abraham Maslow

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"In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety."

This is the most popular version of this quote, though the quote is also often written as, “You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety.” This is what you can find in Brian Tracy’s 2009 book, How the Best Leaders Lead: Proven Secrets to Getting the Most Out of Yourself and Others, at the beginning of the chapter, “Leaders Know Themselves.”

As the different variations might have hinted at, this quote is attributed to Maslow, but there isn’t a direct quote in his writing that is this exact sentence. However, it is a good summation of what he reported on in his work and ultimately what he believed.

Related: Quote of the Day: Political Activist Angela Davis on Uplifting Others as We Succeed

Deeper Meaning of Abraham Maslow’s Quote—Growth vs. Staying Safe

As this truncated quote says, based on Maslow’s work, there are often two options: grow and take a leap of faith, or stay in your comfort zone. 

It’s really easy to continue to live in your comfort zone, because it’s familiar and it does feel safe. But just because something is a safe choice doesn’t mean it’s a good choice; as many would argue (Maslow included, probably), going with your “safe” option actually might hinder you from reaching your full potential. 

Just because something is safe doesn’t inherently mean it’s bad or a choice that will hinder you going forward. For example, a safety college is still a good place to attend if it’s the best financial choice, or it’s the best college you got into. But if that “safe” choice is stopping your progress or holding you back, then it is, such as sticking with a toxic partner or staying at home to help your parents out—and letting life pass you by—when that’s not your job.

Essentially, to evolve and gain success in life, you have to do the hard things. You have to take risks, and you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you don’t, you’ll never reach your full potential. 

Specifically in his 1961 book, Toward a Psychology of Being, Maslow writes about this exact concept: that you can either go forward and grow, or stay where you are, where it’s “safe.”

“Every human being has both sets of forces within him. One set clings to safety and defensiveness out of fear, tending to regress backward, hanging on to the past, afraid to grow away from the primitive communication with the mother’s uterus and breast, afraid to take chances, afraid to jeopardize what he already has, afraid of independence, freedom and separateness. The other set of forces impels him forward toward wholeness of Self and uniqueness of Self, toward full functioning of all his capacities, toward confidence in the face of the external world at the same time that he can accept his deepest, real, unconscious Self.”

His hierarchy of needs theory puts self-actualization at the top, making it the thing humans are aiming for; it’s the point in development where someone can understand themselves the best and reach their full potential. As Britannica reported, it’s something one can reach after meeting all their other needs. And Maslow writes in this book that a very small percentage of people actually reach full self-actualization. Why? Because of what this quote states: people are okay staying in their safety zones rather than taking those leaps to grow. 

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist B.F. Skinner on Perseverance, Reframing and Never Giving Up

More Quotes from Abraham Maslow

• “I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”
• “To the man who only has a hammer, everything he encounters begins to look like a nail.”
• “It isn't normal to know what we want. It is a rare and difficult psychological achievement.”
• “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be”
• “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
• “If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychologist Erich Fromm on Lasting Love, Loyalty and Commitment

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 Sunday, April 26, 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 Sunday, April 26, 2026 / New York Times

The 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 April 26, 2026

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

• Yellow: Whack!
• Green: Hoops team monikers.
• Blue: Common last name.
• Purple: Not 2 or 3.

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: HARD-HIT BASEBALL
• Green: NBA TEAMS WITH SINGULAR NICKNAMES
• Blue: ____ JOHNSON
• Purple: WHAT "1" MIGHT MEAN

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 #580 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• HARD-HIT BASEBALL: FROZEN ROPE, LASER, LINER, SCREAMER
• NBA TEAMS WITH SINGULAR NICKNAMES: HEAT, JAZZ, MAGIC, THUNDER
• ____ JOHNSON: FLAU'JAE, GUS, LANE, RANDY
• WHAT "1" MIGHT MEAN: FASTBALL, PITCHER, POINT GUARD, TOP RANK

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: 9 Items To Buy From Aldi's Produce Section and 6 To Skip

If you're looking for a good tune to listen to while sitting at a bar, crying into your beer, you can't do better than "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song," which is about doing just that. The country classic hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 51 years ago today on April 26, 1975, marking the second (and last) time singer B.J. Thomas would top that particular chart. (The first time was with "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" in 1970.)

Written by Larry Butler and Chips Moman, "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" is sung from the perspective of someone whose misery needs a little company:

"Hey, won't you play another / Somebody done somebody wrong song / And make me feel at home / While I miss my baby / While I miss my baby / So play, play for me / A sad melody / So sad that it makes everybody cry / A real hurtin' song / About a love that's gone wrong / 'Cause I don't want to cry all alone"

Pretty straightforward stuff.

As Tom Breihan of Stereogum pointed out, "This is not a complicated song, and it doesn't have all the sharp and finely observed storytelling touches of the best country music. There's a bit of mid-'70s dinkiness to it — the ukulele-sounding guitar strum, the weirdly jaunty trumpet that sometimes pops up. But the arrangement mostly nails the Nashville countrypolitan sound, with its welled-up strings and its consoling pedal-steel murmurs. And Thomas sells it all, his tough baritone keeping things conversational but still sounding wounded."

Not only did "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" make it all the way to #1, it broke a record when it got there by having the longest title of any Hot 100-topping single ever, according to Joel Whitburn's Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Six years later, however, the song known as "Stars on 45" broke the same record (the song's official charting title is actually 41 words long.

Tom Breihan sang the 'Growing Pains' theme song

Even though Breihan's #1 hits obviously put him on the map, he might be most famous for singing one of the most popular sit-com songs of the '80s, the Growing Pains theme song, "As Long As We Got Each Other."

Thomas performed the song solo for the first season, with Jennifer Warnes joining him for a duet featured in most of the other seasons (other versions included one with Dusty Springfield accompanying Thomas).

Related: 1969 Tearjerker Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs in Country Music' Was a No. 1 Hit 57 Years Ago Today

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 #784 on Sunday, April 26.

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: "Get into it"

A hint for today's Strands game: Shop till you drop.

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:

• QU
• DI
• BI
• AR
• SQ
• WR
• LO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for April 26

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, April 26, 2026, isLOCKHORNS.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, April 26?

• QUARREL
• DIFFER
• BICKER
• ARGUE
• SQUABBLE
• WRANGLE
• SPANGRAM: LOCKHORNS

Related: 9 Items To Buy From Aldi's Produce Section and 6 To Skip

With Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds now behind us, what in store for us in Season 4? With only two seasons left of the series, will we see Spock (Ethan Peck) become the stoic older version we have come to know and love? Will we encounter a young Sulu or a young resident McCoy? Or perhaps an even younger Chekov? Here’s what we know so far about Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

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What is Star Trek: Strange New Worlds about?

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds takes place in an era when Capt. Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) manned the helm of the U.S.S. Enterprise. With his Number One, Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) and Vulcan Science Officer Spock (Peck) at his side, Pike and the Enterprise will explore new worlds around the galaxy.

The three characters previously appeared in Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery.

When is the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 release date?

Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will premiere on Thursday, July 23 on Paramount+ with episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays.

What happened in Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

SPOILERS! If you have not watched the entirety of Season 3, skip this section or pause and come back after you have viewed all ten episodes.

Picking up from the Season 2 finale, the crew of the Enterprise managed to rescue their fellow shipmates from the Gorn and send the Gorn into a sort of hibernation state. We met Trelane (Rhys Darby), an alien that gave viewers a hankering for Lucky Charms, and we were finally given proof that Trelane was indeed related to Q (John de Lancie). We saw La'an (Chong) beta-test the first prototype of the Holodeck and Ortegas (Melissa Navia) faced her fears and her long-held beliefs when she crash-landed on a toxic moon with no visible means of escape or rescue.

We learned Una had a torrid relationship with Doug (Patton Oswalt), a Vulcan who she had to turn to for help in "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans". With Chapel (Jess Bush) off with Korby (Cillian O'Sullivan) and Kirk (Wesley) off on the Farragut and already in another relationship, Spock and La'an turn to each other and eventually enter into a romantic relationship.

With the Gorn out of the picture, we needed a new enemy to face in Season 3. Enter the Vezda, an ancient malevolent species that could take over bodies, and did so with the season's red shirt, Nurse Gamble (Chris Meyers). After recovering from the Gorn attack at the end of Season 2, Marie (Melanie Scrofano) recuperated throughout Season 3 in the arms of Captain Pike (Mount) and his private quarters. She was treated with a variety of remedies, including Una's Illyrian blood, the Chimera blossom and Spock's mind melds. The combination of everything, including the Gorn DNA, changed Batel, morphing her into a foe strong enough to challenge the Vezda. She dispatches the baddies, leaving Pike and the earthly plane behind. By the end of the season finale, Dr. Korby gives Nurse Chapel scans of areas of the universe that the Federation has yet to explore.

Where is Star Trek: Strange New Worlds filmed?

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is filmed in Toronto, Canada.

When did Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds film?

Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds filmed from March to August 2025.

What is the plot of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4?

In the upcoming fourth season, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise—led by Captain Christopher Pike—embarks on a series of thrilling and emotional adventures across the stars. As they journey to strange new worlds, they will battle inner demons and external threats, encounter colorful new characters, reunite with familiar faces and confront terrifying aliens. Through it all, they strive to embrace a bright, hopeful future.

No specific storylines have been officially released for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4, but we do know there will be an episode that is all...puppets. Check out the teaser below.

Parade asked Carol Kane, who plays Pelia on the show, what viewers can expect in Season 4. Her response? “We’ve done so many crazy, out-of-the-box things you could never imagine, and they’ve been beautifully done. So the only way I can tease it is to say, as Bette Davis said in All About Eve, 'Buckle your seat belts. You’re in for a bumpy ride!'"

Related: Jamie Lee Curtis Makes Her 'Star Trek' Debut: Get the Scoop on How It Happened (Exclusive)

Will there be a Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 5?

Yes! Paramount+ announced a Season 5 pickup. Sadly, that will mark the final season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Who is in the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4? Anson Mount as Christopher Pike in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Anson Mount (Capt. Christopher Pike)

Captain Pike is the immediate predecessor to Capt. James T. Kirk on the Enterprise. The character has been played by four actors so far. Jeffrey Hunter originated the role in the pilot episode, but after the pilot was rejected, he withdrew from the series, and the show was reimagined with Kirk at the helm instead. Within the original series, Sean Kenney plays an older Pike, with the show using footage from the unaired pilot as archival footage of the character. In the recent Star Trek film by J.J. Abrams and Justin Lin, Bruce Greenwood plays Pike and is a mentor to a young James Kirk (Chris Pine).

Mount is probably best known for his role as Cullen Bohannon on AMC’s Hell on Wheels. He also starred in the short-lived Marvel series, Inhumans and has appeared on Dollhouse, Law & Order, Lost and Smallville. When asked about being cast as Captain Pike, Mount said, “I just never thought I would end up captaining the Enterprise. Every single day I’m on the set—I’m not exaggerating—is both disbelief and a feeling of tremendous gratitude.”

Rebecca Romijn as Una Chin-Riley in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Rebecca Romijn (Number One/Una Chin-Riley)

Number One’s real name is Una Chin-Riley and was first portrayed by Majel Barrett, who was Gene Roddenberry‘s second wife. She also portrayed Lwaxana Troi, the mother of Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) on Star Trek: The Next Generation. She was also the voice of the ship’s computer from the franchise’s premiere until 2009 (Barrett died in 2008).

Romijn made her start as a model with Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated covers. She also had Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria’s Secret ads in her portfolio—before delving into acting. In recent years, Romijn has been a part of several successful franchises, including the X-Men films and television shows like Ugly Betty, Eastwick and The Librarians.

Related: How to Watch Star Trek Shows In Chronological Order

Ethan Peck as Spock in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Ethan Peck (Lieutenant Spock)

Ethan Peck takes on the iconic role of Vulcan Starfleet Officer Spock. The role of Spock was originated by Leonard Nimoy in the original Star Trek series back in the 1960s and Peck plays a younger version of the character—in his pre-Kirk days on the Enterprise.

Peck is the grandson of legendary actor Gregory Peck (To Kill a Mockingbird, Roman Holiday). He previously starred as Patrick Verona in the ABC Family television series, 10 Things I Hate About You, based on the film of the same name that starred Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura Celia Rose Gooding (Nyota Uhura)

Nyota Uhura started as the only cadet in this series, but has recently been promoted to ensign. Nichelle Nichols originated the role in the original Star Trek series ,and Zoe Saldana played Uhura in the reboot films helmed by J.J. Abrams and later Justin Lin.

Gooding became interested in acting after seeing their mother, LaChanze, win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for The Color Purple. They got their professional acting start in Jagged Little Pill, the musical where she originated the role of Frankie Healy and was nominated for a Tony for Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical. They won a Grammy for Best Musical Theater album for Jagged Little Pill in 2021.

(L-R): Jess Bush as Christine Chapel and Ethan Peck as Spock Jess Bush (Nurse Christine Chapel)

Nurse Chapel, the ship’s medic, was originally played by Majel Barrett in the original Star Trek series.

Bush, an Australian, got her start as a contestant on Australia’s Next Top Model. She previously starred in Playing for Keeps, a television series about the wives of Australian Rules footballers.

Christina Chong as La’an Noonien-Singh on 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'

Paramount+

Christina Chong (La’an Noonien-Singh)

Lieutenant Noonien-Singh is the Enterprise’s Chief of Security and is related to Khan (played by Ricardo Montalban in the original series and in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan). Benedict Cumberbatch took on the role in the 2013 film, Star Trek Into the Darkness.

Chong has starred in several TV series and mini-series, including Line of Duty, Bulletproof and 24: Live Another Day. She has guest-starred on such shows as Whitechapel, Black Mirror and Doctor Who.

Fun Fact: Chong's dog, Runa, is featured in the episode, "The Elysian Kingdom," where Chong's character plays a fairytale princess in an altered storybook reality.

Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M'Benga in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Babs Olusanmokun (Dr. M’Benga)

Dr. M’Benga was played by Booker Bradshaw in the original series. The history for the character shows he served under both Christopher Pike and James T. Kirk.

Olusanmokun most recently starred in Dune and has guest-starred on Black Mirror, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Sneaky Pete. He is a competitive third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Melissa Navia as Ortegas Melissa Navia (Lt. Erica Ortegas)

Ortegas is the ship’s pilot and quickly proves her mettle. She also provides a bit of comic relief in the show. Navia has made appearances on Bull, New Amsterdam, and Billions.

Carol Kane as Pelia in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Carol Kane (Pelia)

Kane joined the Season 2 cast in a recurring role as Pelia, a centuries-old Lanthanite who filled the opening of Chief Engineer on the Enterprise. Kane returns to the role for Season 3 to continue to train Scotty (Martin Quinn) before she moves on to the next adventure. Nominated for an Oscar for her role in Hester Street, the veteran actress is known for her roles in The Princess Bride, Scrooged and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

(L-R): Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk and Dan Jeannotte as Sam Kirk Paul Wesley (James T. Kirk)

Wesley joined the cast in season 2 as a recurring guest star as the iconic character, James T. Kirk, made famous by William Shatner in the original series and later by Chris Pine in the recent feature films. Wesley is best known for his role as Stefan Salvatore on The Vampire Diaries.

Dan Jeannotte as Sam Kirk in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Dan Jeannotte (George Samuel "Sam" Kirk)

Jeannotte stars in a recurring guest star role as Sam Kirk, James T. Kirk's older brother. Jeannotte has appeared in various Hallmark Channel movies like The Royal Nanny and Sweeter Than Chocolate, and in recurring roles on Reign and The Bold Type.

Martin Quinn as Scotty Martin Quinn (Montgomery Scott)

Quinn took on the role of Montgomery Scott, who was played by James Doohan in the original series. Scott was introduced to the Strange New Worlds audience in the season 2 finale, "Hegemony," after he escaped the Gorn in a shuttle and landed on the planet where he found Pike and his crew.

Related: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Celia Rose Gooding Reveals They Came Up With Their Romance Storyline (Exclusive)

Who are the guest stars in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4?

No guest stars have been announced for Season 4. Season 3 saw Cillian O'Sullivan, Rhys Darby, and Patton Oswalt guest-star on the series.

Are the Star Trek films in the same timeline as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

According to our research, the recent films starring Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock are set in an alternate timeline and do not coincide with the events on Strange New Worlds.

Is there a trailer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4?

Yes, check out the first teaser trailer for Season 4 of tar Trek: Strange New Worlds below and also take a look at the sneak peek that was dropped at New York Comic-Con 2025!

How many episodes are in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4?

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will air 10 episodes. That's been the consistent episode count for the series since the very beginning.

How to watch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

You can watch episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+ with a valid subscription.

Check out images from Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Take a look at some select images from the new season of tar Trek: Strange New Worlds in the gallery below.

Star Trek: Strange New WorldsParamount+ (L-R): Jess Bush as Christine Chapel and Ethan Peck as Spock (L-R): Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk and Dan Jeannotte as Sam Kirk Martin Quinn as Scotty (L-R): Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk and Ethan Peck as Spock (L-R): Anson Mount as Captain Pike, Christina Chong as La’an Noonien-Singh, and Babs Olusanmokun as Dr. M’Benga Anson Mount as Captain Pike Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura (L-R): Rebecca Romijn as Una, Christina Chong as La’an Noonien-Singh, and Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas

Paramount+

Melissa Navia as Ortegas Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura Martin Quinn as Scotty What other Star Trek shows are on Paramount+?

Along with the various Star Trek movies and the original Star Trek series, there are 11 series over the years including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Voyager and Deep Space Nine which are available to watch in multiple ways on various platforms including DVD and Blu-ray.

Every series and every film in the Star Trek catalog is available to stream on Paramount+.

There are also several new series that have debuted on Paramount+. They are:

Paramount+

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery was renewed for a fifth and final season of which premiered in April 2024. The current season finds Captain Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery facing a threat unlike any they’ve ever encountered. With Federation and non-Federation worlds alike feeling the impact, they must confront the unknown and work together to ensure a hopeful future for all.

Related: 15 of Patrick Stewart’s Funniest Twitter Photos

Paramount+

Star Trek: Picard

Star Trek: Picardfollows former Starfleet Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) in his retirement. After leaving Starfleet in protest, Picard is trying to live the quiet life of a vintner on his chateau in France. When a strange young woman shows up at his vineyard asking for his help, Picard feels compelled to help her. When he sees her extraordinary skills, he is reminded of his old friend Data (Brent Spiner), a synthetic being who had always yearned for a daughter. Seeking answers to his own questions, Picard is pulled back into space travel as he races to save the young woman’s identical twin sister from Romulan assassins intent on killing her and all of her kind.

The third and final season of Star Trek: Picard found Jean-Luc reuniting with old friends as they grappled with an invasion amongst the highest ranking Starfleet officers.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Star Trek: Picard, Including Season 3 Art and Cast Reveals

Paramount+

Star Trek: Lower Decks

Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated series geared toward an older audience. It follows the support crew of Starfleet’s least important ship, the U.S.S. Cerritos and features the voice talents of Jack Quaid, Tawny Newsome, and DawnnLewis. The animated show has already been picked up for a fifth season, though it was recently announced that it would be its last. The final season premiered in the fall of 2024.

Paramount+

Star Trek: Prodigy

Star Trek: Prodigy is another animated series, this one geared toward a younger audience. It follows a motley crew of six young aliens who must figure out how to work together after they commandeer a Starfleet vessel they know nothing about. Prodigy features the voice talents of Kate Mulgrew, John Noble and Jimmi Simpson. The series was cancelled by Paramount+, but a second season was picked up by Netflix which also streams the first season.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

This new series will follow a group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will premiere in early 2026.

Academy Award-winning actress Holly Hunter has been tapped to lead the series. Hunter will play the chancellor the Academy who not only oversee her faculty but also a new class of Starfleet cadets.

Related: Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti to Lead Already-Renewed Freshman Series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

Star Trek: Section 31

Star Trek: Section 31 is a standalone movie event starring Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh who will reprise her role as Emperor Phillipa Georgiou – the alternate universe version. Georgiou joins Section 31, a clandestine division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, and faces the sins of her past.

Star Trek: Khan

“Khaaaan!!!” Star Trek: Khan is a new podcast series thatl features the voice talents of Naveen Andrews as Kahn, Tim Russ as Tuvok and George Takei as Sulu.

Star Trek: Scouts

Star Trek: Scouts is a new and original animated YouTube-first series that marks the first preschool extension of the Star Trek franchise. Scouts follows three 8-year-old friends, JR, Sprocket and Roo, as they train to become future Starfleet Explorers by going on epic, out-of-this-world missions that push them to “discover, grow and boldly go!” Two episodes of the short-form series (3-4 min each) are available now on Nickelodeon’s Blaze and the Monster Machines YouTube channel, with the remainder of the 20-episode order continuing to roll out into next year.

Star Trek "Origin Story"

This yet-to-be-titled film is said to be an origin story that takes place about a decade before the events of the original 2009 Star Trek film that starred Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, and Zoe Saldana though it's unlikely any of these actors will return for this origin story film. Production is slated to begin later this year.

Related: 'Star Trek' Announces New Preschool Show and Rose Parade Float

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 #1050 onSunday, April 26, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, April 26, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Sunday'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 Sunday, April 26

1. What's the fine print?
2. Singer's technicalities.
3. Famed children's book from the 1930s.
4. Like one's countenance.

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 Sunday, April 26:

1. STIPULATION: CATCH, CAVEAT, FINE PRINT, STRINGS
2. VOCAL CHARACTERISTICS: PITCH, RANGE, REGISTER, TONE
3. CHARACTERS IN "DICK AND JANE": DICK, JANE, MOTHER, SPOT
4. THINGS WITH FACES: BUILDING, CLIFF, CLOCK, POLYHEDRON

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: 9 Items To Buy From Aldi's Produce Section and 6 To Skip

The day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1772 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: it's poppin'.

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

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

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

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

The New York Times

Today's Wordle Answer for #1772 on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, April 26, 2026, is GLOSS.

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

Related: 9 Items To Buy From Aldi's Produce Section and 6 To Skip

There’s something special about live music in the summer—especially when it comes with an ocean breeze. This year, Ocean Casino Resort is leaning into that magic with a packed lineup of concerts and comedy shows, including none other than Diana Ross.

Set to take the stage on August 21, Ross, 82, brings decades of iconic hits and timeless stage presence to a venue designed for an up-close experience. For fans of classic music and unforgettable performances, her appearance is shaping up to be one of the season’s biggest highlights.

A Summer Lineup Full of Big Names

The series doesn’t stop there. The resort’s Ovation Hall will host a wide range of performers across genres, from rock and reggae to stand-up comedy. Music lovers can catch artists like Lenny Kravitz, Lord Huron, and Collective Soul, while comedy fans can look forward to shows from Sebastian Maniscalco and Matt Rife.

There’s also a strong dose of nostalgia, with acts like Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors sharing the stage for a throwback-filled night. Below is a breakdown of the Summer 2026 event schedule:

• Lenny Kravitz – Saturday, May 16
• Iration – Saturday, May 30
• Tim Dillon – Friday, June 19
• Lord Huron – Friday, June 26
• Dirty Heads & 311 – Saturday, July 18
• MattRife – July 24 & 25
• Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors – Saturday, August 1
• Joey Diaz – Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8
• Slightly Stoopid – Friday, August 14
• The Stray Cats – Saturday, August 15
• Diana Ross – Friday, August 21
• Modi – Saturday, August 22
• Collective Soul – Saturday, August 29
• John Fogerty & Steve Winwood – Friday, September 11
• Sebastian Maniscalco – September 17–20 & 24–27

An Upgraded Experience for Fans

This summer’s shows come with a major enhancement: a newly upgraded, state-of-the-art sound system designed to bring every note—and every punchline—to life. The investment means clearer sound and a more immersive experience, no matter where you’re seated.

Combined with Ovation Hall’s intimate setting, it creates a rare opportunity to see major stars in a space that still feels personal.

A Classic Summer Night, Reimagined

With the beach just steps away and a lineup that spans generations, the concert series at Ocean Casino Resort offers a little bit of everything, whether you’re there for the music, the laughs, or simply the atmosphere.

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

If you're planning on hosting backyard parties this year, then it's time to upgrade your outdoor area with that gorgeous accent piece it's been begging for. Luckily, we've been scouring Target's deals section to find the best home products that are actually worth investing in (like this gorgeous wooden dresser). Now, we're shopping for the Nourison Aloha Floral Area Rug, which is up to 58% off. 

The rug is currently available in 21 sizes, so prices vary greatly. The lowest deal price is on this 2-foot by 6-foot size, which initially cost $67 but has been reduced to $40. However, the highest discount is on the 12-foot by 15-foot size, which was originally priced at $770, but was marked down to $321. The piece is being sold in round, rectangle, and square options. You can shop for it in 10 colors, spanning from black and white to multicolored.

Nourison Aloha Floral Area Rug, From $40 (was $770) at Target

Courtesy of Target

Shop at Target

The brighter colors lend to more of a bold statement that's perfect for the season, while the minimalist colors fit in with a modern look that you can display year round. The rug is made of 100% polypropylene with a 100% latex backing and loomed fabric. Due to the material, it's advised to hose the rug clean with water and air dry it for best results. You can also vacuum and spot clean it when using it indoors. 

The low pile rug is less than 0.5 inches tall, which makes it ideal for high traffic areas, because it's unlikely you'll be tripping over it. The design features oversized flowers that blend into one another for a tropical look. It has garnered hundreds of positive reviews, with customers describing the rug as "excellent," "really beautiful," "vibrant," "perfect," and "well-made."

Related: Target’s 'Super Comfy' $90 2-Person Hammock Will Turn Your Porch Into a Relaxing Oasis

Other shoppers said that the rug "brightens up the room" and "pulls the whole room together." Some reviewers placed it in their screen room, living room, on their porch, and virtually wherever they needed a splash of color. Considering the rug is "durable," it's expected to last a long time. 

Shop More Deals

• Hyleory Outdoor Market Patio Umbrella, $70 (was $160) at Target
• Costway Swing Glider Rocking Chair, $75 (was $150) at Target
• PhoenixCrest Heavy Duty Raised Garden Bed, $100 (was $251) at Target

Don't wait to update your outdoor area, especially when Target has deals this good. Elevate your patio with this gorgeous rug, while it's up to 58% off! 

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.

In 1970, a song that had struggled to find its footing finally became a defining hit, thanks to the right voices at the right time.

"(They Long to Be) Close to You," performed by The Carpenters, climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the most iconic songs of the decade.

But its success didn't come overnight.

The track was originally written by legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David in the early 1960s. Its first recording came in 1963 by Richard Chamberlain, followed by another version from Dionne Warwick in 1964.

Despite the pedigree behind it, neither version made a major impact. For years, the song remained largely overlooked, an example of a composition waiting for the right artist to deliver just the right interpretation.

That changed when Karen and Richard Carpenter reimagined it.

With its gentle piano intro, lush arrangement and Karen Carpenter's unmistakably warm, intimate vocals, the Carpenters' version transformed the song into something deeply emotional and instantly memorable. Their softer, more polished approach gave the lyrics a sense of sincerity that resonated with listeners in a way earlier recordings had not.

"It's a very deceptive song and a very deceptive arrangement," Richard Carpenter told Goldmine in 2022. "The whole thing makes it sound like it's an easy song, and the trouble with that one is it was so strict with timing and rhythm. It was very easy to start rushing and ultimately, you never want to admit that you need the click track, but on several of them you do and that was one of them. We finally said, 'OK, we need a click track,' so 'Close to You' took around 40 takes to get that basic track with bass, piano and drums, but that was an exception."

The result was a massive breakthrough. Not only did the song top the charts, but it also launched The Carpenters into superstardom, defining their signature sound and setting the tone for a string of future hits.

"The impact of hearing our music on the radio is impossible for me to put it into words," said Carpenter. "There's a feeling that you've gone against what a lot of people on the way up said was going to happen, which was not much was going to happen with our demo for one reason or another with the sound. But we believed in it."

More than five decades later, "(They Long to Be) Close to You" remains a timeless classic and serves as proof that sometimes a song's true potential isn't realized until the right artists bring it to life.

What began as a missed opportunity ultimately became one of the most enduring love songs in music history.

Related: 1985 Hit Ranked Among ‘Greatest Power Ballads’ of All Time Hit No. 1 41 Years Later

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Whale Flotilla Three-Piece Comforter Set, From $36 (was $75) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Whale Flotilla Three-Piece Comforter Set, From $36 (was $75) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

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Related: Walmart's $170 Farmhouse Sideboard Is 'Practical,' 'Stylish,' and Available in 5 Colors

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