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Today's NYT Wordle answer describes being fake or giving a false appearance of. 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 #1875 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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There are two vowels in today's five-letter word.

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Synonyms for today's Wordle include: 'Pretend' and 'Simulate'

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 Friday, August 7, 2026, is FEIGN.

-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)

Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” has crossed one billion streams on Spotify. It is now the 18th country song in history to join Spotify’s billions club. 

The track is Combs’ third song to pass the one-billion mark. The cover appears on his 2023 album Gettin’ Old. The Recording Industry Association of America certified it 8x platinum last October after eight million units sold, per Whiskey Riff. 

Since its March 2023 release, the song has averaged 581,115 streams each day. It ranks as Combs’ second-highest streamed song by daily numbers, behind only “When It Rains It Pours.” 

Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Combs is the second country artist with three one-billion-stream songs. Morgan Wallen leads with four after “Wasted On You” reached the mark in June. Combs joins Wallen, Zach Bryan and Taylor Swift as the only country artists with two or more tracks in the billions club. The full list of country songs with one billion Spotify streams is:

1. “Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan
2. “Last Night” – Morgan Wallen
3. “Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
4. “Beautiful Crazy” – Luke Combs
5. “When It Rains It Pours” – Luke Combs
6. “I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves
7. “Love Story” – Taylor Swift
8. “I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
9. “Whiskey Glasses” – Morgan Wallen
10. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
11. “Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
12. “10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
13. “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
14. “Body Like a Backroad” – Sam Hunt
15. “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker
16. “Wasted On You” – Morgan Wallen
17. “Life is a Highway” – Rascal Flatts
18. “Fast Car” – Luke Combs

Combs’ next likely billion-stream song is “Hurricane” from his debut album This One’s for You. It currently sits at 954 million streams.

Combs’ version of “Fast Car” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. That peak sits higher than Chapman’s original 1988 recording. The cover also hit No. 1 on the U.S. Country Airplay chart, the Hot Country Songs chart, and the Canada Country chart. It won Single of the Year at the 2023 Country Music Association Awards. 

At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Combs performed the song as a duet with Tracy Chapman. The North Carolina native released Gettin’ Old on March 24, 2023. “Fast Car” quickly became the most-streamed song from the album on Spotify.

Combs was born March 2, 1990, in Huntersville, North Carolina. He grew up in Asheville and later moved to Nashville. His 2017 debut album This One’s for You produced several No. 1 country hits, including “Hurricane,” “When It Rains It Pours,” and “Beautiful Crazy.” 

He recently made country music history as the first solo country artist to headline the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium in London. Guinness World Records confirmed the record after three shows on July 31 and Aug. 1-2. 

The dates closed his 23-date My Kinda Saturday Night Tour, which began in March in Paradise, Nevada. During the final weeks of the tour, Combs also headlined two nights at Ireland’s Slane Castle and two nights at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Related: 1982 Hit, Reimagined by Ella Langley, Is Still a Powerful Hit 44 Years Later

More than four decades after its release, Tina Turner, the legendary "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," continues to cement her legacy in music as her timeless 1984 hit "What's Love Got to Do With It" earns yet another major honor.

The late musician's signature song was recognized as one of the Greatest Love Songs of All Time, proving its enduring influence across generations.

In a ranking released by Billboard, the publication named the top 50 popular tracks that convey deep affection, heartbreak and devotion.

With Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's "Endless Love" securing the No. 1 spot, Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It" landed at No. 33.

Serving as the lead single from her comeback album, Private Dancer, the song propelled Turner back into the spotlight, earning her chart-topping success, multiple awards and widespread acclaim, making it easy to see why it remains her signature anthem.

ENIZE alain/Sygma via Getty Images

Written by the British songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the song was first offered to Cliff Richard, but he turned it down.

"What's Love Got to Do With It" was also proposed to Donna Summer, British pop group Bucks Fizz and Phyllis Hyman. However, they all rejected it before it landed with Turner.

Before agreeing to record the song, Turner wanted a rock-oriented comeback.

As for Britten, he focused on making the guitar parts heavier and edgier to persuade Turner to record the song, but it ultimately evolved into a synth-driven pop hit that became the biggest commercial hit of her solo career.

Despite being named one of the Greatest Love Songs of All Time, the track presents an unconventional take on love.

With the line "It’s physical. Only logical. You must try to ignore that it means more than that. What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love but a secondhand emotion?" the lyrics emphasize physical attraction based on sexual desire and chemistry.

Tina Turner was born for the stage✨ What’s Love Got To Do With It live from Arnhem, Netherlands. Tina Turner’s greatest hits and more via the link in bio. #tinaturner #whatslovegottodowithit #70smusic #liveperformance

Despite the song's true meaning, "What's Love Got to Do With It" has become one of the most iconic love songs ever recorded.

Through Private Dancer, Turner reintroduced herself as a global pop-rock superstar, thanks to the massive popularity of "What's Love Got to Do With It."

It became her highest-charting and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained at the top for three weeks.

The 1984 hit also took home major honors, including Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 27th Grammy Awards. It was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012.

Related: 1986 Rock Song, Written by One of the 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time GTR, Is Still a Generational Hit 40 Years Later

A new kind of flu shot will be available to some Americans this fall after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved mFlusiva, the nation's first seasonal influenza vaccine made using mRNA technology.

According to AP News, the vaccine, which was developed by Moderna, is approved for adults 50 and older. The FDA granted full approval for people ages 50 to 64, while adults 65 and older received accelerated approval pending additional confirmatory studies.

Unlike traditional flu vaccines, which are typically produced using eggs, mFlusiva uses the same mRNA technology that helped power several COVID-19 vaccines, according to the report. Because mRNA vaccines can be developed more quickly, experts say they may allow manufacturers to respond faster when circulating flu strains change.

iStock

The approval follows a late-stage clinical trial involving more than 40,000 adults, in which Moderna's vaccine reduced laboratory-confirmed influenza cases by about 27% compared with a standard-dose flu shot. Common side effects included injection-site pain, fatigue and fever, similar to those seen with other vaccines.

Moderna said it expects limited supplies of mFlusiva to be available at select retailers this flu season, though broader distribution is expected in future years. The approval also marks a significant milestone for the company, which hopes to eventually offer a combined COVID-19 and influenza vaccine.

The Beatles were riding high in 1966. "Yellow Submarine"/"Eleanor Rigby" had already pushed Revolver to No. 1 on the U.K. charts, and it looked like nothing could touch them. Then a rising British rock band pulled off the unlikely feat with a song written by their 19-year-old frontman. 

Small Faces' "All or Nothing" became the band's biggest chart success, ending The Beatles' four-week run at the top. Released in August 1966, the emotional rock ballad showcased Steve Marriott's talent as a songwriter.

Marriott was going through a rough patch when he wrote "All or Nothing," and that heartbreak came through. Their manager, Don Arden, later called the song "top-drawer" in his autobiography Mr Big, adding that it's still played on the radio decades later.

The frontman also reflected on the song's impact, saying, "I think 'All Or Nothing' takes a lot of beating. To me, if there's a song that typifies that era, then that might be it."

Overtaking The Beatles was no small feat. Beatlemania was still in full swing, and the group dominated the charts. So when Small Faces pulled it off, it proved they could hang with their British Invasion peers.

Formed in 1965, Small Faces had a short but eventful run together. The group's debut single, "Whatcha Gonna Do About It," was a hit right out of the gate, though not without controversy. 

Arden was accused of manipulating the charts to help it climb, something he later denied, insisting the song succeeded thanks to both its quality and his promotion.

Even with all their early success, the band's rise wasn't smooth. By the time “All or Nothing” hit No. 1, Small Faces had become one of Britain’s biggest young bands. That kind of momentum should've set them up for an even bigger career. Instead, internal conflicts and management disputes started getting in the way.

Their relationship with Arden eventually fell apart after the band began questioning their finances. When the members’ parents confronted Arden over the missing earnings, he reportedly responded by accusing the group of spending their money on drugs, further damaging their trust in their manager. 

Switching from Decca to Immediate Records worked out well, bringing more hits like "Itchycoo Park," "Tin Soldier," and "Lazy Sunday." None of them, though, hit as big as "All or Nothing."

Meanwhile, Marriott was getting fed up with people writing Small Faces off as just another pop group. He wanted to push things further musically. 

That itch to experiment led to their 1968 concept album, Ogden's Nut Gone Flake. But trying to pull off that elaborate sound live turned out to be tough, and that struggle played a big role in Marriott's decision to leave the band.

Small Faces eventually fell apart in that lineup. The rest of the band joined up with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood from the Jeff Beck Group to form Faces, while Marriott went on to start Humble Pie alongside Peter Frampton.

Related: 1958 Rockabilly Song, With 13-Year-Old Brenda Lee, Became a No. 1 Hit 65 Years Later

If you grew up with a bowl of brightly colored cereal at the breakfast table, you may soon notice something a little different about your favorite morning staple. Kellogg's is making a major change to some of its most iconic cereals, including Froot Loops and Apple Jacks.

WK Kellogg Co. announced Thursday that it will eliminate artificial colors from all of its cereal products by the end of 2026, one year earlier than originally planned. The company says it will instead use colors derived from natural sources, including fruit and vegetable juices and other plant-based ingredients.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, August 6, Kellogg Co. will switch from artificial coloring to colors derived from natural sources, including fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based ingredients.

"In preparation for removing artificial colors from its entire portfolio, WK Kellogg has already reformulated foods served in schools to be free of artificial colors and discontinued launches of new products with artificial colors beginning this past January," the company said.

WK Kellogg Co

Kellogg joins a list of other food companies who have committed to removing artificial dyes, including Kraft Heinz and PepsiCo.

"More and more consumers are looking for foods made with simple, recognizable ingredients and we are proud to meet those expectations, even sooner than planned," Doug VanDeVelde, Chief Growth Officer, WK Kellogg Co., said Thursday. "We conducted extensive consumer testing to make sure these recipes deliver the great taste consumers want while maintaining the original rainbow of colors – red, orange, yellow, green, purple and blue – that fans of Froot Loops and other colorful cereals have come to love. It wasn't easy, but we identified natural solutions for every color, and we're confident families will love the updated recipes and simplified ingredients without compromising on quality or taste."

Country music continues to celebrate timeless songs, and George Strait's "Fool Hearted Memory" is proving that great music never fades. 

Forty-four years after the song became Strait's first No. 1 hit, the 1982 classic is once draw attention following Ella Langley's widely praised acoustic cover.

Langley shared her stripped-down rendition of "Fool Hearted Memory" in December 2025 through a simple home video recorded in her kitchen. Accompanied only by an acoustic guitar, the rising country star delivered a gentle performance that quickly captured the attention of fans and fellow artists.

The timing of her tribute also coincided with George Strait being honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., making the performance even more meaningful for longtime country music fans.

Originally released on May 27, 1982, "Fool Hearted Memory" served as the lead single from George Strait's second album, Strait from the Heart. Written by Byron Hill and Blake Mevis, the song became Strait's first career No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and also reached No. 1 in Canada.

Photo by Ron Wolfson/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images

The single later finished at No. 15 on Billboard's 1982 year-end Hot Country Songs chart, earned an ASCAP Award as one of the year's most performed country songs, and eventually received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), recognizing more than 500,000 certified units.

"Fool Hearted Memory" marked a turning point in George Strait's career.

Before recording the song, Strait had already shown promise with several Top 20 singles. However, "Fool Hearted Memory" became the breakthrough that established him as one of country music's biggest stars.

According to American Songwriter, the song was originally written specifically for the 1982 action film The Soldier. Songwriter Byron Hill recalled that producers wanted a country song for the movie, while MCA Records hoped to help introduce a young George Strait to a wider audience.

Hill explained, "Thanks to ATV Music's Gerry Teifer, MCA Records' Jim Fogelsong, and Producer Blake Mevis, a deal was done to give a young, new MCA recording artist a cameo role in the movie singing a song that was specially written for the movie, and would hopefully be a hit single. That new MCA artist was George Strait."

Hill later reflected on the song's lasting legacy, "On Aug. 28, 1982, the song became my first No. 1 as a songwriter and Strait's first No. 1 as an artist."

Although The Soldier has largely faded from public memory, "Fool Hearted Memory" has remained one of George Strait's signature recordings.

Langley's acoustic performance reminded many listeners why "Fool Hearted Memory" remains one of George Strait's most beloved songs.

The cover arrived shortly after Langley celebrated a major career breakthrough. At the 2025 CMA Awards, she won Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single of the Year before earning her first Billboard Hot Country Songs No. 1 with "Choosin' Texas."

More than four decades after introducing Strait as a future country music icon, the song continues to connect with audiences through both its original recording and a new generation of artists paying tribute to one of country music's enduring classics.

Related: Country Star, With No. 1 Hit Song, Announces New Song Amid 2026 Tour

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Inspired mostly by Bethany Joy Lenz on One Tree Hill, but also every teen magazine on the planet at the time, ponchos were a staple of my high school wardrobe. Given that my fashion sense in the late aughts was more follow-the-trend than trendsetter, I made some questionable decisions you probably wouldn't want to repeat today, but ponchos weren't one of them.

Examples of how to style poncho tops are all over social media right now. You could pair it with flowy linen pants for a resort-ready ensemble, denim shorts at a festival, or over a minidress for a night out.

The poncho top trend has me obsessed ✨ Girls sharing details in my bio ♥️ #eurosummeroutfits #summeroutfits2026 #fypfashion

Want to get in on the trend? Head to Amazon and grab the Lomon Sheer Poncho Top. Prices typically range from $17 to $27, depending on color, but select styles are now marked down to as low as $15. Worn over a swimsuit, bandeau, or tank top, this light and airy poncho keeps you cool but covered no matter where you're headed this summer. 

Courtesy of Amazon

This top's mesh knit crochet fabric is 75% acrylic and 25% nylon, which gives it a lighter-than-air feel. Featuring an asymmetrical hemline with a wide neckline, the pullover design can be worn draped over both shoulders or styled slightly off-center for an off-the-shoulder look. Though it only comes in one size, Amazon shoppers described the material as "very stretchy," and many customers noted that the top truly does fit most body types. 

From elegant weddings to class reunions, several Amazon shoppers mentioned wearing this "lightweight and versatile" top as a shrug over a dress for added coverage and warmth. Other people who have worn it on vacation and to concerts said they loved how "chic" this poncho looked paired with their casual attire. "You can wear it so many ways," one reviewer explained, adding that this top made their outfit "feel classy."

Courtesy of Amazon

To keep this top looking pristine, it's recommended to hand-wash it in cold water and lay flat to dry, as machine washing and drying could snag the material. Amazon shoppers confirmed that the finely knit fabric does require careful handling. However, several travelers noted that the piece is wrinkle-resistant, making it a great option to toss in your suitcase.

• Lomon Sheer Ruffled Poncho Top, $9 (was $13) at Amazon
• Unclecat Mesh Knit Crochet Poncho Cover-Up, $15 (was $19) at Amazon
• Saodimallsu Poncho Sweater, $20 (was $46) at Amazon

Related: Amazon’s 'Incredibly Soft' Lettuce-Trim Lounge Set Feels Like a Designer Brand That’s 8 Times the Price

Don't be late to the poncho party — add the Lomon Sheer Poncho Top to your closet today for just $15 while it's on sale at Amazon.

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More than four decades after its release, one of Prince's most beloved songs is finding a new audience.

"Purple Rain" has climbed to No. 44 on TikTok's Top Songs chart, fueled by thousands of emotional videos that pair the song's soaring final moments with deeply personal memories and reflections.

Related: ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ Original Band Member Turns 97

Rather than dance trends or comedy clips, many of the videos lean into the song's emotional crescendo. One celebrates a group of friends graduating from college. Another captures someone reflecting on heartbreak, while another simply reads, "A big part of who I am is who I'm not anymore."

#purplerain #ocean #fyp

Others use the song to soundtrack prom transformations or quiet moments of reflection, proving that Prince's towering anthem still resonates with listeners generations after it first topped the charts.

Related: 1968 Rock Hit, Voted the ‘Worst Song in Modern History,’ Went to No. 1 Twice

Released in 1984 as the title track to Prince's landmark Purple Rain album and film, "Purple Rain" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached No. 1 on the Cash Box Top 100, and has long been regarded as one of the defining songs of Prince's career. Following his death in 2016, the song returned to the Billboard Hot 100, climbing as high as No. 4.

The song's legacy has only grown over the years. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 18 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, calling it "a heartrending meditation on love, trust, God, and purple rain," while the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame included it among its 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

"The version of the song on the Purple Rain soundtrack is actually a live recording from 1983 that Prince later polished into a transcendent anthem worthy of a movie title. After the film came out, the song and its jaw-dropping guitar solo got only bigger: The performance on the 1985 home video Prince and the Revolution: Live stretches to almost 19 minutes — and it is stunning," wrote Rolling Stone.

Related: 1975 ‘Comeback Song,’ Written in One Night, Hit No. 1 51 Years Ago Today

Prince's unforgettable performance of "Purple Rain" during the rain-soaked Super Bowl XLI halftime show remains one of the most celebrated halftime performances ever, and it was also the final song he performed live just one week before his death in April 2016.

#purplerain #strangerthings #sad #prince

The renewed interest follows another recent milestone for Purple Rain. Earlier this year, Barnes & Noble named the album one of its Albums of the Month, adding yet another honor to a record that has spent decades near the top of critics' greatest albums lists.

Forty-two years later, "Purple Rain" isn't just being rediscovered. It's becoming the soundtrack to an entirely new generation's biggest moments.

Related: 1984 Soundtrack Ranked No. 1 of All Time Is Getting New Recognition 42 Years Later

Brenda Lee was just 13 years old when she recorded "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" in 1958. The upbeat rockabilly tune became a holiday favorite over the years, but it took an astonishing 65 years to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

In 2023, ​​"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" became only the third holiday song ever to top the Billboard Hot 100, joining Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and "The Chipmunk Song" by The Chipmunks with David Seville. It also set the record for the longest gap between a track's release and its first trip to No. 1.

The milestone added yet another achievement to Lee's already impressive career. She became the oldest woman to ever hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, unseating Cher for the title. Ironically, Lee recorded the song when she was only 13, decades before it would earn her that distinction.

Although "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" is now synonymous with Lee, it came just a few years after she began her career. Lee was only 11 years old when she released her debut single, "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)," in 1956.

She would go on to score dozens of hits, including "I'm Sorry," "I Want to Be Wanted," "All Alone Am I," and "Losing You." Throughout the 1960s, Lee charted 46 times on the Billboard Hot 100, more than any other female artist of the decade.

But at the end of the day, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" became the song she'd be remembered for most.

The track was written by Johnny Marks, who also penned holiday classics like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas." It appeared on Lee's 1958 album Merry Christmas From Brenda Lee.

The songstress can still recall the day producer Owen Bradley first brought her the record.

“Owen just thought it’d be great to do a Christmas song that was really, really good,” she said during an appearance on Q with Tom Power. “He really believed in that one, and I loved it. I had to like what I recorded. I wasn’t one of those artists that the producer would say, ‘Well, I think this is good for you. We’re going to do this.’ I had to like it, or I couldn’t sing it.”

The song found a whole new audience when it was featured in the 1990 holiday classic Home Alone.

“I got a phone call, and they said, ‘Brenda, have you seen the movie Home Alone?’ And I said, ‘I have not,’” Lee recalled. “And they said, ‘Well, you need to go see it. Your song is all over it.’ And that’s really where Rockin’ got a big, big boost.

Despite how big the record became, Lee says she never really thought much about the money it brought in. “I didn’t know if the song made $1, $5, $10,” she added. “I didn’t know. I was just doing what I love to do. And that was to sing.”

Momentum picked up again in 2023, when Lee released the song's first official music video, featuring country stars Trisha Yearwood and Tanya Tucker. That, along with the usual holiday streaming rush, gave "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" just the push it needed to finally hit No. 1.

Over the years, countless artists have recorded their own versions of the holiday classic, including Justin Bieber, Cyndi Lauper, Alabama, and a duet by Kacey Musgraves and Camila Cabello. Even so, Lee's original recording is still the one people know best.

Related: 1965 Rock Hit The Byrds Turned Into One of the 'Greatest Songs of All Time'

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In today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, answers explore apple computer, famous movie's colorful contrast, settling a disagreement, preparing for a flight, recalling a basketball phrase, then finish with a foolish person, an underwater organism, a popular court sport, a New York City icon, and a color shared by two well-known universities.

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 Friday, August 7, 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!

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

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

1 Across: Apple computer — HINT: Ends with the letter "C"

4 Across: What the Kansas scenes lack that the Oz scenes do not, in "The Wizard of Oz" —HINT: Ends with the letter "R"

6 Across: Quarrel (with) — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

7 Across: Get on an airplane — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

8 Across: "Nothing but ___!" — HINT: Starts with the letter "N"

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

1 Down: Nincompoop — HINT: Starts with the letter "M"

2 Down: Bottom of the aquatic food chain — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

3 Down: Pickleball venue — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

4 Down: Yellow symbol of N.Y.C — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

5 Down: Like the logos of Stanford and Harvard — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

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

1 Across: Apple computer — MAC

4 Across: What the Kansas scenes lack that the Oz scenes do not, in "The Wizard of Oz" —COLOR

6 Across: Quarrel (with) — ARGUE

7 Across: Get on an airplane — BOARD

8 Across: "Nothing but ___!" — NET

1 Down: Nincompoop — MORON

2 Down: Bottom of the aquatic food chain — ALGAE

3 Down: Pickleball venue — COURT

4 Down: Yellow symbol of N.Y.C — CAB

5 Down: Like the logos of Stanford and Harvard — RED

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, August 6, 2026

Styx gained notoriety in 1977 with the release of their seventh studio album, The Grand Illusion, which gave way to the leading title track of the same name that became a radio hit and was tagged as one of their "greatest songs."

Many would say that the album secured the band's future and cemented them as rock icons after years of releases. Written by Dennis DeYoung, "The Grand Illusion" served as the album's overall theme, with him having told UltimateClassicRock that the song became the reason Styx created thematic albums.

The track would push DeYoung to realize that there was a "goldmine" within the band, and its lyrics were "valuable to myself and to an audience." He was right. Despite the track having never been released as a single, it gained significant radio airplay when it was released as part of the album and made it a staple. Critics tagged the song as one of the band's best, and a "bombastic celebration of progressive rock" with hauntingly beautiful lyrics.

On Barry Gibb's official YouTube channel, he explains the track and album are about "the entire illusion of life. The entire mockery of it." The track itself was written with a "breaking the fourth wall" perspective, with DeYoung's lyrics addressing fans and the warning of putting rock stars on a pedestal.

"'The Grand Illusion' was about, 'Look at us up here on this stage in these good lights. You kids there in the audience in the 14th row, you think we know stuff? We may know a little bit, but deep inside, we're all the same. And what we're doing and what people that advertise to you on the radio, TV, and magazines, by creating illusions and images about how your life should be, those are just their fantasies, because nobody's life is like it,'" DeYoung explained to SongFacts.

Styx guitarist James Young added that most expect themselves to change, when in reality it's what's around them that changes. They have to deal with the physical things, but "your own emotions, your own emotional makeup, are still there."

While the song's title is self-explanatory based on its lyrics, DeYoung was also inspired by a 1937 French war film. It was directed by Jean Renoir and co-written by Charles Spaak, focusing on the relationships between a group of French officers who are German prisoners of war during World War I. DeYoung recalls having told a friend of his idea to name the track after the film, but would entirely forget. It wasn't until his friend reminded him over the phone about "The Grand Illusion" that he remembered, hung up the phone, and got to work.

Related: 1978 Rock Song, Inspired by a Famous Model, Is Still a Roadtrip Hit 48 Years Later

Few managers shaped both the sound of '90s alternative rock and the era's biggest pop phenomenon quite like Peter Katsis. The longtime manager behind boy band superstars the Backstreet Boys and alternative rock icons the Smashing Pumpkins has died at age 69 due to complications from congestive heart failure, according to Rolling Stone.

The news was confirmed by Mark Beaven, co-founder of Advanced Alternative Media, who remembered Katsis as "a gentleman" who "made things better."

Katsis's career stands out for just how far his reach extended across genres that rarely intersect. He guided the Backstreet Boys through their peak boy-band era while also steering the Smashing Pumpkins, one of alternative rock's defining acts of the decade. Katsis also worked with Korn, Jane's Addiction, Audioslave, and Ministry - a resume that made him one of the industry's most versatile and respected managers.

One of his biggest career milestones came with the Backstreet Boys' Into the Millennium Tour in 1999. The tour sold a record-setting 735,000 tickets in just one hour through Ticketmaster, earning Katsis a Pollstar Award for Most Creative Stage Design.

According to MUBU TV, Katsis' career began decades earlier when, at just 23 years old, he discovered and managed industrial rock pioneers Ministry before becoming involved in Chicago's emerging house music scene. He later joined entertainment company The Firm, where he built a client roster that spanned some of the biggest names in music.

In 2002, Vanity Fair famously described him as "The Best Music Manager In The Business, period." Reflecting on his career in a past interview with Barrett Media, Katsis said, "The key lies in staying true to the music. All your work and creative ideas should stem from the art itself."

Whether he was helping launch a record-breaking boy band tour or managing some of alternative rock's most influential artists, Katsis built a career around supporting musicians from remarkably different worlds - leaving a lasting mark on the sound of the past four decades.

Ozzy Osbourne’s 1980 song “Crazy Train” continued to make headlines as the rock classic reached an impressive milestone.

More than four decades after the “Prince of Darkness” released the track, it has maintained its timeless appeal and still resonates with new generations, earning a place in Spotify’s Billions Club.

The streaming giant regularly releases a monthly list of songs that have surpassed 1 billion streams on the platform.

For July, the late music icon’s song joined Blink-182, Pink, Rascal Flatts, Hozier and more on the elite list of songs that have surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify.

Months before entering the Billions Club, “Crazy Train” experienced a resurgence after returning to Billboard’s Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart at No. 9.

Last year, following the metal icon’s death on July 22, the song marked a bittersweet milestone after it made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100, securing the No. 46 spot.

Written by Osbourne alongside guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Bob Daisley, “Crazy Train” served as the lead single from the former Black Sabbath frontman’s solo debut album Blizzard of Ozz.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

According to Daisley, the inspiration behind the song’s riff was the sound of a truck.

"Randy had an effect pedal, and it sort of chugged a bit, even when he wasn't using it,” the bassist and lyricist told Talk Louder Podcast, as cited by Guitar Player. “If it was switched on and it was going through his amp, it made almost like a train sort of sound. Or it reminded me of that anyway. I knew Randy was a fan of model trains, and so was I and I said, 'Randy, it sounds like a train, listen!’ It had a sort of psychedelic, kind of trippy thing about it. And I said, 'It sounds like a crazy train.'"

As for the lyrics, Daisley revealed that the song highlights “world events and the threat of World War III” facing the public.

With its socially conscious lyrics and memorable guitar riff, “Crazy Train” became a defining song of Osbourne’s solo career after leaving Black Sabbath.

Additionally, his debut single was named one of Rolling Stone’s Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of All Time, ranking No. 6, while VH1 ranked it No. 9 on its 40 Greatest Metal Songs list.

Related: 1970 Rock Song, Never a No. 1 Hit, Ranked 'Greatest Heavy Metal Song' of All Time

Paris Jackson, daughter of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is doing big things on her first-ever headlining tour. It was announced that the folk-rock star is heading to a new location as the main act for the first time, as she is slated to perform additional dates in Europe and the U.K. this fall.

Jackson shared news of "her first-ever headlining tour dates in Europe and the U.K., bringing her raw, emotionally charged live show to intimate venues overseas," according to a press release sent directly to Parade. The exciting musical show expansion follows the announcement that her sophomore album, Happiest Day of My Life, is set to arrive on Aug. 21.

New dates include Oct. 12 in Berlin, DE, Oct. 14 in Amsterdam, NL, and Oct. 16 in London, UK.

As Parade previously reported, the 28-year-old is currently on the Zombies Tour across North America, her first headlining concert series. Jackson’s vibe is very different from her famous father’s; she’s known for her indie folk, grunge rock, and alternative style.

As for her forthcoming album, the "11-track body of work captures Jackson at her most vulnerable, confident, and creatively expansive. Born from what Jackson describes as 'a collision of sound, experience, and emotion,' Happiest Day of My Life marks a bold evolution from her acclaimed 2020 debut, wilted," the release noted. When recording her first album, she wanted to “experiment with textures, layers, and different sounds — my taste is all over the place,” she told Billboard.

August 9 – Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club – Basement

August 13 – Vancouver, BC – Biltmore Cabaret

September 1 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl

September 11 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar

September 25 – New York, NY – Night Club 101

October 12 - Berlin, DE - Prachtwerk

October 14 - Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso (Upstairs)

October 16 - London, UK - Downstairs at The Dome

Next, '90s Rock Band Announces 2026 Tour News 31 Years After No. 1 Hit

Gavin Rossdale is a grandfather once again, because his daughter Daisy Lowe just welcomed a baby boy.

The Bush frontman, 60, is a proud dad who frequently shares updates of his adult children. Lowe, 37, a popular model, just welcomed her second child with husband Jordan Saul, and she's showing the ins and outs of her birthing process. In a trio of new photos shared to her Instagram account, Lowe took viewers into her birthing tub and revealed very personal images of her process of giving birth.

"And then our 3 became a 4 💜🩷❤️🩵. Welcome to the world our sweet baby boy Eddie Red. Eternally grateful to the incredible @nhsengland & @strongdoula for all the support and care birthing our baby boy safely…My hero @jordanjaysaul you are the greatest birthing partner, teammate & daddy," Lowe captioned the photo set.

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Last summer, Rossdale walked Lowe down the aisle at her wedding to fiancé Jordan Saul. Joined on the other side of his daughter by her stepfather, Danny Goffey, the entire group looked overjoyed for the wonderful occasion, which took place in a Somerset meadow.

Photos of the big event were shared on Instagram by Daisy’s mother, Pearl Lowe.

“Daisy & Jordan’s wedding part two! Daisy wore @viviennewestwood & we designed the bridesmaids dresses, which were handmade by my seamstresses in Somerset! The ushers wore @percival_menswear pink suits & @dannygoffeyofficial wore an @oliverspencer cream suit I was in a vintage @miumiu dress Make up @code8beauty hair @chelsea_huntley 💘 Photos @leowedphoto.”

While Rossdale is most famous as a musician, he’s making waves with Dinner With Gavin Rossdale, a cooking show on Vizio’s WatchFree+ platform. An avid home cook, Rossdale said he was looking for a job where he could stay home with his younger kids he shares with ex Gwen Stefani. But he also notes that the food is more about getting people to open up for a good discussion.

“The food is absolutely second place — maybe third place,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “People refer to it as a cooking show, but it’s really an 

interview show. I can’t stand someone giving me a plate of food, then poring over it: ‘What do you think?’ The food just disarms people.”

Related: ‘90s Rocker Gavin Rossdale, 60, Shocks Fans With Fit Physique While Rocking Onstage

Over the many years of music chart history, a range of songs from all different genres have taken the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. But surprisingly, there have only been a few instrumentals, or songs without any vocals, that have become No. 1 hits.

One of the few songs to achieve this milestone is the Edgar Winter Group's 1972 song, "Frankenstein." It was originally released on the band's hit album They Only Come Out at Night, with the Edgar Allen Group then putting it out as an official single the next year.

Edgar Winter wrote the rock song, while Rick Derringer produced it. Thanks to their collaboration, the band achieved a surprising No. 1 hit.

The song went through a lot of editing between the original recording and its release, which led drummer Chuck Ruff to suggest "Frankenstein" as the title. Despite the song feeling like a mismatch of a bunch of small pieces of music put together, the final product impressed rock music fans everywhere.

The single version of "Frankenstein" sold over one million copies, and it shot up the music charts in many countries. In May 1973, it took the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. for one week. It also topped the main singles chart in Canada, while also breaking into the Top 20 in the U.K., New Zealand, Australia, and Mexico.

Related: 1981 Rock Song, With 21-Year-Old Singer, Is Still a Powerful Hit 45 Years Later

In an interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Winter talked about how "Frankenstein" came together. It started as a jam session that was around 15 minutes long that they called the "Double Drum" song due to the use of two sets of drums.

He said, "We never envisioned recording it, as it was fifteen minutes long, it was just a live showcase kind of thing. We, accidentally, had like two, or three, versions of it." In order to release it on an album, it needed to be edited down, but Winter explained how difficult the process was, saying, "The only way to edit something, back then, was to physically cut the master tape, which was a harrowing experience."

But the Edgar Winter Group put in the time and effort, finally putting bits and pieces of the long song into what it's known as today. They did it, and "the monster was born and he’s still stalking us today," as Winter described it.

Over 50 years after the song was first released, it's obvious that the band's hard work was worth it, as it's still seen as a huge hit rock song.

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Inspired by a Woman Spotted on the Beach, Was a No. 1 Hit 58 Years Ago Today

Best-selling authorStephen King is taking on Donald Trump—again. The ‘King of Horror’ and the President have a long history of trading barbs, and based on the ‘Carrie’ creator’s latest jabs, he isn’t backing off.

Earlier this week, King slammed Trump on X, posting, “Trump’s numbers are in the basement, but he doesn’t care. This narcissistic megalomaniac actually believes his poll numbers are “the best they’ve ever been.” Next time, be careful who you vote for.”

Trump's numbers are in the basement, but he doesn't care. This narcissistic megalomaniac actually believes his poll numbers are "the best they've ever been."
Next time, be careful who you vote for. Don't do it casually. It does make a difference.

King continued his stern warning, “Don't do it casually. It does make a difference.”

While the President’s critics can get behind Stephen’s sentiment, the post seemed to spark more than just a bit of backlash among Trump’s most loyal supporters. 

The MAGA army came out to bash King online, writing comment after comment in support of Trump.

“You seem sorta obsessed, do you realize?” wrote one Trump supporter.

Others replied, “I am thankful every day that Trump is president and not Stephen King”, “Cuz Kamala woulda been better right?” and “You continue to tell your horror stories. But unfortunately, for you no one's believing this one.”

Of course, the comments weren’t all pro-Trump. Some of King’s fans agreed with the author, writing, “Nothing surprising. He’s the worst thing that has ever happened to this country,” and “Not just that, not only doesn’t he care, he has contempt for people harmed by his erratic, criminally incompetent behavior, he’s surrounded by enablers and sycophants, and apparently, nothing can stop him.”

This wasn’t the only Trump slam King wrote this week. On August 4, he shared, “900 hundred days left for the president with the big behind and empty head. Then we can start repairing the damage he’s done. Starting with no ballroom and release the Epstein files@”

Earlier the same day, King posted, “The next time you see Trump doing the Old-Man boogie to YMCA, remember he’s dancing all over the First Amendment. 75 tries to muzzle s*** he doesn’t like, all but one thrown out of court.” 

Even though Trump’s followers quickly clapped back against King’s criticism, the President is yet to comment publicly. But considering that Trump blocked the author on then-Twitter/now-X in 2017, chances are he hasn’t read the new posts. 

Almost nine years ago, when Trump initially blocked his foe, King snapped back, “Donald Trump blocked me on Twitter. I am hereby blocking him from seeing IT or MR. MERCEDES. No clowns for you, Donald. Go float yourself.”

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As a fall lover and devoted home cook, I find myself swooning over luxurious harvest-inspired stoneware collections every single year. Between the pumpkin-shaped cocottes, leaf servingware, and rich autumn colors, it's the kind of cookware that makes me want to light a cinnamoncandle and bake something immediately. The only problem? My wishlist is usually much bigger than my budget.

That's why I practically did a double take when I spotted The Pioneer Woman 10-Inch Stoneware Pumpkin Pie Dish at Walmart. At just $23, it delivers the same charming look as similar bakeware from a beloved French brand, which costs around $125. That's a difference of more than $100, making it an easy way to bring that cozy, designer-inspired fall aesthetic into your kitchen without splurging.

Courtesy of Walmart

Available in glossy pumpkin orange or classic white, the stoneware baker is sculpted to resemble a plump heirloom pumpkin, with deep vertical grooves wrapping around both the lid and the base so the design appears seamless from top to bottom. Rather than stopping at the silhouette, the pumpkin inspiration carries through into the smallest details. The oversized metallic gold knob is shaped like a curved pumpkin stem, complete with realistic ridges and natural bends that give it a hand-finished look.

The 10-inch size is ideal for far more than pumpkin pie. It should easily handle apple, pecan, sweet potato, and fruit pies, but it's equally suited for quiche, baked brie, breakfast casseroles, cobblers, stuffing, or baked pasta when you're entertaining. Integrated side handles make it easy to transfer from the oven to the table, while the cream-colored interior beautifully frames whatever you're serving. Crafted from durable stoneware, the dish is built to distribute heat evenly while helping food stay warm throughout the meal, and once dessert is gone, it goes straight into the dishwasher for easy cleanup. 

• The Pioneer Woman .5 Quart Pumpkin Stoneware Mini Cocottes with Lids, $22 at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman 3-Quart Oval Pumpkin Stoneware Baker with Lid, $30 at Walmart
• Better Homes & Gardens Figural Pumpkin Baking Dish, $19 at Walmart

Beyond baking, this dish earns its keep all season long as a festive serving piece. Fill it with caramel popcorn, wrapped chocolates, candy corn, or individually wrapped treats for a Halloween candy station, or use it as a charming centerpiece for roasted nuts and snack mixes during Thanksgiving gatherings. 

It would also make a beautiful vessel for appetizers like spinach dip, warm baked brie, buffalo chicken dip, or artichoke dip, with crackers arranged around the outside. Leave the lid off and use it as a cheese board filled with sliced cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit, and crostini, or display it on the kitchen island or dining table filled with decorative mini pumpkins, pinecones, or potpourri.

Shoppers were thrilled with this “beautiful” pie dish, saying that it’s “even better than expected” and is “a great deal, too.” One shopper wrote, “This dish is so lovely — it will definitely be sitting on my table every Thanksgiving!”

Related: Dolly Parton's ‘Gorgeous’ Nonstick Muffin Pan Bakes a Whimsical Butterfly Design Into Every Cupcake

You don't have to spend luxury kitchenware money to get the same cozy fall look. Shop The Pioneer Woman's 10-Inch Stoneware Pumpkin Pie Dish at Walmart for just $23 before fall baking season is in full swing!

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One of the hottest destinations visited by celebrities is kicking off its annual celebratory event next month—and it's perfect for the whole family. Beaches Turks and Caicos recently announced its Fall Fam Jam2026, which is bringing together some of the most iconic characters and performances with a tropical twist.

The beloved beach property situated in Providenciales is hosting the exciting event on two separate occasions this fall: Sept. 16 to 21 and Oct. 1 to 5. The scheduled programming has some treats in store for travelers of all ages, bringing special appearances directly to guests. This year, fan-favorite musical act and global phenomenon Kidz Bop joins the lineup for the very first time.

While the Sesame Street characters have already become a standout mainstay of the resort's entertainment, all-new experiences featuring the beloved characters are kicking off starting Sept. 1. In addition, viral toddler techno sensation Lenny Pearce is bringing a series of raves to the vacation spot in September, with Kidz Bop taking the spotlight in October with high-energy live concerts.

"The Caribbean has always had a rhythm of its own, and at Beaches we've built our family experiences around that spirit of music, celebration, and togetherness," said Deryk Meany, General Manager of Beaches Turks & Caicos, in a press release shared directly with Parade. "From Sesame Street sing-alongs and beach parties to Lenny Pearce's Toddler Techno and now Kidz Bop, we're creating experiences that get families off their lounge chairs and into the moment together."

Fall Fam Jam 2026 promises to bring a "festival-style celebration of family travel" with its headliners. Meanwhile, the party continues in Jamaica at Beaches Negril from Oct. 1 to 5, offering "Kidz Bop-inspired beach parties, poolside celebrations, Kidz Bop karaoke, dance lessons, and special concert viewings, [and] giving families their own front-row seat to the fun."

In May, a host of Hollywood notables gathered at the island resort in celebration of the grand opening of its newest addition, Treasure Beach Village. Chad Michael Murray, Bryan Greenberg, Jesse Eisenberg, Taye Diggs, Sasha Pieterse, Dorinda Medley, Kelly Bensimon, Abbey Romeo, Jamie Chung, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, Amanda Kloots, Dave and Odette Annable, Nico Tortorella, Sam Champion, Melissa Roxburgh, and more all showed up to the event, making it the place to be.

Kylie Jenner recently raved over the location, speaking about the crystal blue warm water, food, sunsets, and "the way that the air feels," calling it her favorite vacation spot. "Best place ever," she said while appearing on a podcast. "Every day I'm mourning not being there."

Meanwhile, its charm appeals to all age groups, as a handful of other famous faces actually own homes on the island, like Christie Brinkley,Bruce Willis, Keith Richards, and Donna Karan, according to Isle Blue magazine.

Travelers can explore more about Beaches Turks & Caicos' 2026 Fall Fam Jam online.

Next, This ‘Glam-Tropical’ Caribbean Icon Made History When It Opened 77 Years Ago