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In a major win for travelers and maritime logistics, the MSC Euribia has officially cleared the Arabian Gulf. After being effectively sidelined in Dubai for 47 days due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the ship successfully transited the critical waterway on April 18, and is now full-speed ahead for Northern Europe.

The breakthrough comes as a surprise relief for thousands of passengers. Just days ago, MSC Cruises had officially cancelled the ship’s first two season-opening departures (May 16 from Kiel and May 17 from Copenhagen) because there was no clear window for the ship to leave Dubai.

However, in a rare "reverse-course" move, the cruise line has now reinstated those sailings. Because the ship cleared the strait sooner than anticipated, it is expected to complete its roughly 8,300-mile journey to Germany in time to resume its original schedule.

Related: Fan-Favorite Cruise Line Cancels Dozens of Sailings For 2026 and 2027

MSC Euribia, Infinity Atrium

"MSC Euribia has departed Dubai, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, and is now en route to Northern Europe," the cruise line confirmed in a statement. "The passage was completed in close coordination with the relevant authorities."

For those whose vacations were recently tossed into limbo, the news is a welcome turnaround. MSC has confirmed that guests who previously received cancellation notices will have the option to transfer their bookings back to these original sailings. The line will be contacting affected travelers directly starting tomorrow to sort out the logistics of reinstating their plans.

Related: Royal Caribbean Cancels Over 20 Cruises Scheduled For 2027

"MSC Euribia is on course to resume her Northern Europe season, and as the ship will now be able to return sooner than previously anticipated, MSC Cruises confirms that the cruise departing on May 16 from Kiel (and May 17 from Copenhagen) will now operate as originally scheduled, with all subsequent sailings operating as planned."

The MSC Euribia is one of the fleet's most technologically advanced vessels, featuring a striking hull designed by artist Alex Flämig that symbolizes the line’s commitment to marine conservation. Once it arrives in Kiel, the ship will begin its highly anticipated summer season, cruising through the iconic fjords of Norway—including stops in Hellesylt, Alesund, and Flam—before transitioning to the Mediterranean this winter.

Related: MSC Cruises Is Coming to Alaska With Better Rates for Your Bucket List

When it comes to our living legends, few would rate higher in the world of country music than our beloved Dolly Parton. But years before she received her first Grammy nomination for "Just Someone I Used to Know," her duet with Porter Wagoner, she was just another teenager who loved music. Unlike other teenagers her age, she was determined to make a name for herself and had already released the first of many singles at 13: "Puppy Love."

The Rise of Dolly Parton: Mandolins, Guitars, and Her First Record

Dolly Rebecca Parton first began performing in front of her church at age six, and by seven, she "made" her first guitar by adding bass guitar strings to a mandolin. After her uncle gave her a real guitar at age 8, there was no stopping her.

By ten years old, she was performing anywhere she could, including radio stations and a local TV show, The Cas Walker Show. Just a few years later, she released her first record, which featured a song she wrote at 11 with her uncle, Bill Owens.

"Gold Band was a small label in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and the song I recorded was called 'Puppy Love,'" she told the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2001. "That record didn't do anything, because it wasn't good at all! But it was a start, and I had big dreams."

The album cover features an adorable, dimpled Parton wearing a modest button-up shirt and no makeup. Definitely not the bouffant-haired, bedazzled look we've come to know.

'Puppy Love' Led to the Grand Ole Opry

Later that same year, Parton appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for the first of many times. However, she didn't have the discography she has now, so she sang 'Puppy Love.' When she received three encores, she just "sang it again."

"When I heard ‘Puppy Love’ on the radio for the first time, I about killed myself," she admitted to W Magazine in 2021. "I was sitting on the counter at my aunt’s house, and suddenly I heard my voice. I slid on the floor, ’cause she was mopping. I was trying to get to the radio. Even to this day, I’ve never had anything that was more exciting than the first time I heard myself on the radio."

In 1975, Woody Allen released a film that would go on to become one of the most acclaimed comedies of its era.

His movie Love and Death has now been ranked among the "300 Best Movies of All Time" on Rotten Tomatoes. The film appears on the list with a 100% Tomatometer, placing it among the most celebrated titles ever included in the ranking.

Written and directed by Allen, Love and Death starred Allen alongside Diane Keaton in a satirical story set during the Napoleonic era. The film followed Boris Grushenko, a fearful scholar forced into the Russian army, as his life spiraled through war, romance and philosophical chaos.

What helps the movie stand out is its mix of literary parody, playful visual humor and quick, clever dialogue. It also manages to confidently lean into philosophical themes without losing its comedic edge. By weaving in references to classic literature and existential ideas, the story develops a more layered, sophisticated feel than a typical comedy.

That careful balance helped it appeal to casual audiences and critics alike. Its layered quality allows it to remain entertaining beyond the first viewing, still offering something new each time.

As a film that earned a reputation for being bold and non-formulaic, it has earned strong critical acclaim. Critic Roger Ebert praised it as Allen's "most ambitious experiment with the comic possibilities of film."

The movie has maintained such strong success since its original release. It was released domestically on June 10, 1975, and earned more than $20.1 million against a $3 million budget.

Decades later, its latest Rotten Tomatoes ranking highlights how well the film has endured. Even among hundreds of widely praised classics, Love and Death continues to hold a place as one of the most respected comedy films ever released.

Related: 1977 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’

While he might not be a household name for most people, B.F. Skinner is one of the most important psychologists in history due to his work and theories around behaviorism. As VeryWellMind reported, Skinner was called the “most influential psychologist of the 20th century” in a 2002 survey of psychologists.

Born on March 20, 1904, Skinner became a leading psychologist, behaviorist, inventor and social philosopher who received his PhD in psychology from Harvard University in 1931. He then became a professor of psychology there in 1948, serving as the Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard from 1958 until his retirement in 1974. But despite his work in psychology and similar fields, he originally wanted to be a writer. So he’s a good choice for our quote of the day, which focuses on not letting failure stop you from trying again. 

Per Harvard, Skinner was influenced by a specific philosophy of psychology called behaviorism. Whereas Freud and Jung’s psychoanalytical theories look at the way people’s inner unconscious or hidden desires and memories can impact their actions, behaviorism rejects all of that. It doesn’t even accept the concept of “mind” in impacting psychological explanations, either. Skinner believed that the “goal of a science of psychology was to predict and control an organism’s behavior from its current stimulus situation and its history of reinforcement.” Essentially, as VeryWellMind put it, he believed that “all human action was the direct result of conditioning” and free will is an illusion.

Most notably, Skinner came up with the concept of operant conditioning. This is a “type of learning in which behavior changes based on its consequences,” per VeryWellMind. You reinforce a behavior that you want to strengthen, and you punish a behavior that you don’t want someone to do again. He also invented gadgets such as the Skinner box and the cumulative recorder.

With all of his theories, inventions and books he wrote (more than 20, plus he did write 180 articles, per the B.F. Skinner Foundation), it’s easy to see why he was so influential in his field and beyond. And today’s quote carries a lot of wisdom regarding perseverance and not giving up.

Related: Quote of the Day: Poet Tagore on Determination and Pulling Through

Quote of the Day by B.F. Skinner

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“A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.”

This quote comes from Skinner’s 1971 book, Beyond Freedom and Dignity, in a chapter titled “The Design of a Culture.” The book description calls this work “profound and profoundly controversial,” and in it he “makes his definitive statement about humankind and society.” 

Ultimately, this book “urges us to reexamine the ideals we have taken for granted and to consider the possibility of a radically behaviorist approach to human problems,” even if that seems incompatible with human nature or current systems. And in doing so, Skinner imagines a world we can build where “humankind can attain its greatest possible achievements.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Conservationist Jane Goodall on Advocacy and Doing Your Part

Deeper Meaning of B.F. Skinner’s Quote—Perseverance and Reframing

The chapter this quote appears in is all about the intricacies of designing a society, as the title suggests. He talks about the psychological implications of forced conditions on people and of having people work to survive. He also writes that a lot of cultural design and discussions of modern issues revolve around metaphors and people’s feelings, which, to him, don’t lead to solutions. 

He then writes about utopian literature and how someone could design a utopian society and find solutions to do so through a sort of cultural engineering. This is all, of course, a thought experiment, with Skinner shooting off ideas about why, theoretically, one could eventually exist.

In the paragraph that he writes the above quote, he states that, given the history of people trying to set up utopian societies, it makes sense that many people think of “utopian” to mean “unworkable.” However, he posits that if certain attempts for a utopia have failed, that means there are also failures of current structures that have failed as well. Then he says the quote above: “A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.” 

Even though those cultures or societies have failed in the past, and might not be possible right now, better designs await. Sure, there are a lot of great arguments as to why a utopia could never exist with humans as they are. But if you just stop looking for answers on how to get there altogether, we definitely won’t ever experience one.

If you don’t subscribe to Skinner’s theories, you might have a hard time agreeing with his ideas about a utopian society and how to create one (or if one could even exist). But the ultimate point of his quote stands. 

Outside of the context of his book and this chapter, the quote can absolutely inspire people to persevere. Even though it can be easy to see a failure or misstep as a mistake and you might want to just quit, it’s important to remember that it’s not an indictment of who you are or what you’re capable of. And if you stop altogether, you really will fail because it'll be like you didn't even try in the first place: nothing will come out of quitting.

Related: Quote of the Day: Paul Newman Says Anything Is Possible

More Quotes from B.F. Skinner

• “A person who has been punished is not thereby simply less inclined to behave in a given way; at best, he learns how to avoid punishment.”
• “Behavior is determined by its consequences.”
• “The major difference between rats and people is that rats learn from experience.”
• “Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.”
• “We are only just beginning to understand the power of love because we are just beginning to understand the weakness of force and aggression.”
• “It is not a question of starting. The start has been made. It's a question of what's to be done from now on.”

Up Next:

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

Whether you partake in "420" or you just happen to be a fan of the many hilarious 420 memes that spread on that day, it's hard to ignore its cultural influence. While it seems like a term that would've been coined by hippies in the 1960s, it was actually five San Rafael High School students who unwittingly began the number's weed association in 1971.

Nicknamed "The Waldos" because they always hung out at a school wall, the group consisted of Steve Capper, Dave Reddix, Jeffrey Noel, Larry Schwartz, and Mark Gravich. One day at the wall, a friend came up and told them about a secret marijuana field he'd heard about from his brother-in-law, which piqued the blunt-lovers' interest.

It Started With a Quest

The Waldos received a map with directions to find the hidden Point Reyes garden. Because they all had different after-school activities, they had to figure out a time and place to meet so they could go search for it. Football or study hall lasted about an hour, so they decided to meet at the Louis Pasteur statue on campus at 4:20 PM.

"We would say '4:20 Louis,' that was the original phrase," They said during an appearance on the Brew Ha Ha podcast. They'd take Capper's Chevy Impala and follow the map out to Point Reyes to look for the marijuana field. Eventually, they stopped bothering with the 'Louis' part.

"We kept looking week after week, and after a couple of weeks, we'd shorten it," they added. "We'd just smile at each other and go, '420.' And we knew, okay, we were meeting at Louis at 4:20. Then, we started using 420 to talk about anything related to getting high."

The Waldo's Link to the Grateful Dead

In 1991, a High Times Magazine writer found a flier at a Dead show that claimed the phrase was "a police code for marijuana smoking in progress." They shared the info in a story, and soon 420 became associated not only with weed but also with the Grateful Dead. The Waldos eventually contacted the magazine's editor to set the record straight about their connection to the band.

According to Reddix, his older brother, Pat, was a good friend of Phil Lesh, who became the Grateful Dead's bass player. Pat even managed some of Lesh's other bands, like Seastones and Touloos Ta Truck.

"He hired me to be a roadie and we were smoking weed backstage with Phil Lesh, David Crosby, Terry Haggerty, and I was using 420," Reddix told the Los Angeles Times. "It filtered through the backstage people and then that filtered into the Grateful Dead community. And that's how it started climbing into the lexicon of the Dead community."

He wasn't the only Waldo with a connection to the legendary band, though. Gravich's father also helped with their "real estate needs."

"They needed places to rehearse, places to store their equipment," Reddix said. "They had a whole organization to support, and they needed office space. They would buy homes in the Marin County hills."

Thanks to Gravich's dad, the Waldos were often added to the guest list for the Grateful Dead's shows. "We'd be backstage with them, and we'd be using the term," Reddix added. "We’d pass them a joint and use the term '420.'"

Competing 420 Rumors Still Exist

Despite the Waldos repeatedly sharing their story, other origin stories have persisted. One claims that the Grateful Dead singerJerry Garcia died at 4:20 -- he died around 4:23 AM. Another stated that it came from the fact that there are 420 active chemical compounds in cannabis. This was debunked; it actually has at least 500 compounds.

There's even a myth that points to Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 and #35," because 12 multiplied by 35 equals 420. The Waldos aren't bothered, as their website includes documents as proof of their claims. Now in their late 60s, the term still stands for 420 to the five friends, but it's expanded over the years.

“But 420 is mostly about friendship, family, solidarity and love,” agree Capper and Reddix.

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 Monday, April 20, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Monday, April 20, 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 20, 2026

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

• Yellow: Golden State sports.
• Green: Beantown teams.
• Blue: Do you believe in miracles?
• Purple: Keep running.

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: CALIFORNIA BASEBALL TEAMS
• Green: SHORTENED NICKNAMES FOR BOSTON TEAMS
• Blue: ASSOCIATED WITH THE MIRACLE ON ICE
• Purple: WORLD MARATHON MAJORS

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 #574 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• CALIFORNIA BASEBALL TEAMS: A'S, ANGELS, GIANTS, PADRES
• SHORTENED NICKNAMES FOR BOSTON TEAMS: B'S, C'S, PATS, SOX
• ASSOCIATED WITH THE MIRACLE ON ICE: 1980, BROOKS, HOCKEY, LAKE PLACID
• WORLD MARATHON MAJORS: BERLIN, BOSTON, CHICAGO, TOKYO

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: The 12 Best Bakery Items to Buy at Publix (and 3 to Skip), According to a Superfan

Congratulations are in order for actor Justin Theroux, 54, and his wife, actress Nicole Brydon Bloom, 32. The couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy, born on April 18, 2026. 

Justin Theroux Announces He's a Dad

In a joint announcement shared to Instagram Saturday, the beaming couple announced their baby boy’s arrival, writing, “He’s here 🕊️ we are so in love,” complete with a photo of the new dad getting some skin-to-skin cuddles with his newborn son.  

View this post on Instagram Jennifer Aniston Reacts To Justin Theroux's Baby News

Both Hollywood veterans, Theroux and Bloom’s celebrity friends were quick to offer congratulations on the pair’s big baby news. Celebrity friends and supporters of the couple, including Katie Couric, Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, and actress Nina Dobrev, quickly congratulated the couple. But it was a like from Theroux’s ex-wife, Jennifer Aniston, that caused fans to zoom into the comment section, as Aniston reinvents post-relationship respect and support.

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Relationship Timeline

Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston met in 2007 and reunited in 2010 when they co-starred in the movie Wanderlust. The pair married in 2015 and announced their separation in 2018, sharing a joint statement that read, “This decision was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year. We are two best friends who have decided to part ways as a couple, but look forward to continuing our cherished friendship.” The former couple has done just that, often commenting on or liking one another’s social media posts.

While Aniston’s show of support for her ex’s baby news has taken some fans by surprise, the lack of acrimony between the two Hollywood stars ties to a larger trend of an evolving narrative around exes and coexisting peacefully. While there are plenty of bitter celebrity breakups to fill a social media feed, kindly uncoupling is cool, even trendy.

Celebrity Exes Who Are Still Friends

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux may be making breaking up look easy and friendly, but they’re not the first celebrity duo to publicly take the high road. Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin famously coined the term "consciously uncoupling” when they split in 2016 and have regularly been photographed together with their children, Apple and Moses. 

Demi Moore and Bruce Willis are one of the friendliest exes, with Moore often photographed with the couple’s three daughters and Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis. Other famous former couples who seemingly get along after breaking up include Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, and Amy Poehler and Will Arnett.

Some exes just happen to get along post-breakup, but regardless of the motive, celebrity exes who show public signs of support for the other help control their own narratives and reduce speculation surrounding their relationship to their former partner. 

Rather than face speculation about how she feels about her ex-husband welcoming his first child, Jennifer Aniston is telling us herself, while proving that just because a celebrity couple breaks up doesn't mean they can’t still be friends.

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If you’ve been looking for an easy way to make clutter disappear without taking over your whole room this spring cleaning season, Walmart has Costway’s 10-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart on sale starting at $55 (was $79). It comes in 12 color options, including hot pink, macaron, clear, white, purple, yellow, and more.

The cart is designed to be compact while still offering plenty of storage. It measures 15 inches long by 13 inches wide and 34 inches high, with a wide top surface for easy access to your most-used items. The metal frame provides stability, and the drawers are removable. Plus, the four wheels make it easy to roll from room to room, and two are lockable to keep the cart from rolling away.

Costway 10-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart, From $55 (was $79) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Teachers use it to separate markers, worksheets, and classroom extras. Crafters appreciate being able to organize supplies by category, such as sewing tools in one drawer, beads in another, and paint supplies in their own section. It also works well as a rolling beauty setup if you’re trying to keep makeup, hair tools, or skincare in one place.

Shoppers have said it’s “very cute and functional” and “perfect to keep paper, stickers, and all supplies organized.” One reviewer wrote, “This is great for all my craft needs. Everything is organized and in one place,” noting, “It was very easy to assemble.”

Related: Walmart's $63 Freestanding Cabinet Is a 'Perfect Space Saver' With 'Tons of Storage'

You can tuck it next to a desk as an “everything drawer” station, roll it into a closet when company comes over, or use the colorful versions to brighten up a craft corner. It’s also a super clean way to store trays, tools, and backups without mixing everything together.

Costway’s 10-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart is a super practical purchase if you’re looking to get organized this spring cleaning season, and at $55 for the hot pink option, now is a great time to grab it. Be sure to snag yours now at Walmart before the price goes back up. Happy organizing! 

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.

Kaley Cuoco is facing a deeply personal moment of loss after her beloved dog passed away.

The Big Bang Theory star shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, marking a somber update about her fur baby, Ruby.

In a post, the 40-year-old actress shared a series of photos featuring her adopted dog, highlighting how loving and gentle the pooch was with her family.

Ruby, who had been Cuoco’s constant companion for years, was often seen by her side through both everyday moments and major milestones.

In a heartfelt message, the award-winning star recalled the magical day that she saw Ruby as she bid goodbye to her little canine.

Cuoco, who affectionately described Ruby as a “little angel snowball,” said that adopting her from a shelter was the “best decision” she had ever made.

Kaley Cuoco on 'Watch Happens Live With Andy Cohen'

Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images

“Ruby. I knew this day would eventually come, but it doesn’t make it any easier. My sweet Ruby has crossed the rainbow bridge. I've had her for so many years that I’ve truly lost count. We have been through SO much together , and through everything, she has remained the exact same: the sweetest little angel snowball. Everyone loved her !! I was doing a TV segment at the East Valley Shelter a very long time ago. She was the dog they had me hold. I went home that night and couldn’t get her out of my mind, so I went back the next day and adopted her. The best decision I ever made . The more pets we have , the more we go through this familiar pain, but it’s an honor to give these dogs the best life possible because that’s all that matters,” she captioned her post.

View this post on Instagram

The comment section was filled with comforting messages from fans and fellow celebrities offering their condolences.

This includes Mean Girls star Lacey Chabert saying, “I’m so sorry. Sending you the biggest hug.”

Comedian Whitney Cummings left an emotional message saying, “Honey. I love you so much. She was the luckiest diva on earth and the way they change us us forever.”

Fans and followers filled the comment section with sweet words, sending Cuoco lots of hugs, especially during this difficult time.

The Flight Attendant star adopted Ruby in 2014 during her visit to an animal shelter in Los Angeles for a shoot with E! News.

"This one starred in our @enews segment and I couldn't get her off my mind," she posted on her Instagram, adding, "So I went back and got her. Welcome to the family, Miss Ruby!!! Thank u west valley animal shelter for keeping her safe!"

Beyond being a dog mom, Cuoco is a dedicated animal advocate and rescuer.

The actress transformed her scenic 40-acre ranch in Thousand Oaks, California, into a rescue center not just for dogs but also a sanctuary for animals like horses, goats, pigs, cows, donkeys and more.

Related: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Star Ditches Signature Blonde Hair at US Open

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 #778 on Monday, April 20.

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: "Gloriously glaring!"

A hint for today's Strands game: Positively sparkling.

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:

• GL
• GL
• GL
• GL
• GL
• GL
• CA (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 20

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, April 20, 2026, is CATCHTHELIGHT.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, April 20?

• GLEAM
• GLITTER
• GLISTEN
• GLOW
• GLINT
• GLIMMER
• SPANGRAM: CATCHTHELIGHT

Related: Costco's Fan-Favorite Bakery Item Is Going Viral After Shoppers Discover 'Shocking' Ingredient List: 'This Is Actually Insane'

Billy Strings’ recent concert came to an abrupt early end after he suffered a serious injury off-stage. The unfortunate accident happened on Saturday, April 18, right before his anticipated encore at the John Paul Jones Arena during night two of his back-to-back stint in Charlottesville, Virginia.

RELATED: Country Singer Reflects on ‘One of the Hardest Seasons of My Life,’ Eyes Next Chapter

According to Live For the Music, Strings broke his leg while attempting a kick flip on his skateboard as he made his way back to the stage between songs. In his attempt, the 33-year-old country and bluegrass star reportedly tried to land the trick, but misjudged his move and lost his balance. 

He Broke His Leg

He ended up taking a hard spill, which resulted in a broken leg and an abrupt and painful end to a night that was supposed to be celebrated, as he, instead, was unable to return to the stage for his grand finale. 

Though the disastrous moment wasn’t caught on camera, one person, who appeared to have been in attendance at the concert, shared video of the aftermath of the fall. The dim clip, posted on X, shows the two-time Grammy Award winner lying on the ground before he sits up and scoots himself away from the stage. Afterward, crew members reportedly wheeled the Michigan native out on a stretcher.  

pic.twitter.com/dFzKbKRWCK

— Boobie Dixon (@Boobie26v4) April 19, 2026

“Missed out on the encore, but he tore the house down,” one ticketholder also captioned a clip after capturing a musical moment before the injury occurred. 

@jehnkemjam

Missed out on the encore but he tore the house down fr #billystrings #johnpauljones #charlottesville #virginia #jamband

♬ original sound - grayx

“Moments before Billy Strings broke his leg,” that person added in the video uploaded to TikTok. 

He Confirmed the Injury 

Strings, on Sunday, April 19, took to his personal Instagram page, confirming the injury. His post shows an X-ray of his leg, which includes a broken tibia and fibula, and an image of his setlist from the night of the concert.  

Fans and friends jumped into the comments section of Strings’ post to share their warm wishes for healing and a swift recovery. 

“Heal up, champ,” comedian and podcast host Theo Von wrote, while artists of Thursday Band wrote, “Get well soon, sir.” 

“You got this, Billy,” a third person wrote, while another user added, “Billy, I hope it’s a swift recovery.” 

According to his official website, Strings is currently on a short break before his next run of sold-out shows. His next scheduled concert is Wednesday, April 22, at the Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, West Virginia.

Related: Country Star’s Pregnant Wife Reveals Crushing Family News: ‘These Are My Days Right Now’

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 #1044 on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, April 20, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Monday'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 Monday, April 20

1. Where there's this, there's fire.
2. Reel 'em in!
3. Their bite can potentially be deadly.
4. Everyone gets a case of them now and then.

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!).

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Today's Connections Game Answers for Monday, April 20:

1. MASS OF SMOKE: BILLOW, CLOUD, PLUME, PUFF
2. FISHING GEAR: BAIT, HOOK, NET, ROD
3. ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS: CANNIBALISM, HOURGLASS, VENOM, WEB
4. ____ MONDAY: BLUE, CYBER, MANIC, MEATLESS

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: The 12 Best Bakery Items to Buy at Publix (and 3 to Skip), According to a Superfan

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 #1766 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There are three vowels 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 answer is: to make fabric on a loom.

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 #1766 on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Monday, April 20, 2026, is STAND.

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

Related: Costco's Fan-Favorite Bakery Item Is Going Viral After Shoppers Discover 'Shocking' Ingredient List: 'This Is Actually Insane'

In 1972, Loretta Lynn and Shel Silverstein collaborated to make one of the era's most iconic country songs.

"One's on the Way," written by Silverstein and sung by Lynn, was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart 54 years ago today. The track was another major success for the pair, and it added to Lynn's growing run of chart-topping hits in the early 1970s.

Released in late 1971, the song quickly connected with listeners through its grounded and conversational tone. It followed a pregnant mother in Topeka as she reflected on her life and compared it to the glamorous lifestyles of various public figures, mixing humor with a quiet frustration that still rings true today.

Such a perspective helped the song feel especially real to its audience. Rather than focusing on fantasy or romance, it centered on everyday life in a way that country music was beginning to embrace more openly during that era.

The track also highlighted Silverstein's range as a writer. While widely known for his work in children's literature, he also wrote several notable songs, and "One's on the Way" remains one of his most successful contributions to country music.

For Lynn, the song became another defining moment in a career built on honest, relatable storytelling. Its perspective and delivery helped it resonate with audiences then and continue to stand out among her most enduring recordings decades later.

Related: 1972 Hit Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of All Time' Became a Timeless Anthem

A gentle yet powerful ballad rose to the charts and quickly became a defining moment in music.

In 1974, Roberta Flack released the title track of her fifth studio album, “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” a seductive, soulful song about intimacy.

According to the singer, she instantly fell in love with the song upon hearing it and recorded it in a single take.

“When Gene [McDaniels] first called and sang his song to me, he just strummed it,” said she in an interview as cited by Rhino. “I basically had that feeling in my mind when I went into the studio, [and] I wanted it to move along without too much of a sentimental feeling. I felt it said what it had to say. I sang it down one time, and Gene said, ‘Whoa, that was really great. Now can you do it once more, making some of the phrases more rubato?’ I said, ‘Nooooooo, I love that.’ We played it back, and [drummer] Ralph McDonald said, ‘I think that’s it.’ Everyone agreed. I did that song in one take.”

The single’s smooth and sensual rhythm received a strong reception from the public, making it a massive hit at the time.

Roberta Flack performs onstage at the Park West Auditorium, Chicago, Illinois, March 30, 1981.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

After the song made its debut in June 1974, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” replaced John Denver’s hit “Annie’s Song” as it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 1 for one week but remained in the top 10 chart for 16 weeks.

Beyond this success, the legendary singer-songwriter and pianist made history as the first female solo artist to reach No. 1 on the Hot 100 for three consecutive years, according to Billboard.

This was after her previous songs “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song” ranked first on the chart, cementing her name in music history.

With the release of “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” the late music icon delivered a career-defining hit that would become a timeless classic, later revived and reinterpreted by several artists across generations.

In 1983, legendary jazz singer George Benson put his own spin on the classic track with a dance-oriented and funk-heavy version, which he included in his album In Your Eyes.

Flack’s song also saw several revivals in the 2000s, including a notable cover by the late R&B singer D’Angelo in 2000. This is widely regarded as the most prominent reinterpretation of the track.

Adding to the list was Lumidee in 2007 as part of her second studio album, Unexpected.

Related: 1975 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Soft Rock Songs’ of All Time Became a Timeless Classic

In 1995, a quietly powerful love story arrived in movie theaters that would go on to become one of the most beloved romantic films ever made.

Before Sunrise, directed by Richard Linklater, has since been ranked among the best movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its enduring emotional resonance.

The film follows Jesse and Céline, played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who meet on a train and impulsively decide to spend one night together in Vienna. What unfolds is a simple yet deeply intimate story, driven almost entirely by conversation as the two wander the city, sharing their thoughts on life, love and everything in between.

"I was walking around with Amy [the woman who helped inspire the story] in Philadelphia for a whole night. We were attracted to each other and I was thinking, 'Oh, this is a film.' I wanted to make a film about a feeling that minimal," Linklater told Huck in 2020.

"Can you capture that: two people meeting and having a connection? In the romance genre, that's usually just the beginning and then the story picks up and they head to bed pretty quickly. I was in opposition to that. The first kiss is a big deal. It takes a long time to get there, as it often does in real life."

Rather than relying on traditional plot or dramatic twists, Before Sunrise thrives on its authenticity. The chemistry between its leads and the natural flow of dialogue give the film a sense of realism that resonates with audiences long after it ends.

"The film's only agenda is to go onto the next interaction – all it propels you to is the next thing," Linklater told BFI in 1995. "The fact is they won’t know until they're apart how much they really care about each other. We all create these romantic ideals, even if they don’t exist. It’s kind of an endearing thing about the species that we do that."

The movie went on to become the first installment in Linklater's acclaimed Before trilogy, followed by Before Sunset and Before Midnight, further exploring the evolving relationship between the two characters over time.

Though modest in scale, Before Sunrise has had a lasting cultural impact, often cited as one of the most realistic portrayals of romance ever put to film. Its themes of chance encounters, fleeting moments and emotional vulnerability continue to strike a chord with viewers.

Decades after its release, the film remains a favorite among critics and audiences alike.

With its inclusion in Rotten Tomatoes' ranking, Before Sunrise stands as a timeless classic, one that proves sometimes the simplest stories leave the deepest impression.

Related: 1994 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’

You probably brush your teeth at least twice a day. You may rinse with mouthwash each time and even floss daily. But there is probably one part of your mouth that you’re forgetting to clean: your tongue. 

“It’s extremely necessary to clean your tongue,” says Dr. Catrise Austin, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at VIP Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry and host of the podcast Let’s Talk Smiles. 

“Your tongue isn’t a smooth surface,” she adds. “It is covered in tiny grooves called papillae that trap bacteria, food debris and dead cells. This buildup forms a biofilm that brushing alone doesn’t remove.” 

That biofilm can contribute to bad breath and gum inflammation over time, she says, so it’s important to remove it. “Cleaning your tongue is beneficial to your overall oral health,” says Dr. Amber Bonnaig, DDS, dental director in Georgia for DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S. It can minimize bad breath, boost gum health and improve your taste buds. 

But it’s a step many people skip, research suggests. One study of over 1,000 participants found that only about 18% cleaned their tongue every day, and roughly a third did so only occasionally. Tongue cleaning is also an often-overlooked component of good oral hygiene more broadly—a separate study found that even among medical students, less than half practiced tongue cleaning daily. Dr. Bonnaig explains that cleaning your tongue once a day is ideal. You can use a tongue scraper, which she says is the "gold standard for cleaning your tongue," or a soft-bristled toothbrush.

If you typically forget to clean your tongue, here’s why dentists say you should add it to your oral hygiene regimen and how to do it safely and effectively. 

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The Benefits of Cleaning Your Tongue

Tongue cleaning improves overall oral hygiene, and one of the top ways it does that is by reducing bad breath, Dr. Bonnaig says. Scraping your tongue helps remove “sulfur-producing bacteria,” which cause it, Dr. Austin adds, noting that most bad breath originates from the tongue, not the teeth. 

Related: Doing This One Thing Before Bed Can Stop Morning Breath, Dentists Say

Research shows that using a tongue scraper reduces volatile sulfur compounds, the main cause of bad breath, by 75%, and using a toothbrush reduces the compounds by 45%. 

Cleaning your tongue also supports gum health, Dr. Austin says. Bacterial buildup on the tongue can lead to gum inflammation, which may cause gum disease. Removing it lowers your risk.

The accumulation of bacteria on your tongue can also affect your taste buds, according to Penn Dental Family Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. When you scrape off the bacteria, it will improve your sense of taste. 

Are There Any Downsides To Cleaning Your Tongue?

The mouth has its own microbiome that keeps it healthy. Tongue cleaning can interfere with your mouth’s microbiome, but this isn’t harmful for most people, Dr. Bonnaig says, explaining, “Tongue cleaning temporarily reduces the buildup on the tongue. The good news is that the microbiome repopulates relatively quickly.” 

You’re also usually not eliminating all bacteria on the tongue, just the excess harmful bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments like your mouth and cause odor and inflammation, Dr. Austin tells Parade.

Related: 7 Things To Know Before You Get Veneers, According to a Cosmetic Dentist

However, scraping too aggressively or over-scraping to the point of irritation could cause injury or problems, Dr. Austin adds. 

Be careful using a toothbrush or scraper to clean your tongue if you have oral thrush, as it can make it worse, according to Penn Dental. Also, exercise caution if you have sensitive gums, periodontal disease, or open sores in your mouth—and if you’re pregnant, have a sensitive gag reflex, or wear prosthodontics or dental appliances. 

How To Clean Your Tongue

Clean your tongue once a day, preferably in the morning, Dr. Bonnaig says, sharing, “It can easily be done once you have completed your daily brushing and flossing routine.” 

Overnight, you produce less saliva, which lets bacteria multiply and produce volatile sulfur compounds, contributing to bad breath, Dr. Austin says, explaining, “That bacterial layer rebuilds every 24 hours, so daily removal is essential. For patients with bad breath, dry mouth or visible coating, I recommend twice-daily cleaning.” 

Related: This Weird Change Is an Unexpected Sign of Diabetes That Doctors Are Begging People To Pay Attention To

Here are some tips for cleaning your tongue: 

• Use a tongue scraper or soft-bristled toothbrush. Dr. Austin says a tongue scraper is more effective because it lifts and removes buildup, while a toothbrush can move bacteria around. There are several different scrapers available. She suggests choosing one that feels comfortable to you so you’ll use it consistently. 

• Be gentle. “Technique matters more than force,” Dr. Austin says. Focus on lifting and removing the biofilm from the tongue, not scrubbing it aggressively. 

• Extend your tongue comfortably. Then, place the scraper as far back as you can without triggering your gag reflex, Dr. Austin says, sharing, “Using light, even pressure, slowly pull the scraper forward along the surface of the tongue. Rinse the scraper and repeat this motion two to three times.” 

If you’re unsure how to clean your tongue, talk to your dentist, Dr. Bonnaig says. They can help you develop an overall oral hygiene plan that includes tongue cleaning.

Up Next:

Related: I’m a Dentist, and This Surprising Habit Is Damaging Your Teeth Without You Realizing It

Sources: 

• Dr. Catrise Austin, DDS, a cosmetic dentist at VIP Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry and host of the podcast Let’s Talk Smiles
• Dr. Amber Bonnaig, DDS, dental director in Georgia for DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S.
• Prevalence of Tongue Cleaning Using a Toothbrush: A Questionnaire Survey in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, BioMed Research International
• Tongue Cleaning Habits and related Factors among Medical Students in 2024: A Cross-sectional Study, The Open Dentistry Journal 
• Tongue-cleaning methods: a comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper, Journal of Periodontology
• Should You Be Scraping Your Tongue?, Penn Dental Family Practice

Sandra Bullock believes Hollywood should lean into AI.

The actress appeared at the CNBC Changemakers Summit alongside Warner Bros. Pictures co-chair and CEO Pam Abdy. The topic of AI was brought up by moderator Julia Boorstin regarding fan made AI generated trailers for Practical Magic 2, a film starring Bullock.

When asked if it was weird to see her image and likeness generated by AI in these fan made trailers, Bullock said, "Well, there could be worse [things] with my image!”

Bullock then shared her thoughts on the intersection of AI and Hollywood.

“But it’s here. We have to observe it. We have to understand it. We have to lean into it," she said. "We have to use it in a really constructive and creative way, make it our friend rather than — I mean, we have to be incredibly cautious and aware of it because there are people who will use it for evil and not good. But I do feel that there’s a place for it… It’s here. We have to just be friends in some dark way.”

Abdy also weighed in on the AI generated content made by fans for Practical Magic 2.

"I know it’s not great, but it’s also exciting, because that means that there’s a desire for it and that means that people want to come and play with the movie. And that’s exciting,” Abdy said. “We have to acknowledge it, we have to understand it, and we have to look at it. I think we have to look at it as a tool and on the production side as a tool. How is it going to be used to help us make movies better for the filmmakers? It has to be a tool for the storytellers.”

Abdy echoed similar sentiments to Bullock, continuing, "“It’s evolving every single day. It’s moving very rapidly. And I just think we as a community have to, again, like Sandra said, acknowledge it, understand it, learn about it and move forward.”

Practical Magic 2 opens in theaters on Sept. 18, 2026.

If you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. 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 on for Today's Mini Crossword on Monday, April 20, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, April 20, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: All-caps reply to a spammy political text — HINT: Ends with the letter "P"

5 Across: Number of seasons that "Seinfeld" and "The Office" each ran —HINT: Starts with the letter "N"

6 Across: Wild party, informally — HINT: Ends with the letter "R"

7 Across: Swedish furniture giant — HINT: Ends with the letter "A"

8 Across: Long-lasting salon treatment — HINT: Starts with the letter "P"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Chinese zodiac animal — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

2 Down: Chinese zodiac animal — HINT: Starts with the letter "T"

3 Down: Hour following midnight — HINT: Ends with the letter "M"

4 Down: The "p" of m.p.h. — HINT: Starts with the letter "P"

6 Down: Tombstone letters — HINT: Ends with the letter "P"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, April 20, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: All-caps reply to a spammy political text — STOP

5 Across: Number of seasons that "Seinfeld" and "The Office" each ran —NINE

6 Across: Wild party, informally — RAGER

7 Across: Swedish furniture giant — IKEA

8 Across: Long-lasting salon treatment — PERM

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Chinese zodiac animal — SNAKE

2 Down: Chinese zodiac animal — TIGER

3 Down: Hour following midnight — ONEAM

4 Down: The "p" of m.p.h. — PER

6 Down: Tombstone letters — RIP

Related: The 12 Best Bakery Items to Buy at Publix (and 3 to Skip), According to a Superfan