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Few names are as famous as “Einstein.” Albert Einstein was born in 1879 and was most active from the early 1900s until he died in 1955, but he’s still just as well-known today as he was when he first released his famous research, such as the theory of relativity. He’s known for his IQ, his scientific findings and much more, including the fact that he won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 for “his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect,” per the official Nobel Prize site. And our quote of the dayfeatures one of Einstein’s more inspiring quotes about imagination being more important than knowledge. 

Einstein was a German-born physicist, and in fact is deemed “the most influential physicist of the 20th century,” per Britannica. They also reported that, after he got his diploma in 1900 and acquired Swiss citizenship, he was unable to find a teaching position. This is because he had done all his studying on his own, skipping class much to the chagrin of his professors and ultimately blacklisting him from letters of recommendation. After struggling with supporting himself and taking lower tutoring jobs, in 1902 he was recommended for a position as a clerk in the Swiss patent office and things turned up from there. 

Einstein was a pacifist and opposed Germany’s entry into WWI, and by the time the Nazi movement came to power in Germany after the war, Einstein’s fame and his activism against war—along with his Judaism—made him a target in Europe. This forced him to flee Germany in 1932 and never go back. 

Later in his life, as Britannica reported, Einstein continued to study his theory of general relativity and came up with some “key developments” such as wormholes, the possibility of time travel, the existence of black holes and more. He was very ahead of his time, and you could argue that this was partly due to his ever-present imagination and curiosity.

Related: Quote of the Day: Carl Sagan on Why Imagination Is the Key to Progress

Quote of the Day by Albert Einstein

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“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

Einstein said this quote in an interview with George Sylvester Viereck in 1929 for The Saturday Evening Post. It was titled “What Life Means to Einstein,” and is very in-depth and long—honestly a good read if you like Einstein, history or just knowledge in general. 

It appears in the section titled ”The Measles of Mankind,” after Einstein says that he believes in “intuitions and inspirations,” sometimes thinking he’s right about his theories but of course never knowing, fully, if he is. Though he says he “would have been surprised” if he’d been wrong about a hypothesis he made. Viereck asks him if he trusts imagination more than knowledge, and then he responds with today’s quote: “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

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

Deeper Meaning of Albert Einstein’s Quote—Prioritize Creativity

For someone who is universally considered a genius, it might be shocking to read his words saying that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” However, Einstein was a man who very much believed in the significance of curiosity and creativity as well. And the fact that he said this after his statement regarding feeling strongly about “intuitions and inspirations” hits home his stance even further. 

Einstein is saying that if you have only knowledge, you can only go so far. But when you have imagination, the sky is the limit; endless possibilities await you when you can dream up things. Of course, you can’t come up with the theory of relativity or conduct other research Einstein did without knowledge and intelligence. However, he is saying that you can’t just stop at the know-how. You need to have a visionary mind to continue propelling you forward. 

While many—or rather all—of us could not have come up with the formulas, research and theories that Einstein did, imagination gives us the ability to create so many potentialities for our own future.

Related: Mark Twain’s 'Best Way' To Stay Positive Is Exactly What We Need To Hear Today

More Quotes from Albert Einstein

• “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.”
• “Failure is success in progress.”
• “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
• “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”
• “Be a loner. That gives you time to wonder, to search for the truth. Have holy curiosity. Make your life worth living.”
• “Men marry women with the hope they will never change. Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invariably they are both disappointed.”

Up Next:

Related: Oscar Wilde Wrote This More Than 130 Years Ago—and It May Be More Relevant Than Ever

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle covers everything from teams in the A to things seen on your visage. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Sunday, August 2, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, August 2, 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 August 2, 2026

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

• Yellow: They keep on turning.
• Green: Peach state orgs.
• Blue: Associated with the Marlboro Man's grandson.
• Purple: Like your countenance.

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: THINGS WITH WHEELS
• Green: ATLANTA TEAMS
• Blue: ASSOCIATED WITH SAM DARNOLD
• Purple: ENDS IN A PART OF THE FACE

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 #678 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• THINGS WITH WHEELS: BICYCLE, RACE CAR, SKATEBOARD, ZAMBONI
• ATLANTA TEAMS: ATLANTA UNITED, DREAM, FALCONS, HAWKS
• ASSOCIATED WITH SAM DARNOLD: JETS, SEAHAWKS, SUPER BOWL LX, TROJANS
• ENDS IN A PART OF THE FACE: BOURNEMOUTH, DIAGNOSE, HAWKEYES, KICKFLIP

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: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every 90s Mom Had On Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

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Summer's in full swing, which means the season of bright colors, pastels, and florals is upon us. There's nothing more satisfying than walking into a refreshing home, and Macy's is the perfect place to go to begin upgrading your space, thanks to the incredible discounts on bedding, furniture, and more. The Charlotte Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set is about to be your new obsession, and it's 69% off right now.

The comforter initially cost $80, but has been reduced to $25 during a limited-time special deal. You can shop the set in three sizes: twin (68 inches long and 90 inches wide), full/queen (90 inches long and 90 inches wide) and king (106 inches long and 90 inches wide). And, yes, they are all marked at the same price. The three-piece set comes with a comforter and two shams — but do note that the twin set only comes with one sham, making it a two-piece set. 

Charlotte Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set, $25 (was $80) at Macy's

Courets

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The pattern features gorgeous flowers of pink, yellow, and green coloring. The reversible side displays a pale yellow with a subtle shell print that's perfect for muted homes. The shams are also reversible and match the print accordingly. Shoppers described the piece as "beautiful," "super soft,"  and "cozy." One customer even cited the design as "the perfect punch of happiness." 

Related: Macy's 'Beautiful Bow Earrings' Are a 'Classy' Take on the Balletcore Trend for Just $9

The reversible comforter is made with a 100% polyester shell and fill, so it's machine washable. When it comes to bedding, make sure to carefully read the care instruction label to ensure it maintains its quality over time. According to the description, this style provides medium warmth and is intended for year-round use.

"It's warm and breathable — enough to keep me warm in the winter without waking up in sweat from overheating," another reviewer said, adding that it "brightens" any space. Considering the low cost, some shoppers even purchased multiple sets for different rooms. 

Don't wait until summer is already over to feel joy in your space. Shop Macy's gorgeous comforter set while it's 69% off! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Hank Cochran, the country music songwriter behind some of the genre's biggest hits, would have celebrated his 91st birthday on Aug. 2.

Born in 1935, Cochran became one of Nashville’s most successful songwriters during the 1960s, writing songs that would become classics for some of country music’s biggest stars.

One of his most famous compositions was "I Fall to Pieces," which Cochran co-wrote with Harlan Howard. Patsy Cline recorded the song in 1961, and it became one of the defining hits of her career.

The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard country chart, giving Cline her first chart-topping country hit and helping establish her as one of the genre’s most important voices. "I Fall to Pieces" would remain closely associated with Cline throughout her career and long after her death.

But Cochran’s songwriting credits extended well beyond Cline.

He wrote hits recorded by artists including Ray Price, Eddy Arnold, Merle Haggard and George Strait, making his mark on country music across several generations.

He was also a recording artist in his own right. Cochran released music between 1962 and 1980 and placed seven songs on the Billboard country chart. His biggest solo success came with "Sally Was a Good Old Girl," which became a Top 20 country hit.

Still, his legacy is perhaps best measured by the songs other artists took to the top of the charts.

Cochran was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, four years after his death at age 74.

RELATED: 1956 Elvis Presley Hit, No. 1 on 2 Charts, Took 17 Takes to Record

Today's NYT Strands puzzle requires you to reach for the stars. 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 #882 on Sunday, August 2.

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: "Eyes on the prize"

If that doesn't help, here's a hint for today's Strands game: Determination.

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:

• AM
• IN
• GO
• OB
• PU
• PL
• AI (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 2

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, August 2, 2026, isAIMHIGH.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, August 2?

• AMBITION
• INTENTION
• GOAL
• OBJECTIVE
• PURPOSE
• PLAN
• SPANGRAM: AIMHIGH

Related: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every 90s Mom Had On Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

Will "Barbie 2" ever see the light of day? Fans are eagerly waiting.

Blockbusters like The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day are ruling the current box office, and three years ago it was the summer of "Barbenheimer."

Barbie in particular made roughly $1.5 billion at the box office, and enough time has passed for die-hards to be itching for any updates regarding a follow-up.

On Friday, July 31, The New York Times reported that the project has hit a roadblock of sorts. Warner Bros. still needs to reach agreements with the talent involved in the first film, including writer-director Greta Gerwig as well as stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. The studio chiefs have been negotiating with the talent for months, the Times also noted.

While negotiations continue, industry whizzes know all about the pending merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, which was just put on hold following a lawsuit. That means Warner Bros. needs to keep operating independently, and Barbie remains front and center in the studio's strategy.

Gerwig, 42, and her writing partner and husband, Noah Baumbach, have made it clear in negotiations that they have a story they want to tell and are ready to begin writing, per the Times — but Warner Bros. doesn’t know what the idea is. And the pair won’t tell the studio, or begin writing, until the deal is done.

Meanwhile, Gerwig is finishing up Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew for Netflix, which recently delayed the film's release date from November of this year to February of 2027. It comes down to getting a bigger theatrical focus, to all the fans who were bummed upon hearing the news. This is good in the grander scheme of things, as a fantasy story of this magnitude deserves to be on the big screen for as long as possible.

Today's New York Times Connections puzzle deals with states of being, flight destinations and more.

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 #1148 onSunday, August 2, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, August 2, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Sunday's puzzle, you're not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Sunday, August 2

1. Like "um" or "uh".
2. Like my last email.
3. With ice cream.
4. Places you might fly into.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Sunday, August 2:

1. FILLER WORDS: ACTUALLY, LIKE, SO, WELL
2. BY MEANS OF: BY, PER, THROUGH, VIA
3. ___ MODE: AIRPLANE, BEAST, DARK, À LA
4. U.S. AIRPORT CODES PLUS STARTING LETTER: ASEA, FLAX, LORD, OLGA

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: 5 'Outdated' Cooking Rules Your Grandmother Swore By That Chefs Actually Still Use Today

Accio sugar.

McCormick is sprinkling a little more magic into the baking aisle with four new Harry Potter finishing sugars, and Potterheads are already losing it. The limited-edition lineup, first shared by food-news account markie_devo, is casting its spell on major stores this month.

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The four flavors read like a Honeydukes shopping spree: Cauldron Cake, Pumpkin Pasty, Chocolate Frog and Licorice Wand. Each one is a shimmery finishing sugar, the kind you shake over cookies, cupcakes and lattes or swipe around the rim of a glass for a little wizard-worthy sparkle. Cauldron Cake and Chocolate Frog are naturally flavored, while Licorice Wand leans into its dark-arts side as the artificially flavored one of the group.

This is McCormick's second trip to the wizarding world. Back in March, the spice brand dropped a Butterbeer finishing sugar and a Butterbeer flavor for the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, made with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. That $3.99 Butterbeer sugar flew off shelves at Walmart, Amazon and other retailers, so a four-flavor encore is a serious glow-up.

View this post on Instagram What Are Finishing Sugars, Anyway?

Think fairy dust, but edible.

Finishing sugars are flavored, sparkly sugars you sprinkle over baked goods or use to rim a festive drink. McCormick has been on a collab tear this year, teaming with Netflix's Bridgerton for a trio of finishing sugars and crowning Black Currant its flavor of the year. A full Harry Potter set is its biggest wizarding flex yet.

When Can You Grab Them?

Soon, and maybe already.

The sugars are hitting major stores in August, and sharp-eyed shoppers say bottles are turning up in the wild right now. If this rollout looks anything like the Butterbeer launch, expect them at big grocery and retail chains rather than one secret Room of Requirement. These are limited edition, though, so grab yours before they vanish faster than a Golden Snitch.

Today's NYT Wordle answer deal with matters of the law. 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 #1870 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

There are two 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 no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: Of or constituting punishment.

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 #1870 on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, August 2, 2026, is PENAL.

-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)

On Aug. 1, 1931, Elliott Charles Adnopoz, better known as folk music legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott, was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., and the stories he's told over the course of his life and career have been leaving a mark on listeners for decades. Today, Aug. 1, 2026, the singer/songwriter celebrates his milestone 95th birthday.

The musician left home at age 15 to forge his own path away from his father's career choice for him, which he had no interest in. “I didn’t like the smell of ether. I didn’t like the sound of babies crying. I didn’t like anything at all about being a doctor,” he once told American Blues Scene. All the stories he "rambles on" about are said to be real-life adventures of his, starting from his teenage years.

A close collaborator of some of the genre's most notable names, the urban cowboy inspired many. Bob Dylan, widely regarded as the King of Folk himself, called Elliott "The King of the Folk Singers," as did Tim Grimm in his 2013 song "King of the Folksingers." The tune is famously a loving tribute to Elliott, who was purposefully name-dropped many times in the lyrics.

"Someone grabbed a hammer, must've been Big Jon / Skinny Pete is hollering, gonna strap his banjo on / Arlo’s in his teepee, playing spoons and bones / Dylan got the sceptre, but ramblin' Jack is on the throne," Grimm croons of Elliott authentically holding the top spot in his eyes. The song was written to pay homage to the star who earned his moniker due to his tendency to ramble on and on, a key feature of his signature storytelling.

Related: '60s Music Legend, Nicknamed 'The Guitar Man,' Turns 95

Arlo Guthrie told Rolling Stone in 2009, “I’ve known him for close to my whole life, and I’ve never heard the same story twice. It wasn’t until I was older when I realized that ‘ramblin’ was not a geographical name.”

Ramblin’ Jack was among the ten Solo Living Artists inducted into the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame in 2024, and has recorded over 40 albums. "One of the country's legendary foundations of folk music," the two-time Grammy winner's most prolific works include "San Francisco Bay Blues," "Roll on Buddy," and his defining covers of Woody Guthrie material, like "Hard Travelin'."

And after a storied career spanning over seven decades, he still hasn't hung up his mic yet. According to his official website, Ramblin' Jack put on a string of shows this past spring, most recently appearing on May 22 at The Freight in Berkeley, Calif.

Next, 'Rock and Roll's Original Lonely Boy' Turns 85

In 1970, the iconic band Black Sabbath released "War Pigs," an influential song that has remained one of rock music's most enduring political anthems.

Through the power of music, artists and musicians have long used songs to deliver social commentary, voice protest and inspire change among audiences.

As a tribute to this, Collider ranked the top 10 greatest protest songs in classic rock, honoring tracks that have left a lasting legacy in music.

With the 1969 song "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Ohio" landing the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively, and "Masters of War" by Bob Dylan taking No. 3, the Black Sabbath song secured No. 4.

Described as having the "perfect sound for that argument," the song stood out not only by criticizing leaders with words but also through its heavy guitar riffs, dark melodies and ominous atmosphere.

Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Ozzy Osbourne

Chris Walter/WireImage

Moreover, the track was also included on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Protest Songs of All Time list, landing at No. 48.

Released as part of the band's sophomore album, Paranoid, the iconic protest song’s lyrics were largely written by bassist Geezer Butler.

In the liner notes for the band's 1998 live album, Reunion, he mentioned creating the lyrics in a short period of time.

“Then I sat down and wrote the lyrics as quickly as I could, (and) it was all done in about two hours,” as mentioned by Rhino.

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Moreover, he once mentioned that the original title of the track was “Walpurgis,” a traditional spring festival in parts of Europe. The name was later adopted as one of the major holidays observed in modern Satanism.

“It’s sort of like Christmas for Satanists,” the musician told Noisecreep in an interview, adding, “And to me, war was the big Satan. It wasn’t about politics or government or anything. It was (about) evil. So I was saying ‘generals gathered in the masses/just like witches at black masses' to make an analogy. But when we brought it to the record company, they thought 'Walpurgis' sounded too Satanic. And that’s when we turned it into ‘War Pigs.’ But we didn’t change the lyrics, because they were already finished.”

While it was celebrated as an iconic protest song, “War Pigs” was never released as a commercial single from the album. However, it reached new heights decades later after making its debut on the Billboard charts.

The 1970 track reached its all-time high after landing at No. 5 on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart, making it Black Sabbath's second-highest-charting tune.

Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Written by Beloved Supergroup, Ranked Among Best Rock Songs of All Time

Few songs have enjoyed a journey quite like George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord."

Released in 1970 as the lead single from his landmark solo album, All Things Must Pass, the song became Harrison's first No. 1 hit as a solo artist. But before it introduced the former Beatle's spiritual songwriting to millions of listeners, it had actually been written with another musician in mind.

That musician was Billy Preston.

Harrison originally wrote "My Sweet Lord" for his close friend and collaborator, who had worked extensively with both The Beatles and Harrison during the late 1960s. Preston recorded the song first for his 1970 album, Encouraging Words, which Harrison also produced and played on.

Only afterward did Harrison decide to record his own version.

When he began sessions for All Things Must Pass, Harrison realized the song had the potential to become something even bigger. His recording expanded on the original arrangement with producer Phil Spector's signature Wall of Sound production, layering guitars, keyboards, and choral vocals into one of the defining recordings of the era.

"I was sticking my neck out on the chopping block," Harrison revealed in his autobiography, I Me Mine. "I thought a lot about whether to do it or not, because I would be committing myself publicly and I anticipated that a lot of people might get weird about it."

The bold decision paid off.

Released as a single in November 1970, "My Sweet Lord" climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts around the world, including in the United Kingdom. It became Harrison's first solo chart-topper and helped propel All Things Must Pass into one of the most successful albums ever released by a former Beatle.

Beyond its commercial success, the song stood out for its message.

Blending the Christian phrase "Hallelujah" with the Hindu mantra "Hare Krishna," Harrison created a universal expression of spirituality that reflected his lifelong interest in Eastern philosophy and religion. Its uplifting lyrics and memorable melody resonated with listeners across cultures, making it one of the most recognizable songs of the 1970s.

"I did the voices singing 'Hallelujah' first and then the change to 'Hare Krishna' so that people would be chanting the Maha Mantra before they knew what was going on," Harrison said years later.

"My Sweet Lord" has remained a defining part of Harrison's legacy despite its well-publicized copyright case involving similarities to the Chiffons' "He's So Fine."

"I wasn't consciously aware of the similarity when I wrote the song," Harrison said in an interview years later. "But once I started to get a lot of airplay, people started talking about it, was then I thought, 'Why didn’t I realize?' It would have been very easy to change a note here or there and not affect the feeling of the record."

“He must have known," Harrison's former bandmate, John Lennon told Playboy. "He's smarter than that— he could have changed a couple of bars in that song, and nobody could ever have touched him. But he just let it go and paid the price."

Decades later, the song continues to receive regular airplay, has been covered by numerous artists, and remains one of the most beloved recordings in Harrison's catalog.

More than 55 years after its release, "My Sweet Lord" still stands as one of rock's most enduring spiritual anthems. What George Harrison originally wrote for Billy Preston ultimately became an iconic No. 1 hit and one of the defining songs of his remarkable solo career.

Related: 1975 Rock Song, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Became a Generational No. 1 Hit

Few songs have taken a stranger road to success than Pure Prairie League's "Amie."

The Teenage Songwriter Behind 'Amie'

Written by band co-founder Craig Fuller when he was just 19 years old, the gentle country rock favorite first appeared on the group's 1972 album Bustin' Out. But despite its undeniable hook, "Amie" wasn't initially released as a single. Instead, it slowly built a following as an album cut before becoming an overnight radio favorite three years later, ultimately climbing to No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975.

The song's journey surprised even its creator.

"I was just a 19- or 20-year-old kid, trying to write another song," Fuller told The Intelligencer in 2013. "Just an exercise in words and music."

Years later, Fuller echoed that thought when discussing the song with the Nashville Songwriters Association International in an interview for The Tennessean.

Asked who "Amie" was, he gave a remarkably simple answer.

"Just a song I wrote. Just an exercise in song craftsmanship," said Fuller.

Listeners, however, heard something much more enduring.

Radio Gave 'Amie' a Second Chance

"Amie" might never have become a hit at all.

After Pure Prairie League released Bustin' Out, RCA Records dropped the band. But as college, country, pop and album-oriented rock stations continued spinning "Amie," the song developed a devoted following. Music critic and Patti Smith Group guitarist Lenny Kaye also championed it after hearing it at an RCA release party, according to Jo Sgammato's book "For the Music: The Vince Gill Story." The unexpected radio momentum convinced RCA to re-sign the band and finally release "Amie" as a single.

Ironically, by the time "Amie" reached the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1975, Fuller had already left the group while performing alternative service in Kentucky after applying for conscientious objector status during the Vietnam War.

Looking back, Fuller credited a unique combination of circumstances for the song's unlikely success.

"It was a perfect storm," he told The Intelligencer. "A testament to what a good song, radio and a little luck can do."

More than 50 years after Fuller first wrote it as a teenager, "Amie" remains one of country rock's signature songs. It's been covered by artists including Lonestar, Travis Tritt, Counting Crows and Garth Brooks, while generations of fans still sing every word whenever it comes on the radio.

Related: 1976 Hit, About a Woman He Loved for 24 Years, Became a Timeless Breakup Anthem

By the time Michelle Branch released “All You Wanted” in 2002, she was already building momentum on the success of her previous single, “Everywhere,” which became her breakthrough hit, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

But, what many fans may not realize is that Branch was still a teenager during her rise to fame. 

RELATED: 1994 Soft Rock Song, Inspired by a Poem, Became a Summer Breakthrough Hit

Raised in Sedona, Arizona, the pop-rock superstar began writing songs on guitar at just 14 years old. She wrote “All You Wanted” entirely on her own, while John Shanks handled production. 

Speaking about the song in a 2002 interview with the then-prominent Italian national television network, Rete A - AllMusic, Branch said “All You Wanted” closely reflected her natural songwriting style. 

“It’s most consistent with my songwriting. When I wrote it, it’s just a bit more rock…,” Branch shared in the interview, as seen on YouTube. “Most of the time, when I write songs…I don’t sit down and try to write; I just wait until the whole idea comes to me and it happens really quickly. So I tend to wait until I don’t really have to put any effort into my song.” 

Lyrically, “All You Wanted” captures the emotional aftermath of a relationship that has seemingly drifted apart. Branch hangs on to that certain lover while wrestling with unanswered questions and offers a willingness to restore a connection they once had during the chorus, which features the hook: “If you want to, I can save you.” 

“All You Wanted” became Branch’s first Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song spent 28 weeks on that chart. In 2020, Billboard ranked “All You Wanted” at No. 5 on its list of the “50 Greatest Minivan Rock Songs” of all time, which celebrates family-friendly pop-rock singles that dominated radio airwaves from 1997-2004. 

RELATED: 1989 No. 1 Hit, With 20-Year-Old Singer, Stands as a Career-Defining Power Ballad 37 Years Later

Songs that came in the Top 5, aside from Branch’s “All You Wanted,” included, “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls, Nine Days’ "Absolutely, (Story of a Girl),” Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” and Lifehouse “Hanging By a Moment,” which landed at No. 1.  Of note, Branch has made the list twice. Her 2003 single from the album Hotel Paper ranks at No. 35. 

“All You Wanted” appears on The Spirit Room, Branch’s major-label debut for Maverick Records. The breakthrough collection, which followed her independent release Broken Bracelet, will celebrate its 25th anniversary on August 14.

To mark the milestone, Branch will release the EP Everywhere and Back Again on Nov. 6 via BMG, featuring newly reimagined versions of some of her best-known songs, including “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted”, “Goodbye To You,” “Breathe” and more.

Related: 2002 Breakthrough Hit, With 17-Year-Old Singer, Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of the 21st Century'

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean just shattered a massive record in their native United Kingdom, resulting in their smash duet, "Rein Me In," becoming the longest-running No. 1 single in the country’s chart history.

According to The Guardian, the record was originally set in 1953 with U.S. crooner Frankie Laine’s “I Believe,” which spent a total of 18 weeks on the national singles chart. Breaking the 73-year-old record, the two have spent a total of 19 weeks at the pinnacle spot.

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Other songs that came close to dislodging Laine from his peak include Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” and Wet Wet Wet’s “Love Is All Around,” followed by Drake’s “One Dance” andEd Sheeran’s “Shape of You.”

It should be noted that Adams still holds the record for the longest consecutive run at No. 1 with 16 weeks, while “Rein Me In” achieved the overall record through a nonconsecutive run.

In response to the news, Fender said he was “completely lost for words,” before thanking Dean and the fans for “making this song the juggernaut that it is.”

Written by Fender for his third album, People Watching, "Rein Me In" was the sixth single to be released. A sort of dream-pop/indie-rock anthem, its sound mirrors hits of the ’90s, like “Linger” from The Cranberries and “Losing My Religion” from R.E.M.

According to Vevo, Fender was inspired by British folk, nostalgia around his hometown of North Shields, and his previous collaborations with artists like Noah Kahan when penning the heartbreaking tale of self-destruction and addiction.

“I’m talking about substance abuse and drinking too much to get the reason back, the reason for going through your day,” Fender said, per The Guardian. “It’s loosely based on my own life, this song, but also, I always kind of take parts of my own life and put it into characters and embellish it, ‘cause all good stories deserve embellishment. The ‘rein me in’ part kind of [means] your friends are gonna rein you in from drinking too much and going off the rails because you’re heartbroken and you’re dealing with it in a bad way.”

The album’s title track did well for itself, too, climbing to No. 4 in the U.K. and bobbing around the chart for 43 weeks.

Here in the U.S., “Rein Me In” has seen more modest success, operating as a steady sleeper hit rather than an all-out record-breaking juggernaut. That’s mostly due to the unprecedented success of Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” which is America’s version of the record-breaking juggernaut this year.

Currently, “Rein Me In” is sitting at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its 18th week on the tally. It peaked at No. 64 in April. Over on the rock side of things, however, it reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs survey.

According to Billboard, U.S. and U.K. music fans are going through a widening divide, with the countries rarely being so far apart on a song.

Related: Heavy Metal Legend Who Helped Define a Generation of 2000s Rock Turns 58

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!

Solving today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle requires you to know a little bit about farm animals, be into Netflix shows, and have some idea of wedding ettiquete. That should get you started, but the rest is up to you.

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 Sunday, August 2, 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 Sunday, August 2, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Something you might ask for while staying over at a friend's house — HINT: Starts with the letter "W"

5 Across: Genre for "Stranger Things" —HINT: Ends with the letter "I"

7 Across: Unlikely pants to wear to a wedding — HINT: Starts with the letter "J"

8 Across: Octagonal sign word — HINT: Ends with the letter "P"

9 Across: Where sows are housed — HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Newspaper that covers the stock market, for short — HINT: Starts with the letter "W"

2 Down: Puts a cold pack on — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

3 Down: Official decrees — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

4 Down: "Otherwise ..." — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

6 Down: Words before "with my little eye," in a game — HINT: Ends with the letter "Y"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Sunday, August 2, 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: Something you might ask for while staying over at a friend's house — WIFI

5 Across: Genre for "Stranger Things" —SCIFI

7 Across: Unlikely pants to wear to a wedding — JEANS

8 Across: Octagonal sign word — STOP

9 Across: Where sows are housed — STY

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Newspaper that covers the stock market, for short — WSJ

2 Down: Puts a cold pack on — ICES

3 Down: Official decrees — FIATS

4 Down: "Otherwise ..." — IFNOT

6 Down: Words before "with my little eye," in a game — ISPY

Related: 8 Kitchen Gadgets Every 90s Mom Had On Her Counter (That Actually Worked Better)

Fifty-five years ago today, a summer replacement show slipped onto CBS with low expectations and turned two nightclub performers into one of the biggest acts on television.

The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour debuted on Aug. 1, 1971, and within months it went from seasonal fill-in to a prime-time staple that ran for four years.

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By 1971, the 1960s hits that made Sonny Bono and Cher famous had cooled, and the married duo was working the club circuit. CBS programming chief Fred Silverman was impressed enough to hand them a summer variety slot. The formula was simple and it clicked: glittering musical numbers, Bob Mackie gowns and Cher needling her husband in the opening monologue while he played the lovable fall guy.

From Summer Fill-In to Prime-Time Hit

Each episode opened with "The Beat Goes On" and closed with the couple singing "I Got You Babe" to each other. The mix of music and married-couple bickering was an instant ratings hit, and CBS quickly moved the show into its regular lineup. It became a launching pad, too.

Steve Martin wrote for the show early in his career, and the couple's young child, now Chaz Bono, appeared on camera during its run. Guest stars ranged from Carol Burnett to the Jackson 5.

Related: 1965 Folk Rock Song, Originally Disliked By Iconic Singer, Remains a Classic 61 Years Later

How It All Ended

The act could not survive the marriage. Sonny and Cher split, and the show ended in 1974 as their divorce played out, with Cher accusing Bono of "involuntary servitude" in the proceedings. Cher walked away with a Golden Globe for the series and a solo career that never slowed down. The bickering was for the cameras, but the comeback it powered was real.

Next: 1973 One-Day Rock Festival Outdrew Woodstock With Over 600,000 Fans, yet Became the Decade’s Most Forgotten Concert

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day is already well on its way to becoming the biggest opening weekend in cinematic history.

Brand New Day, which once again stars Tom Holland as Spider-Man/Peter Parker and Zendaya as MJ, made a record-breaking $72 million in previews on Wednesday and Thursday. This record was previously held by Avengers: Endgame, which racked up $60 million in its opening week previews.

Revenue continues to flow in, with Brand New Day collecting $168 million domestically on Friday, July 31. Sony is projecting that the film will gross $325 million in its opening weekend, while others suspect that the film could beat Endgame’s $357.1 million opening.

Deadline estimates that if Brand New Day surpasses $105 million today, Aug. 1, it will have a shot at beating Endgame’s first-week record. The Hollywood Reporter believes that the film is set to at least displace Spider-Man: No Way Home from the No. 2 spot in all-time North American film debuts.

"This spectacular start for Spider-Man: Brand New Day is far outstripping the $195 million domestic and $465 million global that the studio had been projecting," The Hollywood Reporter wrote. "Even a domestic opening at $195 million would have put the film among the top 10 all-time debuts, but that number appears quaint at this point."

As of Aug. 1, Brand New Day has 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 4.2 out of 5 stars on Letterboxd, with one critic saying that “Destin Daniel Cretton has rediscovered what makes these movies click.”

As Brand New Day continues to make history, Cretton, the film’s director, took to social media to share his thanks with fans.

“Thank you for all the love & support you’ve already shown this movie,” Cretton posted on Instagram. “This weekend, as you watch the film in theaters around the world, in every language and culture, I hope our story reminds you of how connected we all are.”

Spider-Man: Brand New Day was released in theaters on July 31, featuring Holland, Zendaya and Sadie Sink. The film takes place after the events of No Way Home, following Peter Parker as he navigates a world that no longer knows his name. A new trailer was released last month, and it can be seen here.

The godmother of punk and the first American pope sat down together at the Vatican, and it turned out they had plenty to say to each other.

Patti Smith met Pope Leo XIV on Friday, July 31, for a 40-minute private audience at the Apostolic Palace. A longtime friend who was in the room said it felt less like a formal meeting and more like two old friends catching up.

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The 79-year-old rock poet greeted the pope the way only she would. Smith said "Hi. Hi" softly, echoing the breathy opening of her 1979 spoken-word song "Wave," which imagines a conversation with Pope John Paul I, who died after just 33 days as pontiff. Leo caught the reference right away. "That was marvelous," he told her. When she left, she signed off the same way: "Bye. Bye."

A Meeting of Two Chicago Legends

Smith and the pope share a hometown. Both were born in Chicago, a connection her friend Antonio Spadaro, the Vatican's undersecretary for culture and education, called meaningful. Spadaro, who accompanied Smith, described the moment the doors opened. "When that door opened, something happened. A spark was lit," he said. He added that their exchange resembled "a conversation between two people discovering they were old friends, sharing memories woven from words and music, dreams, visions and hopes."

Smith, who is not Catholic, has long admired the church's artists and has performed at the Vatican before. She shared a photo from the audience on Instagram, writing, "A moment that shall forever produce a smile."

What's Next for Patti Smith

Smith is having a full year. She released her memoirBread of Angels last November, and she is set to play the CBGB Festival at Brooklyn's Under the K Bridge Park on Sept. 26, nearly 20 years after she performed the last concert at the original CBGB club in 2006.

For now, she has a Vatican memory that, in her own words, will keep her smiling.