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Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After "Brief and Sudden Illness"
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died Saturday evening at age 71, his office announced early Sunday. The statement attributed his death to "a brief and sudden illness" and did not provide additional details. The family asked for privacy.
Emergency personnel responded to a cardiac arrest call at Graham's Capitol Hill home Saturday night, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News, which also reviewed photographs showing paramedics carrying a person on a stretcher to an ambulance. A senior Graham staffer told the network there had been no indication the senator was feeling unwell. He had been scheduled to appear on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday morning.
Graham was active until the end of his life. On Friday he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, his 10th visit to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, and the same day announced an agreement with the Trump administration to advance a package of Russia sanctions. He won South Carolina's Republican primary on June 9 and was seeking a fifth term in November. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee.
First elected to the Senate in 2002 after four terms in the House, Graham served 23 years in the chamber and was one of the Republican Party's most prominent voices on defense and foreign policy. He advocated hard-line positions on Iran and Russia, and with the late Sens. John McCain and Joe Lieberman formed the hawkish trio known as the "Three Amigos." He ran briefly for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and criticized Donald Trump during that campaign before becoming one of the president's closest congressional allies, advising him on foreign policy and appearing regularly at his side.
President Trump paid tribute on Truth Social early Sunday, calling Graham "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known." Senate Majority Leader John Thune and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also issued statements, with McMaster saying he was devastated and calling Graham irreplaceable.
My statement on the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham: pic.twitter.com/hbrjnMXIQd
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) July 12, 2026Graham was born in 1955 in Central, South Carolina, where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. After both parents died within 15 months of each other, he helped raise his younger sister. He was the first in his family to attend college and served 33 yearsin uniform as an Air Force lawyer, retiring from the Reserves as a colonel in 2015. Arrangements have not been announced, and the process for filling the Senate vacancy has not yet been addressed by state officials.
Quote of the Day: Dr. Ruth Westheimer Believed True Happiness Begins With Taking Charge of Your Own Life
Dr. Ruth Westheimer made her mark encouraging honest conversation about sex. With her quick wit and warm sense of humor, the beloved sex therapist, educator, and media personality broke down barriers around topics that had long been considered taboo. Through her bestselling books, radio shows, television appearances and decades of counseling, she empowered millions of people to embrace healthy relationships with knowledge, confidence and compassion.
Yet Dr. Ruth's impact reached far beyond sex education. A Holocaust survivor who lost her parents during World War II, she rebuilt her life as a refugee, educator, psychologist and bestselling author. She turned unimaginable tragedy into a lifelong mission to help others live happier, healthier and more connected lives. Her resilience, optimism, and belief that laughter could make even difficult conversations easier endeared her to legions of fans.
As her fame grew throughout the 1980s and beyond, Dr. Ruth became one of America's most recognizable personalities. She starred in her own radio and television programs, wrote more than 40 books, made cameo appearances in films and television shows, voiced animated characters, inspired the Off-Broadway play Becoming Dr. Ruth and was the subject of the acclaimed 2019 documentary Ask Dr. Ruth.
Related: Quote of the Day: Poet Maya Angelou on Passion, Drive and Putting Your Heart in ‘Everything You Do’
Dr. Ruth was also one of late-night television's most beloved guests, making memorable appearances with hosts like David Letterman, whose trademark deadpan was often no match for Dr. Ruth's uninhibited humor and candid relationship advice. With her infectious laugh and willingness to tackle even the most awkward questions, she charmed audiences while leaving more than a few talk show hosts blushing.
Even in her 90s, Dr. Ruth showed no signs of slowing down. In 2023, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul named her the state's first honorary Ambassador to Loneliness. She was recognized for her commitment to helping people combat social isolation and build meaningful relationships. It was a role that reflected what Dr. Ruth had always believed: that emotional connection is just as important as physical intimacy. "I don't want to be known only as a sex therapist," she said at the time. "I want to be known as a therapist."
Dr. Ruth died on July 12, 2024, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. As the anniversary of her passing, her words remind us that curiosity, kindness, resilience, and genuine human connection can enrich every stage of life. That's what makes Dr. Ruth the perfect inspiration for today's Quote of the Day.
Related: Quote of the Day: Novelist Nora Roberts on How It’s Better To Keep Going Than Not Try at All
Quote of the Day by Dr. Ruth Westheimer"Take responsibility for your own happiness. Never put it in other people's hands."
— Dr. Ruth Westheimer
Dr. Ruth Westheimer shared this powerful advice in a 2016 interview for Harvard Business Review's Life's Work series, in which influential figures reflected on the experiences, lessons and values that shaped their careers. Looking back on her extraordinary journey—from Holocaust survivor and refugee to pioneering therapist, bestselling author and beloved media personality—Dr. Ruth spoke about the importance of taking ownership of one's own life and choices.
What Did Dr. Ruth Mean by "Take Responsibility for Your Own Happiness"?The quote captures a philosophy that guided her for decades: happiness is not something another person can give us or something we should wait for someone else to create. While relationships, friendships and loved ones can bring tremendous joy and meaning, Dr. Ruth believed that each person must also nurture their own sense of purpose, confidence and fulfillment.
Why Dr. Ruth's Advice Still Matters TodayThe deeper meaning behind her words becomes even more powerful when viewed through the lens of her remarkable life. As a child, Ruth Westheimer endured unimaginable loss after being sent away from Nazi Germany on a Kindertransport-like rescue effort and never seeing her parents again. She later rebuilt her life across Europe, Israel and the United States, overcoming displacement, hardship and uncertainty before earning advanced degrees and becoming one of the world's most recognized advocates for communication and connection.
Dr. Ruth's message was never that life would be easy. She believed that people have the ability to shape their futures by refusing to surrender their power to fear, disappointment or circumstances beyond their control. Her own story demonstrated that resilience begins with the belief that we can continue moving forward. Even after experiencing profound challenges.
More Inspiring Quotes From Dr. Ruth Westheimer"Love at first sight doesn't exist. The only thing that can exist at first sight is an interest in developing a relationship."
"If you face a problem, don't tell yourself that you can't do it. Convince yourself that you have the strength to deal with almost anything."
"My favorite thing about sex? It brings people closer."
"When it comes to sex, the most important six inches are the ones between the ears."
"Remember, attraction is only one part of a relationship. Loyalty, commitment, and responsibility are the other parts."
“It is relatively easy for a person to lie. Saying “I love you” takes little or no effort. However, demonstrating love requires involvement, participation, and action. If your relationship doesn’t have any involvement, participation, and action, then you can assume it also has very little love.”
1987 Power Ballad, Once Sung by a Future 'Full House' Star, Became a Timeless Heartbreak Anthem
Thirty-nine years ago this week, a soaring power ballad handed Heart the biggest hit of their career. What most fans never realized is that "Alone" was not really Heart's song at all.
On July 11, 1987, "Alone" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks. The lead single from Heart's ninth album, Bad Animals, it became the band's second and final chart-topper, and the biggest song sisters Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson ever recorded. Ann's towering vocal is the reason it is still an audition and karaoke staple decades later.
It Started as Someone Else's Song"Alone" was written by Billy Steinberg, who died earlier this year, and Tom Kelly, the hitmaking duo behind Madonna's "Like a Virgin." The pair also wrote Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors," Whitney Houston's "So Emotional" and the Bangles' "Eternal Flame," among many others. They first recorded it themselves in 1983 under the name i-Ten. Then, before Heart ever touched it, the song was cut by a young John Stamos for the soundtrack of a short-lived 1984 CBSsitcom, years before Full House made him a household name.
Related: ‘Full House’ Star John Stamos Explains Why He Refuses to Join ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Heart Made It UnforgettableWhen Heart finally recorded it in 1987, everything fell into place, from Ann Wilson's explosive delivery to Kelly's own high harmonies on the track. It outlasted nearly everything around it on the chart.
Almost four decades later, the Wilson sisters are still going strong as Heart marks 50 years, and "Alone" remains one of the definitive power ballads of the 1980s.
Next: 1982 Classic, Named No. 1 Hit Song, Became a Timeless Feel-Good Anthem
This Hit Series Was the First to Be Emmy Nominated for Best Comedy — and Best Drama
If you were with Netflix from the beginning, you know that the dawn of streaming came with two groundbreaking series.
Both House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black would spawn numerous seasons after launching in 2013. Come to think of it — Saturday, July 11 marked exactly 13 years since the latter debuted on the now-enormous streaming platform.
Often shortened to OITNB, the beloved comedy-drama features a stellar cast of mostly female performers, some of whom could probably thank the series for assisting in their launch to stardom. We're looking at you, Uzo Aduba and Laverne Cox...
Oh, and labeling OITNB a "comedy-drama" is worthy of note since it calls back to another way in which the edgy show was groundbreaking: After competing in the Primetime Emmy Awards' comedy categories in 2014, it switched to drama races the following year — meaning the series became the first in the TV Academy's history to be nominated for both Best Comedy and Best Drama.
It all had to do with a failed petition filed for the 2015 awards show, Variety reported at the time, where Netflix still wanted OITNB to compete as a comedy even though each episode was an hour long.
"Orange Is the New Black is a truly pioneering series and an iconoclast which has always defied genre or easy categorization,” said Ted Sarandos at the time, per Variety. "While we’re disappointed in the committee’s decision, we believe that Orange represents the best of television in either category."
Meanwhile, another star of the show, Ruby Rose, recently made headlines when she was rushed to the hospital after a freak accident in her backyard swimming pool. In a video captured at Rose’s home, she was attempting to work on her swimming pool at home with a hose in her hand. Wearing a bra and sweatpants, Rose, 40, misjudged the ledge of the pool and went plunging into the water, slamming into the ledge before falling in. Find out more here.
NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Sunday, July 12, 2026
Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle deals with plays you might see on a ball field, what you get for coming in first, players from a certain lucky Boston team and break time. 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, July 12, 2026, you've come to the right place.
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 July 12, 2026Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.
- Yellow: "And the winner is..."
- Green: Ball game strategies.
- Blue: A moment to catch your breath.
- Purple: Lucky the Leprechaun's all-stars.
OK, time for a second hint…we'll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!
- Yellow: AWARD
- Green: BASEBALL TACTICS
- Blue: USED DURING A TIMEOUT
- Purple: HOMOPHONES OF CELTICS ALL-TIME GREATS
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 #657 are coming up next.
Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- AWARD: CUP, MEDAL, PLAQUE, TROPHY
- BASEBALL TACTICS: DELAYED STEAL, HIT AND RUN, SACRIFICE, SQUEEZE
- USED DURING A TIMEOUT: CHAIR, DRY ERASE BOARD, TOWEL, WATER BOTTLE
- HOMOPHONES OF CELTICS ALL-TIME GREATS: ALAN, BURRED, KOOZIE, PERISH
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.
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1967 Rock Classic, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Just Reimagined by Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi and his iconic rock band, Bon Jovi, took to Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday, July 7, marking the first of nine sold-out shows of their headlining Forever Tour.
Before launching into their 21-song set list, the rockers, according to People, made up of original members Tico Torres and David Bryan, as well as Hugh McDonald, John Shanks, Phil X, and Everett Bradley, shared a video message with their fans. Afterward, they opened the show with the 1967 The Beatles classic, “With a Little Help from My Friends,” in the style of Joe Cocker, as shown in the YouTube fan video below.
For Bon Jovi, 64, the cover song was a fitting opener, setting a lighthearted tone for the audience as he returned to the stage for his first tour since undergoing vocal cord surgery four years ago. The choice carried an extra layer of meaning as the opening lyrics of the song go: “What would I do if I sang out of tune…” That moment served as a playful nod to the challenges the singer has had to face with his voice as he eases back into performances.
This, of course, isn’t the first time Bon Jovi put his spin on “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Years ago, he tackled the hit for a 1992 special called An Evening with Bon Jovi.
Released in May 1967, “With a Little Help from My Friends” appears on The Beatles' album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, the rock classic was one of the Fab Four’s songs sung by Ringo Starr, who later performed it in his solo sets. “With a Little Help from My Friends” has previously ranked at No. 311 on Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’ list.
Alongside The Beatles, many other versions of the song exist. Two popular renditions include Cocker’s version, recorded in 1968 for his album of the same name and used as the theme song for the comedy series The Wonder Years, and soft rock band Wet Wet Wet's release in 1988. Both of their versions of the beloved classic reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
Anthropologie’s ‘Dainty’ $25 Crystal Tennis Bracelet ‘Looks Much More Expensive Than It Is’
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Jewelry that stands the test of time usually has two things in common: It's easy to wear and versatile enough to work with what you already own. A delicate pendant necklace layered over a T-shirt, a pair of pearl earrings with a little black dress, or a simple bracelet stacked alongside your everyday watch — these are the types of accessories that will likely never leave your rotation.
And when it comes to classic jewelry, tennis bracelets are right up there with the greats. With that iconic row of sparkling stones and effortless elegance, the style has been a favorite for decades. If you’ve been wanting one of your own but are looking for something a little less traditional and more affordable than diamond-studded styles, the Colorful Crystal Tennis Bracelet at Anthropologie is currently marked down 34%, dropping the price from $38 to just $25.
Colorful Crystal Tennis Bracelet, $25 (was $38) at Anthropologie Shop at AnthropologieAvailable in three colorways, this tennis bracelet puts a fresh spin on a classic silhouette. A slim strand of 14-karat yellow gold-plated brass is lined with an alternating arrangement of cubic zirconia stones in mixed shapes and sizes, creating a more organic, collected look than a traditional row of matching crystals. Round, oval, and emerald-cut stones are evenly spaced along the bracelet, giving the design dimension while allowing each facet to catch the light from a slightly different angle. Depending on which style you choose, the stones range from classic clear crystals to yellows, greens, and blues that add a fun pop of color without overwhelming the design.
Petite prong settings keep the profile light and airy, letting more light pass through each cubic zirconia for extra sparkle while maintaining a refined, barely-there feel on the wrist. The mixed-cut arrangement creates visual rhythm, giving the bracelet the appearance of a carefully curated heirloom rather than a perfectly uniform strand.
Shop More Deals- Floating Crystal Bracelet, $20 (was $32) at Anthropologie
- Triple Stone Bracelet, $28 (was $38) at Anthropologie
- Colorful Beaded Chicklet Stretch Bracelet, $25 (was $38) at Anthropologie
Measuring 6.5 inches long with a 1.5-inch extender, this bracelet is easy to adjust for your preferred fit. A secure lobster clasp keeps it comfortably in place, whether worn on its own for understated shine or layered alongside chain bracelets, bangles, and a watch. The slim silhouette makes it an effortless everyday piece, while the faceted stones bring just enough brilliance to transition seamlessly into dressier occasions.
Shoppers gushed over the “delicate” and “dainty” design of this “beautiful” and “versatile” bracelet. One reviewer wrote that it “goes with any outfit, adding that “the crystals shine in the sun” for a subtle sparkle.
Other shoppers highlighted the bracelet's “excellent quality,” with one person sharing that it “looks much more expensive than it is.”
Whether you’re dressing up for an event or adding a little sparkle to your day-to-day outfit, the Colorful Crystal Tennis Bracelet delivers the timeless look of a jewelry classic with a fresh twist. Grab it for just $25 at Anthropologie while it’s still marked down!
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Singer Behind One of the Decade's Most Emotional Country Hits Turns 43
Few country songs have left a lasting impression quite like "If I Die Young."
Released in 2010 by The Band Perry, the emotional ballad became an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and crossing over to mainstream audiences around the world.
More than a decade later, the song remains closely associated with lead singer Kimberly Perry, who celebrates her birthday on July 12.
Born in Mississippi in 1983, Perry helped form The Band Perry with her brothers, Reid and Neil. The sibling trio quickly became one of country music's biggest breakout acts, blending traditional country influences with contemporary pop and rock sounds.
Their breakthrough arrived with "If I Die Young," a poignant reflection on life and mortality that resonated deeply with listeners. The song earned widespread critical acclaim, won CMA Song of the Year in 2011 and became one of the defining country hits of the decade.
The Band Perry followed that success with a string of fan favorites, including "You Lie," "All Your Life," "Better Dig Two" and "DONE.," helping establish the group as one of country music's most successful acts in the early 2010s.
Over the years, Perry has continued to evolve as an artist, exploring different musical styles while remaining connected to the song that introduced millions of listeners to her distinctive voice.
Even now, "If I Die Young" continues to find new audiences through streaming services and social media, where younger fans regularly discover the heartfelt ballad for the first time. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Perry's emotional vocal performance and the timeless songwriting that helped make it a modern country classic.
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Almost No Artist Has More Top 10 Albums Than This Music Brand
KIDZ BOP has become a staple for generations of families, but one of the brand's biggest accomplishments is something many music fans never realize.
Since launching in 2001, the family-friendly music brand has racked up an astonishing 24 Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart—a feat matched or surpassed by only three artists in music history: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Barbra Streisand.
The milestone places KIDZ BOP in remarkably exclusive company, alongside some of the most influential and best-selling acts of all time.
The brand was founded after two fathers working in the music industry noticed there wasn't much music geared specifically toward school-aged children. Songs for younger kids often felt too juvenile, while popular radio hits weren't always appropriate for families. Their solution was simple: Have kids perform family-friendly versions of today's biggest songs for other kids.
That idea has grown into a global phenomenon.
Over the past 25 years, KIDZ BOP has sold more than 24 million albums, generated more than 14 billion streams and released over 3,000 songs across more than 52 albums. The brand now records music in five languages and has amassed more than 7 billion YouTube views, while its annual KIDZ BOP LIVE tour continues to draw family audiences across the country.
Its success extends beyond recorded music, too. KIDZ BOP also holds a Guinness World Record as the youngest group to headline an arena after performing at Wembley Arena and reaches fans through music videos, school events, SiriusXM's KIDZ BOP Radio and year-round releases.
While comparisons to legendary artists may seem unexpected, the numbers tell a remarkable story. Thanks to decades of consistent chart success, KIDZ BOP has quietly earned a place among some of the biggest names ever to appear on the Billboard 200.
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Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, July 12, 2026
Bing bong! Today's NYT Strands Puzzle answer has plenty of Big Apple energy. 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 #861 on Sunday, July 12.
How to Play StrandsThe 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.
A hint for today's Strands game: Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.
What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?Warning: Spoilers ahead!
In today's puzzle, there are eight theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:
- TA
- BA
- ST
- DE
- BO
- SU
- BO
- EM (SPANGRAM)
Today's Spangram is mostly vertical.
NYT Strands Spangram Answer for July 12Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, July 12, 2026, isEMPIRESTATE.
What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, July 12?- TAXI
- BAGEL
- STOOP
- DELI
- BODEGA
- SUBWAY
- BOROUGH
- SPANGRAM: EMPIRESTATE
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NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Sunday, July 12, 2026
Solving today’s New York Times Connections puzzle requires you to use your sweet tooth. 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 #1127 onSunday, July 12, 2026.
Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Sunday, July 12, 2026 / New York TimesIf 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, July 12- If you plant it, it will grow.
- Sweet and fruity.
- Campus life.
- Where the decisions are made.
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, July 12:1. REPRODUCTIVE PART OF A FRUIT: PIP, PIT, SEED, STONE
2. BIT OF FRUIT-FLAVORED CANDY: DOT, NERD, RUNT, SPREE
3. VERBS IN A COLLEGE LIFE SLOGAN: PARTY, REPEAT, SLEEP, STUDY
4. STARTS OF U.S. CAPITALS: DEN, MAD, PHO, SAC
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
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Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1849 on Sunday, July 12, 2026
Today's NYT Wordle answer is a little noisy. 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 #1849 ahead.
Let's start with a few hints.
There is one vowel in today's five-letter word.
What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.
Are there any double letters?There are double letters in today's Wordle.
Can you give another hint about today's WordleA hint for today's Wordle is: Like the sound of a keyboard.
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 #1849 on Sunday, July 12, 2026.Today's Wordle answer on Sunday, July 12, 2026, is CLACK.
-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)
Hidden Recordings From a Country Legend Are Finally Being Released
More than two decades after his death, country music fans are about to hear a previously untold chapter of Gary Stewart's remarkable career.
The singer, known as the "King of the Honky-Tonks," built a devoted following with hits including "Drinkin' Thing," "Out of Hand" and the No. 1 country single "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)." Now, a new archival collection titled One Track Mind will showcase 16 previously unreleased recordings made between 1967 and 1972, giving listeners a rare glimpse at Stewart before he became one of country music's most distinctive voices.
Set for release on July 17 through Delmore Recording Society, One Track Mind features early songwriting demos, home recordings and other archival performances preserved by producer Mark Linn and Stewart's close friend Tommy Schwartz.
Among the newly released songs is "Woman Will Tear the Heart Right Out of a Man," which is now available as a preview of the upcoming collection. Another early release, "Iron Bar Motel," debuted last month.
The recordings capture Stewart during his early years as a songwriter after arriving in Nashville from Fort Pierce, Fla. Working with songwriting partner Bill Eldridge, he penned songs that would later be recorded by artists including Del Reeves, Cal Smith, JackGreene and Nat Stuckey. But according to the album's producers, no one sang them quite like Stewart himself.
The CD and streaming editions will also include four bonus tracks, including rare country interpretations of Motown favorites. Stewart recorded demo versions of the Four Tops' "Baby I Need Your Loving" and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," along with Stevie Wonder's "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday," while working with Motown's Jobete publishing company in 1970.
Those recordings ultimately helped catch the attention of producer Roy Dea, who signed Stewart to RCA Records. The partnership launched a string of country hits throughout the 1970s and cemented Stewart's place as one of the genre's most influential artists.
Interest in Stewart's life has continued to grow in recent years. Earlier this year, author Jimmy McDonough published the biography Gary Stewart: I Am From the Honky-Tonks, which chronicles the singer's life through interviews with family members and country music stars such as Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker.
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1960s Music Legends From 'Best Band Ever' Reunite for Rare New Song Together
Ringo Starr reveals what makes him and fellow Beatle PaulMcCartney work so well together.
Starr spoke to People about his 2026 duet with McCartney, “Home to Us,” at his Peace and Love 86th birthday event in Beverly Hills, Calif., on July 7.
“Well, it’s the first time we’ve ever done it like a couple — we’re both singing it. I’ve sang a few choruses on his tracks. He’s played on my tracks. He’s come over with the bass,” Starr said.
Adding, “It’s not like we don’t know each other.”
“Home to Us” was released on May 8 and was one of the singles from McCartney’s solo album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane.
“I loved it because we were in this band together, and it’s just the best band ever. And Paul, his bass playing is incredible, and he’s a songwriter. I mean, I can go on forever. He’s just a wonderful lad,” Starr said.
The two surviving members of the Beatles are no strangers to collaboration.
Starr played the drums for McCartney's Flaming Pie album in 1997. While McCartney played bass on Starr’s Give More Love album and all instruments on his 2023 record Rewind Forward.
The newly 86-year-old came out with a country album, Long Long Road, in April.
“I’ve always loved country. I did a country album 50 years ago, [Beaucoups of Blues]. That was great because it just came about [by chance]. George [Harrison] was making a record, and I was playing on it after [the Beatles] had broken up,” he said.
“He had called this guy PeteDrake from Nashville to come over and play on it. And for whatever reason, we sent my car to Heathrow Airport to pick him up. And he comes in and says to me, ‘Hey, I see you like country music’ — because I had a lot of country cassettes in the car,” he continued. “‘You gotta come to Nashville and make a record.’ I said, ‘I don’t think so, I can’t spend months in Nashville.’ He said, ‘[BobDylan’s] Nashville Skyline took two days!’”
Starr continued, “So I went to Nashville and did a record in two days. We got up in the morning, talked to the songwriters and we found songs, and in the afternoon we recorded them. That was a really good experience.”
Chris Daughtry Is Re-Recording His Biggest Hits 20 Years After ‘American Idol’
Chris Daughtry is back!
The beloved American Idolalum announced via social media on Friday, July 10, that he has re-recorded 11 of his biggest hits.
"We decided that it would be fun to go back into the studio and re-record some of our older hits, and recreate them note-for-note," Daughtry shared in a message to his fans. "It was a lot of fun. So much so that I think we'll probably eventually go back and finish the first album and the second album at least."
The "It's Not Over" artist explained that the songs — which are set to release at midnight on Tuesday, July 14 — are identical to their original versions.
"They are not reimagined," he continued. "We tried to recreate them note for note."
@daughtryofficialOops! "There and Back Again" THIS TUESDAY everywhere.
♬ original sound - DaughtryWhile he did not reveal which songs will be part of the initial release, some fans got an exclusive early preview when the tracks leaked online ahead of the release date.
"For any of you who got to hear it early, the rug has been pulled from under you," he joked. "We will be putting it out on Tuesday. It prematurely went out to the world, and it was the wrong track order. It wasn't supposed to come out today."
Fans were first introduced to Daughtry during season 5 of American Idol in 2006. While he ended up coming in fourth place behind Elliott Yamin, Katharine McPhee, and Taylor Hicks, the show catapulted him to stardom.
His self-titled debut album, released just six months after the season finale, reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Daughtry is the third most successful American Idol contestant in terms of record sales of all time, landing only behind Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.
'Friends' Makes Unexpected Netflix Comeback Years After Leaving the Streamer
Millions of Netflix subscribers can finally binge watch Friends again!
Years after Warner Bros. Discovery pulled the beloved '90s sitcom from Netflix as it expanded HBO Max globally, Friends has quietly returned to the streaming service across dozens of international markets. While Netflix subscribers in the United States, Canada, and several other major territories are still out of luck, the surprise comeback marks one of the show's biggest streaming expansions in years.
According to Collider, just days after Friends made its surprise return, the hit landed on Netflix's Top 10 TV Shows worldwide list.
Fans in France, Netherlands, Mexico, Australia, Estonia, Romania, UAE, and New Zealand, are flocking to binge the show's 10 seasons, according to fans in those regions. Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and the United States must still stream the series elsewhere.
Friends was once a staple of the Netflix library. However, with the emergence of Warner Bros.' own streamer, HBO Max, the series was pulled beginning in January 2020 for U.S. viewers.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Sunday, July 12, 2026
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! Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle spans a variety of topics, including text additions, priceless gems, things you might split.
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, July 12, 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!
Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Sunday, July 12, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: Type face? — HINT: Ends with the letter "I"
6 Across: With ___ breath (anxiously waiting) —HINT: Starts with the letter "B"
7 Across: Halved — HINT: Ends with the letter "O"
8 Across: Prepare to propose — HINT: Ends with the letter "L"
9 Across: Certain British noblemen, like the ones of Sandwich — HINT: Starts with the letter "E"
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: Two-wheeler with a motor — HINT: Starts with the letter "E"
2 Down: Food from the heavens — HINT: Starts with the letter "M"
3 Down: Mammal that enjoys using a muddy riverbank as a slide — HINT: Ends with the letter "R"
4 Down: Prized stone — HINT: Starts with the letter "J"
5 Down: Prized people — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"
Don't go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: Type face? — EMOJI
6 Across: With ___ breath (anxiously waiting) — BATED
7 Across: Halved — INTWO
8 Across: Prepare to propose — KNEEL
9 Across: Certain British noblemen, like the ones of Sandwich — EARLS
1 Down: Two-wheeler with a motor — EBIKE
2 Down: Food from the heavens — MANNA
3 Down: Mammal that enjoys using a muddy riverbank as a slide — OTTER
4 Down: Prized stone — JEWEL
5 Down: Prized people — IDOLS
’00s Rock Band Returns With New Track 11 Years After Last Album
Fans of the popular rock band Alabama Shakes, which was first formed back in 2009, are ecstatic this month after the big announcement of the band's first new album in 11 years. Now, to top it off, the band shared a new song as well called "I Feel Hope Coming."
The new single is officially their third single off the upcoming album called I Must Be Dreaming, but it's their first to come out after the album was publicly announced. Their first new song in 10 years, "Another Life," came out last August as the band revealed their big return to making music and touring. The next single, "American Dream," came out in April 2026.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Brittany Howard talked about the hopeful nature of the song "I Feel Hope Coming" and the story behind it, saying in a statement, "This younger generation makes me feel hopeful because they can see through all the political lies — that song’s about holding onto that hope, and refusing to give up."
Guitarist Heath Fogg added, “I’m really happy that song exists. It came from such a joyful moment of collaboration, and exemplifies everything I love about this band being reborn.”
The new version of Alabama Shakes includes Howard, Fogg, and bassist Zac Cockrell. Former drummer Steve Johnson is no longer part of the band after serious legal issues.
The band originally found success with their acclaimed first album, Boys & Girls, in the early 2010s. Alabama Shakes followed it up with Sound & Color, released in 2015, which was a huge hit. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. But in 2018, the group decided to go on hiatus so that the members could explore solo careers.
Related: 2000s Chart-Topping Singer Performs First Full Show in 15 Years
The new trio opened up about what led to the recent reunion when they announced their return to touring in February 2025. Howard said, "Last year, Heath, Zac, and I started chatting about how much fun it would be to make music together and tour again as Alabama Shakes. This band and these songs have been such a source of joy for all of us. It is crazy that it has been 10 years since we released Sound & Color and eight years since we played a show."
At the time, she also teased that "a bunch of new music" was on its way, but it wasn't until over a year later that their highly anticipated new album was finally announced.
Alabama Shakes' new record, I Must Be Dreaming, officially drops on Aug. 28.
Related: '80s Rock Icon Debuts 2 Unreleased Songs at Biggest Solo Show of His Career
1994 Rock Hit, Written to Roast the Band's Producer, Almost Sampled Queen Latifah
It's the weekend, which means "you gotta fight... for your right... to parrrtay!"
There are plenty of epic one-liners across the Beastie Boys' song catalog — the one above is from "Fight for Your Right." Another track also comes to mind, a certain rap-rock anthem that's now more than 30 years old. But it still feels modern as ever.
The perpetually radio-friendly "Sabotage" was released way back in 1994, with a wacky music video directed by Oscar-winner Spike Jonez (see below). The track has quite the backstory, which has been revealed in various ways by the band over the decades.
Fans are still commenting to this day on the music video above, which features the original trio: Mike D, MCA and Ad-Rock. "Never gets old and still the greatest video ever made ❤️," wrote one YouTube user on Saturday, July 11, while another person recently commented, "Coolest most kick a-s music video I have ever seen!"
To mark the 15th anniversary of the track's release, Star Trek (2009) featured "Sabotage" perfectly in a scene showing a young James T. Kirk acting rebelliously on his home planet. And on the topic of pop culture, the Beastie Boys Book memoir (2018) reveals that an earlier version of the hit song actually featured a Queen Latifah sample as the hook, Rolling Stone reports. But it was later swapped out for that rambunctious "scream" that seems to last an eternity during the 183-second runtime.
The "live" documentary that was released two years later, Beastie Boys Story (2020), details more about the track's backstory — how it was inspired by the joking notion that the band's longtime producer Mario Caldato Jr. was trying to sabotage the band because he was frustrated by their indecisiveness when it came to finishing tracks.
If you happened to miss Beastie Boys Story when it was released (during the COVID-19 era), it's certainly worth a tune-in. Just like the "Sabotage" music video, the doc is also directed by Jonez, 56.