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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle deals mostly with college football, with the exception of one category that might remind you of the Big Easy.

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 Saturday, September 5, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, September 5, 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 September 5, 2026

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

• Yellow: Popular sports institutions.
• Green: College teams in a particular region.
• Blue: Low country pro football players.
• Purple: No costume necessary.

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: ACC SCHOOLS
• Green: SEC SCHOOL LOCATIONS
• Blue: LSU ALUMNI IN NFL
• Purple: LIVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL MASCOTS

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 #712 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• ACC SCHOOLS: CLEMSON, LOUISVILLE, STANFORD, VIRGINIA
• SEC SCHOOL LOCATIONS: BATON ROUGE, COLUMBIA, NORMAN, STARKVILLE
• LSU ALUMNI IN NFL: BURROW, CHASE, DANIELS, JEFFERSON
• LIVE COLLEGE FOOTBALL MASCOTS: RALPHIE, REVEILLE, SMOKEY, UGA

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: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

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If your living room, bedroom, or entryway could use a cozy refresh this fall, Walmart has a new home decor find that’s worth checking out. The Moynesa Floral Area Rug combines a soft, cloud-like feel with a vintage-inspired floral design that will elevate any space, and it’s on sale for nearly 40% off for a limited time. 

Right now, the stunning 5-by-7-foot rug is on sale for as low as $38, down from $62, in the beige color. You can also shop it in 13 other colors, including black, coffee, pink, navy blue, and green, at varying discounts. The rug comes in over a dozen size options as well, ranging from 2 by 3 feet to 9 by 12 feet, making it easy to find an option that best suits your space. 

Moynesa Floral Area Rug, $38 (was $62) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Featuring a gorgeous retro floral pattern, this area rug brings warmth and personality to any room while complementing a variety of decor styles, from farmhouse to French countryside. The charming design adds a cozy touch to practically any room in the house, including living areas, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, kitchens, and more. 

Made from 100% faux wool, the rug has a soft, skin-friendly surface that feels soft and comfortable underfoot. Its ultra-thin 0.22-inch low pile also makes it practical for busy households. The short fibers help prevent food crumbs, dirt, and pet hair from accumulating, making it a great option for homes with kids and pets or areas that see plenty of foot traffic.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Pretty’ $16 Sunflower Basket Wreath Is the Sweetest Summer-to-Fall Decor Find

Cleaning is easy, too. For everyday dust and debris, simply vacuum or let a sweeping robot do the work. When the rug needs a deeper clean, it’s machine washable for added convenience. The low-pile construction makes it easy to maintain, and the non-slip rubber backing keeps it securely in place while also protecting your floors from scratches.

This rug is a favorite among Walmart shoppers, with over 1,450 five-star ratings. One shopper called it “beautiful” and “very soft under bare feet,” while others praised the “whimsical” pattern and “playful” scalloped edges. Another buyer called the rug “absolutely stunning,” writing, “it is fantastic, silky-soft, and has beautiful bold colors!”

Shop More Deals

• Ileading Boho Kitchen Rug Set, From $18 (was $50) at Walmart
• Sixhome Reversible Boho Outdoor Rug, $26 (was $46) at Walmart
• Rugking Front Door Mat, $16 (was $31) at Walmart

Give your home a cozy seasonal refresh with this soft and stylish floral rug. It’s comfortable, easy to maintain, and designed to stand up to everyday life. With the versatile 5-by-7-foot option now priced at under $40, it’s an easy way to add vintage-inspired charm to your space without breaking the bank. Snag one before this limited-time flash deal ends at Walmart. 

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.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle might bring out your inner animal.

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 #916 on Saturday, September 5.

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: “Informally known as”

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: In the wild.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are nine theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• GA
• HI
• RH
• CH
• RA
• BU
• GA
• PE
• CR (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is mostly horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for September 5

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Saturday, September 5, 2026, is CRITTER.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, September 5?

• GATOR
• HIPPO
• RHINO
• CHIMP
• RATTLER
• BUDGIE
• GATOR
• PEKE
• SPANGRAM: CRITTER

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

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As we age, our skincare and makeup needs and preferences change. For example, those with mature skin usually want something a little lighter and more hydrating when it comes to foundation, rather than those heavy, matte-finish versions that perhaps dominated their makeup bag in their early 20s. If that’s you right now, Ilia, which you can find right at Ulta, has just the option for you.

Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint provides dewy, light-to-medium coverage that combines skincare and makeup into one beautiful product. Available in 30 shades, this skin tint has a number of rockstar ingredients, including hyaluronic acid to plump; niacinamide to refine skin texture; plant-based squalane to help skin hold onto moisture and boost elasticity; and allantoin to reinforce the skin barrier and soothe sensitivity. Plus, it has SPF 40, which is just an added bonus.

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Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, $48 at Ulta

Ulta

Shop It!

Depending on the look you want to achieve with this skin tint, you can either apply it with your fingers for light coverage or opt to use a foundation brush for medium coverage. Do note that it will take around 60 seconds for this foundation to adjust to its true tone upon application due to the SPF, so don’t fret if the shade looks off for a moment!

Related: Ulta Just Dropped a ‘Gorgeous’ New Cool-Toned Neutral Eyeshadow Palette That Is Perfect for Day or Night

Shoppers love this serum skin tint from Ilia, giving it an average rating of 4.4 stars on Ulta.com, with 68 percent of reviewers saying they would recommend it to others. Those with mature skin were particularly happy with this product.

“This is the best foundation I have found. Looks just as fresh at end of the day, gives a nice subtle glow. Easy to blend medium coverage. Definitely a must have for mature skin. Never give a product five stars, but this lives up to claims,” said one fan in a five-star review on Ulta.com.

“Finally, a skin tint that actually covers and leaves skin looking glowing! I absolutely love how this product blends into my medium olive skin (which is so hard to color match) and gives me a nice golden glow while looking natural. I’m of a certain age, and this product works well on mature skin, too,” said another happy shopper in a five-star review on Ulta’s website.

You can pick up one of these skin tints from Ilia at select Ulta stores or from Ulta’s website. It retails for $48.

Related: Ulta Just Dropped a Brand-New Bronzing Serum That Gives Skin an Instant Glow

To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, you’ll need to know things about eyes in the skies, dinner-time sweets, maintaining your balance, and where your brain lives.

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 #1184 on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, September 5, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Saturday’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 Saturday, September 5

1. Find your footing.
2. They make the best songs.
3. Keep it on swivel.
4. Sweet treat.

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 Saturday, September 5:

1. MOVE UNSTEADILY: SWAY, TODDLE, TOTTER, WOBBLE
2. BIRD ONOMATOPOEIA: COO, GOBBLE, HONK, WARBLE
3. ___HEAD: BOBBLE, HAMMER, JUG, SLEEPY
4. DESSERTS MINUS LAST LETTER: COBBLE, PI, TAR, TORT

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: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

It’s been nearly 20 years since Journey welcomed Arnel Pineda as their new frontman, and it seems the singer may be hinting at an exit from the group.

This week during a tour stop in Japan, Journey surprised fans by bringing Hugo Valenti on stage. Valenti, best known as the frontman of Hugo – The Ultimate Journey Tribute, was the former lead singer of Open Skyz. After Pineda exited the stage, Valenti led the band in the 1983 song “Faithfully.”

“I wrote this next song in 1982 about the road life we live, how it takes people dedicated, people who are loyal, like you Journey fans out there,” keyboardist Jonathan Cain said before introducing Valenti, Louder reported. “We have a dear friend that’s coming all the way from New Jersey to visit Japan, and I thought we’d have him sing a song for you tonight. So give it up for our friend Hugo Valenti.”

After the show, Valenti’s fellow Hugo band member Adam Holland posted photos from the show on Instagram, and a comment from Pineda has the internet in a stir.

“That’s the band right there,” Pineda said. “Now I can step back..congratulations @journeyofficial 🔥🔥🔥”

Although Pineda hasn’t confirmed if Valenti will be taking his place as Journey’s frontman, Pineda has previously tried to leave the band. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer said he tried to quit twice due to “personal problems.”

“I said to [Neal Schon and Cain] I wanted to retire because of my personal problems. No answer,” he said. “Obviously, they don’t want to find another singer.”

If a new singer has been found in Valenti, fans already have mixed thoughts.

“Journey has an incredible legacy,” one user commented on Instagram. “There is nothing wrong with allowing that legacy to end on a high note instead of continuing at any cost.”

“I bet you money Steve [Perry] will love this lineup the best,” another said. “You go Hugo.”

Journey will continue to tour on their Final Frontier Tour through Nov. 28, when they’ll wrap up in San Francisco, California. Check out the post from Holland here.

View this post on Instagram

In 1985, Sade released a song that would forever cement the band as a powerhouse in the quiet storm category. The musicians, often mistaken for solely the lead singer and namesake, Sade Adu, have produced several fusion hits in jazz-pop, R&B, and soul—and 41 years later, “The Sweetest Taboo” is still instantly recognizable.

The timeless track was written by Adu and touring drummer Martin Ditcham, and released as the lead single from Sade’s second studio album, Promise. It begins with the subtle sound of falling rain, and as soon as you hear the lyrics, “There’s a quiet storm…,” you know exactly whose voice is coming through your speakers: The soothing, soulful, legendary Adu.

Telling the story of sharing a deep connection with a partner so good it feels forbidden, both physically and emotionally, the lyrics also express fear over becoming too vulnerable. “If I tell you, if I tell you now / Will you keep on, will you keep on loving me?” the singer asks, before later admitting, “You give me the sweetest taboo / That’s why I’m in love with you (With you).”

While not as well received in the U.K., the song took off in the U.S., reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1986 and remaining in the Top 40 for 13 weeks. It also became the band’s second consecutive No. 1 single on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, following 1984’s “Smooth Operator,” which introduced Adu to the world.

Four decades later, “The Sweetest Taboo” is still a timeless classic. At the time of writing, the fusion song had over 130 million views on YouTube and nearly 246 million Spotify streams.

The band has sold over 75 million records worldwide, with their 1984 debut album, Diamond Life, selling over seven million copies alone. The project featured massive hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.” Additionally, Sade won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1986.

In 2026, Sade was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Despite massive success, the reclusive, rarely-seen songstress prefers to live life away from the spotlight. According to Hello magazine, she reportedly lives in a cottage near Stroud in south-west England. Though she doesn’t speak to the media much, what she has offered over the years provides everything fans need to know about her true nature.

“I’m not someone who needs a lot of money. You could break into this house and leave after half an hour without finding anything worth stealing,” she told The Times in 2011.

Adu later opened up to British Vogue in 2020, sharing another deep sentiment about daily life with her family: “Like everyone, we’re on a ship of unknown destination, but that’s life … no mutiny yet. There’s always so much to do: there are songs I so want to write, and I’ve rediscovered the joy cooking brings.”

Next, 1978 No. 1 Hit by Legendary ’70s Band Was Just Ranked the ‘Best September Song’ Ever by ‘Billboard’

Today’s NYT Wordle answer is perfect for cold, rainy days, but terrible if you’re trying to bake a cake.

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 #1904 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There are two vowels and one sometimes 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 no double letters in today’s Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today’s Wordle?

A hint for today’s Wordle is: Its name also gives away its consistency.

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 #1904 on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Saturday, September 5, 2026, is SOUPY.

-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)

In 1967, Cream, now considered one of the “best supergroups of all time,” released “Tales of Brave Ulysses,” a track that is widely recognized as one of the band’s most significant and enduring songs.

The all-star trio, formed by Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker, had a relatively short run as a supergroup but delivered several notable songs during their two-year stint as a band.

More than five decades after its release, “Tales of Brave Ulysses” continues to captivate new generations of listeners, cementing its status as one of Cream’s best songs and earning widespread acclaim across various platforms.

In a ranking released by Ultimate Classic Rock, the 1967 track secured No. 7 among the top 10 “best Cream songs,” while Discotech ranked it No. 6.

NEW YORK, NY – CIRCA 1968: Supergroup Cream poses for a portrait in New York, New York, circa 1968. L-R: Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce. (Photo by Roz Kelly/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

On Reddit, users called it a “great song” while others shared how the track evokes a strong sense of nostalgia.

“Ahhhh this is probably my favorite Cream song!” one wrote.

“Great song, I remember listening to a podcast where it explained they were given the lyrics to this song; I think it was the guy who designed the album cover,” a commenter added.

“Love the descending pattern on the wah,” a Reddit user said, in reference to the signature wah-wah pedal.

The same goes for another user who commented: “All I hear in my head is the magnificent guitar solo.”

Featured on their sophomore album, Disraeli Gears, the song was written by Clapton, with Australian artist Martin Sharp providing the lyrics. Clapton met Sharp at the legendary Speakeasy Club in London.

“Tales of Brave Ulysses” was inspired by Clapton’s trip to the Greek Islands, hence the reimagined version of the story of Odysseus.

Clapton also mentioned that the song was associated with James Joyce’s acclaimed novel, Ulysses, which was adapted into a 1967 movie of the same name.

“At the time we wrote the song, there was a novel by James Joyce which was made into a film,” the musician told Hit Parader via uDiscover Music. “It was getting a lot of publicity and the whole thing clicked. People were connecting our song with the film.”

Despite not charting as a standalone track, the song was considered an underground FM radio staple in the late ’60s.

It also helped establish Cream’s now-signature “wah-wah” sound through Clapton’s use of the Vox wah-wah pedal on songs like “Tales of Brave Ulysses” and “White Room.”

It transformed the pedal into a defining psychedelic effect that other musicians also adopted, including the legendary Jimi Hendrix.

Related: ’60s Rock Band, Disbanded After Two Years, Ranked ‘Best Supergroup’ of All Time

One of the most iconic decades for film is the ’90s. From Jurassic Park to Pulp Fiction, filmmakers were breaking boundaries left and right. Some flicks were so groundbreaking that they continue to top major industry lists.

In 2024, movie review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes released its list of the 300 best films of all time, compiling a stacked lineup of Hollywood’s greatest creations. Ranked ahead of classics such as Roman Polanski’s 1974 film Chinatown at No. 7 and Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film Schindler’s List at No. 10, Curtis Hanson’s 1997 hit L.A. Confidential took the No. 5 spot.

L.A. Confidential made its widespread U.S. release on September 19, 1997, after premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in France on May 14. The neo-noir crime-thriller marked Hanson’s eighth feature film and served as his major critical and commercial breakthrough.

James Cromwell, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and Kevin Spacey in publicity portrait for the film ‘L.A. Confidential’, circa 1997.

Warner Brothers/Getty Images

Upon its release, L.A. Confidential was an undeniable box office success. The film grossed $126.2 million worldwide against a $35 million budget, turning a substantial profit for Warner Bros.

Alongside box office triumph, the movie garnered significant critical acclaim, earning nine Academy Award nominations at the 70th annual Oscar ceremony. Ultimately, the film won two Oscars: Best Supporting Actress for Kim Basinger and Best Adapted Screenplay for Brian Helgeland and Curtis Hanson.

L.A. Confidential was adapted from the 1990 crime novel of the same name by James Ellroy. The book is the third installment in his L.A. Quartet series and tells the story of three distinct Los Angeles detectives investigating a deadly shooting at a late-night coffee shop called the Nite Owl. Starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce, the film targets themes of police corruption and organized crime in 1950s Los Angeles.

Due to the movie’s stellar writing—heavily focused on rich character depth—incredible performances and stunning cinematography, critics widely consider L.A. Confidential a masterwork. Even film fans can’t deny its charm, as it holds a nearly perfect 99% critic score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—an impressive feat for any film.

Related: 1973 Rock Song, Recorded in a Colorado Barn, Became a Breakthrough Hit Despite Never Reaching No. 1

It’s been more than two decades since Entourage first took viewers inside the fast-paced, star-studded world of Hollywood, but fans haven’t stopped wondering if Vinny Chase and his crew could make a comeback.

Now, with creator Doug Ellin reuniting some of the stars for the Entourage podcast, the question naturally came up: Could the beloved HBO series ever return?

Speaking with Joe Vulpis during the Thursday, September 3, episode of his podcast, Ellin admitted plans for a reboot are not on the table.

“I would not spend one second,” he said. “I don’t spend one second thinking about ideas unless somebody’s paying me. It’s just too much too much at this point.”

He added, “I don’t know if it’ll come back. I mean, it doesn’t, like, I don’t think about it. I mean, they are, you know, older. It’s tough to put that together. And there were kind of special moments about it.”

While fans of the hit series may be disappointed, they can still catch Kevin Dillon, Kevin Connelly and Jerry Ferrera as they relaunch the podcast.

“It kind of feels like the show,” Ellin added. “I mean, you kind of get the vibe which is what I went for when I was casting them, to find a group of guys that are friends and to look at them and see that they’re friends 20 years later. We obviously put the right group together.”

Entourage ran for eight seasons between 2004 and 2011. It earned six Emmy Awards, including three consecutive awards for Jeremy Piven for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2015, four years after the season finale, the cast reunited for a feature film of the same name.

In 1981, Stevie Nicks launched her solo career with Bella Donna, her debut album after becoming a star with Fleetwood Mac. The 10-track record opened a new chapter for Nicks, with nine songs written by her. It went on to top the Billboard 200 and included one of her most iconic hits, “Edge of Seventeen.”

At the time, Nicks was eager to see what she could accomplish without Lindsey Buckingham, her former romantic partner and Fleetwood Mac bandmate. In a 1981 interview with Blair Jackson, she explained how working with Buckingham had often meant handing over control of her songs.

“When you work with somebody who is that much in control,” Nicks said, “you forget that you’re even capable of doing something yourself.” She explained that she would write a song, and Buckingham would “fix it, change it around, chop it up and then put it back together.”

Making Bella Donna on her own was a completely different experience for Nicks. When asked whether working on her own was difficult, she said, “No, it was exhilarating! Instead of just sitting around hour after hour, I got to be a part of it.” 

“On this album I didn’t have to fight to do my songs the way I wanted to,” the songstress added. “The other players just did them the way I wrote them and they came out great.”

Pursuing a solo career while Fleetwood Mac was at the height of its success was a risk for Nicks. She later said the album’s title reflected the uncertainty she felt at the time. She named the record Bella Donna after the belladonna plant, also known as deadly nightshade. 

“[Bella donna] meant beautiful woman but also poisonous root,” Nicks told Classic Rock in 2003. “People use it for healing, but if you take too much, you can die. I thought, ‘This is the perfect double-edged sword title for the record.’” 

One of the album’s biggest songs, “Edge of Seventeen,” also came from a difficult period in Nicks’ life. In December 1980, her uncle Jonathan died after battling cancer, while John Lennon was murdered in New York City that same week.

“‘And the days go by like a strand in the wind,’ that’s how fast those days were going by during my uncle’s illness, and it was so upsetting to me,” she said in 1981. 

Nicks also revealed that the song’s white-winged dove represented a spirit leaving the body. “I felt a great loss at how both Johns were taken,” she said.

Bella Donna ultimately proved that Nicks could stand on her own. The album reached No. 1, remained on the Billboard 200 for nearly three years and established her solo career alongside her continued success with Fleetwood Mac.

Related: 1975 Fleetwood Mac Album, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Albums of All Time,’ Became a No. 1 Hit 50 Years Ago

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle deals with various topics including taxes, Rocky Mountain animals, common text phrases, and the geography of India.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Saturday, September 5, 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 Saturday, September 5, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Its state quarter features a grizzly bear catching a salmon — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

7 Across: Run-of-the-mill — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

8 Across: Needing a friend — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

9 Across: Grazing animal in the Rockies — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”

10 Across: Freestanding counter at the center of a kitchen — HINT: Ends with the letter “D”

13 Across: Eating plan participant — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

14 Across: Class with colored belts — HINT: Ends with the letter “K”

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Knee injury site, for short — HINT: Ends with the letter “L”

2 Down: Brit’s bathroom — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”

3 Down: Memory loss issue — HINT: Ends with the letter “A”

4 Down: Nose, by function — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”

5 Down: Major Indian city that’s the capital of West Bengal — HINT: Starts with the letter “K”

6 Down: “___ given Sunday!” (football fan’s maxim) — HINT: Ends with the letter “Y”

10 Down: Texting equivalent of a shrug — HINT: Starts with the letter “I”

11 Down: After taxes — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

12 Down: “Dr.” who co-founded Death Row Records — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Saturday, September 5, 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: Its state quarter features a grizzly bear catching a salmon — ALASKA

7 Across: Run-of-the-mill — COMMON

8 Across: Needing a friend — LONELY

9 Across: Grazing animal in the Rockies — ELK

10 Across: Freestanding counter at the center of a kitchen — ISLAND

13 Across: Eating plan participant — DIETER

14 Across: Class with colored belts — KARATE

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Knee injury site, for short — ACL

2 Down: Brit’s bathroom — LOO

3 Down: Memory loss issue — AMNESIA

4 Down: Nose, by function — SMELLER

5 Down: Major Indian city that’s the capital of West Bengal — KOLKATA

6 Down: “___ given Sunday!” (football fan’s maxim) — ANY

10 Down: Texting equivalent of a shrug — IDK

11 Down: After taxes — NET

12 Down: “Dr.” who co-founded Death Row Records — DRE

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

Jodie Foster solidified her status in the industry as one of the most respected actresses after delivering a career-defining performance in the 1988 drama The Accused.

At that time, the California native had already earned impressive accolades from her years as a child star through her teenage years, but the courtroom drama transitioned her career into more mature and adult roles.

Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, The Accused centers on a survivor’s fight for justice.

Foster, who played the role of Sarah Tobias, portrayed a working-class woman who suffered a brutal assault after being gang-raped by three men in the back room of a neighborhood bar.

As the attack unfolds, she hears patrons cheering and watching from the sidelines, as though her suffering were nothing more than a disturbing spectacle.

Unfortunately, this was only the beginning of her ordeal, as she finds herself battling the legal system.

With her powerful performance, Foster earned her first Best Actress Oscar at the 61st Academy Awards in 1989, beating iconic stars like Glenn Close for Dangerous Liaisons, Melanie Griffith for Working Girl, Meryl Streep for A Cry in the Dark and Sigourney Weaver for Gorillas in the Mist.

Jodie Foster holding her ‘Best Actress’ Oscar for the film ‘The Accused’, at the 61st Annual Academy Awards

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

During her acceptance speech, she described her win as a “big deal” to her “simple life.”

“There are very few things: there’s love and work and family. And this movie is so special to us because it was all three of those things,” she added, as cited by the Oscars.

She also left a powerful message, saying, “And mostly that cruelty might be very human, and it might be very cultural, but it’s not acceptable. Which is what this movie’s about.”

Decades later, The Accused remains one of Foster’s most acclaimed films, ranking second on Gold Derby’s list of her best movies of all time, behind her iconic film The Silence of the Lambs.

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Her performance not only captivated audiences at the time but also continues to resonate with viewers today, with The Accused earning a 93 percent on the Tomatometer, or a positive score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Commenters have highlighted how relevant the story remains today while praising the lead star for delivering not only an Oscar-winning performance but also a powerful portrayal of such a horrifying incident.

“This performance didn’t just win an Oscar. It won the hearts of every woman who has ever had to endure the horror of assault and the continued injustice of having to fight against prejudice and a legal system steeped in patriarchy to be heard,” one wrote.

“Possibly the best performance Foster has ever given,” another added.

“Powerful rape drama,” a commenter remarked about the film.

Related: 1991 Hit Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’

Music fuels the frights at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. This year’s fall event raises the bar by soundtracking its nightmares with more than blood-curdling screams and monsters revving up chainsaws.

Ozzy Osbourne is homaged in a haunted house that offers an immersive journey into the music of the Prince of Darkness and pays fitting tribute to the late, great metal legend. Then a ghost not too unlike Jimi Hendrix rises from beyond in the Sinners Club Juke that’s straight out of Ryan Coogler’s Academy Award-winning vampire film, recreating one of the film’s most iconic scenes. Then Horror Nights frequent collaborator, Guns N ‘Roses guitarist Slash adds another original, mesmerizing, and macabre music score for the annual Halloween theme park event. And that’s just the music-inspired set of scares, which gets major co-headlining support from 80’s to modern Horror Nights favorites.

Related: Ozzy Osbourne and ’80s Horror Get the Metal Merch Treatment at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

So if you’re planning on making spooky season plans and love classic rock, 80’s horror, holiday mayhem and, of course, transcendent rhythm and blues (which vampires just can’t resist), then you can’t miss this year’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Here are some of our favorite moments from the West Coast Universal Studios event that succeeds in monster-mashing genres to bring park-goers into yet another year of fantastic frights from the world of music and the movies.

All hail Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness

Courtesy of: Universal Studios Hollywood

The legend of Ozzy Osbourne lives as you board the “Crazy Train” through a killer setlist of his beloved metal hits, including the aforementioned plus tracks like “Iron Man.”

“Each needle drop comes to life, making you come face to face with the Prince of Darkness’ musical alter egos, such as the Mad Doctor from 1983’s “Bark at the Moon”. Our favorite moment is the larger-than-life encounter with a giant bat that wields Ozzy’s head in a genius tribute take on the rock star’s infamous moment when he unwittingly bit the head off a real bat back in his Diary of a Madman tour days.

Pro-tip: Check out Ozzy’s Bar to raise a toast to the memory of the late metal god with drinks inspired by his music and feast on curry-inspired snacks the Indian cuisine-obsessed rock star would have approved of.

Slash presents killer sweet party music for a “Killceñera”

Guns N’ Roses and frequent Horror Nights collaborator Slash is back to soundtrack a new kind of original house at Universal Studios. Having previously scored Universal Monsters experiences for Horror Nights past, he’s enlisted to make music for a “Killceñera,” think a Sweet Sixteen (but make it fifteen) coming-of-age Latin Tradition. The generational guitarist blends John Hughes charm and Stephen King dread into his riffs that set the tone for the original horror house’s revenge story that is definitely Sixteen Candles meets Carrie by way of Latin Folklore. The blood-soaked tale raises hell with Slash’s signature sound infused with late 80’s to 90’s Latin rock vibes.

Courtesy of: Universal Studios Hollywood

Courtesy of: Universal Studios Hollywood

Pro-Tip: Don’t miss the scare zone “El Circo de La Muerte” right at the exit of this house, which has a hidden mini-haunt.

Sinners takes it back to the dawn of rock with blues battling vampires

The veil of time gets ripped away when you enter the haunted house inspired by filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.” Witnessing the movie’s most powerful moment in a masterful 360-degree set piece brings you into the world of the Academy Award-winning picture. Horror Nights stunningly pulled off the night’s most awesome moment. It was sheer magic to see a performer as Sammie shadowplay to “I Lied To You,” which raises the spirits of music’s past and future all around you. And yes, one moment, as the Hendrix-infused guitar riff by Sinners’ composer Ludwig Göransson fills the space, you’ll see a purple trench-coated spectre and find yourself asking, “Jimi, is that you?” From there, it’s truly incredible to race your way along with the blues soundtrack as you hit each beat of the vampire showdown spectacular in the event’s most cinematic house.

Related: Shocking Ozzy Osbourne Bat Moment is now a Wild Theme Park Drink

Pro-tip: Pray you catch the little performance by Stack inviting you to Speakeasy’s fateful opening night. Fingers crossed Michael B. Jordan shows up to play the role he originated there at some point during the season.

Cult punk clownery unleashed with the Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Courtesy of: Universal Studios Hollywood

The Dickies severly underrated theme song for Chiodo Bros‘ cult Killer Klowns from Outer Space kicks off the big top fun of one of the most popular Horror Nights houses. In fact, we think it’s done a lot to introduce this ’80s B-movie gem to new audiences, as its freaky aliens have become Halloween staples thanks to the movie’s blend of sci-fi humor and grossly colorful practical effects. There’s a reason this particular house’s return is always met with excitement plus this year they’re not the only clowns in town.

Pro-tip: Hit this right after Ozzy for maximum campy fun.

Art the Clown goes looney with festive Terrifier Terror-Tram takeover

Art the Clown continues his festive reign as Horror Nights Hollywood’s nearly official master of scaremonies. And with this year’s holiday mayhem, we’ve found ourselves asking: Jack, who? (IYKYK). Damien Leone’s Terrifier franchise has quickly solidified itself as one of this generation’s horror mainstays, especially at Universal Studios’ annual Halloween events. Fan-favorite killer clown Art has become an instant icon, thanks to the Charlie Chaplin-meets-Mel Blanc level of character performance by David Howard Thornton, who radiates old-school charm as the mime from hell. A signature in his performance that all the Arts at Universal channel and look like they have a blast with. If you haven’t seen the Terrifier films, which are not for the faint of heart and harken back to grindhouse-era gore with dark slapstick humor, you might be shocked at why there are even kids’ Art the Clown costumes. But what can we say? Art has given horror fans a beloved, sweet, silent killer, beloved by young and old. While this isn’t Art’s first year at the event we’re very excited to see his kickass final girl Sienna Shaw show up as the warrior angel destined to destroy his evil.

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Pro-Tip: Select Terror Tram guests might be able to get a visit with Santa Art in select mall-Santa-inspired locations, including a secret one with an additional side quest surprise.

ABBA gets thrown into the final Stranger Things 5 mix

The last Stranger Things house at Horror Nights is one last ride into Hawkins, Indiana, circa 1987. Filled with the final season’s greatest showdowns, including Will vs. the Demogorgon and Eleven vs. Vecna, it’s this mom’s badass moment that steals the show. Set to ABBA’s Fernando, we get to see Karen Wheeler’s wine bottle battle against a Demogorgon that became one of the franchise’s all-time greatest scenes. It’s pure 80s action-star energy.

Courtesy of: Universal Studios Hollywood

Pro-Tip: Hit the lower lot early as this is stacked next to Ozzy and Killer Klowns as an eighties trifecta.

Gen X Horror Hellraiser Franchise Unboxed

Clive Barker’s eerie and seductive Pinhead invites guests into an intense descent into the Hellraiser series’ Lament Configuration box. The alt-kink-inspired imagery, along with its lords of pain and pleasure, comes to grotesque life with an experience that’s an awesome assault on the senses. The film’s industrial synth score and illicit human sound effects perfectly soundtrack the faithful recreation of its willing victims’ consequences as you spectate.

Pro-Tip: Don’t miss this one; it’s on the upper lot past the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood continues September 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 23-27; 30; October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31; November 1, 2026.

Years before Bette Midler starred in such iconic movies as Beaches, First Wives Club and Hocus Pocus, she was a singer with her first movie role ever in the heartbreaking musical drama The Rose.

Directed by Mark Rydell, The Rose starred Midler as a self-destructive ’60s rock star, Mary Rose Foster (a character loosely based on Janis Joplin). The 1979 movie was a commercial hit, pulling in a total of over $29 million dollars, as well as a critical success, nabbing four Academy Award nominations — including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Midler. (Quite an accomplishment, especially considering it was her screen debut.)

Midler also performed on the soundtrack album, naturally, with the title track becoming one of the biggest hits of her career. Decades later, both the song and the movie are still considered classics. Billboard ranked Midler’s appearance in The Rose at #23 on a list of the “100 Best Performances by Musicians in Movies,” with Melinda Newman writing, “Midler slices open an emotional vein and bleeds all over the role in one of the most vulnerable performances ever committed to screen. And of course, that’s all before even getting to her singing, which is predictably gut wrenching — and produced a pop perennial ballad in the No. 3-peaking title track.”

In a 2015 interview with the Criterion Channel, Midler opened up about how she prepared for the role that would change her life forever.

“I have been listening to R&B really since I discovered R&B when I think I was about 10 or 11 years old,” Midler explained. “I’ve been listening to all that and I think the hardness, the difficulty of those lives for those women…I really tried to bring that to the table.”

Midler went on to mention some of the singers who inspired the way she approached the role, including Big Mama Thornton, Nina Simone, and Tina Turner.

Paul Rothchild, who produced Joplin’s last album, Pearl, was the logical choice to produce the soundtrack for The Rose, though Midler didn’t always enjoy working with him.

“He was a really interesting character,” she recalled, calling him “very tough.”

“I didn’t really like him,” Midler admitted, adding that he drove her to sing “until I bled,” though she thought the band he assembled was “fantastic.”

Stanley Bielecki Movie Collection / Getty Images

In addition to extensive vocal rehearsals, Midler worked on her rock star “stage movement” for months before filming started.

“I did gymnastics for like six months before I even started because I wanted it to have like this crawling feeling about it,” she said.

“I wanted like the character to be able to do, you know, dips and…I never got to the splits, but we live we live in hope,” Midler quipped, noting that she was able to master somersaults and handstands.

“I really wanted to have like a kind of a panther quality to her movement on the stage, especially when she got on the floor,” she said. “She was a creature on the stage…there didn’t seem to be anything soft…it was always very, you know, lots of punches and lots of angularity so I think we got that.”

As for that chart-topping title track, without Midler’s input, it might have been a very different kind of song altogether. According to American Songwriter, some of the people making the movie wanted a more up-tempo, rocking tune. But when Midler heard “The Rose,” submitted for consideration to producers by actress/singer-songwriter Amanda McBroom, she fell in love with the ballad.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Related: 1987 Box Office Smash, Ranked ‘Best Acting Performance by a Musician in a Movie,’ Won Cher an Academy Award

In 1980, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was in the middle of an unusual chapter in its long career.

The group had temporarily shortened its name to the Dirt Band and moved toward a smoother soft rock sound. That experiment produced a pair of notable crossover hits: “An American Dream,” featuring Linda Ronstadt, and “Make a Little Magic,” featuring another remarkable singer, Nicolette Larson. Jeff Hanna later remembered both songs as important pop successes for the band in an interview with Vintage Guitar.

Released as a single in the summer of 1980, “Make a Little Magic” climbed to No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.

More than four decades later, it’s easy to hear why.

Nicolette Larson Helped the Dirt Band ‘Make a Little Magic’

Written by Hanna, Richard Hathaway and Bob Carpenter, “Make a Little Magic” is built around a simple invitation to stop making excuses and take a chance on romance.

Hanna handles the lead vocal, but listen closely and another voice becomes an essential part of the record: Nicolette Larson.

Larson provided backing and harmony vocals on “Make a Little Magic,” as well as two other tracks from the album, “Do It! (Party Lights)” and “Harmony.”

She was only 27 when the album was recorded, but Larson had already accumulated a résumé that reads like a roll call of the era’s singer-songwriter scene.

She had sung with Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and the Doobie Brothers, among others, while her recording of Neil Young’s “Lotta Love” had become a major hit in its own right, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

And Young knew exactly how special Larson’s voice was.

In his autobiography “Waging Heavy Peace,” Young remembered visiting Ronstadt and Larson in Malibu in 1977 to play them songs he was preparing to record.

“We sang harmonies with him and he was jazzed,” Larson recalled of that initial meeting. Soon afterward, Larson and Ronstadt recorded vocals for Young’s American Stars ‘n Bars, with Larson later joining Young for Comes a Time.

Young’s own memory of those sessions was equally glowing. He recalled Ronstadt and Larson singing his new songs and wrote, “the two of them sang like birds.”

Years later, his admiration hadn’t dimmed. Young placed Larson in some extraordinary company, writing of Ronstadt, Harris and Larson, “Some artists just have it.”

Related: Legendary Country Band Announces Final Show After 60 Years

‘Make a Little Magic’ Became a Crossover Hit

Larson’s contribution came at an interesting transitional moment for the band.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had emerged in the 1960s mixing folk and jug-band music before increasingly embracing country rock. By the late 1970s, the group had shortened its name to the Dirt Band and moved toward soft rock.

The shift paid off on pop radio.

First came “An American Dream,” the Rodney Crowell-penned song featuring Ronstadt, which reached No. 13 on the Hot 100. Then came “Make a Little Magic,” with Larson’s harmonies helping the song reach No. 25.

Hanna later described the two songs as crossover hits that found audiences at both pop and country radio.

“Make a Little Magic” spent 16 weeks on the Hot 100, reaching its No. 25 peak in August 1980 and holding there for three weeks.

It would also prove to be part of a turning point. In the early 1980s, the band returned to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band name and shifted more decisively toward country music, eventually scoring No. 1 country hits including “Modern Day Romance” and “Fishin’ in the Dark.”

But “Make a Little Magic” captures the group in between those worlds.

There’s country rock underneath it, California soft rock on top and Larson’s airy harmony floating through the whole thing. Forty-six years later, that combination still makes a little magic.

Related: Founding Member of Country-Rock Pioneers Turns 79 Today

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Sometimes a product comes along that just screams overachiever. That’s exactly what you want from outdoor gear, especially during this time of year. As you begin planning camping, entertaining, and vacation adventures, it’s worth considering a portable chair for your list of essentials. One that’s equipped with multifunctional features has the potential to become your MVP throughout late summer and fall!

That’s the case with the Coleman Portable Camping Chair. It’s basically the chair of your dreams, brought to life by the purveyors of top-selling coolers. The brand naturally built a cooler into this chair, too, along with a slew of other features that make it both comfortable and incredibly functional for everything from tailgates to glamping trips. Marked down from $59 to just $40 ahead of Labor Day weekend, it’s an excellent investment for any outdoor enthusiast.

Coleman Portable Camping Chair, From $40 (was $59) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Available in black, blue, gray, and red, the chair offers everything you could possibly want but didn’t realize you actually needed. The seat and back are both cushioned for maximum support, keeping you comfortable no matter how long you plan to kick back and relax. The cooler is designed to hold up to four cans at a time, so your favorite beverages will stay chilled for hours. There’s also a handy mesh cup holder built into one armrest, along with a roomy side pocket that conveniently holds anything from your phone to a book.

Coleman designed its camping chair with thoughtful technical features that set it apart. It supports up to 325 pounds thanks to the robust and durable steel frame, with a comfortably wide 24-inch seat that provides generous wiggle room. The arms are adjustable, so you can truly customize the setup to meet your specific comfort needs.

The real highlight is the portability factor. When it’s not in use, it folds up in just seconds and slides easily into the included carrying case. At just 8.2 pounds, the chair is just the right weight. It’s secure and substantial, but not so heavy that you’ll have trouble moving it around. That will come in especially handy during outdoor events, whether you’re tailgating or just transporting it from one spot on your patio to another. 

With nearly 50,000 five-star reviews, the chair has earned praise for its quality construction and next level features. It’s “sturdy and good looking,” one shopper noted, adding that the design is “genius” and that the brand “thought of everything.” 

Another customer agreed. “I can’t believe the quality for this price. It’s really well made and very easy to set up.” Many people were also impressed with the soft padding, sharing that it amplified their comfort when they sat for hours.

Related: Refresh Your Closet for Sweater Weather With This $30 Amazon Clothes Rack

As your late summer and early fall plans start taking shape, you’ll appreciate having the versatile Coleman Portable Camping Chair handy. Suitable for getaways, games, entertaining, and beyond, it checks every box for an excellent price.

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.

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

First launched in 2012, Anthropologie’s exclusive AnthroLiving Old Havana line has been beloved by shoppers for its gorgeous handcrafted pieces. From baking dishes to cereal bowls and so much more, AnthroLiving’s Old Havana collection makes a beautiful statement in any home, helping you serve up rustic charm at every meal. However, if you’re in the mood for dessert, the line also features a striking cake stand that shoppers say is a total “head-turner.” And we have to agree—it really is stunning.

Anthro’s Old Havana Portuguese Stoneware Cake Stand is an elegant piece of servingware that beautifully elevates any table setting. Available in mint (pictured below), white or sand, this cake stand is constructed from sturdy stoneware that is durable and built to last.

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Old Havana Portuguese Stoneware Cake Stand, Mint, $78 at Anthropologie

Anthropologie

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This cake stand measures five inches in height and 11.5 inches in diameter, which makes it perfect for displaying cakes, quiche, cupcakes, cookies and so much more. It’s super versatile in this way. What’s more, when not in use, it makes a pretty piece of decor. It really is too pretty to stow away.

Related: Dollar General’s Vibrant $6 Cake Stand Is the Sunniest Way to Serve Dessert

Anthro shoppers love this stoneware cake stand, giving it an average rating of 4.5 stars on Anthropologie.com. Fans appreciate it for its size, durability and beautiful style.

“I’ve bought virtually everything in this line over the years and never been disappointed. They hold up very well and love the look,” said an Anthropologie customer in a five-star review on Anthropologie’s website.

“Both the white and the blue are head turners at every social gathering. I use the white for every day and the blue for dinner parties and it’s always a head turner! This cake plate is the perfect size for your average cake pan and I bought a basic cake dome online that worked perfectly. Highly recommend,” said one fan in a five-star review on Anthropologie.com.

You can find these beautiful cake stands on Anthropologie.com. Each one retails for $78.

Related: Anthropologie’s Pretty Acacia Wood Cake Stand Is Cottagecore Perfection

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A home security system can feel reassuring right until the Wi-Fi goes out.

Suddenly, cameras may stop streaming, app controls become unavailable and devices that rely entirely on your home internet connection may lose their path to the outside world. That doesn’t necessarily mean your entire security system has stopped working, as much of it depends on how the system communicates when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

For homeowners comparing home monitoring options, that’s an important distinction. A system with cellular backup has another communication path for certain alarm events when the internet goes down, while a Wi-Fi-only setup may be more dependent on the same internet connection you use to stream movies or browse the web.

So, why is cellular backup important for security systems? The answer comes down to redundancy—and what you expect your security system to do when one connection suddenly disappears. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’re not sure how your current home security setup would handle an internet or power outage, ADT offers free quotes and can recommend a professionally monitored system based on your home and security needs.

What Happens to a Home Security System When Wi-Fi Goes Down?

When Wi-Fi goes down, internet-dependent security features, such as remote app controls, live camera feeds and cloud video, may stop working. Security systems with cellular backup can still transmit supported alarm events over a cellular connection, providing another communication path when home internet service is unavailable.

A Wi-Fi outage can happen for plenty of ordinary reasons. Your internet provider may have an outage. A router could fail. Someone might accidentally unplug equipment or a storm could knock out service to the neighborhood.

What happens next depends largely on how your security system was designed.

Some local functions may continue even without internet access. Door and window sensors, for example, may still communicate with a central security hub inside the home. The bigger question is whether that hub can still communicate outside the house. That’s where cellular backup becomes important.

ADT says its current security systems include cellular alarm-event backup. If Wi-Fi becomes disconnected, supported alarm events can still be transmitted using cellular data and/or cellular SMS. That gives the system another route to send an alarm instead of relying completely on the home’s broadband connection.

Why Is Cellular Backup Important for Security Systems?

Cellular backup is important because it provides a home security system an alternate way to transmit alarm events when Wi-Fi or broadband service fails. That redundancy can help maintain professional monitoring during an internet outage rather than leaving the system dependent on a single communication method.

Think of cellular backup as a second road out of town. Under normal conditions, your system may use Wi-Fi. If that road suddenly closes, a cellular connection can provide another route for alarm information.

The benefit isn’t that cellular networks never fail. They can. The advantage is simply that your security system isn’t dependent on one connection.

ADT’s professional monitoring materials describe multiple communication layers, including Wi-Fi, cellular data and cellular text for supported systems. That becomes especially relevant when a security system is protecting more than doors and windows. Professionally monitored systems may also incorporate smoke, carbon monoxide, water and other sensors, depending on the equipment and monitoring plan.

In other words, connectivity isn’t merely about whether you can open an app. It’s about whether an alarm can still get where it needs to go.

Does Cellular Backup Mean Everything Still Works Without Wi-Fi?

No. Cellular backup usually protects critical alarm communications, but it does not necessarily keep every smart-home feature functioning. Live video, cloud recording, remote app controls and some connected devices may still require working Wi-Fi and internet service.

This is an important distinction.

It would be easy to hear “cellular backup” and assume the entire smart home continues operating normally during an internet outage. That’s not necessarily true.

ADT notes that features such as remote controls, notifications, video streaming and video recording can depend on working internet and Wi-Fi. Cameras are particularly dependent on connectivity.

So, during an internet outage, you may temporarily lose the ability to pull up a live camera feed from your phone, even though supported security alarm events can still be communicated through cellular backup.

ADT introduced a cellular-only option for ADT+ in 2025. The company says qualifying customers can operate core security functions using cellular service even without Wi-Fi, although connected devices such as cameras and smart thermostats require Wi-Fi before those features become available.

That’s a useful reminder that alarm communication and smart-home connectivity aren’t exactly the same thing.

What Happens if the Power Goes Out, Too?

A power outage creates a second problem because your security hub, router and other devices may lose electricity along with the internet connection. Systems with backup batteries can continue operating for a limited time, while cellular communication can help preserve supported alarm reporting if the cellular network remains available.

Internet outages and power outages often happen together, particularly during severe weather. That’s why homeowners should ask about both.

ADT says its security sensors include features intended to keep the system operating during power outages, including up to 24 hours of battery backup on supported equipment. However, that doesn’t mean every device in the house remains online for 24 hours.

Your Wi-Fi router, modem, cameras and other equipment may have their own power requirements. Video and other internet-dependent functions can therefore disappear even while the core security system remains active.

So, instead of simply asking whether a security system has battery backup, it helps to look at what that backup actually keeps running. For example:

• Which devices remain operational?
• How long does backup power last?
• Can alarm events still reach professional monitoring?
• What happens to cameras?

Those details give homeowners a much clearer picture of how a security system will perform when both power and internet service are disrupted.

Is Cellular Monitoring Better Than Wi-Fi Monitoring?

Neither connection is inherently perfect. Wi-Fi is useful for cameras, apps and smart-home features, while cellular communication provides valuable redundancy for alarm events. For professionally monitored security, a system capable of using both generally provides more resilience than relying on Wi-Fi alone.

This isn’t really an either-or contest. Modern home security systems benefit from Wi-Fi. It makes remote control convenient, supports cameras and allows homeowners to check their systems from virtually anywhere.

But Wi-Fi is also something most homeowners have seen fail at least occasionally. That’s why I would pay more attention to backup communication than to whether a security company describes its system as “smart.”

A smart system that loses external connectivity when your router fails isn’t nearly as reassuring as one with another way to report an alarm.

ADT allows some customers to use cellular as the primary connection for supported ADT+ security functions rather than merely as a backup. For most homeowners with broadband, however, the more practical benefit is having cellular connectivity sitting in reserve when Wi-Fi fails.

What Should You Look for in a Home Monitoring System?

Look for multiple communication paths, backup power and clear information about which security functions remain available during internet or electrical outages. Professional monitoring adds another layer by allowing trained personnel to receive qualifying alarm signals and contact emergency services when appropriate.

Before choosing a home monitoring system, I’d ask five basic questions:

• Does the system have cellular backup?
• Is cellular backup included, or does it require a particular monitoring plan?
• How long will the system operate during a power failure?
• Which features stop working when Wi-Fi goes down?
• Can professional monitoring still receive alarm events during an outage?

For homeowners comparing systems, cellular backup is one of those less-visible features worth checking before focusing on cameras, apps or monthly promotional prices.

The Bottom Line on Cellular Backup for Home Security

Wi-Fi has made home security more convenient than ever. But convenience and redundancy aren’t the same thing.

If your home’s internet connection disappears, a system with cellular alarm backup has another way to transmit supported security events. Add battery backup and professional monitoring, and you have multiple layers working together instead of relying on a single router and internet connection.

That’s ultimately why cellular backup matters. You may rarely think about it when everything is working normally. But the moment your internet goes down is exactly when you’ll be glad your home monitoring system has another way to communicate.

ADT offers free home security quotes for homeowners who want to see how professional monitoring, cellular alarm-event backup and other security features work together in their home.