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Country rap and outlaw music artist Struggle Jennings has announced an update to his 2026 North America tour schedule, giving fans a refreshed list of dates for his ongoing Last Name Tour.

Jennings shared the news directly with fans on Instagram, writing: "UPDATE!!! Some dates have been moved .. here’s the tour schedule thru August.. more to come stay tuned! Love yall."

The updated routing includes stops across the Midwest, South, Southwest, West Coast and Mountain West, with performances scheduled from June through the end of August.

The announcement arrives as Jennings continues promoting his latest musical era surrounding Last Name, while also maintaining a busy touring schedule across the United States.

Struggle Jennings poses at at Marathon Music Works on Feb. 21, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Photo by Keith Griner/Getty Images

Fans can expect appearances in major markets, including Dallas, Houston, Austin, Phoenix, Sacramento, Salt Lake City and Boise, along with several smaller cities that have become important stops throughout his independent touring career.

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The tour resumes in June with a run through Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Texas before moving east and south later in the month.

The current schedule includes:

• June 4 — Minneapolis, Minnesota
• June 5 — McHenry, Illinois
• June 6 — Danville, Indiana
• June 11 — Dallas, Texas
• June 12 — Houston, Texas
• June 13 — Corpus Christi, Texas
• June 14 — Austin, Texas
• June 20 — Esperance, New York
• June 25 — Atlanta, Georgia
• June 26 — Chattanooga, Tennessee
• June 27 — Cookeville, Tennessee
• June 28 — Huntsville, Alabama

The tour continues in July with dates across Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and California:

• July 14 — Colorado Springs, Colorado
• July 15 — Albuquerque, New Mexico
• July 16 — Phoenix, Arizona
• July 17 — Flagstaff, Arizona
• July 18 — Ramona, California
• July 19 — Fresno, California
• July 20 — Sacramento, California

The August leg features performances throughout the Midwest and Mountain West:

• August 7 — Bowling Green, Missouri
• August 8 — Iowa City, Iowa
• August 9 — Sturgis, South Dakota
• August 11 — Bozeman, Montana
• August 12 — Boise, Idaho
• August 13 — Salt Lake City, Utah
• August 14 — Grand Junction, Colorado
• August 15 — Sedalia
• August 30 — Isle, Minnesota

Jennings also indicated that additional dates may be announced later, telling fans to “stay tuned.” The tour update comes during an active period for Jennings.

Just weeks ago, he joined fellow independent artist John PayCheck for the release of “Sons Of The Spark.” The song brought together two musicians connected to legendary country music families. PayCheck is the son of outlaw country icon Johnny PayCheck, while Jennings carries the famous Jennings name associated with Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter.

According to information released alongside the collaboration, the track generated approximately 20,000 streams during its first week. The song focuses on themes of legacy, family expectations and creating an individual path despite growing up around well-known names.

Jennings has built a strong independent following since returning to music after his release from prison in 2016. His career includes collaborations with artists such as Jelly Roll, Adam Calhoun, Yelawolf, Tom MacDonald, Nova Rockafeller and Brantley Gilbert.

Among his best-known releases are the RIAA Gold-certified songs “Fall In The Fall” with Jelly Roll and “God We Need You Now” featuring Caitlynne Curtis.

Born William Curtis Harness Jr. in Nashville, Tennessee, Jennings began his music career in the early 2000s by selling mixtapes independently. He later became one of the original members of Yelawolf’s Slumerican label roster.

Over the years, he has released several projects, including The Widow's Son, Angels & Outlaws, Troubadour of Troubled Souls, Outlaw Shxt, Monte Carlo, El Camino and most recently Last Name.

The tour announcement also follows personal news shared earlier this year by Jennings and his wife, Tabitha. In January, the couple revealed they are expecting a baby in July 2026. The child will be Jennings’ eighth.

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With a growing family, new music releases and an extensive tour schedule stretching across North America, Jennings continues to add new chapters to a career that has combined outlaw country influences, Southern rap and personal storytelling.

Related: ’90s Metal Band Announces Update, Postpones 2026 Show

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Who doesn’t like a tasty treat? No matter your preference, the right snack or dessert can be just the thing you need to turn your day around, or a well-earned indulgence after sticking to a strict meal plan. Whether it’s a piece of chocolate, a slice of cake or your favorite pint of ice cream, there’s really no shortage of ways to satisfy that craving.

This week, Sam’s Club has shoppers racing to the bakery section for the newest iteration of one of the warehouse's most iconic desserts: the Member's Mark 10-inch Chocolate Overload Cake. Hitting shelves now for just $18.97, this rich and elegant cake is a chocolate lover's dream, one that can serve up to 16 people or be enjoyed a slice at a time throughout the week.

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Member's Mark 10-inch Chocolate Overload Cake, $18.97 at Sam's Club View this post on Instagram

Spotted in store by @samsclublovers, who quickly shared the news online, the Member’s Mark 10-inch Chocolate Overload Cake is easily one of Sam’s Club’s most decadent chocolate creations. Weighing a whopping 56 ounces and measuring nearly one foot in diameter, it serves anywhere from 12 to 16 people and is made fresh daily, ensuring a fluffy, moist texture in every slice. 

Sold in a resealable plastic container perfect for transporting to events, parties or straight home to your kitchen, this cake is nothing short of a showstopper, with no corners cut when it comes to toppings or presentation. Starting with layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy chocolate mousse, it’s crowned with chocolate chip cookie pieces, fudge brownie chunks, a generous drizzle of chocolate syrup and elegant white chocolate curls.

Related: Jalen Brunson's Bodega Order Is Pure New York City Vibes

“Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you,” @samsclublovers captioned their post, which quickly drew attention online, with one viewer commenting, “What? Stop! I must try it!”

And in reviews on the Sam’s Club website, the praise continued. One fan called it “very chocolatey and delicious,” noting that its chocolate mousse is “tasty, fluffy and creamy.” They also described its flavor as “a mix between cake and brownie,” saying that it “blends very well with the creamy chocolate mousse.”

If you’ve got an office party, birthday or casual gathering coming up, be sure to snag this cake before heading to the event. And if you’re bringing it home for you and your family, just remember it’s perishable, so you’ll want to keep it refrigerated between slices.

If you really like the tasty treats Sam’s Club currently has to offer, be sure to keep an eye out for Member’s Mark Gourmet Cupcakes, an 8-count assortment of luxuriously rich cakes that are entirely too hard to put down.

Related: Sam's Club Shoppers are Devouring Entire Bags of This 'Tart' and 'Crispy' $10 Snack

For most people, the general conception of rock music is that it was pioneered in large part by Elvis Presley, but once once you dig into the history and learn about his career, you begin to understand the bigger picture that's present. Presley was more accurately the person who got the most recognition for pioneering rock music, when in actuality he was wearing some very clear influences on his sleeve that people weren't aware of, chief among them being the legendary Fats Domino.

Domino was among the first group of artists to be inducted into the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, which was absolutely a deserved honor. The multitude of artists he has influenced is practically responsible for an entire genre, including The Beatles and of course Elvis Presley, who said that Domino was "the real king of rock n' roll."

@rockhall

Fats Domino performing his classic “Blueberry Hill” at Austin City Limits, 1986. Fats Domino — an Inductee from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inaugural class, who Elvis Presley himself called the real king of rock & roll — performed some of his greatest hits at Austin City Limits, including “Blueberry Hill,” “Ain’t That a Shame,” and “Walking to New Orleans." #fatsdomino #austincitylimits #neworleans #elvis #ACL

♬ original sound - Rock Hall

The Rock Hall recently commemorated this statement with footage of Domino's performance at Austin City Limits in 1986, the same year he would be immortalized by their institution. The song "Blueberry Hill" featured in the clips is arguably his most celebrated song, holding a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The song is so clearly influential, with the sound appearing all across rock music to come. "Lady Madonna" was reportedly written to emulate Domino's style, which is quite obvious once you listen to them together, as well as listen to Domino's cover of the song.

A lot of the lineage of rock music has been lost to public consciousness. The genre has its roots in black culture and music, specifically in early R&B music. This is something that Presley admitted himself, stating that "Rock 'n' roll was here a long time before I came along. Let's face it: I can't sing like Fats Domino can. I know that."

All these years later, Domino remains a legendary pioneer of the genre, and one of the greatest to ever do it. His music is full of life, rhythm, and a great feeling that makes you want to bob your head and dance.

Related: Explore the Legendary and Tragic Hotel that Shaped Music History in New Documentary

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Lindsey Vonn is celebrating a personal milestone months after suffering serious injuries at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Olympic gold medalist shared photos on Instagram showing herself wearing a dress in public for the first time since the skiing crash that led to multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery.

Vonn, 41, posted a series of images wearing a sleek, sleeveless gray Gucci dress paired with white pointed heels. The outfit also revealed the scars left behind from the injuries she sustained earlier this year.

In the caption, Vonn opened up about the emotional challenge of showing her scars in public after months of recovery.

Lindsey Vonn attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

"First time I wore a dress in public since my injury!!!" Vonn wrote. "When I tried on the dress I was really self conscious and wasn’t sure if I was ready to be in public showing my scars… but I’m happy I did it. Accepting my new scars has been one of the hardest parts of this injury mentally and it’s still a work in progress but I’ll get there. "

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"Thank you Gucci for putting me in this incredible dress straight off the runway ❤️ I felt so Gucci 💃🏼," the athlete added.

The post marked another step forward for the decorated skier, who has spent recent months recovering from severe injuries suffered during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Vonn's Olympic campaign came to a sudden end in February after a devastating crash during the women's downhill event. The accident resulted in major injuries to her leg and ankle and required extensive medical treatment.

Vonn underwent eight operations following the crash. She later revealed that the surgeries were critical to saving her leg.

The physical recovery has been difficult, but Vonn's latest message highlighted the emotional side of healing. While the athlete has made public appearances in recent weeks, wearing a dress that exposed her scars represented a significant personal milestone.

The latest appearance comes during an active period of recovery for the skiing icon.

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Just weeks earlier, Vonn attended the Monaco Grand Prix, where she was seen confidently walking through the Formula One paddock. The appearance followed another major milestone when she attended the Met Gala without crutches after months of rehabilitation.

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Despite the setback from her Olympic injuries, Vonn has continued to receive recognition for her achievements in alpine skiing.

Earlier this month, she was named Athlete of the Year and Best Comeback for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard women's Alpine team at the Stifel Awards. The honors were voted on by teammates and staff members.

Before her season-ending crash, Vonn had enjoyed an impressive return to competition after coming out of retirement in 2024. She captured victories and podium finishes throughout the season and entered the Winter Olympics as one of the sport's top competitors.

Outside of skiing, Vonn has also remained active in the sports world. Recently, she shared a video message congratulating tennis legend Serena Williams following Williams' return to professional competition, saying: "Hey, Serena. Congratulations. So proud of you. The GOAT is back."

For now, Vonn's focus remains on recovery and adapting to life after one of the most serious injuries of her career.

Related: U.S. Skier Lindsey Vonn Looks Stunning in Met Gala Appearance Months After Olympic Crash

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The year is 1984, and Bruce Springsteen has just dropped his legendary Born in the USA. Released on June 4, it became Springsteen's most successful album, estimated to have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. It had major hits on it including "Dancing in the Dark," "I'm on Fire," and, of course, "Born in the USA." Well, if you're a fan of The Boss, Target just dropped a new t-shirt that features the iconic album cover from Born in the USA. Even better, it's just $15.

Target's Women's Born in the USA Springsteen Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt is perfect for Springsteen fans. Featuring short sleeves and a crew neckline, this t-shirt is mid length but overall has an oversized fit. It comes in sizes XXS through 3X. Constructed out of 100 percent cotton, this t-shirt is comfortable and lightweight, making it great to wear in the warmer months ahead and beyond.

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Women's Born in the USA Springsteen Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt, $15 at Target

Target

Shop It!

This white t-shirt has the iconic Born in the USA album artwork on the front, with a bit of a faded effect, giving the shirt slight vintage vibes. This would look so cute styled with everything from a pair of high-waisted jeans and jean shorts to leggings or an a-line skirt. It's a super versatile option that can be dressed up or down.

Related: Iconic 1973 Autobiographical Classic Rock Hit Was the Song That Got Bruce Springsteen a Record Deal

Target shoppers love this Springsteen tee, giving it an average rating of 4.2 stars on Target.com, with 100 percent of reviewers of saying they would recommend it to others.

"Great Bruce tee," said one fan in a five-star review on Target.com. "Loved wearing this. And there's something wrong with you if you don't love Bruce."

Other shoppers loved the shirt, too, but did give a head's up that the fit is definitely oversized.

"Cute shirt, but when they say oversized, it is very oversized. I usually wear an XL in women's shirts and think I could pull off a medium in this one," said another shopper in a five-star review on Target's website.

You can find this Born in the USA album cover t-shirt on Target.com and in select Target stores. It retails for $15.

Related: This 1975 Summer Movie Classic Is Now Immortalized as a $5 Tote at Five Below

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When it comes to summer bedding, it's hard to beat the timeless appeal of classic stripes. Stripes add visual interest and texture without overwhelming a room, creating a light, breezy look that feels especially fitting during the warmer months. They're also incredibly versatile, working seamlessly with everything from coastal and farmhouse decor to more modern spaces.

One highly rated option worth considering is the Becky Cameron Stripe Pattern Duvet Cover Set. Right now, it's on sale for 40% off at Target, bringing the price down from $43 to as low as $26 for a twin-size set. For an easy bedroom refresh, it's an excellent value.

Becky Cameron Stripe Pattern Duvet Cover Set, From $26 (was $43) at Target

Courtesy of Target

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The set is available in twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king sizes. Larger sizes include three pieces: one duvet cover and two matching shams. The twin/twin XL version comes with one duvet cover and one matching sham. Coordinating bedding like this helps create a polished, cohesive look with very little effort.

Practical details make the set even more appealing. The duvet cover features a zippered closure along with corner anchoring ties that help keep your comforter securely in place. These small design elements can make a big difference in preventing shifting and bunching throughout the night.

Made from 100% imported 95 GSM microfiber, the fabric is designed to feel soft and breathable while maintaining durability. The lightweight construction is especially well-suited for summer, creating a comfortable sleep environment without feeling heavy. 

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. The duvet cover set is machine washable, fade-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, and doesn't require ironing. Just wash it in cold water and tumble dry on low. The easy-care fabric makes it a practical choice for busy households, guest rooms, or anyone who prefers low-maintenance bedding.

One of the biggest strengths of this collection is its versatility. Available in 11 color options with various stripe patterns, there's something to complement nearly any design aesthetic. Whether your style leans coastal, farmhouse, boho, mid-century modern, or traditional, the understated stripe design fits right in. It's also an easy way to refresh a room's appearance without replacing all of your existing bedding.

This duvet cover set earned over 100 five-star reviews. One shopper shared, “The pin stripes break up the white nicely to add depth in the room, but my favorite part about this duvet cover is how soft it is! It is the softest duvet I've ever owned!” Another reviewer said, “It's super soft and lightweight yet made of good quality material.”

Shop More Deals

• Garvee Ruffle Duvet Cover Set, From $35 (was $63) at Target
• American Soft Linen Cotton Duvet Cover Set, From $58 (was $75) at Target
• Becky Cameron Braided Chunky Knit Throw Blanket, $70 (was $116) at Target

Related: IKEA Is Selling a 100% Cotton 3-Piece Duvet Cover Set That Adds Floral Daydream Vibes to Any Bedroom

For a stylish, timeless, and comfortable bedding upgrade, the Becky Cameron Stripe Pattern Duvet Cover Set is a great choice. With Target's current 40% discount, you can save more than $20 while bringing a fresh, summer-ready look to your bedroom.

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.

You'll need to know ball if you expect to solve today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle. 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 Tuesday, June 16, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Tuesday, June 16, 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 June 16, 2026

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

• Yellow:Michael Jordan was one of them.
• Green: Lights, camera, play ball.
• Blue: Front offices talk about these all the time.
• Purple: Complete the phrase.

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: A NORTH CAROLINA ATHLETE
• Green: BASEBALL FILMS
• Blue: NBA CONTRACT TERMS
• Purple: MAX _____

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 #631 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• A NORTH CAROLINA ATHLETE: BLUE DEVIL, HORNET, HURRICANE, TAR HEEL
• BASEBALL FILMS: 42, BULL DURHAM, EIGHT MEN OUT, MAJOR LEAGUE
• NBA CONTRACT TERMS: 10-DAY, MIDLEVEL EXCEPTION, SUPERMAX, TWO-WAY
• MAX _____: FRIED, SCHERZER, STRUS, VERSTAPPEN

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: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, June 15, 2026

Hungry? Today's NYT Strands puzzle will have you digging through your fridge. 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 #835 on Tuesday, June 16.

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: "For here or to go?"

A hint for today's Strands game: Time to eat.

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:

• GY
• SO
• WR
• RA
• SA
• SA
• TA
• WH (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is a mix of vertical, horizontal and diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for June 16

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, isWHATSFORLUNCH.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Tuesday, June 16?

• GYRO
• SOUP
• WRAP
• RAMEN
• SANDWICH
• SALAD
• TACOS
• SPANGRAM: WHATSFORLUNCH

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, June 15, 2026

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If you’ve been spending more time outside lately, you may have noticed an area that could use a bit of extra attention — your patio. Totally transforming your space with outdoor furniture, lights, and planters can get pricey fast, so if you need an easy way to give the backyard a lift without breaking the bank, a pretty area rug is a great place to start. Right now, Amazon has a fantastic offer for shoppers ahead of Prime Week on an excellent outdoor area rug for under $25. 

Normally $40, you can snag the Genimo Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Area Rug for as low as $22 right now. It features a stunning resort-inspired palm leaf print with the colors inverted on the reverse side. Starting at just $22 for the 5-by-8-foot size in gray and white, it's currently available in multiple sizes in over 50 colors and patterns at various price points, with many on sale for up to 45% off. 

Genimo Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Area Rug, From $22 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This rug's woven plastic straw design is low-maintenance but performs beautifully. The material resists fading, moisture, and stains, making it ideal for patios, decks, and gardens, or even indoor spaces like mud rooms and entryways. A UV-protectant coating ensures the colors won't fade, and the heat-treated edges resist fraying. 

While it's a great rug to tie everything together in your backyard, shoppers said they also loved using it for travel. The lightweight and foldable design means it's easy to pack up and take with you on beach days and park picnics, or to add to your camping setup in front of an RV or tent. It can be easily cleaned just by spraying it down with a water hose.

Shoppers said the rug's palm leaf motif gives it "tropical vibes" that "makes walking outside feel like you're in a resort." Many reviewers raved about how the "beautiful" and "durable" design enhanced their outdoor spaces.

Shop More Deals

• Findosom Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Rug, $22 (was $30) at Amazon
• Hebe Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Rug, $24 (was $27) at Amazon
• Olanly Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Rug, $27 (was $30) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $19 Reversible Outdoor Area Rug Is a 'Fabulous' Patio Upgrade

Whether you want to refresh your patio or need a versatile outdoor mat that's as functional as it is stylish, the Genimo Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Area Rug is an outstanding choice. Catch it on sale at Amazon now for just $22 ahead of Prime Week!

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Today's NYT Connections puzzle kind of all over the place, but we believe in you. 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 #1101 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Tuesday, June 16, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Tuesday'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 Tuesday, June 16

1. Condiment for lettuce and toppings.
2. A person who accompanies someone else, as in a wedding.
3. You won't find these everywhere.
4. Where players dunk the ball.

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 Tuesday, June 16:

1. CREAMY SALAD DRESSINGS: BLUE CHEESE, CAESAR, GREEN GODDESS, RANCH
2. ATTENDANTS: COURT, ENTOURAGE, RETINUE, SUITE
3. RARE THINGS, IDIOMATICALLY: BLACK SWAN, BLUE MOON, PERFECT STORM, UNICORN
4. WHAT "HOOPS" MIGHT REFER TO: BASKETBALL, EARRINGS, RED TAPE, RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS GEAR

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: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, June 15, 2026

Bon Jovi’s breakthrough album, 1986’s Slippery When Wet, spawned several iconic hits, such as “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” 

Those songs inarguably helped define the ‘80s glam metal era. Yet, among the rock band’s string of successful singles, a fourth track on the project managed to leave a lasting impression on fans, earning massive radio play despite never being eligible to chart on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 because it was not sold as a commercial standalone single in the U.S. 

That song is “Never Say Goodbye.” 

The power ballad became available on June 15, 1987, and nearly 40 years later still resonates deeply with listeners due to its nostalgic lyrics, written by lead singer Jon Bon Jovi and bandmate and guitarist Richie Sambora. 

Featuring electric guitar licks, a steady drum beat, and a soaring and anthemic chorus, “Never Say Goodbye” makes for a fitting addition to any arena-rock concert setlist. 

Lyrically, the track takes a heartfelt trip down memory lane as it tells the story of high school sweethearts holding tight to their precious memories and young love before being faced with the possibility of going their separate ways.

In the song, Jon Bon Jovi makes reference to epic prom nights, late-night drives, and skipping classes, capturing the nostalgic feeling of growing up and moving on after creating some of the best times with friends and loved ones.   

“Never Say Goodbye” may not have been ranked at the top of any Bon Jovi “best of” list, and the undeniable power ballad has yet to win any major awards, but the track has gone on to become a timeless classic as an anthem for high school romances. The track, in 2024, was also listed by American Songwriter as one of the ‘80s power ballads that is still considered a “slow banger.” 

Following its release, “Never Say Goodbye” peaked at No. 11 on the Mainstream Rock Chart and No. 21 on the UK singles chart.

Related: 1982 Rock Classic, Written for a Coming-Of-Age Film, Was Originally Disliked Before Becoming a Decade-Defining Hit

Converge, an iconic metalcore band, announced an exciting update for the 2026 Saddest Day Festival.

The curated heavy-music festival organized by the Boston-based band is set to host another full day of aggressive underground music.

In an Instagram post, the band revealed the dates for the highly anticipated event.

From the one-day concert last year, the annual festival will expand, now having a two-day show set on December 12 and 13 at Roadrunner in Boston.

The post sparked excitement among fans, who couldn’t wait to see the lineup of artists and musicians participating at this year’s Saddest Day Festival.

Jacob Bannon of Converge performs at ArcTanGent Festival 2023 at Fernhill Farm on August 17, 2023 in Bristol, England.

Katja Ogrin/Redferns

“I heard the lineup is going to be CRAZY,” one wrote.

“hell yeah, let’s go!” a commenter said.

Others dropped the name of the bands they wished to see at the music festival.

“Neurosis, Deafheaven, Touche Amore, Portrayal of Guilt please!” a follower remarked.

“Neurosis please and thank you,” a fan added.

“Modern Life is War & Fiddlehead?” one asked.

The same goes for another Instagram user who said, “Converge-Universe bands? Neurosis, Cave In, Old Man Gloom, Mutoid Man etc. Stoked!!!”

As of this writing, Converge has yet to announce the artists and bands joining this year’s event.

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However, the iconic metalcore band is rumored to deliver a “special anniversary set” over the weekend, as mentioned by Lambgoat.

The upcoming festival is in celebration of Converge’s new album, Hum of Hurt.

The 12th studio album was released on June 5 under Epitaph Records and Deathwish Inc.

The four-piece group, fronted by Jacob Bannon, guitarist Kurt Ballou, bassist Nate Newton and drummer Ben Koller, had the inaugural Saddest Day Festival on Dec. 13, 2025, which took place in Converge’s home state at the Roadrunner venue in Boston.

According to the band, the name of the music festival was inspired by their 1996 track "The Saddest Day" from their second studio album Petitioning the Empty Sky.

The one-day event showcased not only showstopping performances from Coalesce, The Hope Conspiracy, Soul Glo, Year Of The Knife, Stress Positions, Wormwood, hard-rock band Touché Amoré and more but also featured a curated art exhibition from Jacob Bannon himself and other interdisciplinary artists.

Related: Beloved Heavy Metal Band Releases Dates for North America Tour

It's summertime, which means your home gardening efforts may be in high gear.

Luckily, Trader Joe's has been unveiling a number of summer-friendly products of late, particularly one line of planters that will cater to your green thumb.

The beloved grocery chain now has a unique set of bird-shaped planters stocked on its shelves, though Better Homes & Gardens reports that they're going fast.

Check out the recent carousel by Instagram user @traderjoes_flowers showcasing the bird-shaped planters below.

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Fans have since flooded the post's comments section with their support for the newly unveiled items. "The cutest!!!😍" wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "I want every single one."

Priced at just $7, each pot comes in a variety of different colors: bright blue, light pink, black, and white tropical birds. Judging by the Instagram carousel above, they all seem to be equally "cute" indeed.

The bird planter itself has no drainage hole on the base, Better Homes & Gardens reported on Sunday, June 14, but the miniature plants inside come in their very own removable nursery pot. This makes them easier to water, fertilize and replant as needed.

Trader Joe's has been known for their stylish planters in the past. Anyone else remember those disco ball ones that went viral over this past New Year's holiday? And it wasn't the first time — the planters have been a fan-favorite for a few years now, and they only seem to be available for a few days before and after New Year’s. And of course, they often sell out quickly.

In other TJ's news, the popular grocer recently unveiled new Strawberry Mini Mochi Gummies in honor of, well, strawberry season. “Made for us by an expert confectioner in Thailand, they combine the ebulliently bouncy texture of Mochi with the well-balanced, sweet and tart notes of Strawberry, all in a Gummy candy that’s suitably, seasonably, super fun to snack upon,” reads the online product description.

Today's NYT Wordle answer should be pretty easy if you know what it's like to be thoroughly impressed. 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. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1823 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

What kind of letter does today's Wordle start with?

Today's Wordle begins with a vowel.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: can refer to overwhelming someone with surprise, sudden wonder, or disbelief.

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 #1823 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, is AMAZE.

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

Related: Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1822 on Monday, June 15, 2026

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Summer style requires easy pieces that you can use for a multitude of adventures. And now, Walmart is making it even sweeter with a deal you won't want to miss: their bestselling Cseone Sleeveless Striped Knit Tank Top, loved for its "amazing stretch," is on sale for as little as $4! 

Whether you're building your summer wardrobe or looking for a breezy staple to style all season long, this tank is about to become your new favorite.

Cseone Sleeveless Striped Knit Tank Top, From $4 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Walmart's bestselling tank boasts a figure-flattering fit and a classic round neckline. The striped pattern adds visual texture, giving the tank a fun, relaxed vibe that stands out, whether you're running errands, lounging at home, or heading to the beach.

Crafted with a soft, breathable knit, this tank is all about keeping you comfortable on hot days. The lightweight fabric means you'll stay cool, even when the summer sun is at its brightest. And thanks to its "amazing stretch," you'll enjoy all-day comfort that moves with you, no matter what's on your agenda.

Cseone Sleeveless Striped Knit Tank Top, From $4 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This tank top is as low-maintenance as it gets. The durable, machine-washable fabric resists fading, so it'll look fresh and vibrant wash after wash. That means you can toss it in the laundry after a long day at the park or beach, and it'll be ready for your next adventure in no time.

With prices this low, you can grab this summer essential in all your favorite shades — khaki, black, blue, green, and beige. It’s available in sizes medium to 4XL, ensuring a flattering fit for everyone. Shoppers think this tank is the ultimate fashion chameleon.

"This striped top is attractive, stylish, and comfortable," one shopper stated, noting that "the fabrication is flawless," and it goes great with "jeans, capris, shorts, a boho skirt, and leggings."

Shop More Deals

• Dakimoe Embroidered Initial Crossbody Belt Bag, $11 (was $22) at Walmart
• Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Dome Crossbody Bag, $60 (was $289) at Walmart
• NapQueen Victoria 10" Queen Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress, $158 (was $228) at Walmart

Related: Walmart's $70 Covered Raised Garden Bed Is the Cutest Mini Greenhouse for Your Summer Veggies

This $4 Walmart tank is a no-brainer addition to any closet. Scoop one up (or a few!) before your favorite colors and sizes sell out!

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.

Men at Work is heading home for a major tour this fall.

The Grammy-winning Australian rock band announced on Instagram that it will join the Red Hot Summer Tour 2026, a traveling festival that will take the group across Australia this fall.

"Australia, get ready — Men At Work is joining Red Hot Summer Tour 2026!" the band wrote. "From October 17 – November 15, catch the band performing across Australia alongside an incredible lineup of artists."

Joining Men at Work on the tour will be special guests Birds of Tokyo, Vika & Linda, Eskimo Joe, Boom Crash Opera and Ella Hooper. The tour kicks off Oct. 17 at Queens Park in Toowoomba before making stops in Sandstone Point, Berry, Manly, Hunter Valley, Coolangatta, Ballarat, Mornington, Swan Valley and Glenelg.

According to the band's announcement, presale tickets begin June 23 at 10 a.m. AEST, with general ticket sales launching June 25.

Men at Work became one of Australia's biggest musical exports during the early 1980s, thanks to a string of international hits led by Colin Hay's distinctive vocals and songwriting. The band's debut album, Business as Usual, became a worldwide phenomenon, producing classics including "Who Can It Be Now?," "Down Under" and "Be Good Johnny."

"Down Under" proved especially successful, reaching No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and charts around the world while becoming an enduring anthem celebrating Australian culture.

“I’d had these lyrics in my head for a while – 'Do you come from a land Down Under?' – and I would sing them over this percussion thing in the car," Hay said in an interview with Classic Pop. "They just kind of fit. I got excited by that, so I kept doing that for a few hours. The next day I wrote the chord structure and the lyrics, and the track all of a sudden sprang to life."

The band went on to earn the 26th Annual Grammy Awards award for Best New Artist, cementing its place among the defining acts of the decade.

"America was the last place to pick up on the band," Hay told Classic Bands. "It was actually about a year after the record was successful in other parts of the world that the American record company released it. They certainly weren't looking to Australia for guidance as to what was going to happen in America. It was only really after it started to sell records in different parts of the world and people started playing it in America that the record company decided that they could make it work and released it."

More than 40 years after first topping the charts, Men at Work continues to perform for audiences around the globe.

Now, alongside a lineup featuring some of Australia's most beloved contemporary rock acts, the band is set to bring its timeless catalog back to fans across the country as part of one of the nation's biggest concert tours of 2026.

2026 Red Hot Summer Tour dates 

• Oct. 17 – Queens Park – Toowoomba, Queensland
• Oct. 18 – Sandstone Point Hotel – Sandstone Point, Queensland
• Oct. 24 – Berry Showground – Berry, New South Wales
• Oct. 25 – Keirle Park – Manly, New South Wales
• Oct. 31 – Roche Estate – Hunter Valley, New South Wales
• Nov. 1 – Coolangatta Beach – Coolangatta, Queensland
• Nov. 7 – Victoria Park – Ballarat, Victoria
• Nov. 8 – Mornington Racecourse – Mornington, Victoria
• Nov. 14 – Sandalford Wines – Swan Valley, Western Australia
• Nov. 15 – Glenelg Beach – Glenelg, South Australia

Related: 1971 Rock Classic, Lasting Nearly 8 Minutes, Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem

Willie Nelson has no shortage of iconic songs, but there's one track with a very special meaning to the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2006, the country legend released a cover of the 1981 song "Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other," originally written and performed by Latin country musician Ned Sublette, and Nelson's version later turned into a cult-classic LGBTQ+ country anthem.

Nelson released his rendition of the song in February 2006, just a couple months after Brokeback Mountain, the critically-acclaimed LGBTQ+ cowboy film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, came out in December 2005.

Nelson's rendition of the song became one of the first queer-themed country songs to reach mainstream success. It even charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2026, peaking at the No. 52 position.

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But Nelson later released another version of the song nearly two decades later when he teamed up with queer country artist Orville Peck for a duet in 2024.

The duet was released as the lead single from Peck's Stampede album, and he and Nelson even collaborated on a music video together, which was directed by Ben Prince and filmed at Nelson's Luck Ranch in Spicewood, Tex.

Peck has previously opened up about his own personal connection with the song in a 2024 interview with Paper magazine, explaining that he used to cover "from time to time" during his live shows. While calling it the "landmark gay country song," Peck noted that it was Nelson's idea to perform a duet together, as he remembered the 93-year-old icon telling him, "We should do that as a duet, because it's more important now than ever. I feel like it should have another life."

"Willie is so cool because he's always been an outlaw," Peck added at the time. "So it is very affirming, having gotten to know Willie over the years now, to see that he is even more that person to his core than I could have ever imagined."

Related: Country Legend Willie Nelson Releases New Song Co-Written By '60s Music Icon, One of the 'Greatest Artists of All Time'

Considering the fact that Joan Jett is one of the most iconic rock stars of all time, it's hard to imagine there was ever a time when she couldn't get a record deal. But after the Runaways broke up in 1979, the music business decided Jett was old news...and she was only 21 years old at the time.

Of course, Jett's musical career was actually just beginning, and all the challenges she faced only made her more motivated. In fact, her fury over the way male music execs treated her helped to inspire one of her biggest hits: "Bad Reputation."

“It’s about Joan having been kind of a wild woman in the Runaways, and us trying to make a record deal, going around having people say, ‘No, she’s too crazy, like the punks and Nazis,'" songwriter Kenny Laguna, who co-wrote the song with Jett, told Songfacts.

"Joan had this bad reputation, no label would sign her — that’s why we own the records,” he continued. “I was trying to give her the advice of an old man, but she was a teenager at the time, and she says, ‘Look, I don’t care about my bad reputation.’ I said, ‘Whoa, there’s the song.'”

Laguna was right: As everybody knows, "Bad Reputation" went on to become one of Jett's most beloved songs, with a music video that chronicled Jett's string of rejections from a whopping 23 record labels. Rolling Stone ranked the song #249 on a list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time," noting, "Jett still has her bad reputation, and she still doesn’t give a damn."

"Everyone feels maybe they’ve got a bad reputation in one area of their life or another, or maybe [have been] unfairly accused — or just a misconception of who you are, and people throw that label at you," Jett told RS in a 2022 interview.

Joan Jett

Photo by BSR Entertainment on Getty Images

"I always wore it as a badge of honor, because what people were saying to me was I had a bad reputation because I played an electric guitar and I had black hair and a leather jacket, and maybe I swore," she continued. "So I turned around the meaning of it, and I’m proud of my bad reputation, if that’s what it is — making people uncomfortable because you’re not used to seeing women do this or that."

Jett went on to point out that women who aren't in the music business have to deal with the same "hard glass ceiling."

"It’s every walk of life," she said. "When I speak to women and girls pursuing their dreams...it’s still there. But we have good PR, so we feel like we’ve come farther than we really have."

Decades later, "Bad Reputation" is more than just a hit song — it's become a huge part of pop culture. In addition to appearing in movies like Shrek and 10 Things I Hate About You, "Bad Reputation" was the theme song for Freaks and Geeks. And it's still relevant to pioneering women everywhere...just ask Taylor Swift, who used "Bad Reputation" as the entrance music for her 2018 tour.

Related: 1977 Classic Voted 'Greatest Song Sung by Female Rockers'

When The Doors released "L.A. Woman" in 1971, the nearly eight-minute track served as both a celebration of Los Angeles and an unforgettable farewell.

Released as the title track from the band's final album recorded with Jim Morrison, "L.A. Woman" has since become one of classic rock's definitive road trip songs, its driving blues groove perfectly matching the feeling of cruising through Southern California.

The song appeared on L.A. Woman, an album that found the band returning to its blues roots after experimenting with orchestral arrangements on its previous release. Recording sessions took place in the workshop of the group's rehearsal space rather than a traditional studio, giving the album a loose, live energy that perfectly suited its material.

"L.A. Woman" became the centerpiece of those sessions.

Built around a hypnotic boogie rhythm, the song stretches nearly eight minutes as Morrison delivers one of the most spirited vocal performances of his career. His lyrics paint vivid pictures of Los Angeles, weaving together images of freeways, nightlife and desert landscapes into what many fans consider a love letter to the city the band called home.

"'L.A. Woman' is just a fast, L.A. kickass, freeway driving song in the key of A with barely any chord changes at all," keyboardist Ray Manzarek told Best Classic Bands. "And it just goes. It’s like Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg heading from L.A. up to Bakersfield on the 5 Freeway. Let’s go, man."

The recording also marked the final time Morrison would enter a studio with The Doors. Just weeks after the album's release, Morrison moved to Paris with longtime partner Pamela Courson to focus on writing poetry. On July 3, 1971, he died at the age of 27, bringing one of rock's most celebrated careers to a sudden end.

That history has given "L.A. Woman" additional emotional weight over the years. Although never intended as a farewell song, it became the closing chapter of Morrison's recording career and one of the defining statements of The Doors' legacy.

Musically, the track showcases every element that made the band unique. Guitarist Robby Krieger delivers one of his finest blues-inspired performances, while Manzarek's signature keyboard work and John Densmore's steady groove create the perfect backdrop for Morrison's evocative storytelling.

"I'm glad that L.A .Woman was our last album," Krieger told Music Radar. "It really captured what we were all about. The first record did, too, but L.A. Woman is more loose, it's live - it sounds almost like a rehearsal. It's pure Doors."

More than 50 years later, "L.A. Woman" remains a fixture on classic rock radio and streaming playlists. Its rolling rhythm, expansive runtime and unmistakable sense of motion have made it an enduring soundtrack for long drives, particularly along the highways that inspired it.

For generations of listeners, "L.A. Woman" is more than just one of The Doors' greatest songs. It's a timeless road trip anthem and a fitting final masterpiece from one of rock's most legendary bands.

Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Originally Written by Supergroup, Became a Power Anthem