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You'll breeze through today's NYT Wordle answer if you're a fan of the New York Philharmonic. 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 #1807 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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

Today's Wordle begins with a vowel.

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

A hint for today's Wordle is: Check my technique (musically).

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 on Sunday, May 31, 2026, is ETUDE.

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

Related: Ninja's Newest Gadget Will Turn You Into a Certified Barista with Just the Touch of a Button

Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown has died, according to his brother, Bear Brown.

On Saturday, May 30, Bear took to social media to confirm that authorities have recovered Matt's body, three days after someone reported seeing him near the Okanogan River.

"They found a body in the river a few hours ago, and it was positively identified as Matt. [Our brother] Noah [Brown] was with them and helped them pull the body out of the water," Bear said on TikTok.

Matt update… #alaskanbushpeople #thelifeofbear #fyp #bearthekingofextreme @Noah Brown

"I would have never suspected he would have hurt himself, honestly," Bear continued, visibly emotional. "He struggled for a long time."

Bear went on to say that it does "appear as though the injury is self-inflicted." Authorities have not yet released a cause of death.

The tragic news comes just days after Bear uploaded another TikTok video in which he said that he had reason to believe that Matt, 43, "took his own life."

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office said it received a call about the body of an unidentified male floating down the river with the current. Authorities launched a search and rescue effort, but it was called off on May 30 due to "dangerous river conditions and pending information to focus search efforts," according to a press release posted on the official Facebook page of the OCSO.

In an earlier update posted by TMZ, a family member allegedly claimed they saw Matt near Driscoll Island Wildlife Area in Oroville, Washington—about a mile from the Okanogan River.

Matt was on Alaskan Bush People from 2014 until 2019. Though the show continued through 2022, Matt had left to enter rehab for addiction, according to The Sun.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

On May 31, 1958, Johnny Cash appeared at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, adding another milestone to a career that was rapidly transforming country music.

By the late 1950s, Cash was already becoming one of the most recognizable voices in American music. With hits like "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Ballad of a Teenage Queen," his deep voice and stripped-down sound stood apart from many of the polished country acts dominating radio at the time.

So stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage carried enormous significance.

For decades, the Opry had been considered country music’s ultimate proving ground.

Long before it became a global tourist attraction and Nashville institution, the Grand Ole Opry began in 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance, a simple radio broadcast airing from the fifth-floor studio of the National Life & Accident Insurance Company in downtown Nashville.

What started as a regional radio program quickly evolved into the beating heart of country music, launching generations of stars and helping shape the genre itself.

By the time Cash appeared in 1958, the Opry stage had already hosted legends including Hank Williams, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Ernest Tubb.

For rising country artists, an Opry appearance often symbolized acceptance into country music’s inner circle. Cash’s relationship with the Opry would eventually become part of country music lore.

Though he became one of the genre’s biggest stars, Cash was never known for following rules. In one famous early incident, he reportedly broke stage lights after an energetic performance and was temporarily banned from the Opry, a story that only added to his outlaw reputation years later.

Still, Cash’s connection to Nashville and the Opry endured throughout his life and career. Over the following decades, he would become not just a country star, but a cultural icon whose influence extended far beyond Music City.

Related: The Heartbreaking Story Behind Hawkshaw Hawkins' Final No. 1 Song

Sara Bareilles has a little surprise up her sleeve, and her loyal listeners can't wait to hear what she's been working on.

The "Saint Honesty" songstress took to TikTok recently with a vague teaser about what she's been working on, directing her followers to her website to sign up for more information as soon as it's available.

In the clip, the Grammy-winning, Tony-nominated singer-songwriter danced into the frame on a sunny, blue-skied day, smiling brightly as she sang, “Something’s coming soon, something’s coming soon, something that I made, something just for you.” She held a folded piece of paper in her hand with quite a bit of typed print on it, but it was impossible to make out anything it said in the video.  

After signing up for her mailing list, another video appears on her website, which she describes as a “boilerplate teaser video” to announce that “finally, after many years, [she is] making art again.”

“All kinds of things” are coming up, according to the extended video, including a new record and a new tour. “One of the things is big,” she promised. “And it’s coming soon...stay tuned!” 

It's been a while...Head to sarabmusic.com to sign up and I'll tell you more soon.

The news couldn't have come at a better time for many of her fans, who felt a new spring in their step over the prospect of new songs from the singer.

"I needed this today. 😍," one wrote, while others agreed that the news meant "LIFE IS WORTH LIVINGGGGGGG."

"New Sara music would heal me," another added.

"I...need it yesterday," someone else one-upped the other commenter, adding that they "might die of anticipation."

"SARA I CANNOT WAIT," fans continued to exclaim, with many noting, "I am SO READY," and, "This is THRILLING!!!!🥰🥰😊🥰😊🥰🥰🥰."

"It's been 84 years," one fan marveled, posting a gif from Titanic, while someone else joked, "sara bareilles summer starting soon."

"we are locked in sara let’s go!" one spoke for everyone else.

So locked in, in fact, that we weren't the only ones "trying to zoom in to read what’s on the paper just in case it’s a hint," but for now, all there is to do is wait.

It's been more than seven years since Bareilles' last studio album, Amidst the Chaos, so, naturally, fans of the performer have been starting to feel a little antsy to hear more from her.

Bareilles, who composed the music and lyrics for Waitress the Musical, is also working on the music for a new production based on Meg Wolitzer's bestselling novel The Interestings, which fans are also eagerly awaiting to hear more about. As of now, it's set to begin playing at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, Calif. on Jan. 31, 2027.

Related: The Chicks Had to Cut 'Wide Open Spaces' 3rd Verse Prior to Recording, and Now Fans Are Demanding a Re-Record

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Getting outside for your daily walk is a lot easier when you have a cute outfit to sport. Should you be in need of new athletic clothing, Walmart has you covered with unbeatable prices on highly-rated wardrobe essentials (like this silky $8 workout T-shirt or incredibly comfortable Skechers sneakers). Now, we're adding the Neleus Workout Shorts to our carts while they're 38% off. 

The workout shorts originally cost $24, but have been reduced to just $15 during a limited-time flash deal. The bottoms are being sold in seven colors, including black, dark green, blue, gray, navy blue, pink, and maroon. The available sizes range from small to 2XL, with customers saying that the shorts run true to size overall. There's an available fit predictor and size chart in the product description to aid you in the buying process.  

Courtesy of Walmart

The shorts design features a wide leg with a 10-inch inseam that provides coverage and helps to prevent chafing. They fall below the mid-thigh area (which is especially helpful in the summer heat). There is one invisible zipper pocket on the back of the waist and two side pockets that can hold your phone, keys, chapstick, wallet, and virtually any other small miscellaneous items. 

Courtesy of Walmart

The beauty of these shorts is that they are moisture-wicking and offer a four-way stretch. There's even an elastic waistband that frames the silhouette and adds comfort. The fabric is 85% polyester and 15% spandex, so they're machine washable. Just make sure to do so according to the care instruction label for best results. 

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $190 Farmhouse Cabinet Is 'Very Sturdy' With 'Lots of Storage Space'

Shoppers said that the shorts "fit perfectly" and are "very comfortable," plus they’re made from a "smooth" and "stretchy" material. Other customers love the length because they're ideal for running and walking. "I was looking for shorts to wear while bike riding," another reviewer wrote. "I am very confident and comfortable wearing them while bike riding and during any casual activity."

• Cate & Chloe Corina White Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings, $18 (was $150) at Walmart
• Fantaslook Summer Casual Blouse, $12 (was $24) at Walmart
• Dakimoe Silk Satin Pajama Set, $18 (was $30) at Walmart

These classic workout shorts are going to become your go-to summer bottoms. Add them to your Walmart cart while they're 38% off! 

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Jimi Hendrix made a mark in the music industry through his innovative sound and groundbreaking riffs, making him one of the “greatest guitarists” of all time.

In a ranking released by Rolling Stone, the publication named the top 250 best guitarists across different genres, including rock, blues, metal, punk, reggae, jazz, folk, country, flamenco, bossa nova and more.

Hendrix, widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in rock history, claimed the No. 1 spot on the ranking, surpassing fellow music icon Chuck Berry in second place and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page in third.

Rolling Stone described the late musician as a “true master of the guitar” who introduced musical styles and new guitar techniques by “popularizing the use of feedback, invented his own fusion of blues and psychedelia, and influenced the development of rock, metal, funk.”

TT NEWS AGENCY/Svenska Dagbladet/AFP via Getty Images

In a 1968 interview with the publication, Hendrix highlighted his deep understanding of music and the emotions and artistic ideas behind his sound.

“The wah-wah pedal is great because it doesn’t have any notes,” he told Rolling Stone. “Nothing but hitting it straight up using the vibrato and then the drums come through and that there feels like … not depression, but that loneliness and that frustration and the yearning for something. Like something is reaching out.”

Despite being named the “greatest guitarist” of all time, Hendrix never had a chart-topping song during his lifetime.

With his breakthrough in late 1966 through his hit single "Hey Joe" from his debut studio album Are You Experienced, it was his signature anthem "Purple Haze" that became his highest-charting UK single, peaking at No. 3.

In the United States, his biggest chart success came with his rendition of Bob Dylan’s "All Along the Watchtower," which reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time.

On the other hand, the success of his songs was also reflected in his albums, after his third and final studio album, Electric Ladyland, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

Released in 1968, the studio album represented who he was at the time.

“The album was precisely what Jimi had in his head,” longtime engineer Eddie Kramer shared in an interview as cited by Billboard. “You look at all the drawings and the way he laid out the way the whole album was supposed to be, the running order of the songs. He was very specific in how he wanted Electric Ladyland to look.”

The album, which is regarded as Hendrix’s masterpiece, includes hit songs such as "All Along the Watchtower," "Crosstown Traffic" and "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)."

Related: '80s Rock Band, Formed 42 Years Ago, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

Today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle might toy with you, but you'll get it in no time if you know how you like your steak. And if you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

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

So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword on Sunday, May 31, 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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Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.

1 Across: Ends of dress shirt sleeves — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

6 Across: Month when the N.B.A. and N.H.L. playoffs start, typically —HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

7 Across: Pilfered — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

8 Across: Played (with) — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

9 Across: "Well, isn't that the ___ calling the kettle black!" — HINT: Starts with the letter "P"

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

1 Down: Performers in a play — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

2 Down: "Gimme five!" — HINT: Ends with the letter "P"

3 Down: Soft serve alternative, familiarly — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

4 Down: Boneless steakhouse order — HINT: Ends with the letter "T"

5 Down: Winter ride — HINT: Starts with the letter "S"

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

1 Across: Ends of dress shirt sleeves — CUFFS

6 Across: Month when the N.B.A. and N.H.L. playoffs start, typically —APRIL

7 Across: Pilfered — STOLE

8 Across: Played (with) — TOYED

9 Across: "Well, isn't that the ___ calling the kettle black!" — POT

1 Down: Performers in a play — CAST

2 Down: "Gimme five!" — UPTOP

3 Down: Soft serve alternative, familiarly — FROYO

4 Down: Boneless steakhouse order — FILET

5 Down: Winter ride — SLED

Related: Bad Bunny's Limited-Time Collection With Zara Gets Quiet Restock After Selling Out Almost Instantly

In 1973, The Sweet transformed a disastrous concert experience into one of the most recognizable songs of the glam rock era.

"The Ballroom Blitz" became a massive international hit after being inspired by a chaotic incident in which the band was forced off stage by an unruly crowd.

The song's origins trace back to a concert at the Grand Hall in Kilmarnock, Scotland, where violence reportedly broke out among audience members during a Sweet performance. As conditions deteriorated, the band had to abandon the show and leave the stage.

Rather than forgetting the incident, songwriting team Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman used the experience as inspiration for a new song. The result was "The Ballroom Blitz," which opens with one of rock's most famous introductions before launching into a frantic, high-energy tale of a concert spiraling out of control.

Musically, the song perfectly captured the excitement of glam rock.

Fueled by pounding drums, crunchy guitars, dramatic vocals and a relentless tempo, the track showcased the larger-than-life style that helped make The Sweet one of Britain's biggest bands during the early 1970s.

Frontman Brian Connolly delivered the song with theatrical flair, while the band's explosive performance helped turn it into an immediate crowd favorite.

"When we took the acetate into the RCA promotion department for the first time to let them hear what their next single was going to be, Bowie was there," Connolly told The Independent. "I remember him saying, 'That's a great song, that's definitely a winner.'"

"The Ballroom Blitz" became one of The Sweet's biggest hits and remains the song most closely associated with the group decades later.

The track also arrived during a golden period for glam rock, when artists such as David Bowie, T. Rex and Slade were helping redefine British rock music with flamboyant fashion, catchy hooks and arena-sized energy.

Over the years, "The Ballroom Blitz" has enjoyed a second life through movies, television shows, sporting events and video games, introducing the song to generations who weren't alive when it first topped charts.

Its explosive opening, memorable chorus and irresistible energy have helped it remain a staple of classic rock radio.

More than 50 years after its release, "The Ballroom Blitz" continues to stand as one of glam rock’s defining anthems, a song born from chaos that ultimately became one of the era's greatest success stories.

Related: 1970 Rock Classic, Famously Resurged Seven Years Later, Became an Overshadowed Radio Anthem

Rod Stewart announced a major setback, sparking disappointment among his fans.

The music icon, whose career spans decades, has postponed a couple of his Las Vegas shows.

The award-winning musician was scheduled for a two-night show over the weekend. Unfortunately, he had to abruptly cancel due to his health.

"Following his doctor’s advice, Rod Stewart has regretfully canceled his performances at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on May 29 and 30, but is scheduled to return with shows beginning June 2,” the singer’s representative told the Las Vegas Review.

Stewart also took the opportunity to express his regret following the unexpected change regarding the upcoming concert.

"My apologies to my family of fans. I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you at a future show at Caesars Palace or on tour this summer.”

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The scheduled two-day show is part of the 81-year-old singer’s The Encore Shows for his Las Vegas residency, which spans from May 27 to June 6 and will return from August 18 to 29.

In 2024, Stewart confirmed that he was stepping away from large-scale world tours, with his One Last Time tour serving as a farewell to extensive global runs.

However, he clarified that he will continue performing at select concerts, special events and residency shows.

"This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire," he mentioned on his social media. "I love what I do, and I do what I love."

Despite the announcement, the music icon is booked and busy with ongoing and upcoming shows.

Among them is the continuation of his world tour after it was extended due to demand.

For this year, the North American Arena and Amphitheatre tour kicked off on May 13 in Connecticut and will cover several states including Tennessee, Alabama, Texas and Arizona before concluding in Kansas City on Aug. 15.

He will be performing with special guest Richard Marx on selected dates.

Here are the remaining dates for the North American Arena & Amphitheatre Tour:

• June 8, 2026: Phoenix, AZ - Mortgage Matchup Center
• June 10, 2026: Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
• June 12, 2026: Chula Vista, CA - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
• June 15, 2026: Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Amphitheatre
• July 31, 2026: Wantagh, NY - Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
• August 1, 2026: Virginia Beach, VA - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

In addition, Stewart will have European shows this summer, with dates on June 27 in Lisbon, Portugal, June 30 in Valencia, Spain and July 2 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy.

Related: Beloved ‘70s Legend Looks 'Sexy' in Photo From Over 40 Years Ago

Jersey Shore’sMike “The Situation” Sorrentino for governor? Like fellow reality star Spencer Pratt, it looks like The Sitch could switch gears and make a jump from the small screen to the political arena.

Earlier this week, Sorrentino opened up during the VUE Magazine spring edition party, revealing to New Jersey’s News 12, “I’d like to save lives for the next three to five years with Archangel centers. I’d like to have an Archangel Center in every 50 states, and after that, you know, I’ll introduce everybody to Governor Situation.” 

Media personality to politician isn’t exactly a stretch. It’s not like Sorrentino would be the first reality star to make the leap. Along with The Hills’ Spencer Pratt (whose current campaign for the mayor of Los Angeles has gained major national attention), The Real World’sSean Duffy is now the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. And then there’s the president. Long before Donald Trump sat in the Oval Office, he was firing contestants weekly on The Apprentice. 

When asked if he’s a republican or democrat, Sorrentino explained, “I can’t announce it yet, but I think the um, the residents of New Jersey would like no property tax."

Sorrentino has struggled with addiction and now uses his Jersey Shore fame to help others. As a co-founder of the Archangel Centers, The Situation spreads his message of healing. The celeb has shared his recovery story publicly, affecting change in the community and making a real difference in the lives of addicts in recovery. 

In 2024, he posted on Instagram (of his own recovery and mission to help others through the Archangel Centers), “Against all odds, I turned my life around. Today, I’m happily married with three amazing kids, a published author, nine years sober, and about to launch my own treatment centers.” 

The reality star added, “Today I’m on the front lines, ready to save lives. My experience, strength, and hope will help addicts find recovery, one day at a time.”

Potential future Governor Situation also shared with News 12 a bit about how he and his wife, Lauren Sorrentino live their lives, “Personally, we like to be on the path to self-improvement, which it’s mentally, physically, spiritually, personally, professionally, and any negativity we like to, you know, get rid of, and that is a lifelong journey that we love to be on.” 

Unfortunately, for two big musical artists who were set to perform at two different festivals one day after another in Reggio Emilia, Italy, their performances have officially been canceled after community groups and others voiced concerns.

The main artist at the center of the situation is controversial rapper Kanye West, who was scheduled to perform at the Pulse of Gaia festival at the RCF Arena in the middle of July. But now, the city's prefect, Salvatore Angieri, has officially canceled his show, as reported by The Guardian. Travis Scott, another popular rapper, was set to perform the same weekend at the same location, and his concert was also canceled.

The government of Reggio Emilia shared a statement about the decision, noting that they took part in meetings about "examining the public order and safety issues associated with the American artist’s (West) concert and the Travis Scott event" after people took issue with the scheduled performances. West, in particular, has become very controversial in recent years due to antisemitic comments and other problematic actions.

“Based on the assessments made during the committee meeting and further investigations into safety and security aspects, the prefect … (ordered) the prohibition of both concerts," the statement said. It went on to note other factors, such as the large number of people who were set to be at both concerts in such close succession.

Related: ’80s Heavy Metal Band Announces First Regional Tour in Seven Years

In addition, the statement referenced past concerts of West's that were canceled, like London's 2026 Wireless Festival, saying, "The overall assessment also took into account the cancellation of previous concerts by the American rapper in other countries and the real risk of counter-demonstrations.”

Scott hasn't been without his own controversy either. In 2021, at his Astroworld Festival in Texas, there was a fatal crowd crush that led to 10 deaths and many injuries. It's unclear if this past incident also played a role in the decision to cancel his concert in Italy.

Related: ’80s Music Legends Tease New Music Ahead of First U.S. Tour in 15 Years

In 1970, Van Morrison released a song that would eventually become one of the most recognizable recordings of his career.

"Moondance" wasn't initially released as a major hit single, but it gradually grew into a classic rock and adult contemporary staple before experiencing a notable resurgence several years later.

The song first appeared as the title track of Morrison's acclaimed album, Moondance, which followed the success of Astral Weeks and helped establish him as one of the most respected singer-songwriters of the era.

"Moondance is classic," Morrison said in a 1977 Rolling Stone interview. "It's the first time that anybody had assimilated things that way. Not coming from the ego place now, but the way I did it was classic. I put things together that nobody's ever put together like that before. I’m proud of that."

Blending jazz, folk, blues and rock influences, "Moondance" stood apart from much of what was dominating radio in 1970. Built around a swinging rhythm, sophisticated arrangement and Morrison's distinctive vocal delivery, the song captured a romantic atmosphere that has made it a favorite for generations of listeners.

While the track was admired from the beginning, its popularity continued growing throughout the 1970s. By the late decade, roughly seven years after its original release, it experienced renewed attention through expanding radio playlists and increasing album sales, helping introduce the song to an even wider audience.

That delayed rise helped transform "Moondance" from an album track into one of Morrison's signature recordings.

The song's enduring appeal comes from its timeless quality. Unlike many songs closely tied to a specific era, "Moondance" feels almost suspended outside of time, thanks to its jazz-inspired sound and universal themes of romance and anticipation. Interestingly, Morrison produced the song, and the album for that matter, himself, a first in his career.

"It was the first time I had ever done it, and I had to tax my imagination for all sorts of stuff," he told Rolling Stone in 1970. "It was a big job for me - it was fun, but it was hard work. The reason I decided to do it in the first place was just that I couldn't find anyone else to do it. I looked around and I spoke to a lot of cats, and I had some people come up here to Woodstock, and we pushed around ideas, but no one knew what I was looking for except me, so I just did it."

Over the decades, "Moondance" has become a fixture on classic rock radio, wedding playlists and countless film and television soundtracks.

Ironically, the song has often been overshadowed by some of Morrison's other legendary recordings, including "Brown Eyed Girl" and "Into the Mystic."

Yet for many fans, "Moondance" represents Morrison at his absolute best, a perfect blend of songwriting, musicianship and atmosphere.

More than 50 years after its release, the song remains one of classic rock's most enduring radio anthems, proving that some classics don't need to be immediate chart-toppers to leave a lasting mark on music history.

Related: 1971 Rock Classic Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1

The 1965 hit song, "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)," has remained one of the most memorable tracks from theBeatles' discography.

In a 1971 interview with Rolling Stone,John Lennon revealed what inspired him to write the tune off the band's Rubber Soul album, which went number 1 on the Billboard 200 in January 1966. Lennon told the publication that he tried to make the lyrics of "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" ambiguous to conceal the fact that he was cheating on his first wife and the mother of his eldest son, Julian, Cynthia Lennon, whom he divorced in 1968.

"I was trying to write about an affair without letting me [sic] wife know I was writing about an affair, so it was very gobbledegook. I was sort of writing from my experiences, girls’ flats, things like that," said Lennon, who died in 1980 at the age of 40, during the Rolling Stone interview.

Showbiz Cheat Sheet reported that Lennon's bandmate Paul McCartney spoke about his motivation in writing "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" during an interview for his biography Paul McCartney: Many Years From Now by Barry Miles.

 “It’s [John] trying to pull a bird, it was about an affair,” said McCartney in the book, published in 1997.

According to Showbizz Cheatsheet, McCartney said he knew why the song was titled "Norwegian Wood," despite Lennon saying he wasn't sure why he gave the tune that name.

“John told Playboy that he hadn’t the faintest idea where the title came from but I do. [Singer] Peter Asher had his room done out in wood, a lot of people were decorating their places in wood. Norwegian wood. It was pine really, cheap pine. But it’s not as good a title, ‘Cheap Pine,’ baby," quipped McCartney, now 83, while speaking to Miles for the biography.

Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing four months after her abduction in Tucson, Ariz.—and a retired FBI agent just weighed in on Savannah reportedly hiring a private investigator.

Recently, an insider reportedly told The U.S. Sun, that Savannah has paid roughly $500,000 in addition to the official investigation, which has not identified a suspect.

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The report has not been officially confirmed by Nancy's family, the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the FBI, or anyone else. However, Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent, offered his thoughts on the possibility of a private investigator getting involved in the search for the 84-year-old.

"I have nothing but respect for that decision," Pack told Parade. "When it’s your mother, you exhaust every option available to you."

Additionally, he pointed out, "A well-resourced investigator can pursue leads and conduct interviews in ways that complement what law enforcement is doing without getting in the way."

Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: New Theory Emerges Behind Abduction as Expert Weighs In

Pack concluded his thoughts on the move by speculating, "Overall, I think, despite the undertones and rumblings, that’s not a complete lack of faith in the investigative team, per se. I see it more a daughter and a family doing everything in their power. Many families do the same thing."

Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of Jan. 31. Despite Savannah offering a $1 million reward and the FBI releasing video clips and stills of a masked man on the 84-year-old's front porch, no suspect has been named.

Most recently, Savannah spoke out via Instagram about her missing mom on Mother's Day.

"Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie—we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you," she vowed. "We need help. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous and the reward remains available."

To conclude her plea for information, Savannah told her followers, "Please keep praying. Bring her home. 💛."

Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Offers New Comment on Ending Direct Communication With Guthrie Family

Starbucks is reportedly preparing to bring back a fan-favorite Frappuccino flavor that's perfect for summer: s'mores!

On Saturday, May 30, food blogger Markie_Devo took to Instagram to share the exciting news with coffee lovers.

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"We’re closer to the good stuff!!👯" Devo declared. "Starbucks S’mores returns to locations in the U.S.! The returning beverage will be offered in Frappuccino and NEW cold brew."

He added, "Speculated to drop at Starbucks locations nationwide on June 30th. Stay tuned for [the] final update!"

In 2015, Starbucks first introduced the S'mores Frappuccino, which featured marshmallow-infused whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs. The coffee chain has brought back the drink inspired by the campfire treat several times since then, most recently in 2019.

Related: Burger King Is Releasing a Brand-New Dessert That’s Exploding With Flavor

Although Starbucks hasn't officially confirmed the return of its S'mores Frappuccino, fans were immediately thrilled by the idea in the comments of Markie_Devo's update. One Instagram user exclaimed, "Omg finall, missed the s'mores 😍."

Another declared, "BEST NEWS EVERRRRRR."

Someone else wrote, "Been waiting for this announcement!" as another simply proclaimed, "OMGMMGMGMG."

A different follower shared, "Omg 😍the cold brew looks so dang good!!!!!!!!"

Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user promised, "I'LL BE FIRST IN LINE."

As coffee enthusiasts patiently await official news from Starbucks, they can snag other summery drinks from the chain, such as the Tropical Butterfly Refresher, the Iced Blue Coconut Matcha, or the Blue Coconut Refresher.

What do you think of the S'mores Frappuccino returning to Starbucks?

Next: Starbucks Summer Menu Introduces New Drink Bursting With Color & Flavor

When Heath Ledger died in 2008, he had appeared in fewer than two dozen films. But in that short span of a decade, he'd won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. He also won an Oscar posthumously for The Dark Knight. Even among die-hard fans of Jack Nicholson's Joker in Batman, his personification of the infamous villain was considered a worthy successor, if not superior, to Nicholson. Fans, friends, and co-stars were excited to see what the future held for the Australian actor.

One of those friends and co-stars is Paul Bettany, who appeared alongside him in 2001's A Knight's Tale.

"He was an incredibly creative force, and I find myself mourning the things that he didn't make," he said during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz. "Not just as an actor, he was just an incredibly creative human being."

"Whenever I think about him, I find myself sort of overwhelmed with sadness," Bettany explained. "When I have to sort of remember that he's dead."

In 2025, Bettany was asked about A Knight's Tale at the L.A. Comic Con. While he claimed to have seen it after its release, he admitted he couldn't bear to watch it again.

"It feels like another lifetime ago," Bettany said. "People sometimes come up to me on the street and quote lines, and honestly, I can’t remember any of it. I saw it when it first came out, but I’ve never watched it again. There are a lot of reasons for that—and one of them is that I miss Heath too much."

In the 18 years since Ledger died, he's become almost a mythical figure. Bettany talked about what he called "almost an industry" that has formed around him, which views him as a "tortured genius."

"He just wasn't like that," he insisted. "He was shining, and when you were with him, it was like having the sun on you. He was just so full of life and joy."

"And the kid couldn't sleep," he added. "That's it, that's the story."

Two of the biggest movies at the box office have a common denominator.

Powerhouse producers James Wan (known for Saw) and Jason Blum (known for Paranormal Activity) finally teamed up, officially merging their Atomic Monster and Blumhouse production companies into one unified entity in 2024.

Said team-up is the backer of Backrooms and Obsession, which are both playing in theaters at the moment. Hopefully, you've seen at least one of them by now...

On Saturday, May 30, both Wan, 49, and Blum, 57, spoke at the Produced By conference, hosted by the Producers Guild of America on the Universal Studios lot.

"To me there’s almost this feeling of the '70s of like this new generation of young people who are making edgy movies that are connecting in theaters in a crazy way," Blum said during the opening session, per Variety. "So many young people who didn’t grow up in a time when you couldn’t go to the movies and they haven’t had something for them to get off their iPad and go see the movie. Suddenly they have two movies. Obsession this weekend went up 20% from last weekend. Last weekend it went up 30%."

And then there's Backrooms, which is opening this weekend and topping the box office. Wan spoke about its backstory during Saturday's conference, Variety also noted.

“You just come across things that, as a filmmaker, you look at something and you go, There’s a seed of something really cool about this, even if it’s not viral, but if there’s something special about it, you go, I think the creator of this particular content has what it takes,” Wan said.

He continued, "“That was kind of what happened with us at Atomic Monster early on, like four or five years back, when we came across the viral shorts called ‘Backrooms,’ and we’re like, you know what, this is awesome, we should talk to this guy [Kane Parsons]. He was 16 years old, and on our first Zoom with him, his dad needed to be on the Zoom with him... He’s a really smart kid, really brilliant..."

Prioritizing play and/or relaxation can get dunked on in a productivity-obsessed world. If you're not moving the needle, what are you really doing? But Dr. Gayle MacBride, PhD, LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology, is going to dare to say it: Hobbies, such as gardening, let you take a break and put the "be" in "human being."

"So much of our day-to-day is spent working, caregiving, performing or problem-solving," Dr. MacBride tells Parade. "These tasks are about being evaluated, needed, interrupted or responsible for outcomes. A hobby offers a place for balance."

These relaxing pastimes also let us tap into other parts of our brain.

"They allow us to... think creatively in a way our non-hobby selves might not be able to on a regular basis," she adds. "As much as we are built for problem-solving, we also need curiosity and play."

When we engage in creative pursuits, including gardening, the psychologist notes that we reap numerous psychological benefits and create an identity beyond caretaking and professional obligations.

"Aside from giving us more room to meet the demands of our day-to-day, hobbies are also important because they reconnect people with intrinsic motivation—'I want to do this for my own internal sense of satisfaction,'" she notes. "Finding internal meaning helps us feel more motivated to do the thing. If we are only focused on external reward, the motivation to do it falls away."

Gardening, specifically, can help you blossom mentally. Ahead, Dr. MacBride shares seven psychological benefits of gardening. Plus, she discusses why you don't need to spend hours on this activity to reap what you sow.

Related: 8 Psychological Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting, According to a Psychologist

Natalia Lebedinskaia/Getty Images

There are certain personality types more drawn to this activity than others.

Dr. MacBride notes that gardening often comes naturally to people who enjoy caring for others because it's emotionally satisfying to see plants respond visually to the attention they receive.

"There is something really special and rewarding about watching something grow and thrive, and potentially produce fruit or vegetables, because of your care," she explains. "Often, plants respond almost immediately to your efforts, so you get a quick reward for your time and care."

Related: 10 Things ‘Naturally Nurturing’ Grandparents Do Differently, According to Child Psychologists

Dr. MacBride says gardening is a great hobby for people who are trying to practice “good-enoughism” after years (or a lifetime) of perfectionism.

"Nature is unpredictable," she points out. "You can plan, prepare and research, but weather, pests, soil, sunlight and timing all have a say in the outcome. For some people, that becomes a useful lesson in flexibility."

Hobbies can take you out of your daily problem-solving responsibilities. But it can also present new opportunities to solve other problems, which is a win for people who like to figure things out.

"Gardening appeals to people who like puzzles," Dr. MacBride reveals. "'Why is this plant yellowing? Why did one bed thrive and another fail?' It gives the analytical mind something concrete and low-stakes to work on."

Gardening is a multi-sensory experience.

"Some people are soothed by sensory experience: the smell of soil, the texture of leaves, the sound of birds, the warmth of the sun, the rhythm of watering," Dr. MacBride says. "For these people, gardening can be especially grounding."

Dr. MacBride points out that gardening is a "living design project."

"Color, shape, texture, height, seasonality and movement all come into play," she says. "Creative people may enjoy gardening because it allows them to make beauty in a way that keeps changing."

Gardening can be a social hobby. But for some, it is a gateway to quiet, solitude and private space.

"Gardening can offer visible progress—whether you are planting, weeding or deadheading," Dr. MacBride notes. "You can see what you did, but you do not have to explain yourself to anyone."

Some people feel intuitively calmer outdoors, and Dr. MacBride says gardening can deepen the soothing benefits.

"It adds participation," Dr. MacBride says. "You are not only observing nature. You are in a relationship with it. That relationship is boosted by physical movement, circadian rhythm regulation and opportunities for quiet reflection." 

Related: 9 Habits To Help You Stay Youthful in Your 70s, According to a Psychologist

Dr. MacBride reports that gardening gives the nervous system "something concrete, rhythmic and sensory to focus on."

"That can help shift a person out of anxious mental loops and back into the present moment," she notes. "Studies have found that gardening can reduce cortisol and improve mood, including one study comparing gardening with indoor reading after a stressful task."

You may start to notice signs of a better mood when you garden regularly.

"Gardening combines several mood-supportive ingredients: movement, sunlight, fresh air, sensory stimulation and visible progress," Dr. MacBride shares. "Even small tasks like watering seedlings or cutting herbs can create a sense of pleasure and accomplishment."

She shares that these benefits from the "small tasks" are significant, especially if you have a mental health condition, such as depression, which can narrow your sense of agency.

Gardening can be equal parts quick dopamine hit and exercise in patience, making it a unicorn in the hobby world.

"Gardening is rare because it gives us both immediate and delayed gratification," Dr. MacBride reports. "You can feel better after 10 minutes of watering or weeding, but you’re also investing in something that unfolds over weeks or months. That combination of quick reward and long-term hope is powerful for mental health." 

Dr. MacBride loves that gardening naturally pulls your attention into the present by giving your mind something sensory and specific to notice.

"It can work almost like the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise: you see the color of the leaves, the shape of a new bud or the way the light has shifted," she explains. "You feel the soil, the texture of a stem or the weight of a watering can. You hear birds, wind, insects or water moving through the soil. You smell herbs, flowers, mulch or rain, and sometimes, you even taste what you have grown."

She is taking us through more than a visual meditation. Dr. MacBride's noting how that kind of sensory attention can be calming to people with racing minds (heck, you may have felt calmer just reading all of the above).

"Instead of trying to force the mind to be quiet, gardening gives your attention a place to focus and the nervous system often follows," she says.

Related: The Benefits of Mindfulness—Here’s How To Live in the Here and Now (And Why You Should)

Gardening can be a quiet hobby, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, Dr. MacBride shares that it gives your mind a task that can interrupt the stillness and quiet that rumination feeds on.

"It is hard to spiral quite as intensely when you are setting your mind and intention on repotting basil, pulling weeds or deciding where a tomato cage should go," she says.

Related: 7 Common Plants That Can Ruin Your Yard, According to Experts

For some, turning gardening into a bonding activity with someone else (or a group of people) can be psychologically beneficial.

"Gardening connects people to seasons, weather, food, place and often to other people," Dr. MacBride states. "Community gardens, plant swaps, neighborhood conversations and sharing vegetables can all reduce isolation. That social piece is important because loneliness is a significant mental health risk factor."

Related: How To Nurture Friendships Over Age 50, According to Psychologists

Gardening can plant the seeds for hope. After all, you're likely not putting a seed or plant in the ground and walking away from it without expectation.

"You put something in the ground because you believe something might grow," Dr. MacBride says. "For people dealing with stress, grief, burnout or depression, that small practice of hope can be psychologically meaningful."

Related: How to Stop Crabgrass Before It Takes Over Your Lawn, According to Experts

Half an hour of gardening can offer significant mental health benefits.

"30 minutes of gardening can be enough to provide a nervous-system rest," Dr. MacBride tells Parade. "It gets a person outside, moves the body, engages the senses and gives the mind something specific to do."

She shares that research indicates that even brief periods of gardening (and nature exposure, more generally) lasting 20 to 30 minutes can lower stress and boost emotional well-being.

"Psychologically, 30 minutes is also a useful amount of time because it is long enough to feel absorbed but short enough to avoid turning the activity into a major project," she explains. "Someone might weed one small area, water plants, harvest herbs, repot a flower, or take the time to notice the growth or change."

She reports that you'll notice benefits more from the shift in your body state, attention and emotional pace than from how much you "checked off" your to-do list.

Related: This Is the Best ‘Slow Living’ Hobby for Women Over 50, Psychologists Say

Gardening can support your mental health by helping with stress, mood grounding and routine. But Dr. MacBride shares it's not a substitute for therapy, medication when indicated, crisis support or medical care.

"It will not resolve serious depression, trauma, panic disorder, suicidal thoughts or severe anxiety on its own," she states.

Additionally, the psychologist notes that not everyone will notice psychological benefits from gardening.

"Gardening can also become inaccessible or stressful for some people," she concedes. "Physical limitations, chronic pain, allergies, finances, lack of outdoor space, extreme weather or perfectionism can all interfere. For some, even keeping plants alive can become another source of shame, comparison, or competition."

Other resources for your psychological well-being include:

• Psychotherapy
• Primary care
• Psychiatry
• Support groups
• Community programs
• Social connection
• Warm line and crisis services (911 and 988) when needed

"Gardening is best understood as one tool in a broader mental health toolkit," Dr. MacBride says.

Related: Which Houseplant Matches Your Birth Month

Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

Aspiration has its place, but Dr. MacBride suggests a practical approach to plant picking.

"Do not choose plants for the fantasy version of yourself who has unlimited time, energy, and patience," she says. "Choose plants that fit your schedule, climate, light, mobility and tolerance for maintenance."

She also suggests choosing plants that fit your budget, factoring in pot, soil, watering and sitter needs for extended vacations.

"This step is an act of self-awareness," she notes. "Good mental health often starts with honest expectations. When your garden fits your real life, it becomes supportive rather than demanding."

Related: 7 Psychological Benefits of Doing Puzzles, According to a Psychologist

Gardening gets you to intentionally notice what you can see, smell, hear and feel.

"Pay attention to the smell of soil, the texture of leaves, the sound of water or the temperature of the air," Dr. MacBride suggests. "This turns gardening into a grounding exercise, not just a chore. Grounding helps bring the brain back to the present moment."

She shares that this exercise can be especially helpful for people who struggle with anxiety, rumination or mental overload.

"A mentally healthy garden does not have to be pristine," Dr. MacBride shares.

Louder, for the eldest daughters and recovering perfectionists in the back,

Dr. MacBride "hates" to break it to you, but "leaves will yellow. Weeds will appear. Something will get eaten by bugs, rabbits, deer or mysterious forces you never fully identify."

"Letting the garden be imperfect can be therapeutic, especially for perfectionists," she says. "It gives you practice tolerating mess, uncertainty and partial success. The point is not to control nature perfectly. The point is to participate in something living."

Up Next:

Related: The 16 Best ‘Analog Hobbies’ to Pick Up in 2026

• Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology
• Gardening Promotes Neuroendocrine and Affective Restoration from Stress. Journal of Health Psychology.
• Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Environmental Psychology.

HarryHamlin is proud of his daughter's success in the entertainment industry “because they did this on their own."

The Clash of the Titans actor spoke to Peopleabout his family earlier this month. Hamlin and LisaRinna share two children: DelilahHamlin (27) and AmeliaHamlin (24). Both daughters have seen successful modeling careers. 

"We never said, 'You should do this, you might do this,' whatever. They decided to pursue their careers on their own, and they never asked us for any help," he said.

While they wanted to be independent, Hamlin admitted he couldn’t resist providing them with some support.

"We did give them some help, but they never asked, you know? They're on their own now, which is amazing. And when your kids stop asking for money, that's a good moment in your life," he said.

Both Delilah and Amelia have been seen in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsand Harry Loves Lisa.

The actor tries not to "give unsolicited advice" to his daughters.

"If they ask me for advice, I'll give it to them,” he clarified. “But they give me advice. They inspire me."

The 74-year-old married Rinna, his third and current wife, in 1997. They recently celebrated their March wedding anniversary with a vacation.

We hadn't gone on a trip together, just the two of us, in 32 years because we had kids and we always went with them," he shared.

They decided to commemorate a milestone anniversary early because of an uncertain future,

"Well, actually, we celebrated 29 for 30 because the world situation is not looking like it's going to be amenable to having lots of travel fun next year," Hamlin said. "Who knows what'll happen, but we took this little window of time, and we went back to a place we'd been to 32 years ago."

Who is the true queen of rock and roll? There's no official answer, of course, but the first names that usually come up in answer to that question are Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin...and, obviously, Grace Slick. More than just an iconic singer, Slick's songwriting skills helped make Jefferson Airplane one of the most significant bands of the '60s. Case in point? Without Slick, there would be no "White Rabbit."

Released as a single from Jefferson Airplane's 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow, "White Rabbit" was Jefferson Airplane's second top 10 hit, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of that year. But the tune wasn't originally intended to be a Jefferson Airplane hit — in fact, Slick wrote the song in just about an hour before she even joined the band, inspired by the psychedelic scene, Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Spanish music.

"All fairytales that are read to little girls feature a Prince Charming who comes and saves them," Slick told The Guardian in 2021. "But Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland did not. Alice was on her own, and she was in a very strange place, but she kept on going and she followed her curiosity — that’s the White Rabbit. A lot of women could have taken a message from that story about how you can push your own agenda."

"The 1960s resembled Wonderland for me," Slick continued. "Like Alice, I met all kinds of strange characters, but I was comfortable with it. I wrote 'White Rabbit' on a red upright piano that cost me about $50. It had eight or 10 keys missing, but that was OK because I could hear in my head the notes that weren’t there. I used that piano to write several different songs. When I started making money I bought a better one."

As Slick explained, "The line in the song 'feed your head' is both about reading and psychedelics. I was talking about feeding your head by paying attention: read some books, pay attention." The singer went on to admit that "the song is a little dark. It’s not saying everything’s going to be wonderful. The Red Queen is shouting 'off with her head' and the 'White Knight is talking backwards.' Lewis Carroll was looking at how things are run and the people who rule us."

Not only was "White Rabbit" meaningful to Slick at the time, but the song went on to remain a touchstone throughout her life, both symbolically and financially.

Photo by Ron Pownall on Getty Images

"I was born in the year of the rabbit and all kinds of white rabbit stuff has happened to me," Slick said. "It’s almost witchcraft. I had a fire in my house...the only thing saved was a ceramic white rabbit. I’ve still got ceramic white rabbits around the house and today people send me white rabbits."

"White Rabbit’s been bringing in royalties for over 50 years. I still get to pay my bills off that one song. Now that’s a good song!" she quipped.

Slick isn't the only one who thinks "White Rabbit" is a "good song." In addition to being a chart-topper at the time of its release, the tune has gone on to attain legendary pop culture status. It earned a ranking of #455 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list, was included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll" roundup and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. Plus, all these years later, plenty of people are still listening: At the time of this writing, it's been streamed over 300 million times on Spotify.

Related: 'The Most Detested Song in Human History' Has Been Streamed Hundreds of Millions of Times