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Fans of classic hard rock will get another chance to see one of 2026's most talked-about supergroup performances when The Purple Daisies return for a special encore show on Oct. 2 at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California.

The Dead Daisies confirmed the news through an Instagram video teaser announcing that the Glenn Hughes-fronted project will reunite following the response to its sold-out debut earlier this year.

"Following the incredible response & overwhelming demand, The Dead Daisies featuring Glenn Hughes are back!!”

The performance brings together former Deep Purple singer and bassist Glenn Hughes alongside The Dead Daisies members Doug Aldrich, David Lowy and Tommy Clufetos under the name The Purple Daisies.

Doug Aldrich of Australian-American rock band and musical collective The Dead Daisies performs on stage on Nov. 29, 2016 in Milan, Italy.

Photo by Sergione Infuso via Getty Images

The upcoming concert follows the group's first appearance on May 30, 2026, at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. That show sold out and featured a unique format that split the evening between songs from The Dead Daisies and classics from Deep Purple.

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The Purple Daisies performance marks another reunion between Hughes and The Dead Daisies after the singer left the band in May 2023 following a four-year run.

During his time with the group, Hughes recorded the albums Holy Ground and Radiance before returning to solo projects and work with Black Country Communion.

Despite his departure, Hughes has continued to speak warmly about his relationship with the band and the possibility of performing together again.

"It's great to be back with my friends. This is my family; I love everyone in The Dead Daisies. Everyone is such a good friend of mine. So for me to go back and play the songs I did with The Daisies, and to, of course, play a set of Deep Purple songs, is a miraculous achievement,” Hughes told the Illinois Entertainer.

The veteran vocalist also praised the idea behind the two-part show.

"Joining this great idea of having two sets, Daisies and then Purple, it's exhilarating for me. I think it's exhilarating for the people who are coming to see it. All the songs I did with PURPLE are classic songs, and I'm so grateful to have been in the band during that period of time. But there'll be some other classic songs as well. I'm smiling because it's a moment to celebrate both The Dead Daisies and, of course, the era of Deep Purple that I was in,” he continued.

The opening half of the evening will feature songs from The Dead Daisies catalog before shifting into a full set of Deep Purple material closely connected to Hughes' years with the legendary rock band.

During the Arcada Theater performance, fans heard Dead Daisies tracks including "Unspoken," "Rise Up," "Born To Fly" and "Holy Ground (Shake The Memory)." The Deep Purple portion included fan favorites such as "Stormbringer," "Space Truckin'," "Smoke On The Water," "Mistreated," "Highway Star" and "Burn."

The chemistry between Hughes and the current lineup of The Dead Daisies became one of the biggest talking points from the Illinois concert, with fans reportedly traveling from around the world to attend.

The lineup combines Hughes' signature vocals and bass playing with Doug Aldrich's guitar work, David Lowy's rhythm playing and Tommy Clufetos' powerful drumming.

For The Dead Daisies, the special event arrives during an active period for the band. The group recently released the live album Live At Stonedead and plans to return to the studio in 2026 to begin work on its next record before launching a major European, U.K. and U.S. tour in 2027.

Related: '90s Rock Band Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 31 Years After Forming

Perhaps the most unique musical superstar to emerge from the 1980s is David Byrne, the idiosyncratic front man of the legendary band Talking Heads. The band saw massive success for their unique spin on the new wave movement of the '80s, with their sound featuring influences from much more worldly musical styles, such as afrobeat.

David Byrne as well as Talking Heads as a whole have a pension for interesting live performances. The music of David Byrne is joyful, and makes you want to dance in a way that is a bit strange and unlike other styles of music. Because of this, both the dance moves on and off the stage have an authenticity to them that captures the beautiful weirdness of the music.

This bond through music and dancing created an incredible environment at a recent Byrne show, giving fans an experience that they will never forget.

@davidbyrneofficial

Life During Wartime dance party @ yesterdays festival in the Netherlands!!!

♬ original sound - 💫

"Life During Wartime" is one of the band's greatest hits, and the performance of it in the Netherlands created an incredible dance party in the audience that the fans were absolutely caught up in. Despite the song's cries of "no time for dancing," fans found plenty of time in the crowd.

Fans who were both in attendance and not took to the comments to share their thoughts about the joyful experience.

"David Byrne is an absolute genius. What a vibe he creates. Pure magic."

"Circle pits of joy. Love it."

"Best concert I’ve ever been to, didn’t sit for one minute!!❤️"

One thing is for certain, and that's that wherever David Byrne's music goes, happiness will surely follow. His concerts are always a raucously good time, with fans feeling such a carefree joy with the sounds of his songs. Here's to a successful set of concerts to come!

Related: Legendary '80s Rocker Returns to Touring After Major Surgery - 'He Sounds So Much Better'

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When it comes to organizing your home, one room that requires constant attention is the kitchen. Whether you're cooking meals daily, constantly searching for essentials in the pantry or simply striving for a more streamlined space that fits your aesthetic, clutter only gets in the way of making the most of the room.

That's where Sam's Club comes in with the Member's Mark 3-Pack Wire Baskets. This stylish storage find blends form and function effortlessly, offering plenty of ways to bring order to everything from kitchen counters and pantries to living rooms, offices and beyond. Available online for just $32, it adds a pop of vibrant color and a touch of rustic charm wherever it goes.

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Member's Mark 3-Pack Wire Baskets, $32.48 at Sam's Club

Sam's Club

Shop It!

Designed to declutter your space while elevating the surrounding setting, the Member's Mark 3-Pack Wire Baskets feature sturdy wrought-iron frames, removable wooden bases and matching wooden handles for a charming, farmhouse-inspired look. Adding to their charm, the three baskets nest neatly inside one another and come in small, medium and large sizes, making them also easy to tuck away when not in use.

While supplies last, you can choose from blue, green or pink colors, each featuring the same natural wood bases and handles for a cohesive look should you decide to mix and match. Even better, the baskets are food safe, making them perfect for corralling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to bagels, bread, herbs, spices and individually wrapped snacks while keeping your countertops and pantry neatly organized.

Related: Sam's Club's 24-Piece Stoneware Kitchen Upgrade Is So 'Elegant,' Shoppers Are Replacing Their Mismatched Sets

What Shoppers Are Saying

Sam's Club

Already earning a near-five-star rating, this versatile 3-piece set took no time to earn shoppers' praise.

"Country charm and got us organized," one fan raved in a review, highlighting the farmhouse-inspired style that first caught their attention. Another shopper agreed, calling the baskets "sturdy and stylish" while praising thoughtful details like the removable wooden bases and nesting design.

"I love the wood accents and quality," another shopper wrote. "The possible uses are endless! We used one in the pantry to organize loose bags and we used another on the nightstand to keep things organized."

These baskets really shine in their ability to work in just about any space where you need them most. Outside the kitchen, use them to corral pet toys, magazines and TV remotes in the living room; add decorative storage in the bedroom; hold toiletries under the bathroom sink; or bring order to that pesky closet that constantly gets ignored. They'd also come in handy in the office, classroom or home gym as a catchall for supplies, equipment and everyday essentials that tend to pile up.

Just be sure to snatch your favorite color while they're still in stock. With summer here and a seasonal refresh on everyone's mind, this hot-ticket item is bound to sell out fast. And while you're there, keep your eyes peeled for Sam's Club's $40 16-Piece Bubble Reactive Dinnerware Set and $16 3-Piece Scalloped Edge Storage Bins for even more must-have home and kitchen upgrades.

Related: Target's $40 Boho Kitchen Essential Is a 'Stylish and Functional' Solution for Tight Spaces

Even as we age, those hardcover classics we grew up with never stray from our hearts.

Goodnight Moon is a perfect example, one that's been passed down through generations. And now, its beloved author will be spotlighted in an all-new biopic.

Deadline reports that Julianne Moore and Elle Fanning are set to star in Moonsong: A Life In Seven Verses, an upcoming film from Rebecca Miller that tells the story of the famous children’s book author.

Moonsong is reportedly based on the book Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the Moon by Leonard S. Marcus, with the subject's books also including The Runaway Bunny — another universally beloved children's book that was published in the 1940s.

Martin Scorsese will executive produce, and production is set to begin in spring 2027, Deadline also noted on Friday, July 10. Miller, 63, and Scorsese, 83, developed a relationship during her time directing the five-part documentary Mr. Scorsese, which was recently nominated for three Emmy Awards.

Fanning, 28, also just received an Emmy nod for her work in Margot's Got Money Troubles, which she also produces. Moore, 65, will next be seen in Jessie Eisenberg’s The Debut for A24. That movie, also starring Paul Giamatti, is due out December 3 — perfectly timed for awards season.

Speaking of Eisenberg, the 42-year-old Oscar nominee recently expressed his love for the Now You See Memovies, funnily enough. “Honestly, I’d love to do Now You See Me 4 more than anything else,” he told TheWrap in an interview article published Sunday, July 5. “I’ve never felt happier than when playing that part.”

Eisenberg continued, “Normally I play depressed people, which makes me depressed, but playing that confident, arrogant magician, I walk away everyday thinking, ‘That was amazing.’ It’s the only character where I get to stand up straight and wear a nicer outfit. It’s my happiest place.”

Country music and dance fans have another reason to head to Nashville this Labor Day weekend.

The fourth annual Nashville Dance Fest is set to return to Music City from Sept. 4-6, bringing three days of live performances, dance competitions, workshops and social events to thousands of visitors from around the world.

Leading this year's concert lineup are country favorites Eric Paslay and Love and Theft, who will headline performances during the festival alongside a lineup of emerging artists.

Paslay, 43, known for hits including "Friday Night," "She Don't Love You" and the No. 1 song he co-wrote, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," will take the stage on Friday night. Love and Theft, the duo behind fan favorites like "Angel Eyes" and "Runaway," headlines Saturday's festivities.

The festival officially kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 3, with a launch party in downtown Nashville before moving to the legendary Nashville Palace and neighboring Scoreboard Bar & Grill, where more than 90,000 square feet will be transformed into a country music and dance destination.

In addition to the nightly concerts, attendees can watch elite competitors battle it out during the Honky Tonk World Championships, one of the festival's signature events. The weekend will also feature more than 70 dance workshops, open and pro-am competitions, social dancing and instruction from more than 40 nationally recognized dance professionals.

"Nashville has always been known as Music City, and we're proud that Nashville Dance Fest is helping establish it as a global destination for country dance," co-founder Taylor Winston said in a statement. "People arrive here as strangers and leave as lifelong friends."

Organizers say the event has quickly grown into an international gathering, attracting country dance enthusiasts from across the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and several European countries.

2026 Nashville Dance Fest concert lineup

• Friday, Sept. 4
  Eric Paslay Browning Snider Angie K
• Saturday, Sept. 5
  Love and Theft Josiah Siska Kylie Frye
• Sunday, Sept. 6
  Kaleb Sanders Moss

RELATED: 1969 Elvis Presley Western, Featuring the Only Beard He Ever Wore on Screen, Remains One of His Most Unusual Movies

Fans of Savannah sludge metal veterans Black Tusk will have to wait longer to see the band on stage after the group announced the cancellation of all remaining 2026 live performances, including their planned North American dates and summer run with Hoaxed.

The band shared the news through Instagram, explaining that health issues and personal matters have made it impossible to continue touring this year.

"Unfortunately we have to cancel the rest of our live performances for 2026. We are dealing with injuries that are keeping band members and fill in tour members off the road and also some band members taking personal time to be with their families,” the band wrote.

Andrew Fidler of Black Tusk performs as support to Soulfly at SO36 on Aug. 4, 2015 in Berlin, Germany.

Photo by Sebastian Reuter/Redferns

The cancellation affects every remaining Black Tusk performance scheduled for the rest of the year. Among the shows removed from the calendar was an August U.S. tour alongside Portland heavy rock outfit Hoaxed.

View this post on Instagram

The Savannah, Georgia group did not provide a timeline for when injured members are expected to recover but confirmed that both official members and touring fill-in musicians have been affected by injuries.

The announcement arrives only weeks after the band revealed that longtime collaborator and touring musician Tanner Hamilton suffered a serious hand injury while working a side job in June.

Hamilton has regularly stepped in for Black Tusk during tours and live appearances, performing drums, bass, or guitar when needed.

The band previously shared details about his accident with fans.

"For those of you who do not know Tanner, he is a hard working musician in our hometown of Savannah, GA. He is also a collaborator and touring partner with us, filling in on drums, bass or guitar when one of us can’t make a tour or show. Last weekend he suffered a life changing injury to his hand while working a side job.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help him and his family out with the inevitable wave of medical bills heading their way and the loss of income they are going to experience during Tanners lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process."

View this post on Instagram

Black Tusk did not directly connect Hamilton's injury to the cancellation announcement, but his absence removes an important touring contributor from the band's live setup.

While the touring pause will disappoint fans, Black Tusk confirmed that the break from live performances will allow the band to focus on writing and recording new material.

The group revealed plans to enter the studio to begin work on the follow-up to their 2024 album The Way Forward.

Released through Season of Mist, The Way Forward marked a major milestone for Black Tusk as it introduced guitarist Chris "Scary" Adams and bassist Derek Lynch as official members alongside founding musicians Andrew Fidler and James May.

The current lineup consists of Fidler on guitar and vocals, May on drums and vocals, Adams on guitar and vocals and Lynch on bass and vocals.

Earlier this year, Black Tusk remained active in the studio despite their upcoming touring break. In April, the band released the single "Crushed by the Weight," followed in May by "Far From Light."

"Far From Light" served as the second preview of the band's three-track EP Systems Of Solitude, which arrived on June 10, 2026. The release also featured the track "Small Talk."

Formed in Savannah in 2005, Black Tusk has spent more than two decades building a reputation as one of America's most dependable sludge metal acts. The band helped define the city's heavy music scene alongside fellow Savannah groups Baroness and Kylesa while developing its own signature "swamp metal" sound.

Black Tusk's history has included major highs and difficult losses, including the death of bassist and vocalist Jonathan Athon in 2014 following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Black Tusk plans to return to touring in 2027 with what the band described as "a limited touring setup at first" while continuing work on new music in the studio.

Related: ’80s Rock Legend Joins Supergroup Amid 2026 North America Tour

A parasite outbreak that has been spreading across the country recently keeps getting bigger.

As of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 843 U.S. cases of cyclosporiasis across 31 states, the gastrointestinal illness that news outlets have nicknamed the "explosive" diarrhea parasite. The agency says it is also tracking more than 1,500 additional cases that still need further analysis.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora, which spreads when people eat fresh produce or drink water contaminated with trace amounts of feces. The illness brings on watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and stomach cramps, and symptoms can drag on for weeks without proper treatment.

Cases Are Climbing Fast

The current count is a sharp jump from earlier in the season. The CDC says multiple states have reported more cases in the past two weeks than they did during the same stretch of 2025. So far 86 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. The people who got sick ranged in age from 5 to 88.

Because there is roughly a six-week lag between when someone gets sick and when their case reaches the CDC, officials expect the numbers to keep rising. The agency says it will publish updated data more often than usual this season.

No Single Source Yet

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating several multistate clusters, but they had not tied the outbreak to a specific food as of July 9. Cyclosporiasis season runs from May 1 through August 31, so health officials are watching the spread closely for the rest of the summer.

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Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle covers different conferences, college head coaches, and the big three major sports. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Saturday, July 11, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, July 11, 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 July 11, 2026

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

• Yellow: Football on the West Coast.
• Green: Arguably baseball's best division.
• Blue: College sports teams' head honchos.
• Purple: Women's basketball teams minus a letter.

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: AN NFC WEST PLAYER
• Green: AN NL CENTRAL PLAYER
• Blue: SEC FOOTBALL HEAD COACHES
• Purple: WNBA TEAMS, WITH THE FIRST LETTER CHANGED

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 #656 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• AN NFC WEST PLAYER: RAM, 49ER, CARDINAL, SEAHAWK
• AN NL CENTRAL PLAYER: RED, CUB, PIRATE, BREWER
• SEC FOOTBALL HEAD COACHES: BEAMER, SMART, DRINKWITZ, LEA
• WNBA TEAMS, WITH THE FIRST LETTER CHANGED: NEVER, ICES, PUN, WIRE

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: Nearly 150-Year-Old Breakfast Brand Unveils First-of-Its-Kind Innovation That Makes Mornings Effortless

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Cow print is one of the hottest trends right now, showing up on everything from handbags to shoes. Even celebrities like Rihanna and Emily Ratajkowski have embraced it, and it's turned up in designer collections, too. If you've been wanting to try out the trend,  Nordstrom Rack has a fan-favorite option on sale for 60% off. 

The Mia Animal Print Buckle Mules are now just $28 (originally $70) during Nordstrom Rack’s Clear the Rack event, running through July 12. Featuring a bold cow print and buckle detail, these slip-on shoes earned praise from reviewers who called them “cute and comfortable.” 

Mia Animal Print Buckle Mules, $28 (was $70) at Nordstrom Rack

Courtesy of Nordstrom Rack

Shop at Nordstrom Rack

These slip-on mules feature a statement cow print that gives them a trendy feel. Their backless design makes these shoes easy to wear with everything from casual outfits to dressed up looks. They’re available in sizes six through 10.

The standout print is already winning over shoppers, who said it’s what makes these shoes so special. One reviewer called them “very good quality and beautiful,” while another shared that the pattern was “vibrant and cute.”

They’re also designed with comfort in mind, thanks to a contoured footbed that helps cushion every step. Whether you’re running errands or spending the day out and about, these mules are made to keep up. “I was surprised how comfortable these are,” one shopper wrote. 

You’ll want to keep in your closet long after summer ends. Wear them now with denim shorts and a breezy top, then bring them into fall with your favorite jeans and a cozy sweater. Just note that Nordstrom Rack’s Clear the Rack purchases are final sale, so returns and exchanges are not available. 

Shop More Deals

• Skechers Arch Fit Grandola Sandals, From $19 (was $80) at Nordstrom Rack
• Vionic Emma Flip Flop, $60 (was $125) at Nordstrom Rack
• Franco Sarto Beryl Toe Loop Slingback Sandal, From $21 (was $110) at Nordstrom Rack

Related: Skechers’ Strappy Sandals With ‘Great’ Arch Support Start at $19 During Nordstrom Rack’s Clear the Rack Sale

For shoppers looking to try a statement shoe for a fraction of the cost , the Mia Animal Print Buckle Mules are a stylish deal at just $28. Stock tends to move quickly during Nordstrom Rack sales, so don’t wait too long to grab a pair. 

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.

Fifty-seven years ago today, on July 11, 1969, a struggling English singer named David Bowiereleased a strange little single about an astronaut who drifts off into space and never comes back. It was called "Space Oddity," and almost nobody noticed.

The single was rushed out to coincide with the Apollo 11 moon landing nine days later, on July 20, and, as Parade has noted, it drew inspiration from the sci-fi film 2001: A Space Odyssey. At first it sold poorly. Then it slowly climbed the British charts through the fall, finally reaching No. 5 and giving Bowie his first hit.

Related: 1969 Rock Classic That Soundtracked the Moon Landing Took Six Years to Become a No. 1 Hit

A Slow Climb to No. 1

Here is the strange part. "Space Oddity" would be Bowie's only chart hit for the next three years. Even as he became a superstar in the early 1970s with "Starman," "The Jean Genie" and "Life on Mars?," none of those songs reached the top of the UK chart.

It was "Space Oddity" that finally got him there. When RCA reissued the single in 1975, six years after its release, it climbed all the way to No. 1 in Britain, the first chart-topper of Bowie's career. The reissues had already handed him his first American hit a few years earlier.

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The Song That Introduced Major Tom

The track also introduced Major Tom, the lost astronaut Bowie returned to across his career, most famously in "Ashes to Ashes" in 1980. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and died in 2016 at 69. More than half a century later, the 1969 classic that started it all still sounds like nothing else.

Next: ’80s Rock Legend’s No. 1 Best-Selling Song of All Time Released 45 Years Ago Today

Nothing beats the original, as they say.

There have been some standout Scream sequels over the years, including the commercially successful seventh installment that hit theaters earlier this year. But the groundbreaking 1996 cult classic arguably takes the cake.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of its release — and to mark the occasion, the haunting and iconic musical score is getting a special reissue.

Arriving August 28, the original 14-track album returns to vinyl in a collectible “blood-soaked” sleeve featuring an iconic image of Drew Barrymore as Casey Becker in the film’s unforgettable opening scene.

In addition to the wide “Woodsboro Bloodbath” red vinyl, fans can find the 1-LP set in a variety of limited-edition exclusive pressings, including the following:

• “Knife’s Edge” silver vinyl with poster (Target)
• “Surprise, Sidney” metallic blend vinyl (Barnes & Noble)
• “Don’t Hang Up” clear vinyl (Books-A-Million)
• “I’ll Be Right Back” blue vinyl (Urban Outfitters)
• “Final Girl” splatter vinyl (Hot Topic)
• "Wrong Answer” Blood Red Splatter vinyl (Varèse Sarabande/Craft Recordings)
• “Final Phone Call” blue vinyl at select indie retailers

An Extended Cut Edition of Scream (Original Motion Picture Score), featuring all 40 of the film’s cues from the 2022 boxset, will also be available on CD. All formats are available to pre-order or pre-save right now.

As fans can attest, Scream ushered in a new generation of slasher films back in the '90s, mixing self-awareness and satire with chills, gore and plot twists aplenty. Written by Kevin Williamson (Dawson’s Creek) and directed by horror pioneer Wes Craven (A Nightmare on Elm Street), the film flipped the genre on its side, with a host of characters who not only referenced classic horror flicks but recognized they were living inside one.

Brimming with a who’s who of Gen-X stars — including Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Jamie Kennedy and Rose McGowan — Scream became one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time and launched a long-running franchise of sequels.

Today's NYT Strands Puzzle can feed a crowd. 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 #858 on Thursday, July 9.

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: "Fishy fare"

A hint for today's Strands game: Polarizing Midwest staple.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• SA
• SO
• MI
• PE
• CH
• NO
• PE
• TU
• CA (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly horizontal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for July 11

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, July 11, 2026, isCASSEROLE.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, July 11?

• SALT
• SOUP
• MILK
• PEPPER
• CHEESE
• NOODLES
• PEAS
• TUNA
• SPANGRAM: CASSEROLE

Related: Publix Issues Recall of Popular Freezer Staple for This Concerning Reason

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If your office space has been feeling a little too warm for comfort, JCPenney has the cutest solution on sale for under $10 right now. The Gpx USB-Powered Desk Fan is just $9, down from $30, with code BARBEQUE. Its cheerful mint green color makes it feel more like a fun summer desk accessory than an appliance, and it’s compact enough not to take over your workspace.

It measures 6 inches high, 6 inches long, and 4 inches wide, so it can easily live beside your laptop. The fan weighs less than 1 pound and is made mostly from metal, with plastic and wire components. It has one speed, an on-and-off switch, and an adjustable tilt that lets you point the air exactly where you need it. The USB cord is built in and can plug into a computer, laptop, or wall adapter, and the fan arrives assembled.

Gpx USB-Powered Desk Fan, $9 (was $30) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

This little gadget is especially handy when you’re warm but don’t want to turn the air conditioning lower for the whole house. You can keep it pointed toward you during work, then move it to a nightstand when the bedroom feels stuffy later on. Its low-noise design is another plus, especially when you’re on calls or trying to concentrate.

One shopper said it’s “compact but cools better than a big fan,” while another called it “amazing” and noted, “I’m no longer sweating while working.... my only regret is not buying it sooner!” A third praised the “cute little bedside one-speed fan” for swiveling easily and providing enough airflow to stay comfortable without getting cold.

The mint green finish would look adorable practically anywhere you put it, and the fact that it gives you a personal breeze without taking up floor space is a huge perk. You also don’t need to deal with multiple buttons or remember where you put the power cord. Just plug it in, flip the switch, and tilt it toward you when the summer heat starts creeping in.

Shop More Deals

• Commercial Cool 16-Inch Floor Fan, $54 (was $90) at JCPenney
• Black+Decker 12-Inch Desk Fan, $27 (was $45) at JCPenney
• Black+Decker 12-Inch Dual Blade Table Fan, $49 (was $80) at JCPenney

Related: Target's Sleek Outdoor Misting Fan Has Shoppers Running Back to Buy More

At $9, this little fan costs less than lunch and can make hot afternoons at your computer much more comfortable. The fun color is a bonus and gives your desk a cheerful summer update at the same time. Be sure to grab the Gpx USB-Powered Desk Fan at JCPenney while the BARBEQUE discount code is still live. 

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To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, you'll have to sing your ABCs while riding a unicycle. 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 #1126 onSaturday, July 11, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, July 11, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Saturday, July 11

1. Carny's essentials.
2. Like a peaceful stream.
3. "To infinity and beyond!"
4. A, B, C, D, E, F, G...

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

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

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Saturday, July 11:

1. CIRCUS EQUIPMENT: CANNON, STILTS, TRAPEZE, UNICYCLE
2. UNDISTURBED, AS WATER: CALM, FLAT, GLASSY, STILL
3. "TOY STORY" CHARACTERS: BO PEEP, JESSIE, SLINKY, WOODY
4. DOUBLE LETTERS APPEARING IN THAT LETTER'S ALPHABETICAL POSITION: AARDVARK, BOCCE, EBBING, TWIDDLE

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: Nearly 150-Year-Old Breakfast Brand Unveils First-of-Its-Kind Innovation That Makes Mornings Effortless

Suzanne Vega turns 67 today, and the woman who wrote one of the most unlikely hit songs of the 1980s is spending her birthday exactly where she has been for four decades: on the road. The New York singer-songwriter is in the middle of her Flying with Angels world tour, with sold-out dates stretching across Europe, Australia and a run of US shows this fall.

Vega broke through in 1985 with her self-titled debut and the early single "Marlene on the Wall." Two years later she became a genuine pop star with Solitude Standing, the 1987 album that opened with a soft a cappella tune called "Tom's Diner" and built to her signature song, "Luka."

A Top 10 Hit About a Hard Subject

"Luka" remains one of the most surprising singles ever to climb the charts. Sung from the point of view of an abused child, it reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 19 weeks on the chart in 1987, turning a quiet folk singer into an unlikely household name.

Then came the twist nobody saw coming. In 1990 the British production duo DNA remixed "Tom's Diner" into a dance track, and the song Vega had recorded with no instruments at all returned to the Top 5.

The 'Mother of the MP3'

That same a cappella recording earned Vega an unexpected nickname. Audio engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg used "Tom's Diner" as his reference recording while developing the MP3, testing the format against her voice over and over. She has been called "the Mother of the MP3" ever since.

Vega has sold more than seven million albums and released Flying with Angels, her first collection of new songs in 11 years, in May 2025. At 67, she is still writing, still touring and still filling theaters around the world.

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Onslaught announced another major update while on its Force From Hell Tour.

The British thrash metal band, fronted by Sy Keeler alongside Nige Rockett on rhythm and lead guitar, Jeff Williams on bass, James Perry on drums and newly joined guitarist Nick Sampson, is extending its tour into 2027.

In an Instagram update, the U.K. thrash metal legends announced that they are extending the Force From Hell Tour itinerary to the Balkan region with long-awaited stops in Bulgaria and Greece.

The upcoming tour will mark the band's first concert in Bulgaria in 19 years, following its co-headlining show with Swedish thrash/melodic death metal band Carnal Forge in 2008.

Andy Rosser-Davies, Sy Keeler and Jeff Williams from Onslaught, live on stage at The Garage, London, September 23, 2011.

Kevin Nixon/Metal Hammer Magazine/Future via Getty Images

“BULGARIA. GREECE. THE WAIT IS OVER! Nearly 20 years since our last assault on Bulgaria.

Fifteen years since we last hit mainland Greece,” the Instagram caption reads , teasing the band's return with a high-energy metal experience for the upcoming tour. “Brace yourselves; the ONSLAUGHT is coming!”

View this post on Instagram

Since the beginning of the year, the quintet has been on the road for the European leg of the Force From Hell Tour, which ran from January through February.

Following the European run, the band embarked on a co-headlining tour with U.S. cult heavy metal icons Warlord, billed as The Force From Hell & Deliverance Tour 2026. The first leg, which ran from March through April, visited cities across North America.

The run marked the band’s first North American headline tour in more than a decade.

At that time, the band promised intense nights of “pure chaos” featuring “Keeler’s era classics,” calling it “Thrash Metal history in the making.”

Metal Hall of Fame inductee Nige Rockett expressed his excitement about returning to the U.S. for the band's first full tour in more than a decade, while also hinting at the possibility of a second leg.

“Super stoked to be returning to the States for our first full tour in 11 years and with Sy Keeler back at the helm, it’s gonna be mega!” Nige Rockett said in their Facebook post, teasing the possibility of a second leg. “This is just Part 1; we’re bringing this tour to the entire USA so that nobody gets to miss out on this epic setlist! See you in the Pit!

The band’s continued touring comes more than three decades after the thrash metal group disbanded in 1991, following its debut in 1982.

After 13 years apart, Onslaught reunited in late 2004, marking the beginning of a new chapter and ushering in the band's second era.

Related: '80s Rock Band, Disbanded After Four Years, Ranked Among 'Greatest Supergroups' of All Time

Today's NYT Wordle answer might make you take flight. But the day just isn't complete until I've solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1848 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: Spread your wings and fly.

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 #1848 on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Saturday, July 11, 2026, is AVIAN.

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

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn't Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Peter Van Norden, a beloved actor who appeared in numerous movies throughout his career, including the Police Academy and Naked Gun films, has died at the age of 75.

His wife, Wendy, told TMZ that he died peacefully at a hospice facility in Southern California on Thursday, July 9, while "dealing with several different health conditions." Wendy was by his side at the time of his death.

Throughout his career, Van Norden appeared in numerous projects, including Waitress!, Cheers, "T.J. Hooker, The Stand, and Roadhouse 66. He also played Officer Vinnie Schtulman in Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment as well as former White House Chief of Staff John Sununu in The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear. His career also spanned to Broadway where he appeared in St. Joan, Macbeth, Little Johnny Jones, Romeo and Juliet and The Inspector General.

Along with his wife, Van Norden is survived by his son, Robert.

Many paid tribute to the actor following the news.

"Condolences to the family and fans of Peter Van Norden. The veteran actor, best remembered for Police Academy, leaves behind a long and varied career in film and theater," one person wrote.

"So sad to hear this. While many of us knew Peter Van Norden from 'Police Academy 2' and 'The Stand,' he was also such a prolific theater veteran. A truly versatile talent who clearly loved the craft. RIP to a familiar face," another person commented.

"A true Hollywood legend has passed. Thank you for every role, every laugh, and every moment you shared with us," a fan shared.

"A sad loss for comedy fans. Peter Van Norden brought a lot of memorable moments to the screen," another fan posted.

"We're saddened to say farewell to Peter van Norden, a stage icon and a longtime friend. In addition to his recordings for LATW, he joined our groundbreaking China tour of 'Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers'. Thanks for your amazing work Peter. We will miss you," LATheatreWorks said.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially making their debut as newlyweds.

One week after tying the knot in a star-studded ceremony at Madison Square Garden, the couple stepped out Friday, July 10, for their first public appearance as husband and wife while attending the wedding of Kelce's former Kansas City Chiefs teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster and Laura Kruk at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in Orange County, California.

According to Page Six, Swift looked glamorous in a strapless pink floral ball gown paired with her signature red lipstick, while Kelce opted for a tailored gray suit. The couple was photographed holding hands as they made their way into the oceanfront ceremony before mingling with fellow guests.

The outing comes after the pair kept a relatively low profile following their lavish July 3 wedding, which transformed Madison Square Garden into a spectacular garden venue for more than 1,000 guests. The grand affair, as Parade has reported, cost the couple $160,000 in fees for New York City-related permits and city resources alone.

Before heading to California, the newlyweds, according to the outlet, were reportedly spotted in Montana spending time with Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce.

It's been a busy month for the loved-up couple. Just one week before they took over Madison Square Garden, Swift surprised Nashville fans with a performance of her 2008 hit "Love Story" — a fitting choice, as the song was reportedly also played as she walked down the aisle at her own wedding.

Swift and Kelce began dating in 2023 and announced their engagement in August 2025 before exchanging vows earlier this month.