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The idea of “rope dropping” a ride has become more and more popular across all types of theme parks. It first originated in Disneyland in California, spread to Disney World in Orlando, and now, Universal fans are using it as well. It’s a simple idea: you get to your park of choice a little bit before it opens, that way you are one of the very first people through the park gates. Then, you head to a ride that usually has an extremely long wait time. Since you’re one of the first ones there, there will barely be a wait, and you’ll practically walk on! 

Many people strategize meticulously when rope dropping–and with a brand new park like Epic Universe, it can be hard to know what the best strategy really is. This week, I visited Epic Universe for the first time, and took a VIP tour of the park. Led by four tour guides, I spoke to them about guest’s rope dropping strategies, and all four of them agreed that people are making a mistake with one common rope-drop ride. That ride is Harry Potter And The Battle Of The Ministry–and they all agreed that there is a smarter plan to do when attempting a rope-drop.

Related: Universal Reveals New Haunted House For Halloween Horror Nights 2026

Head To Isle Of Berk Instead

Whether or not you’re a fan of How To Train Your Dragon, the Isle of Berk area of Epic Universe has a ton of attractions that can’t be missed. My VIP tour guides recommended heading here after rope dropping for two main reasons. The first reason is quite practical: Orlando can get extremely hot, especially in the middle of the day. All of the attractions in the Isle of Berk have outdoor queues. With that in mind, the idea of waiting for hours for each of the rides in this area in the Orlando heat doesn’t sound that fun, does it?

Instead, if you head there right in the morning, the heat won’t be as bad yet. Plus, since you’re rope-dropping, you will be able to hop right on most of the rides. That brings us to our second reason for heading to Isle of Berk right away: It has three popular rides all condensed closely together, so you will most likely be able to hop on all three within the first hour to hour and a half of your day in Epic Universe.

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Related: Universal’s Epic Universe Is Packed With Hidden Easter Eggs — Here’s How to Unlock Them

What To Ride In Isle Of Berk

The first ride that you should head to, and my personal favorite in all of Epic Universe, is Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. This family-style launch rollercoaster has a 40-inch minimum height requirement. Although it can accommodate younger children, the ride is anything but chill. It launches you quickly up to speeds of 45 miles per hour, and it reaches up to 50 feet in height. The theming is adorable, the music that plays in your ears will make you feel like you’re transformed to a whole new world and there are many surprises that will thrill you throughout the journey.

The next ride to head to is called Dragon Racer’s Rally, which makes you feel like you're riding your very own dragon. The seats travel on a flying system that rotates on an axis, launching guests up to 67 feet in the air. Each person can control the wings of their dragon, which causes you to flip around while spinning in the air. It’s a bit high-intensity, but incredibly fun. To wind things down a bit, the final ride to head to in Isle of Berk is called Fyre Drill. This is an interactive boat ride where guests use water cannons to soak each other. After spending a bit of time out in the parks, cooling off on this ride is the best way to end your visit to the Isle of Berk.

Related: Why This Is an Incredibly Exciting Year for Theme Parks (and You Don’t Need a Lightning Lane to Enjoy It)

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While Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic is an incredibly popular ride, the entire line is indoors and it’s incredibly interactive. There's a ton to see and do inside, plus a satisfying amount of air conditioning to cool you down. Visit here after your trip to Isle of Berk, and you won’t mind spending a bit more time in the queue for this one ride. Especially after you checked three off of the list for rope-dropping Isle of Berk, you’ll be in a great place to enjoy the rest of Epic Universe.

Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Universal Studios Trip With a Single Carry-On

Legendary rock singer and drummer Phil Collins has turned down the chance to perform at the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony as he continues to recover from years of serious health problems.

In a recent interview with BBC Breakfast, Collins said he does not believe he is physically ready to return to the stage for a major live performance. Still, the former Genesis frontman shared a hopeful update about his condition.

“I can’t really see it happening. But I’m healthier now than I have been for quite a while,” Collins said when asked if he plans to perform live again.

British singer Phil Collins performs live on stage during a concert at the Olympiastation on June 7, 2019 in Berlin, Germany.

Photo by Frank Hoensch/Getty Images

The eight-time Grammy winner revealed that organizers of the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony invited him to perform during the event. Collins declined the offer, explaining that preparing for a live show would take a heavy toll on his voice and body.

“They asked me if I would perform and I said no, because you’ve got to be match fit to do something like that,” he said. “You can’t just go on stage and you’re gonna have to rehearse and then by that point, if you’ve not been singing, your voice is going to be shot and then that’s not gonna be good. So I’d rather not do it.”

Collins was first inducted into the Rock Hall with Genesis in 2010. His upcoming 2026 honor places him among a small group of artists to receive induction twice.

Over the past several years, Collins has openly discussed the health struggles that forced him away from performing. The “In the Air Tonight” singer suffered a spinal injury in 2007 that caused severe nerve damage and ongoing mobility problems.

According to Hollywood Reporter, he has also undergone five knee surgeries and previously shared that he developed kidney issues linked to alcohol use. Earlier this year, Collins said he had reached two years of sobriety after spending months in the hospital.

The musician retired from touring after Genesis completed its farewell run in 2022. During later performances, Collins often remained seated onstage while his son Nic Collins played drums.

In previous interviews, Collins admitted he could no longer hold drumsticks properly because of nerve damage in his hands. He once revealed that drumsticks had to be taped to his hands during performances due to pain and weakness.

“If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything,” Collins said in his 2024 documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First. “If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it.”

Despite stepping away from live shows, Collins recently made a rare public appearance at the King’s Trust 50th Anniversary Party at Buckingham Palace alongside ex-wife Jill Collins. The event was attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Photos from the event showed Collins using crutches, which he has previously said help him walk following multiple surgeries.

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While Collins does not expect to perform at the Hall of Fame ceremony, he did not completely close the door on making music again in the future.

“But whether I would go out again, I would contemplate, yeah,” he said during the interview. “I’m constantly saying to myself, I’ve gotta go back down to my studio at home.”

The Oscar-winning musician added that he continues to write down ideas for songs and has unfinished material waiting to be developed.

“Lots of lyrical ideas that I write down,” Collins shared. “And there are things that are half-formed and a couple of things that are finished.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 class also includes artists such as Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Wu-Tang Clan, Sade and Luther Vandross.

For now, Collins appears focused on improving his health while leaving the possibility of future music projects open.

Related: PHOTO: Phil Collins Walks With Crutches on Rare Outing Amid Health Issues

In 1948, a future rock icon whose flowing shawls, unmistakable voice and deeply personal songwriting would help define an entire era of music was born in Arizona.

Seventy-eight years later, Stevie Nicks remains one of the most recognizable and influential women in rock history.

Born Stephanie Lynn Nicks in Phoenix on May 26, 1948, the future Fleetwood Mac star began writing songs as a teenager after receiving a guitar for her 16th birthday. Years later, she met future musical and romantic partner Lindsey Buckingham while the two were still in high school in California.

Related: 1975 Fleetwood Mac Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 51 Years Later

The pair first found modest success as the duo Buckingham Nicks before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1975, a move that transformed the group into one of the bestselling music acts of all time.

Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1975 album introduced audiences to Nicks’ mystical songwriting style with songs like “Rhiannon” and “Landslide,” but it was the band’s 1977 follow-up Rumours that turned the group into global superstars.

Fueled by relationship turmoil inside the band, Rumours became one of the bestselling albums in music history, eventually selling more than 45 million copies worldwide. Nicks contributed some of the album’s most enduring songs, including “Dreams,” which became Fleetwood Mac’s only No. 1 hit in the United States.

Related: Fleetwood Mac's 1977 ‘Lost Breakup Anthem’ Became One of Rock’s Most Infamous Performances 29 Years Ago Today

Nicks later revealed that “Silver Springs,” another fan-favorite song inspired by her breakup with Buckingham, was originally left off Rumours, a decision that devastated her at the time.

While remaining a member of Fleetwood Mac, Nicks launched an enormously successful solo career with 1981’s Bella Donna, which topped the Billboard 200 and established her as a superstar in her own right. The album featured classics including “Edge of Seventeen” and “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” her duet with Tom Petty.

Related: Stevie Nicks & Lindsey Buckingham Reveal What Truly ‘Changed the Course’ of Music History

That same year, Rolling Stone famously dubbed Nicks the “Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll,” a title that followed her throughout decades of arena tours, platinum albums and instantly recognizable stage performances.

Over the years, Nicks became known not only for her music, but also for a signature image built around black clothing, platform boots, flowing fabrics and dramatic live performances that often felt theatrical and dreamlike.

Related: Fleetwood Mac Legend Launches New Project With Daughter, Fans Call It ‘Brilliant’

Her influence has stretched far beyond Fleetwood Mac’s original era. Artists including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lorde, Sheryl Crow and Florence Welch have all cited Nicks as a major inspiration.

In 2019, Nicks made history by becoming the first woman inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first with Fleetwood Mac in 1998 and later as a solo artist.

Her music has also experienced repeated resurgences with younger audiences. Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” famously returned to the charts in 2020 after a viral TikTok video introduced the song to a new generation of listeners more than 40 years after its release.

Related: 1977 Fleetwood Mac Hit Named ‘Greatest Two-Chord Song of All Time’ Was a No. 1 Smash

Even now, Nicks continues recording and touring while remaining one of rock music’s most enduring figures. In 2024, she released the politically charged single “The Lighthouse” and continued performing stadium shows across the United States and Europe.

Though her voice, image and music became inseparable from the mythology of the 1970s rock era, Nicks’ appeal has endured because her songs never felt tied to a single moment in time. Decades later, tracks like “Dreams,” “Landslide,” “Rhiannon” and “Edge of Seventeen” still resonate with listeners discovering them for the very first time.

Related: 1977 Hit Named ‘Greatest Two-Chord Song of All Time’ Was a No. 1 Smash

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Time moves fast, but celebrity family timelines move even faster. It feels like yesterday that the world listened to a toddler’s voice giggling on an Eminem track recorded in a Detroit basement. Now, that same little girl is a mother holding her own son. Over the weekend, she stepped into the role of Matron of Honor for a friend’s wedding. Hailie Jade Scott's new Instagram post shows that the third generation of hip-hop royalty knows how to steal the show.

Scott wore an off-the-shoulder black gown paired with mesh gloves. But the star of the photo wasn’t Scott or her glam dress. It was the 14-month-old bundle of energy resting against her hip. Her son, Elliot. The tot was dressed in a mini tux: tiny lapels, tiny shoulders, tiny little shoes. Even though his face was turned away from the lens, the vibe said everything: swagger starts early. He looked like a veteran of the red carpet before even mastering a full sentence.

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Scott’s sweet caption gave followers a glimpse of the day: "Matron of Honor 🤝 Ring Bearer. One of us walked down the aisle, one of us stole the show. Congratulations to the Zillis on one week of marriage 🤍," she wrote.

The internet swooned over the sweet photo. “Ladies and Gentleman, little 'E' is in da House. Make some noise🔥❤️,” wrote one fan. “He's already running Detroit!! So adorable,” posted another.

Insights into this famous family circle are now a rarity. Scott, the daughter of Detroit rapper Marshall "Eminem" Mathers and Kim Scott, has established her own identity after a childhood spent as a subject in her father's discography. A Michigan State University graduate with a degree in psychology, she is currently a social media influencer and the host of her lifestyle podcast, Just a Little Shady.

Off-camera, Scott leads a private life in Michigan alongside her husband, Evan McClintock, whom she wed in May 2024. The pair celebrated the arrival of Elliot, their first child, in March 2025. This wedding photo marks a generational shift for the prominent hip-hop family, proving that while the music is a moment in time, the family keeps moving forward.

At 68 years old, Vince Gill has quietly built one of the most incredible careers in country music history. He's won 22 Grammy Awards—the most ever by a male country artist—and 18 Country Music Association Awards. In 2007, the "Go Rest High on That Mountain" singer was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and just a few weeks ago—on May 6, 2026—Gill was awarded the prestigious Ken Burns American Heritage Prize.

But ask anyone in Nashville about Vince Gill and the first thing they'll most likely talk about is his kindness. He's the guy who never forgets a name and still seems genuinely surprised when people sing his praises.

Let's take a moment to rewind back to the beginning. On April 12, 1957, Vince Gill was born in Norman, Oklahoma. His dad was an administrative law judge by day and a country musician by night—teaching Vince his first guitar chords before he could even ride a bike. Mom was a homemaker who raised her children with warmth and kindness.

But it wasn't all happy memories—when Vince was just 11 years old, his best friend and beloved half-brother Bob was in a devastating car accident on Oklahoma's Route 66. It left him in a coma for three months and caused permanent brain damage. Thankfully, Bob survived, but he would struggle with memory loss and isolation for the rest of his life.

Bob and Vince were incredibly close—they even performed the Beach Boys' "Long Tall Texan" together on a local radio station before Vince hit double digits. After the accident, music became Vince's escape. While his peers were hanging out at the local five and dime, he was teaching himself guitar, mandolin and banjo.

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During high school, he played in a local band that had a loyal following. After graduating in 1975, the 18-year-old packed up and moved to Louisville, Kentucky to join the bluegrass group Bluegrass Alliance. By 21, Gill had played in multiple bands across several states.

In 1979, he became the new frontman for the country-rock band Pure Prairie League—getting his first hit song with 1980's "Let Me Love You Tonight." Four years later, Gill moved to Nashville to pursue country music and even turned down an offer to join Dire Straits. He called Mark Knopfler and told him, "Look, Mark, if I don't believe in me, nobody else will. How can I expect somebody else to if I don't?" Decades later, he reflected on the life-changing decision: "I turned down the sure thing and bet on myself."

His gamble paid off. In 1989, Gill released his breakthrough album When I Call Your Name, which featured the title track that made him a country star. But just as his career was taking off, life began testing him in ways no amount of commercial or critical success could fix. That same year, his dear friend and fellow country singer Keith Whitley died suddenly at just 33 years old. Devastated, Gill sat down and began writing a tribute song—but he couldn't finish it.

Four years later, in 1993, his beloved brother Bob died of a heart attack at 48. Gill returned to that unfinished song, channeling his pain to create "Go Rest High on That Mountain." It wasn't just a smash hit. Over 30 years later, it remains one of the most-played funeral songs in America, helping countless people find comfort as they say their final goodbyes to a loved one.

And that perfectly describes Vince Gill as an artist and as a person. When he creates music, he's not thinking about awards and accolades—he's turning his pain into something that can help others. Now decades into his career, he's never lost sight of what really matters. Instead, his courage and conviction have only grown stronger—and that's exactly why Vince Gill is today's quote of the day.

Related: Quote of the Day: Garth Brooks Perfectly Explains Why Life’s Struggles Ultimately Become Our Greatest Gifts

Quote of the Day by Vince Gill

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"Success is always temporary. When all is said and done, the only thing you'll have left is your character."

This quote is perfection. Gill cuts straight through everything our culture tells us matters. The car you drive, the size of your house, how many social media followers you have—none of those things truly matter. Your character does. Your legacy is built and defined by how you made people feel, how you treated them when no one was watching and the difference you made in the world.

"It's not hard to be kind, it's not hard to be nice," he shared on The Stephen Hogan Podcast. "All those things are really easy to do and they matter. It may not look like they matter in the moment, but over a lifetime [they do]." The fact that these words aren't coming from a fortune cookie, but from a man with more Grammys than any male country artist in history, shows you how real they are.

Deeper Meaning of Vince Gill's Quote—The Real Definition of Success

Whether we're 15 or 57, we're constantly told that success is a numbers game defined by things like your salary or the number of digits in your bank account. So many of us spend decades chasing something and feeling less than. But one of the most successful people in country music history is saying that success—and the material things that come with it—are only temporary.

The real meaning of success? It's in your character. It's how you treat people who can't advance your career. It's the way you make a difference and the love you show to people—not just loved ones, but even random strangers you cross paths with.

And anyone who knows Vince Gill will attest to his character. Amy Grant—his wife of 26 years—sensed it immediately. "I felt like I knew him instantly," she told ABC News. "I was so moved by him as a human being that I went up behind him and just hugged him as hard as I could while he was singing." And it's so true—your family and friends don't hug you because of what car you drive; they hug you because you're an amazing person who makes their lives so much better.

Longtime couple Vince Gill and Amy Grant embrace during a charity golf tournament in 2000—the same year they got married.

Photo by Mike Fiala on Getty Images

Related: Quote of the Day: John Denver’s 15 Words on Surviving Life’s Lowest Moments Will Transform Your Mindset

More Quotes From Vince Gill

• "I do not like being famous. I like being normal."
• "Whether it is successful or not is not the exercise for me. It is not up to me. It is out of my hands now. I am not going to in two years have hindsight and say I made a big mistake."
• "My mom said, 'What I want is a happy kid, not a rich kid. That's what I root for.' She saw how much joy I got from playing music, and those years were leaner than lean."
• "Music is where I go to grieve. It's where I go to get through loss. It's where all those things are. I tell everybody it's cheaper than therapy."
• "Never underestimate the power of a simple act of kindness."

Related: Next Up:

The Bellamy Brothers are bringing more country music stars to their milestone celebration in Nashville. 

The legendary duo announced on Instagram that Big & Rich and John Anderson will join them for their 50th anniversary concert at the Ryman Auditorium on June 25.

The special event celebrates five decades since the release of the Bellamy Brothers’ breakout hit “Let Your Love Flow,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1976. 

The song launched the careers of brothers David and Howard Bellamy and became one of the biggest crossover country-pop hits of the decade.

Howard Bellamy and David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers perform onstage during “Stand Together Presents ALABAMA," a concert benefitting Austin non-profit Mobile Loaves and Fishes at the Moody Center on December 05, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images

The June 25 concert is part of the duo’s packed 2026 touring schedule, which includes stops across Texas, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota  and North Dakota before the Nashville show. 

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David Bellamy recently called the upcoming concert “a special night” while discussing the duo’s long-running career and new anniversary single, “50 Years On.”

The Bellamy Brothers, formed by brothers David Bellamy and Howard Bellamy, became one of country music’s most successful duos after “Let Your Love Flow” topped charts worldwide in 1976. 

The song was originally written by Larry Williams, a roadie for Neil Diamond, after Diamond reportedly passed on recording it.

The track later appeared in television series, including The Sopranos and Breaking Bad, helping introduce the song to younger audiences decades after its release.

Following their crossover success, the Bellamy Brothers became major names in country music during the late 1970s and 1980s. They scored 20 No. 1 country singles and more than 50 chart hits overall. 

Their best-known songs include “If I Said You Have a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” “Redneck Girl,” “Old Hippie,” “Kids of the Baby Boom” and “I Need More of You.”

The duo also built a strong international fanbase, especially in Europe, where several albums reached platinum and gold status.

The addition of Big & Rich and John Anderson gives the anniversary concert even more star power.

Big & Rich became country music hitmakers in the early 2000s with songs such as “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” and “Lost in This Moment.” 

John Anderson, meanwhile, remains one of the most respected traditional country artists of his era, known for classics including “Seminole Wind” and “Swingin’.”

The Bellamy Brothers have often collaborated with other artists throughout their career. Over the years, they recorded music with Dolly Parton, George Jones, Alan Jackson, Tanya Tucker, Blake Shelton, Freddy Fender and Montgomery Gentry.

Beyond touring, the Bellamy Brothers continue recording music and appearing on their reality series Honky Tonk Ranch, which follows their family life and work on their Florida ranch.

Related: '80s Rock Icon Announces Update on Hit Project Outside Music

Today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle has some basketball heroes in the mix. Get excited—there's another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you're looking for some hints and answers for today's Connections Sports Edition on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Tuesday, May 26, 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 May 26, 2026

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

• Yellow: Poker face.
• Green: Windy city teams.
• Blue: Popular college leaders.
• Purple: Recognized legends

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: CARD SUITS
• Green: CHICAGO TEAMS
• Blue: SEC MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES
• Purple: BASKETBALL HALL OF FAMERS, MINUS A LETTER

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 #610 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• CARD SUITS: CLUB, DIAMOND, HEART, SPADE
• CHICAGO TEAMS: DEPAUL, FIRE, SKY, WHITE SOX
• SEC MEN'S BASKETBALL COACHES: CALIPARI, OATS, PEARL, POPE
• BASKETBALL HALL OF FAMERS, MINUS A LETTER: DIVA, GARNET, WAD, WORTH

Don't worry if you didn't get them this time—we've all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Monday, May 25, 2026

Today's NYT Strands puzzle might have you searching everywhere for clues. 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 #814 on Tuesday, May 26.

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: "On the nature trail."

A hint for today's Strands game: Touch some grass.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• MO
• AC
• DA
• PU
• FE
• PA
• SC (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly horizontal and diagonal.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for May 26

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, isSCAVENGERHUNT.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Tuesday, May 26?

• MOSS
• ACORN
• DAISY
• PUDDLE
• FEATHER
• PAWPRINT
• SPANGRAM: SCAVENGERHUNT

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, May 25, 2026

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With outdoor activities ramping up ahead of summer, having the right gear on hand can make your outings much more enjoyable. Just in time to handle the season of sandy toes, camping trips, and pool days, Walmart has a super adorable and affordable summer essential you're going to want to grab before it sells out. 

The Mainstays Beach Blanket is just $15, and if we had to give it an accolade, it would be voted most likely to live in your car all summer long. This handy outdoor mat can be used for everything from beach trips to campouts and impromptu picnics, park hangs, outdoor concerts, or sitting on the sidelines at your kids' sporting events. It comes in five adorable prints, including lemons on a blue cabana-striped background, tomatoes on a light green striped background, red-and-white or blue-and-white grid patterns, and yellow with white starbursts. 

Mainstays Beach Blanket, $15 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Measuring a generous 79 inches long by 59 inches wide, this large outdoor blanket comfortably accommodates multiple people sitting or two adults lying down. It features a padded fabric top layer that's designed to feel soft against the skin. Underneath, a durable, water- and sand-resistant backing helps keep moisture from soaking through and sand from sticking to the bottom of the mat.

One of the most convenient features of this beach blanket is its built-in storage bag and attached handles. The lightweight design folds neatly inside itself, making this mat easy to take along with you wherever you go, whether you tote it on your shoulder, carry it in a backpack, or add it to your beach bag. Even though the blanket has a summery theme, you could use it year-round anytime you need to set up a comfy spot to lounge on the ground. 

Related: Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $21 Reversible Outdoor Area Rug Is a 'Fabulous' Patio Upgrade

Reviewers described the summer prints as "cute" and "vibrant," but this outdoor blanket's functionality truly sets it apart. Shoppers said they used this beach mat for everything from camping trips to picnics and kids' sporting events because it "provides good cushion and protection" when sitting on the ground. 

With its "large and soft" design, reviewers said that "multiple people" can easily use it. One customer said that they especially loved that it's "very easy" to fold the blanket back up into the attached storage bag.  

Shop More Deals

• Mainstays Cabana Stripe Beach Towel, $6 at Walmart
• Livhil Mesh Beach Bag, $13 (was $20) at Walmart
• Loritta Sun Hat, $10 (was $21) at Walmart

At just $15, this cheerful and functional Mainstays Beach Blanket is one piece of summer gear you'll likely wish you'd had sooner. Don't miss the chance to snag your favorite print before it's gone!

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It’s been over five decades since Glen Campbell released his rendition of “Rhinestone Cowboy,” and still to this day, the song remains an enduring classic in both the country and pop worlds. 

Released on May 28, 1975, 51 years ago today, Campbell’s version of the song followed the original release by Larry Weiss, which appeared on the album Black and Blue Suite. While Weiss is the one who penned the tune, it was Campbell’s track that struck a chord with listeners the most. 

According to American Songwriter, Campbell cut the song after hearing it overseas and connecting with it right away due to the lyrics mirroring his personal and professional life as an artist in Nashville. 

Weiss’ version charted in Australia, but Campbell’s became an unprecedented crossover phenomenon. Not only did his track top the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, but it also soared to No. 1 on the Billboard all-genre Hot 100 and the Adult Contemporary Singles charts, becoming a massive success that still holds its weight years later. 

Upon releasing the song, Billboard ranked Campbell’s version as the No. 2 song of 1975. The late Arkansas native’s delivery of “Rhinestone Cowboy” also resonated with audiences across the globe. Outside of the U.S., the Gold-certified smash took the top spot in Canada, Ireland, and Yugoslavia. 

Additionally, Campbell won several awards for “Rhinestone Cowboy,” including both an ACM and CMA Award as well as a Grammy nomination. In 2026, the timeless classic ranked at No. 18 on Parade’s list of ‘101 Best Country Songs of All Time.’

Music aside, Campbell’s reimagining of “Rhinestone Cowboy” went on to inspire the 1984 musical comedy film, Rhinestone, which starred Dolly Parton, Sylvester Stallone, Richard Farnsworth, and Ron Leibman, and was directed by Bob Clark from a screenplay by Stallone. 

The movie itself struggled as it didn’t go on to become a box office hit. However, there was a silver lining from it all, as the film did spark two country Top 10 hits for Parton. They were “Tennessee Homesick Blues” and “God Won’t Get You.”  

Related: 1977 Rock Classic, Written in Response to an Unwelcome Remark, Turns 49

Today's NYT Connections puzzle is easy to solve if you're up on your '80s comedies. 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 #1080 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Tuesday, May 26, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Tuesday, May 26

1. You won.
2. Let's get back to the topic.
3. Ghostbusters is a classic.
4. Mix up the letters.

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

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

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Tuesday, May 26:

1. CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS: CUP, MEDAL, PENNANT, RING
2. MATTER AT HAND: CONCERN, FOCUS, POINT, SUBJECT
3. '80S COMEDIES: AIRPLANE, BIG, CLUE, TWINS
4. ANAGRAMS: ENLIST, LISTEN, SILENT, TINSEL

How'd you do?

Up Next:

- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Monday, May 25, 2026

If you're sitting down to binge your favorite TV show, you'll have some luck guessing today's NYT Wordle. 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 #1802 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

A hint for today's Wordle is: something you would sit on in a living room.

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 #1802 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, is COUCH.

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

Related: Today’s Wordle Hint, Answers for #1801 on Monday, May 25, 2026

A legendary 1980s band is finally returning to the United States to tour—with some major support from other iconic acts—and before the concerts kick off, they teased the possibility of new music coming in the future. The group in question is none other than The Human League, who dominated the 1980s and beyond with exciting synth-pop hits, although most people know the group for the song "Don't You Want Me."

The Human League is launching the North American leg of their Generations Tour, which also includes special guests Soft Cell and Alison Moyet. But before the first stop in San Diego, Calif., on June 2, the only remaining member from the original lineup, Philip Oakey, sat down for an interview with FLOOD Magazine to dissect the group's music history.

During the conversation, he discussed the group's debut and subsequent departure of other original members, Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware in 1980. The Human League went on to introduce a new lineup of members, reinventing itself as it adapted with the changing music landscape.

After talking about The Human League's past, Oakey touched on the future of the group beyond the current tour. He teased the possibility of a new album, with the band's last new music release being the 2011 album Credo. While they've released compilation and live albums since then, fans are eager to hear something new.

Related: 1985 Rock Hit Was Originally Hated by the Legendary Band That Recorded It

Oakey confirmed that he wants to make a new album with The Human League, but he's just searching for the right producer. For whom he currently has in mind, he mentioned former Chromatics programmer Johnny Jewel. But for now, The Human League is focused on touring and entertaining longtime fans.

“We’ve learned to be very grateful to the people who’ve supported us now for nearly five decades," he told the publication. "We’re so glad to walk out on a stage and see people smiling. It means everything to us.”

Related: 1983 New Wave Anthem Remains the Legendary Band’s Only Top 10 Hit

More than 50 years after its original release, “Landslide” is once again climbing the charts.

The beloved 1975 Fleetwood Mac classic currently sits at No. 10 on Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales Chart, earning a “Gains in Performance” designation as the song continues finding new audiences decades later.

Even more impressively, “Landslide” has now spent 57 weeks on Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales chart and previously climbed as high as No. 5, making it one of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring digital-era hits.

Part of the song’s renewed popularity comes from the way it continues circulating across streaming platforms, nostalgic social media trends and viral television moments that repeatedly introduce Fleetwood Mac to younger listeners.

Earlier this year, the original studio version of “Landslide” re-entered the cultural conversation after appearing in the season finale of Netflix’s Stranger Things. The renewed attention helped push the song back onto the Billboard Hot 100, where it debuted at No. 41 in January 2026.

The song’s continued chart longevity has also helped cement it as one of Fleetwood Mac’s defining digital-era tracks. Among the band’s biggest Rock Digital Song Sales hits, only “Dreams,” “Everywhere” and “The Chain” have reached higher peaks on the chart.

Unlike many of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest rock hits, “Landslide” became famous through its quiet emotional intimacy. Stevie Nicks famously wrote the song before joining Fleetwood Mac while questioning her future with Lindsey Buckingham and wondering whether music would ever work out for them.

Nicks has said she wrote the song while staying in Aspen, Colorado, looking out at the Rocky Mountains and reflecting on everything that “had come crashing down” in her life at the time.

Over time, the ballad evolved into one of classic rock’s most enduring songs about change, aging and uncertainty.

Rolling Stone later ranked “Landslide” No. 163 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, writing that the song remains “a stunning reflection on aging” while noting how remarkably young Nicks was when she first wrote it.

Nicks later reflected on that difficult period during a 2014 interview with the New York Times.

“I wrote ‘Landslide’ in 1973, when I was 27, and I did already feel old in a lot of ways,” Nicks said. “I’d been working as a waitress and a cleaning lady for years. I was tired.”

The song has continued developing new audiences through multiple generations of covers and reinterpretations. The Smashing Pumpkins turned “Landslide” into a major alternative-rock hit in the 1990s, while The Chicks later brought the song to country radio with their own Top 10 version in 2002.

More than five decades after Fleetwood Mac first released the song, “Landslide” continues finding new listeners who connect with its timeless message about life changing faster than anyone expects.

Related: 1977 ‘Lost Breakup Anthem’ Became One of Rock’s Most Infamous Performances 29 Years Ago Today

In 1973, one rock ballad quietly came and went. Styx's love song "Lady" was failing to make much noise for the band and leaving their future hanging in the balance.

Two years later, however, an unlikely second chance arrived from an unexpected place: a jukebox at a random pizza joint.

"Now, the journey of Lady is a classic sleeper hit tell," Professor of Rock host Adam Reader said in a Saturday, May 23, YouTube video. "[The] track was released in September of '73 on Sticks Two, but it floundered. It flopped. [It] wasn't until March of '75 that [it] finally cracked the top 10, peaking at number six on a re-release."

But, how did the song suddenly have a resurgence? It's the unlikely story of right place at the right time.

After one radio DJ heard the forgotten song playing during a night out, the once-overlooked track suddenly found new life, helping launch the band to stardom and, according to members, possibly saving them from breaking up.

"Was actually rescued from obscurity by a DJ named Jim Smith at Chicago AM Powerhouse WLS. Jim heard it playing randomly from the speakers of a jukebox at a pizza joint on the north side of Chicago, and he instantly fell in love with the song," Reader explained. "He championed it on his evening show, playing it every night at 8:00 p.m., and it caught on."

According to the host, "Jim's determined push helped make 'Lady' a breakthrough hit for Styx, and they were on the verge of splitting up at that point."

Following Smith's push for the power ballad, "Lady" would go on to peak at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song continues to be featured in pop culture decades later, including in shows like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Freaks and Geeks, and The Office.

"My philosophy has always been that what drives us – fear, as much as anything else – is a great motivator," former Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung said on the Hardcore Humanism podcast in January 2021. “After [Man of Miracles] was over with, we were out of business. Nobody else was gonna sign us; we had no record success."

He added, "I would have been done in music if 'Lady' hadn't been a hit. I look at it and I think, 'Wow! What a pivotal moment that that happened to me.' It's unbelievable to me, when I look back on it, how close we were to failure."

Nate Smith just wants to play music, but having to constantly chase social media metrics has left him feeling both “tired” and “exhausted.” So much so that he is breaking his silence on the matter and calling for change. 

On Sunday, May 24, the country music star shared an emotionally-charged message with his fans. In his Instagram post, he admitted that while he’s grateful for his loyal following, he has officially hit a wall, mentally drained by the demands of the algorithm age.  

“This video goes out to everybody who supported me over the last seven years or more. I appreciate you guys so much. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me …. everyone who has always supported me, showing up to my shows, playing my songs, it means the world to me. I’m so thankful for you guys,” Smith began in his video.

View this post on Instagram

He then vulnerably stated, “I don’t know where to go from here.”

“I don’t know how to navigate this really weird world that we’re in right now,” he added, referring to the modern ways in which artists promote their music online. 

Smith went on to add that while he gets excited every time he gears up to drop a new song, he often feels like his art is judged solely by the numbers rather than his creativity or true connection with fans.

“I’m gonna write a song that I love. I’m freaking out about it. I’m excited, and I’m gonna make a video of me singing along [to it]. I’m going to obsess over how many views it got,” he said, predicting the future of how his next single rollout would go. “[Then I’ll] watch as my team goes, ‘Oh shoot. Yeah. That only got 20,000, we’re not seeing a big pull on that song…probably not a hit or a smash, and then my worth is all determined based on likes and all this stupid stuff.”

“I’m just tired, you guys. I’m tired. I just wanna make music. I just wanna play shows. I don’t wanna play these games,” he added. “That’s what this all feels like. It feels like one big game. And, it’s old, and it’s tiring, and it’s mentally exhausting, and I know I’m not the only person out there that feels like this.” 

Indeed, Smith has not been the only artist burned out over the pressures of social media engagement and navigating the twists and turns of the music industry. Artists like Caylee Hammack, Mitchell Tenpenny, Erin Kinsey, Chase Matthew, Drew Baldridge, and Noah Thompson all chimed in with their personal stories in the comments section of his post.  

“There just has to be a different way, and I’m over it,” Smith acknowledged. “I’m over the reels. I’m over the weird teasing things and stuff like that. I’ve got some great songs that I wanna share with you guys, but I’m not doing it this way. There’s gotta be another way.”

“Maybe I show you guys at shows and you guys can record it, and maybe I just put it out and don’t say anything,” he suggested. “I don’t know, but I’m tired of this hamster wheel, crazy, crazy thing that we’re doing out here. This isn’t what I got into music for. That’s all I have to say.”

Related: Country Star Cancels Upcoming Shows, Citing Mental Health Struggles, Announces Plans to ‘Rest’ and ‘Seek Support’

Country music icon Jessi Colter is celebrating her 83rd birthday on Monday amidst a groundbreaking career that helped shape the outlaw country movement of the 1970s.

Best known for her haunting No. 1 hit "I'm Not Lisa," Colter became one of the most recognizable female voices in country music during a transformative era for the genre.

Released in 1975, "I'm Not Lisa" crossed over far beyond traditional country audiences thanks to its emotional vulnerability and Colter's understated vocal delivery. The song became a massive success on both country and pop radio, turning her into one of the defining artists of the decade.

Colter also became closely associated with the outlaw country movement through both her music and her marriage to Waylon Jennings, one of the genre's most legendary figures.

"I sensed something in [Jennings] I couldn't ignore," Colter wrote in her autobiography, An Outlaw and a Lady."I saw him as a fellow adventurer, a man unafraid of uncharted territory, a man willing to go anywhere and do anything in pursuit of some ever-elusive truth."

The couple became country music royalty during the 1970s, representing a more rebellious and artist-driven side of Nashville that stood apart from the polished mainstream sound dominating much of country radio at the time. Together, Colter and Jennings frequently collaborated musically and became central figures in the outlaw country scene alongside artists like Willie Nelson and Tompall Glaser.

Colter was also prominently featured on the landmark 1976 album Wanted! The Outlaws, which became the first country album certified platinum and helped bring outlaw country fully into the mainstream.

Beyond her chart success, Colter earned admiration for helping open doors for women in a genre still largely dominated by male artists during the era. Her music blended country, rock, gospel and folk influences, creating a sound that felt both deeply personal and distinctly independent.

Even after the peak of her commercial success, Colter continued recording and performing while maintaining a devoted fan base drawn to the emotional honesty of her songwriting.

Her relationship with Jennings remained one of country music's most iconic love stories until his death in 2002.

"Mine and Waylon's relationship was - how can I put it? It was a great ride," Colter told NPR in 2023.

Now at 83, Jessi Colter remains celebrated not only for "I'm Not Lisa," but for helping define one of country music's most influential movements alongside one of its greatest legends.

Related: 1977 Rock Classic Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 49 Years Later

After a four-year hiatus, Denise Richards is returning to The Bold and the Beautiful as Shauna Fulton, and now the beloved actress is opening up about what it was like to return to the show she once called home.

Richards spoke with PEOPLE about returning to the beloved daytime drama after years away. "It's nice to be back," she said.

Richards joined the soap opera on April 4, 2019, as the mother of Flo Fulton, her daughter with Storm Logan.  

For Richards, returning to the soap opera was an easy transition. "It feels like I never left,” she shared.

The former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills star added, “It’s such a great family environment, and I love my character. She likes to cause a little trouble."

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Due to Flo’s controversial storyline, which kept the baby swap secret from Hope and Steffy, Shauna’s entrance on the show was initially hard for viewers to connect with. However, with time and her friendship with Quinn Fuller (Rena Sofer), the character's popularity grew.

Throughout her time on the show, one of Shauna’s biggest storylines was her divisive relationship with Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye).  After a drunken night in Vegas, the two married, but their union was found to be invalid because Ridge remained legally married to Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang).

Upon seeing a first look at Shauna’s return to the soap opera, fans took to the comment section to share their excitement. One user wrote, “I do like Shauna, she had a lot of potential, but they greatly wasted Denise the last time. Her and Ridge had a nice dynamic.”

While a second user added, “Wyatt and Shauna are back, no way. So happy.”

Viewers can catch Richards' return beginning on the May 28, 2026 episode.

Brand new episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful air weekdays on CBS and stream weeknights on Paramount+.

Viewers can catch Richards' entire original run on the official The Bold and the Beautiful app, BBTV, where the show has posted thousands of episodes from the series run, including exclusive behind-the-scenes bonus content.

Sonny Rollins, a legendary jazz musician who played the saxophone, died at the age of 95 at his home in Woodstock, New York, on Monday, May 25.

His family announced the news in a social media post.

"It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Sonny Rollins," the post stated. "The Saxophone Colossus died this afternoon at his home in Woodstock, NY, at the age of 95."

They also included a quote from the musician: “I think when the creative person ends, he continues in the next existence. I’m a person who believes this life isn’t the be-all and end-all of everything. A spiritual person doesn’t feel like that.”

Known as the "Saxophone Colossus," Rollins' decade spanned seven decades during which he recorded more than sixty albums. He was honored with numerous awards, including receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, as well as a National Medal of Arts in 2010, and received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2011.

“The music I play is too big to be put into any one style,” he said in a 2002 interview, per TheNew York Times. “Every time I pick up the horn, I want to hear something fresh.”

His last public performance was in 2012 at the Detroit Jazz Festival, and he officially stopped playing the saxophone in 2014 after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.

Fans paid tribute to Rollins following his death.

"Oh dear... My heart goes out to all who loved him. Truly a giant, such a hard loss to process," one person wrote.

"Wow. We all knew this was coming; it still hurts. 'Sax Colossus' has now joined his Jazz contemporaries in Heaven," another person commented.

"Greatest tenor player EVER," a fan shared.

"A genius departs--there was nobody like him!," another fan expressed.

"My deepest condolences to his family. He was a true icon and one of my all-time favorite sax players. I was lucky enough to hear him live in Lincoln Center a number of years back," one fan said.