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Today's NYT Strands puzzle should be easy to solve if you're a fan of self care. 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 #845 on Friday, June 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: "I'll gobble you up!"

A hint for today's Strands game: Trip trap, trip trap.

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:

• PA
• HO
• TH
• TR
• BR
• BR
• (SPANGRAM) BI

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for June 26

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Friday, June 26, 2026, isBILLYGOATSGRUFF.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Friday, June 26?

• PASS
• HORNS
• THREE
• TROLL
• BRIDGE
• BROTHERS
• SPANGRAM: BILLYGOATSGRUFF

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

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If you’re looking to vamp up your home’s outdoor space for the summer, you don’t have to do a full renovation. All you need is a simple patio set to do the trick. A matching furniture set can effortlessly bring your backyard together and instantly elevate the aesthetic. This Yaheetech 3-Piece Rattan Patio Set is a fantastic example, and it's currently on sale for up to 40% at Amazon for Prime Day.

Normally retailing for $125, the black and gray version of this patio set is now marked down to just $75 for a limited time. This patio set is also available in four other color combinations, including black and cyan, black and khaki, brown and khaki, and gray and dark blue. Those normally retail between $80 and $120, but they’re now just $76. These deals are only available for Amazon Prime members, but you can start a 30-day free trial right now if you don’t already have a membership! 

Yaheetech 3-Piece Rattan Patio Set, From $75 (was $125) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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Made of polyethylene (PE) rattan, this patio set oozes with coastal charm. The rattan and wicker weaving gives this set a breezy and relaxed feel, transforming your backyard into a beachy getaway. It comes with two sleek chairs and a matching table, creating a cohesive look that instantly makes your home’s outdoor space feel put-together. 

Unlike natural rattan, PE rattan is a lot more durable, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant. It can withstand intense sunlight and hold up to rain and humidity, remaining in pristine condition without cracking or fading. 

Designed so you can comfortably lounge anytime, the chairs have 2.4-inch soft foam cushions that you’ll sink into. They have high and sturdy seatbacks with an arched silhouette, so your back will feel supported. The cushion covers are made of water-resistant polyester, so they’re able to handle some light rain, sweat, and spills. If you ever need to wash them, you can just unzip the cushion covers and remove them. 

For convenience, the table has a tempered glass top, providing an even surface where you can securely rest food and drinks. The legs of the table are fixed with anti-skid foot pads, ensuring that it remains stable and doesn’t slide around. 

Yaheetech 3-Piece Rattan Patio Set, From $75 (was $125) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This set doesn’t take up much room, making it ideal for both small and large spaces. Each chair measures 31.5 inches tall, 18.5 inches wide, and 23 inches deep, providing ample sitting space without spanning too wide. They have a 17.5-inch seat depth, so you can sit comfortably without feeling like you’re going to slide out. The table measures 16.5 inches long and wide, and 16 inches tall. You can tuck the table in between the chairs or even use it to prop up your feet. 

“It’s the perfect patio set for small spaces!” one reviewer raved. “The wicker design looks modern and elegant, making my patio look much more inviting,” they added. Another shopper described the chairs as “comfortable, soft, and supportive” and said that they’re “perfect for relaxing or having coffee outside.”

The chairs and table are made with a strong steel frame, and shoppers noted that it feels sturdy and stable. Each chair has a 286-pound weight capacity, and the table can hold up to 22 pounds. As a bonus, reviewers also mentioned that this set was easy to assemble.

Shop More Deals 

• Grand Patio 3-Piece Bistro Set, From $85 (was $130) at Amazon
• Leetolla Raised Garden Bed, From $51 (was $63) at Amazon
• East Oak Pop-Up Screen Tent, From $90 (was $120) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s Darling $11 Hummingbird Feeder Has Flower-Shaped Feeding Ports That Brighten Any Yard

Lounge around in style all summer long with the Yaheetech 3-Piece Rattan Patio Set. Hurry and snag it while it’s still on sale for as low as $75 during Amazon’s Prime Day event, which runs through June 26. Don’t forget to grab your 30-day Prime membership free trial if you’re not a member yet! 

Today's NYT Connections puzzle takes a few twists and turns, but we have faith you'll complete it. 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 #1111 onFriday, June 26, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Friday, June 26, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Friday'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 Friday, June 26

1. Yum!
2. Think trees.
3. Not high up.
4. Rainbow elements, but with a twist.

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 Friday, June 26:

1. CRUNCHY SNACK ITEM: CHIP, CRACKER, NUT, PRETZEL
2. VARIOUS AMOUNTS OF WOOD: BOARD, LOG, SPLINTER, TREE
3. AREAS OF LOW GORUND: DALE, DELL, GORGE, HOLLOW
4. COLORS PLUS A LETTER: BRONZER, PINKY, REDO, TANG

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, Thursday, June 25, 2026

Chip and Joanna Gaines have officially said goodbye to their iconic gristmill.

The 3,000-square-foot property that fans of the Fixer Upper alum came to love during Joanna's cooking show, Magnolia Table, sold after just days on the market.

The Magnolia Network owners listed the property — along with the Historic Waco Castle and the Hillcrest Estate — earlier this month. And it seems the Gristmill was the first to go.

Listed for $935,000, the historic Gristmill in Valley Mills, Texas, blends "historic charm with elevated modern design."

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"The main level showcases an expansive open-concept living, kitchen, and dining
area centered around a studio-grade kitchen with a premium La Cornue
Château 150 range, custom cabinetry, and striking architectural details. This
level also includes two secondary bedrooms and a beautifully renovated full
bathroom. Upstairs, the spacious primary suite offers soaring ceilings, a
spa-inspired bath, and dedicated office space," the listing reads.

While Gaines fans may have missed out on the chance to own a piece of Fixer Upper history, the Hillcrest Estate in Waco, Texas, is still on the market for $1.7 million. The Historic Waco Castle, which was featured on its own spinoff series, is listed for $2.7 million.

"Chip and Jo feel honored to have had the opportunity to restore these iconic properties in and around Waco, and for the many years of sharing these special spaces with guests near and far!" Magnolia Realty shared on June 15. "As Magnolia looks ahead to new opportunities in the hospitality space, the timing feels right for these three properties to begin their next chapter."

Today’s NYT Wordle answer can refer to an angle. 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 #1833 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 no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: can refer to an angle measuring less than 90 degrees.

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 #1833 on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Friday, June 26, 2026, is ACUTE.

-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)

On June 26, 1977, Elvis Presley walked onto a stage in Indianapolis and unknowingly closed a chapter in music history.

By that point, the man who had once redefined popular music was visibly worn down from years of relentless touring, recording and public life.

But when he stepped out at Market Square Arena, the crowd still saw Elvis Presley as the voice, the presence, the legend who had reshaped rock and roll from the ground up.

It would be his final live performance.

The show unfolded like so many of his late-era concerts: a mix of devotion from fans, nostalgia for earlier hits and a performer pushing through the weight of exhaustion.

Still, there was no sense in that moment that history was being written in real time. Presley moved through his set, leaning on the familiarity of songs that had long become part of his identity.

As the night came to a close, he turned to two final selections that would later take on an almost haunting significance: "Hurt" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Both songs, heavy with emotion and vulnerability, now feel like an unintentional farewell from an artist who spent much of his career projecting strength, charisma, and control.

Before the concert began, Presley was also honored with a plaque marking a staggering milestone: the 2 billionth record pressed at RCA’s manufacturing plant.

It was a symbolic recognition of just how massive his impact had become. Few artists in history have matched the sheer scale of his commercial reach, and fewer still have reshaped culture the way he did across the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s.

Less than two months after that night in Indianapolis, he was gone.

He died on August 16, 1977, at just 42 years old, leaving behind a legacy that continues to define popular music nearly five decades later.

Looking back, that final performance at Market Square Arena carries a weight that no one in the room could have fully understood at the time.

It was simply another night on tour, until it wasn’t.

Related: Crystal Gayle's The Album That Quietly Changed Country Music Forever Turns 49 Today

Evan Spiegel and wife Miranda Kerr just wiped out medical debt for thousands of Californians.

"We are so excited because we are announcing a partnership with Undue Medical Debt to relieve over half a billion dollars of unpaid medical debt for more than 250,000 Californians," Spiegel announced on Thursday, June 25.

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Kerr — a former Victoria's Secret Angel — informed viewers who may have received a letter in the mail informing them that their debt has been forgiven, "it's real."

"When someone you love is sick, all you want to do is focus on helping them get better," she added. "That's why we wanted to support this effort to help relieve medical debt, so families can focus on caring for their loved ones and really supporting their healing."

Undue Medical Debt is a nonprofit that provides debt relief to people in need. According to the Los Angeles Times, "the organization acquires medical debt in bulk from hospitals, physician groups, collection agencies and other groups for a fraction of the cost."

There is no application necessary to receive the payoff, and recipients will begin receiving letters in mid-July.

According to the nonprofit's website, those who qualify for debt relief must earn less than 4 times the federal poverty level and have medical debt that is more than 5 percent of their annual income.

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When it's hot out, the goal is staying cool without giving up on looking good. The right pair of flowy linen pants can make a sweltering commute or a long day at the office a lot more bearable. Lightweight, wide-leg styles with a relaxed fit and a drawstring waist are about as comfortable as warm weather dressing gets, and Walmart is offering a pair for a sweet discount  during its Summer Deals event.

The Swqzvt Wide-Leg Linen Pants are on sale for $12, down from $17. The high-waisted, flowy pants have an adjustable drawstring waist, wide flare legs, and — best of all — pockets! They come in four versatile colors: green, beige, black, and khaki. Walmart shoppers were big fans of the pants, with one describing them as "well made and reasonably priced.”

Swqzvt Wide-Leg Linen Pants, $12 (was $17) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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If you tend to wilt the moment temperatures rise, the fabric is what makes these palazzo pants “super-comfortable” and worth considering. It’s made from lightweight linen, which is breathable, airy, and more forgiving than tight-fitting styles on humid days.

"I live in a hot humid climate so these pants are perfect for this weather," one shopper wrote. “I got one in every color." While Walmart doesn't specify the exact fabric composition, shoppers say they stay cool and comfortable in the heat regardless. 

These pants also feature handy side pockets — perfect for stashing your phone or keys on the go. The pants are also machine washable, and reviewers said they hold their shape and color after washing. That’s a major bonus at this price point.

These pants are easy to dress up or down. Style them with a simple tank and sandals, or tuck into a blouse for a more elegant look. They’re also a smart choice for travel since they pack easily and work well for a variety of plans. The brand notes they run large, so you may want to size down if you prefer a more tailored fit. They come in sizes small through 2XL, though the 2XL is currently sold out in some sizes. 

Shop More Deals

• Temofon Linen Capri Pants, $14 (was $25) at Walmart
• Temofun Wide-Leg Linen Pants, $12 (was $29) at Walmart
• Dokotoo Linen Cotton Pants, $16 (was $39) at Walmart

Related: Walmart’s 'Comfy' $15 Linen Pants Are the 'Perfect' Summer Staple, and They Come in 6 Chic Colors

At just $12, the Swqzvt Wide-Leg Linen Pants are an easy, affordable way to beat the heat in style this summer. Walmart's Summer Deals event runs through June 28, so it's worth grabbing a pair — or a few colors — before the sale ends!

One of rock's greatest songs reached its biggest chart success a quarter-century after it was first released.

Bob Seger originally recorded "Turn the Page" in 1973 for his album Back in '72. Although the deeply personal song never became a major hit in its original form, it steadily built a reputation as one of Seger's finest compositions through years of relentless touring before taking on an entirely new life 25 years later.

The song grew out of Seger's own experiences on the road.

Written while touring across the United States, "Turn the Page" captured the loneliness, exhaustion and isolation that often accompanied life as a traveling musician.

"I hardly ever wrote on the road," Seger said in a 1994 interview. "I was more of a field general, and there wasn't a lot of time for writing on the road back then. ['Turn the Page' and 'Night Moves' weren't totally finished until I had a week or two off the road to really knuckle down on them."

The song's vivid lyrics about endless highways, anonymous hotel rooms and constant movement resonated with performers and listeners alike, eventually becoming one of the defining road songs in rock history.

Seger gave the song a wider audience when he included a live version on his 1976 album Live Bullet. That recording became a fan favorite and helped establish "Turn the Page" as one of the signature songs of his career, remaining a staple of his concerts for decades.

The story took an unexpected turn in 1998.

Metallica recorded its own version for the covers album Garage Inc., replacing Seger's saxophone-driven arrangement with crushing guitars while preserving the song's emotional core. Released as a single, the cover climbed to No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, giving "Turn the Page" its greatest chart achievement and introducing the song to a new generation of rock fans.

"The song and lyrically especially, it belonged to Metallica, just 'on the road again', we're the road dogs," said Metallica frontman James Hetfield in an interview. "That's one song that we can really relate to. It came out really well."

The success demonstrated the remarkable versatility of Seger's songwriting. While the original reflected the quiet solitude of life on tour, Metallica's heavier interpretation emphasized the frustration and intensity behind the lyrics without losing the song's universal message.

Over the years, both versions have earned classic status. Seger's original remains one of the definitive road trip anthems of the 1970s, while Metallica's cover stands among the band's most successful non-original recordings. Together, they have ensured that "Turn the Page" continues to resonate with audiences across multiple generations and musical styles.

More than 50 years after Bob Seger first wrote it, "Turn the Page" remains one of rock’s most enduring classics. What began as a deeply personal reflection on life as a touring musician ultimately became a No. 1 rock hit decades later, proving that a great song can always find a new audience.

Related: 1969 Rock Song With Zero Chart History Remains a Classic 57 Years Later

Retirement is supposed to be a reward, the time that you and your spouse finally have to yourselves, but many couples find it actually tears them apart. Gray divorce is a common phenomenon, but you don’t have to go down that road. We talked to three therapists who specialize in long-term and senior relationships on how to keep the spark alive. 

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Why Retirements Strain Relationships

You may have spent the past 30 years of your marriage in sync, running your lives like a well-oiled machine. Once you both retired, you figured it would be like a second honeymoon, but you quickly found you were annoyed and sniping at one another. This is a common issue.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about retirement is that more time together automatically leads to greater closeness. In reality, many couples begin to grow apart because they lose the routines, roles, and shared goals that once connected them,” says Dr. Anna Elton, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Sexologist, and Author of The Formula of Desire.

This is reiterated by Ilana Grines, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist/ Certified Sex Therapist.

“This transitional time is interesting because it uncovers a lot of things that couples weren't paying attention to when their time was split between work and other obligations. In the work I do with long-term couples, the ones who struggle the most are the ones who spent 30 years working/managing kids and logistics and making those obligations/extracurriculars the connective tissue of their relationship,” Grines says. 

“When all of the external engagements drop off, they are left with only each other and they realization that they may have not actually chosen each other in a really long time. A lot of couples at this stage realize that they have just been coexisting in a pretty harmonious way,” says Grines.

This seems to be the running theme reiterated by professionals across the industry. 

As Tammy Nelson, PhD, a sex and relationship expert with 35+ years of experience working with individuals and couples, says, “As a therapist who has worked with couples for over 35 years, and someone who lives with a retired spouse, I can confidently say that retirement doesn't necessarily create relationship problems, but it may reveal them.”

But it doesn’t have to be like this. As Grines says, you may not have chosen each other in a long time. You can choose each other now.

Related: Psychologists Reveal the Simple Morning Routine That Keeps Retirees Happiest

Strategies To Reconnect

To start rebuilding your connection, you may have to get creative. 

Elton says, “I encourage couples to start by identifying hobbies, traditions, and activities they used to enjoy together (or something they always wanted to try) before life became consumed by careers and responsibilities.”

Nelson, however, wants couples to sit and reflect on where they are and who they are in this new phase of life. “Instead of asking, 'How do we fill all this free time together?’,” she says, “it could be worth asking, 'Who are we as a couple in this new chapter of our lives?’"

Taking advice from both of them is an excellent way to begin planning your new life together. You should be considering who you are now, as a retired couple, rather than who you were at the start of your marriage. 

Elton’s advice to clients looking to create new experiences follows a fun structure.

“Couples can also create an A to Z Date (or Activity) Challenge to bring novelty back into the relationship. For example, A might be axe throwing, an art gallery, or an arcade, while B could be bowling, birdwatching, or a beach walk. The activity itself is less important than trying something new together. Novel experiences help couples create fresh memories and increase feelings of closeness.”

But building and maintaining a healthy relationship at this stage of your life isn’t about readjusting how you spend all your time together. In fact, you shouldn’t be spending all your time together. 

Related: 20 Inspiring Ideas to Make the Most of Your Retirement Bucket List

Honor Your Individuality

“One of the healthiest things retired couples can do is stop trying to spend every free minute together,” says Nelson, who is also a consultant for the discreet dating website AshleyMadison. “The strongest long-term relationships balance togetherness with individuality. Each partner needs opportunities to pursue their own interests and grow autonomously outside of the relationship.”

Psychology Today reiterates the need for “self-determination,” as the site calls it. Healthy relationships all had common themes of autonomy running throughout. 

Grines also found this to be true, “It's helpful when the couple has a plan as to how they're going to spend their time. It's really important that each person in the unit maintains an individual identity that they can come back and bring to each other with excitement and joy.”

But what happens when you’re already struggling? It isn’t the end. There are actionable steps you can take to combat the degradation of your relationship.

Schedule Check-Ins

If you want to start finding your way back to each other, then it starts with a conversation. Find a schedule that works for you, so check-ins don’t seem tedious. Elton actually notes that she finds this common.

“Communication also needs to become more intentional. Some of the happiest retired couples I've worked with have a simple daily check-in. Every morning, over coffee, they spend a few minutes talking about the day ahead: What's on the schedule? Is there anything you're looking forward to? Is there anything you're worried about? How can I support you today?” she says.  

“These conversations create an opportunity to address concerns while they're still small, before they turn into resentment, assumptions, or larger relationship problems.”

Grines also encourages couples to have an overall plan. 

“I have found that having a conversation early about what retirement actually looks like on a day-to-day basis helps couples manage this when the time comes. This includes talking about what time they should go to bed as well as how often they're going to see their friends and what other meaningful ways they're going to spend time both together and apart.”

Embrace The New Chapter

“Retirement is one of the biggest identity shifts we as adults can experience. It can be a time to reinvent the relationship instead of trying to recreate the past. Don’t assume you’re too old to start new things. Many couples begin or expand their exercise routines or enjoy a resurgence in their sex lives,” says Nelson.

“The couples who stay connected in retirement aren't necessarily the ones who have the least amount of arguments or conflicts. They're the couples who continue investing in the relationship and create new ideas. A thriving marriage isn't built on spending more time together, it's making the time you do spend together more fun, sexy and meaningful.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

• Psychology Today — "Why Self-Determination in Loving Relationships Is Important"

WARNING! This article spoils the events of The Bear Season 5, now available for streaming in its entirety on Hulu. Please do not read further if you do not intend to know what happens in the series finale.

Back in 2022, The Bear came in on high heat, and immediately had TV fans devouring every bite. The culinary drama took us inside the kitchen of "The Beef" (and later "The Bear"), showing the trials and tribulations of the family (both literal and found) attempting to keep the restaurant — and their lives — together. For five years, we've watched Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and the rest of the staff content with seemingly every problem under the sun, fall in love, come to blows and say "f—k" a few too many times.

And, on June 25, The Bear sat down for its fifth and final course. Season 4 left on quite the game-changing cliffhanger, with Carmy shocking his co-workers and viewers alike by deciding to leave the restaurant industry behind. At the same time, Jimmy's (Oliver Platt) timer has expired, meaning The Bear needs a miracle to be saved from being shut down. It puts a lot of pressure on what goes down the next day, so much so that Season 5 takes a page out of 24 or The Pitt, taking place entirely over a 24-hour period. But what was the aftertaste left from The Bear? Sweet? Salty? Maybe a bit of umami?

Here's everything to know about the ending of The Bear Season 5.

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The Bear Season 5 recapWhen it rains, it pours (L-R) Lionel Boyce as Marcus, Will Poulter as Luca in 'The Bear'

Courtesy of FX

The first few episodes of Season 5 are, for lack of a better term, an absolute clusterf—k. Deliveries have been cut off, leaving the team with very few ingredients. The reservation system is down, only to come back online and reveal they have to do a staggering three turns of service. Ted (Ricky Staffieri) falls through the roof in the midst of Sydney attempting a motivational speech. And, for a nice garnish on top, the rainstorm of the century is happening outside, causing apocalyptic levels of flooding. When the premiere closes with a water pipe bursting in the basement, it's quite the on-the-nose symbol of how The Bear is coming apart at the seams.

That counts for the people as well. Carmy starts the day by telling Sydney not to go public with the information that he's quitting the restaurant. But, after feeling undermined yet again, she incidentally blurts out the news, shocking the rest of the staff. Carmy attempts to explain his logic, saying, "This isn’t what makes me happy anymore. Honestly, I don’t know if it ever made me feel that happy." This revelation doesn't help the mood of Marcus (Lionel Boyce), who is incredibly in his head from the fact his estranged father is dining that night. Things get very tense between him and Luca (Will Poulter), to the point where the two of them get in each other's faces during service. Through the first three episodes of Season 5, it seemed like The Bear was primed to fall apart, and that this would be the restaurant's fateful final day.

A fourth-quarter comeback (L-R) Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina, Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard "Richie" Jerimovich, Jeremy Allen White as Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto in 'The Bear'

Courtesy of FX

They say it's always darkest just before the dawn. And, between the weather, the circumstances, and the mood, it's the darkest day for The Bear yet. In that moment, however, a bright light cut through the dreariness, led by Sydney Adamu. With everyone now knowing Carmy is no longer in charge, she is able to shine as the leader of the kitchen. As the team gets ready for service, she lays down her own non-negotiables, speaking kindly and having each other's backs. "This is how we keep this place alive," she says. "This is how we operate moving forward. We can do this. This is The Bear."

Richie also gets his turn at motivation, having been plagued for seasons at this point of how to give the perfect pre-service speech. At Carmy's suggestion, rather than relying on platitudes or "maximalizing," he speaks from the heart. He admits he's driven himself crazy trying to figure out what made a restaurant perfect, only to discover the only one he's encountered was the Berzatto house. "Monday may not happen, and tomorrow probably definitely won’t happen," he says. "If you really think about it, we got nothing left to lose. So we don’t gotta worry about a f—king thing, and that is f—king perfect."

Indeed, with everything on the line, the staff is unified under a "no holds barred" attitude. Their uniforms ruined, they don throwback tops from The Beef (hilariously represented in the form of Richie's parody BERF shirts). Sydney makes Tina (Liza Colon-Zayas) her CDC, with Carmy happy to sit back and serve as an extra set of hands. Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis) even shows up at one point after she loses power at the encouragement of Sugar (Abby Elliott). After not allowing herself to attend opening night back in the Season 2 finale, she's finally got a glimpse at what her family's restaurant has become. And she is nothing but awe at this ragtag staff, ready to take on anything that comes their way.

Related: Jeremy Allen White’s Relationship History, Including Co-Star Molly Gordon and Estranged Wife Addison Timline

The final service (L-R) Chris Zucchero as Chi-Chi, Paulie James as Chuckie, Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina, Sarah Ramos as Jessica, Rene Gube as Rene, Lionel Boyce as Marcus, Will Poulter as Luca, Andrew Lopez as Garrett in 'The Bear'

Courtesy of FX

And a lot does come their way! When service finally comes, to say it's a trial by fire (or lots of water) would be an understatement. Richie, a self-proclaimed reformed "people lover," refused to cancel reservations, leaving them severely overbooked. This forces them to pivot in many ways, whether it's having the guys from The Beef window throw a party outside for people waiting, clearing a table by giving people an impromptu kitchen visit, or even busting out a card table to create a mythical "Table 22 and a half." And, while every guest is important, a very important person has shown up tonight: An inspector from the Michelin Guide, who could give out the make-or-break star that Carmy and Sydney have been pining for.

But the havoc doesn't just come from the front of house. A pot of water boils over, shutting down the stove for 30 minutes. Sydney quickly adapts, making the lamb course on hot plates, but all success around the dish is promptly smashed (literally) when Carmy drops the last plate on the floor. With no more lamb left, Sydney leans on her new CDC, having Tina make the brussels sprouts dish she had made for family meal to help tide over "Star Man." And Carmy encourages her to take the course in a brand-new direction, opting instead for the Coca-Cola short ribs she made all the way back in Season 1. He even goes so far as to say, "It’s better than anything I’ve ever made."

The evening gives everyone a chance to shine in the spotlight (and subsequently take a final bow on the show). Marcus showcases the extent of his imagination and skill, using the "ledgermain" he picked up from Carmy to create a dessert that has him slicing a candle in half. While Gary (Corey Hendrix) has struggled in his new role as sommelier, he shines in the spotlight, identifying the right bottle when he needed to the most. Even Neil (Matty Matheson), who has frozen up every time he's had to rise to the occasion as a waiter, at last finds his calling. Getting to talk about his tattoos brings his guard (and hands) down, as he showcases how good he can be while serving "Star Man" (even if he does still throw in a Fak-esque line here or there). By the end of the night, the guests' bellies are full, and the pantry is completely empty. The staff filter out the back, smoking, drinking and celebrating the fact that, against all odds, they quite literally weathered the storm.

Does The Bear restaurant survive?

The majority of the season was a do-or-die night from hell for The Bear. But we find out in the finale that all that hard work paid off, though not in the way we expect. It turns out, there was a "Star Man" who visited the restaurant. But he didn't come last night, but during one service in Season 4. Despite that, due to the combination of hospitality and cuisine, with a special shoutout to Sydney's scallop dish, the restaurant has been awarded not one, but two Michelin stars. On top of that, Sugar reveals that they made enough during that service to be able to make ends meet, allowing meat deliveries to restart. Of course, the staff is far from out of the woods at this point, as one big night isn't going to solve all of their problems. But, considering the dire straits things were in to start the season, it is a major step in the right direction.

Related: Does Ayo Edebiri Have a Boyfriend? Inside ‘The Bear’ Star’s Dating History

Does Carmy still leave the restaurant?

After Carmy is able to get The Bear across the line (including a brilliant buzzer beater for dessert that has him making brioche by hand), perhaps different shows would have him changing his tune about leaving the industry, feeling that he has renewed his sense of purpose. But The Bear isn't just any show. When talking with Jimmy (Oliver Platt), Carmy repeats a phrase he heard from Lee (Bob Odenkirk): "To break patterns, you gotta break patterns." And so, he is more than happy to leave the world of restaurants behind, and enter a brand-new phase of his life.

How does The Bear end?

• Carmy's first location on his new path: An architecture firm. Stevie (John Mulaney) has set him up for an internship interview. Despite his unorthodox qualifications, we hear him talk about the obstacles that were put up in his way every day, and how he broke those walls down with the help of his team. Sadly, we never find out if he landed the job.
• But what we do know is that The Beef franchise is in business! After exploring every option (including air rights), Jimmy decides to invest in Ebraheim's (Edwin Lee Gibson) pitch to set up several Beef ghost kitchens around the Chicago suburbs. As a final act as the head honcho, Carmy gives the all clear, ensuring the Beef of Chicagoland truly survives.
• Richie is invited to an international hospitality seminar in Japan. He initially declines, having a panic attack, as he's never flown before. But Carmy is able to talk him through it and let him ultimately agree. After some final encouragement from Sydney, he boards the plane, ready for a new adventure. But he's not alone, as he holds hands with Jess (Sarah Ramos), indicating that they've taken their relationship to the next level.
• The series ends, of course, with the most consistent theme of the entire show: Family. Richie brings his daughter Eva to the restaurant, where she's given a surprise birthday. There, we're treated to some brief cameos from guest stars, including Tiff (Gillian Jacobs) and Frank (Josh Hartnett). We even see Carmy have a brief moment with Claire (Molly Gordon) as they seem to have reconciled. As we hear the Berzatto family and friends happily chatter and dole out cake, Carmy sits in his office one last time. Looking through a lifetime of memories, he takes out his phone, opening up the ongoing one-sided conversation he has with his deceased brother Mikey. And he closes out their dialogue, and the series, with two words: "All good."

Related: 'The Bear' Cast Reveals Their Favorite Scenes — Including One Emmy-Winning Moment That Nearly Ruined the Set (Exclusive)

Josue Baires Alfaro, a 22-year-old, died on June 20 in Yosemite National Park after being overcome by strong currents above the nearly 600-foot-high Nevada Falls waterfall. Several onlookers saw the accident unfold, including Freesia Gaul, a 20-year-old former lifeguard who attempted to save Alfaro’s life after making eye contact with him from the bank. Gaul nearly succumbed to the rapids herself before she was saved by a fellow park-goer who managed to extend a walking stick to her just in the nick of time.

Nevada Falls is surrounded by sheer granite cliffs that have been carved by the Merced River and ancient glaciers into smooth basins and pools that appear calm, but have strong currents under the surface. Just before the Merced River drops over Nevada Falls, it cuts into a narrow channel in the rock, picking up speed and force. That’s particularly true in the spring and summer, which are high-water seasons in Yosemite. 

Related: Be Prepared for a Riskier National Park Experience This Summer

Gaul described the attempted rescue to news outlets, explaining that the water above the falls looks deceptively “nice and swimmable.” While snapping photos of the scenery, she noticed Alfaro in the middle of the Merced and realized he was in trouble. Unable to reach him, she was quickly overcome by the speed and force of the water herself. 

The Sad Reality

Despite being a strong swimmer, Gaul says she couldn’t get a grip on any of the slick rocks on the shore or concealed in the rapids of the Merced. She would have gone over Nevada Falls herself if a horrified onlooker hadn’t managed to reach her from shore just before Gaul would have crossed under a wooden bridge that gives visitors a vantage point over the cascade. After she was pulled out of the water, Gaul located Alfaro’s family on the shore and waited with them for search-and-rescue to arrive. 

Reports of the fatal incident were first made public on Reddit by a Yosemite visitor who witnessed Alfaro’s fall. Other users reported seeing the recovery effort from the Mist Trail, which follows the Merced River 1 mile from the top of Nevada Falls, just before the footbridge to Clarke Point. The latter is a viewpoint that looks back at the cascade just before the Merced plunges over Vernal Falls. 

Sadly, Alfaro isn’t the only life Nevada Falls has claimed. Most recently, Israeli teenager Tomer Frankfurter was killed in 2018 when he slipped and fell into the Merced just above the cascade. A pair of young men. According to the National Park Service, drowning is the second leading cause of accidents in Yosemite, and sixteen people died in creeks and rivers within the park in the decade between 2002 and 2011. 

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However, The Washington Post reports that a December memo issued by the Department of the Interior advised its staff, including National Parks spokespeople, to no longer confirm deaths that occur within Park Service bounds. Interior Press Secretary Aubrie Spady told the Post that the policy change was intended to make communication more consistent. Previously, individual National Parks were given leeway to manage their own crisis communications, though most operated off a “Maximum Disclosure, Minimum Delay” approach that prioritized transparency and cooperation with the media.

A Yosemite spokesperson confirmed to SFGate and other outlets earlier this week that only “emergency personnel responded to the incident, which remains under investigation.” It was the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office that specifically identified the deceased and his manner of death to reporters.

Skywatchers may soon have a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. A surprise G1 geomagnetic storm struck Earth on June 25, increasing the potential for aurora activity and raising the possibility that the northern lights could be visible farther south than usual.

Recent observations show that several coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—large eruptions of magnetized plasma from the Sun’s outer atmosphere—are traveling through space and may interact with Earth’s magnetic field in the coming days. When these charged particles reach our planet, they can trigger power grid fluctuations or minor satellite operation disturbances. But most importantly, geomagnetic storms can also create dazzling aurora borealis displays.

Photo by Javier Zayas Photography on Getty Images

What Is Causing the Increased Aurora Activity?

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Photo by Comezora on Getty Images

Normally, northern lights, or aurora borealis, appear in regions near the Arctic Circle like Alaska, northern Canada, Iceland, or Scandinavia. However, when charged particles from powerful solar storms strike Earth, the auroral oval expands southward, allowing those in lower latitudes to catch a glimpse of colorful, glowing waves moving across the night sky.

Images from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) also revealed a large sunspot region rotating into view on the Earth-facing side of the sun. Sunspots also produce solar flares and increased CME activity, which could mean there's a better chance to glimpse the northern lights.

Related: Skywatchers Are Clamoring to Experience a Rare Daytime Meteor Shower You Can See and Hear

How to See the Northern Lights This Week

For those hoping to see the northern lights, the right conditions are key. The best viewing occurs under dark, clear skies, away from city lights. Rural areas with unobstructed views offer the greatest chance of spotting the display. Auroras are often most visible during the hours around midnight, though they can appear anytime after sunset. During stronger geomagnetic storms, vibrant shades of green, pink, purple, and red can illuminate the sky, but if they're weaker, you may only see faint gray or green glows.

Space weather events can change quickly, so observers are encouraged to monitor the aurora forecasts over the next several days. If current solar activity continues on its current path, residents in Seattle, Minneapolis, Maine, Northern Michigan, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands could spot the show over the next few days, starting June 25, despite the short summer nights. For those in the Southern Hemisphere experiencing longer winter nights, Tasmania, New Zealand’s South Island, and southern Australia might have better chances to see the show.

Related: Next up:

If nighttime sky conditions align, many people who have never seen the northern lights before could soon have the chance to witness one of nature's most breathtaking wonders without traveling far from home.

The Replacements made their mark on the music industry and continue to be appreciated by classic rock fans, but they never really got the attention they deserved. In fact, only one of the band's singles, "I'll Be You," ever charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song was written by member Paul Westerberg and released in 1989 as the first single on the band's sixth studio album, Don't Tell a Soul. The other singles for the album were "Back to Back" and "Achin' to Be."

"I'll Be You" immediately became the band's biggest hit. While the tune itself was great, many people loved the lyrics in particular, such as lines that went, "A dream too tired to come true/ Left a rebel without a clue/ And I'm searching for something to do."

The song would go on to be the Replacements' only charting track, peaking at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was a radio favorite, topping the Modern Rock Tracks and Album Rock Tracks charts that are based solely on airplay.

Related: ’80s Rock Icon Shares the "Brutal Truth" About Aging Rock Legends Who Keep Taking the Stage

Before this success, the Replacements were moderately popular, although they didn't hit the mainstream until "I'll Be You." In the book The Replacements: All Over But the Shouting: An Oral History, the band talked about their journey over the years, touching on the surprising success of the track.

Westerberg talked about how he felt when "I'll Be You" didn't break into the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, saying, "When 'I'll Be You' dropped off the Top 40 I was going, 'Damn.' But now I go, 'Great,' because now it's not like 'I'll Be You' is No. 1 and I'll have to play it for the rest of my life."

"Next year no one will even remember it so I can play whatever I want," he concluded.

Despite the lack of chart success, the Replacements are still known as one of the leading bands that formed the alternative rock sound. "I'll Be You" is still a fan-favorite track, but the group has plenty of great songs that fans love to listen to years later.

Related: 1984 Power Ballad, Credited With a Baby Boom in One Country, Became a Rock Classic

Everything is bigger in Texas — including the gas stations.

TSA shared a warning to World Cup fans traveling through the Lone Star state and hoping to bring back a souvenir from Buc-ee's.

"Soccer fans visiting a very large gas station for the first time… carry-on BBQ sandwiches & beaver nuggets? Yes," the agency tweeted on Wednesday, June 24. "An actual beaver? ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

The latest warning caused quite a stir on social media, with many users hoping to find out which country's fans tried to smuggle a beaver.

"Its my emotional support beaver," one follower joked.

"What if the beaver in a service animal?" another questioned.

The latest TSA update comes days after the agency was forced to send a PSA to soccer fans who developed a love of ranch dressing during their recent trip to the States.

"If you're visiting for a very large sporting event & you happen to discover RANCH while you're here...pls pack it in your CHECKED BAG on the way home," the June 16 tweet read.

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"Who knew dip-lomacy could be achieved through addressing the obvious: ranch is the king of condiments," they added. "The world is slowly discovering ranch pairs perfectly with pizza, chicken wings, fries, onion rings, quesadillas, crackers, chips, vegetables, and the list just keeps growing."

Ann Blyth—one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood—has reportedly died at the age of 98.

Blyth is best known for her role opposite Joan Crawford in 1945's Mildred Pierce, for which she earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

According to KABC's George Pennacchio, Blyth died on Wednesday, June 24, from "natural causes."

"She was only 16 when she was nominated for an Oscar! Actress Ann Blyth died peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday at the age of 98, less than two months before her 99th birthday," Pennacchio wrote on Facebook on Thursday, June 25.

Blyth was born Anne Blythe in Mount Kisco, N.Y., in 1928, later dropping the "e" from both her first and last names. The actress began working in radio at 5 years old and joined the New York Children's Opera Company at age 9.

"Life was one big struggle then, but mother managed somehow to keep me in parochial school and later in professional school," Blyth told The New York Times in 1952. "She provided me with singing and dramatic lessons besides."

Blyth starred in her first film role in 1944's Chip Off the Old Block, a musical comedy, then followed it up with three more films that year, all musicals: The Merry Monahans, Babes on Swing Street and Bowery to Broadway.

She then appeared in Mildred Pierce alongside Crawford, who played the titular character, while Blyth portrayed Veda Pierce, Mildred's bratty, entitled teenage daughter. The film received six Academy Award nominations, and Crawford won Best Actress for her performance.

“I always had a terrific imagination and the ability to be somebody else,” Blyth told the Los Angeles Times of her performance in 2013.

In 1996, Mildred Pierce was selected for preservation in the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.

Blyth continued to work at a fast pace, appearing in 26 films over the next 10 years following Mildred Pierce. Those films included 1947's Killer McCoy, 1949's Top o' the Morning, 1951's The Great Caruso, 1954's Rose Marie and 1955's Kismet. Her last film was 1957's The Helen Morgan Story, alongside Paul Newman.

After moving away from film, Blyth appeared in theater productions around the country. She married James McNulty, a doctor, in 1953, and the pair welcomed five children together: Timothy, Maureen, Kathleen, Terence and Eileen. McNulty died in 2007.

Blyth is survived by her children.

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The Gap logo tee has been around forever for a reason, and right now you can get the classic look for less than $10 on Amazon. The Gap Classic Logo T-Shirt is currently just $8 for Prime Day in the white colorway, down from its usual $25 price. Other colors are also on sale, including options for $9, $10, and $17. The tee comes in six colors and sizes XXS to XXL, so if your summer drawer could use a fresh everyday T-shirt, this is an easy one to add to your cart.

The short-sleeve tee is made from breathable 100% cotton and features a crew neckline and a classic Gap logo across the front. It’s also machine washable, so you can throw it in with similar colors on the gentle cycle between wears. It’s also super lightweight, weighing just under 5 ounces, so it’s perfect for warm days.

Gap Classic Logo T-Shirt, From $8 (was $25) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This versatile top offers Gap’s classic look while being casual enough for travel days, beach weekends, or hanging around at home. Since the best deal is on the white version, it’s especially easy to pair with denim shorts, linen pants, joggers, or a flowy skirt. And at just $8, there’s no question that this deal is worth snagging while the price is still this low.

Shoppers have given the tee more than 1,600 five-star ratings. One person said, “The fabric feels soft and breathable and perfect for everyday wear,” adding that the fits is “not too tight and not too loose” and that it “still looks brand new” after several washes. Other reviewers called it “super cute” and “very comfortable.”

Related: JCPenney’s 'Breathable' $7 Cotton T-Shirt Is 'Great for Travel' and Comes in 23 Colors

The 100% cotton fabric is another reason this top works so perfectly for summer. Cotton is naturally breathable and absorbent, which can make it feel more comfortable on hot days than heavier or clingier fabrics. It allows more airflow than many synthetic materials and can help absorb moisture rather than trap heat against your skin, which is always a plus.

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• Gap Relaxed Pocket T-Shirt Dress, $8 (was $35) at Amazon
• Gap Ribbed Tank Top, $7 (was $12) at Amazon
• Gap Easy Straight Pull-On Pants, $19 (was $25) at Amazon

If your closet could use another warm-weather staple, the Gap Classic Logo Tee T-Shirt is a great Prime Day find. The cotton fabric, machine-washable design, and classic crew neckline make it a practical pick for summer days, and since it’s down to just $8, it’s a budget-friendly top worth stocking up on now before the price changes or your size sells out.

Alannah Keyser was one of the Casa Amor women introduced on Love Island USAthis week. An old Snapchat video of her rapping along to a song and saying a racial slur was found on social media.

Viewers demanded that she be removed from the cast, like previous islanders in similar situations. Did they get what they want?

Spoiler alert for Love Island USA Episode 20!

Alannah Keyser Will Not Be On 'Love Island USA' After June 25 LOVE ISLAND USA -- Episode 817 -- Pictured: Alannah Keyser -- (Photo by: /Peacock)

Peacock

This isn't the first time this kind of scandal has happened on the show. Season 8 started with Vasana Montgomery getting pulled from the cast before the premiere after videos were found of her using a racial slur. She was never seen, but this is different when it happens in the middle of the season.

"Producers edited Alannah out as much as possible from episodes that were pre-taped before the resurfaced racial slur video was exposed," an unnamed source told The U.S. Sun. "She couldn’t be removed completely, but her scenes were significantly trimmed down in Tuesday’s episode."

The editing will continue until it catches up to her exit. "Alannah was removed from the show early and will not be in episodes from Thursday onward," the insider claimed.

Episode 19 only showed Alannah talking to the rest of the Casa Amor girls in their dressing room. Zach Georgiou shared a bed with her and told Sincere Rhea and KC Chandler that he doesn't want to lead Alannah on since he still has feelings for Kayda Bosse. Her exit will make it more likely that Zach will return single.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’: Gabriel Reveals if He’ll Date Beatriz Outside the Villa

'Love Island USA' Episode 20 Reveals Alannah Exited the Show

June 25's episode started with Alannah talking to Zach. She said that she was holding back because of his connection with Kayda, then she kissed him.

Love Island USA's narrator Iain Stirling, announced, "Alannah has left Casa Amor" later in episode 20. The villa received a letter from Casa Amor that could affect Zach and Kayda.

The ladies saw a picture of Zach and Alannah kissing outside a challenge. "That's like during day one, what the f--k," Kayda said. "He's with the f--king angel." She lay down on a daybed and cried.

"Oh my god, I'm just so mad," Kayda said in a confessional. "And of course, Zach is the biggest one and he's f--king kissing a f--king girl. And it literally looks like their first night in there. So immediately he got to the f--king sh-t."

Zach talked to the other men for multiple episodes about how he was still thinking about Kayda. The men also got a postcard and Zach knew this wouldn't be good for him.

"They're [going to] have the same thing of pictures," he said. Now it's going to look so bad because now [going to] probably think that I'm moving on and sh-t."

Kayda's picture was of her kissing Chay Nehrain a challenge. Zach knew his kiss with Alannah wouldn't be viewed the same way.

The men who weren't picked by the women for Casa Amor are back on social media and are at home. It's unclear when Alannah will do the same.

Related: ‘Love Island USA’: KC and Corbin Trash Talk the Villa Girls in Casa Amor

From Frasier to the White House. Actor Kelsey Grammerjust took a very public trip to the Oval Office, meeting with Donald Trump before a screening of the new movie Young Washington—and fans have thoughts.

Per Deadline, the president and the Hollywood star reportedly spoke about politics (of course), their families, and the new movie. As the name implies, the historical drama Young Washington is the story of a young George Washington. 

Grammar plays British army officer and politician Thomas Fairfax. The 2026 film also stars William Franklyn-Miller as George Washington, Mary-Louise Parker as Mary Washington, Ben Kingsley,Andy Serkis, and Mia Rodgers. 

Like other guests of the commander in chief, Grammer was treated to a presidential goodie bag featuring a Bible and hats, a source told Deadline. According to theWashington Examiner, Grammer said his time with the president was “very positive, uplifting, and impressive.” 

What do fans think of the Kelsey Grammer-Donald Trump White House meetup?

The Cheers actor’s recent meeting with the president isn't exactly a shock. Grammer is a known conservative Republican who has previously praised Trump and his politics. 

Beyond backing the current administration, Kelsey recently told Us Weeklythat he’s not ruling out entering the political arena himself, “I would consider it. It would possibly tick that box for me, in terms of the service I feel I should have given to my fellow man — to my fellow countrymen — that I missed the military.” 

When news of the visit broke, fans weren’t letting this one go. Cue the almost immediate backlash. On the Entertainment subreddit, one commenter wrote, “I’ll take solace in the fact that Frasier would have hated Trump,” and others said, “I’m so disappointed that Kelsey Grammer is MAGA,” “ Oh, Kelsey, no. Sigh. I hate that I am so disillusioned by so many actors I respect in real life…But I will always love Frasier Crane, and nothing will change that” and, “I’m pretty sure, like Dean Kane…These actors are trying to attach themselves to and sort of fame like a parasite.”

Another mused, “Definitely why David Hyde Pierce refused the reboot.” 

But it didn’t end there. Other redditors added, “Hard to think of a more disappointing character vs. actor example,” and “I knew Kelsey was a classical conservative intellectual comedic actor in the vein of Ben Stein or Dennis Miller. But if you respect someone like Trump and support him as your leader, I just cannot respect you as an intellectual person.” 

If you've ever seen a film or TV show about a werewolf, you would have heard 'Bad Moon Rising' by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

John Fogerty, the group's primary songwriter, explained what led him to write one of their best-known and most loved songs.

At the time, the song was rumored to be inspired by Richard Nixon, after legend has it that the song was written the day he was elected as president. Fogerty has rejected this rumor, instead explaining that the song was inspired by the 1941 supernatural horror The Devil and Daniel Webster.

“It’s a classic tale of a guy who is down on his luck, so he sells his soul to the Devil in return for much good fortune here in his earthly life,” Fogerty explained, per American Songwriter.

“He does the deal with the Devil, and a terrible storm comes to the community. All night long, the man is cowering in his barn while he hears this raging storm outside. In the morning, he sees that all of his neighbors’ crops have been destroyed, smashed to the ground, except for his, which is untouched,” the iconic singer/songwriter added.

According to Rolling Stone, although the song was a perfect match for the paranoid vibe of late '60s anti-Vietnam sentiment, it was not intended in that way.

“When you’re a very tuned-in young person, you’re tied to everything that affects your generation,” he clarified. “So I think it was there, but I was more into the idea of natural phenomena and unavoidability.”

So what inspired him?

“It was inspired, really, by the way kids talked in those days, in kind of an astrological sense,” Fogerty explained. “People would come up to each other and say, ‘What’s your sign?’ and the answer might be something like, ’I’m a Sagittarius with Mercury rising,’ whatever that means,” he explained.

Related: 1969 Classic Was the First 'Good Song' This Rock Legend Wrote — Now's It's a Timeless Anthem

A Robbery Changed Creedence Clearwater Sound

John Fogerty has traditionally played a Gibson 175 on CCR's first two albums. However, that guitar was stolen from the back of his car before he could use it to record Green River. But this tragedy, which occurred when the band was days away from recording 'Bad Moon Rising', may have helped the band create an iconic sound.

“I walked in the front door and I said to the man, ‘Do you have any Les Paul guitars?’ The man said, ‘I have one,’” he explained about going to a music store that had just opened in nearby Albany. “He pointed over to the wall. I went over there and looked at the guitar and said,’ But it’s black!’ I had been expecting a sunburst guitar,” Fogerty added.

He took the guitar off the wall, tuned it, plugged it in, and strummed an E chord. “It was magical, epical, really. It made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. My eyes got real big. I looked at the man and said, ‘I’ll take it!’”

'Bad Moon Rising' was the first song he recorded with a Les Paul, using D standard tuning. This moment sparked a long-term love affair between John Fogerty and Les Paul.

Related: 1970 Feel-Good Classic Became One of Rock's Most Beloved Road Trip Anthems