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Dunkin’ is teaming up with L.L.Bean for a full week of freebies and fun—and just in time for National Coffee Day on September 29.

The partnership, which comes as a first for the New England Icons, was announced early this morning and it includes a whole lot more than just the expected free Dunkin’ coffee on National Coffee Day, but a limited-edition merchandise drop so cute it doesn’t feel real.

“We love collaborations that feel authentic to the way people actually live,” Jill Nelson, chief marketing officer at Dunkin’, explained in a statement. “From morning coffee runs to weekends outside, Dunkin’ and L.L.Bean have been part of many of the same routines and traditions for decades. Bringing them together just felt right.”

As part of the first-ever collection (and seemingly inspired by a previously successful Dunkin’ freebie, its mitten), come three limited-edition collectibles and a sweet giveaway tour across parts of the East Coast.

“L.L.Bean and Dunkin’ are iconic brands that have called New England home for decades,” Nick Wilkoff, chief marketing officer at L.L.Bean added. “We wanted to create something that feels familiar and fun, bringing a touch of Dunkin’ to two L.L.Bean favorites that have been a part of people’s fall traditions for generations.”

Related: Dunkin’s ‘Amazing’ At-Home Drink Mix Line Lands Nationwide

Heading exclusively to the Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean online merch store beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. ET is a warm and cozy crewneck sweater, a new Boat and Tote design, and a co-branded holster for toting coffee—hot or iced.

• Birdseye Sweater ($79.95): A L.L.Bean classic reimagined with a custom Birdseye pattern inspired by Dunkin’
• Boat and Tote ($59.95): L.L.Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote gets a Dunkin’ twist, pairing the classic Dunkin’ orange and pink hues with embroidered L.L.Bean and Dunkin’ logos
• Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean Coffee Tote ($24.95): L.L.Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote made ultra-mini, perfect for your Dunkin’ coffee and nothing else (also heading to some Dunkin’ locations in Maine)

Dunkin'

And starting tomorrow, guests can score a limited-edition Dunkin’ x L.L.Bean Birdseye Sweater Cup Sleeve available with any hot or iced coffee order, while supplies last.

The partnership is bringing not only collector’s items but also a commemorative tour on the Bootmobile, which will stop at select Dunkin’ restaurants and invite fans to snap photos and compete for Dunkin’ gift cards to enjoy all their fall favorites for free. And should you be in the Boston area on Sunday, Sept. 27, the celebration continues at the L.L.Bean Seaport store in Boston (56 Seaport Blvd.).

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can snap photos in front of a donut wall, enjoy custom donuts and Munchkins Donut Hole Treats, and sip complimentary Dunkin’ coffee and Refreshers, while supplies last. Fans will also have an early opportunity to shop the collab ahead of its National Coffee Day debut.

Next: IHOP Finally Brings Back One of Its Most Requested Menu Items After 2 Decades

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When it comes to fall and winter fashion, it’s all about the outerwear. That’s why we’re rapidly expanding our jacket collection — so that we can stay warm while looking extremely chic. High-quality coats are often expensive though, which is why we’re shopping at Walmart for stylish pieces that don’t break the bank. The Avia Funnel Neck Jacket is the latest to catch our eye, since it’s only $29. 

The trendy piece is being sold in a classic black color and a cool gray hue that will pair perfectly with any seasonal outfit. You can throw the jacket over dresses, jeans and a T-shirt, loungewear, and pretty much any other wardrobe pieces that you reach for often. The beauty of this jacket is that it can be dressed up or down, so you can wear it for any occasion, spanning from an elevated dinner with friends to your morning pilates class. 

Courtesy of Walmart

The available sizes range from extra-small to XXL, with shoppers saying that it runs true to size. The style already offers a relaxed fit, but if you really want to lean into the oversized trend, or if you’re intending on layering when it gets colder, then you may want to consider sizing up. The jacket features a two-way zipper front, so you can easily wear it open or closed depending on your style preference.

Courtesy of Walmart

The jacket is designed with a classic funnel neck collar, long sleeves with elastic cuffs for movability, and two side pockets that you can place small miscellaneous items into. The hem is elastic too, so it’ll be especially comfortable around your waist while simultaneously flattering your silhouette. Shoppers say its midweight construction makes it  great for cooler weather, since it’ll keep you warm but won’t cause you to overheat. 

The piece is made of 51% cotton, 45% nylon, and 4% spandex, so it’s machine washable too. Just make sure to wash it in cold water with dark colors separately to avoid bleeding colors. You can place it in the dryer on a low heat, but we think it’s always best to hang dry your outerwear during the first few wash cycles to make sure it holds its shape.  

• Time and Tru High-Rise Straight Leg Jeggings, $4 (was $8) at Walmart
• Scoop Smocked Ruffle Mini Dress, $9 (was $26) at Walmart
• No Boundaries Ribbed Cami Top, $4 (was $5) at Walmart

Shoppers say that this cool funnel jacket is “well-made” and “amazing quality,” so it’s meant to last. Since it’s a bestseller, though, and already out of stock in the small size in the gray color, you’ll want to add it to your cart before other customers beat you to it. This $29 Walmart jacket is about to become your new seasonal go-to! 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Super Cute’ $30 Rattan Table Lamp Set WIll Look ‘Beautiful’ on Any Tabletop 

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For over a decade, Brytni Sarpy has entertained daytime audiences across two separate networks and shows. As the beloved actress embarks on her latest journey, taking her to Peacock’s Days of Our Lives in early 2027, Sarpy celebrates her 38th birthday today.

Sarpy began her professional acting career as a love interest in the 2009 short film Awkward Courage, written and directed by Ryan Turner and Jameson Jordan. The following year, Sarpy made her feature-film debut in the 2010 comedy You Again before appearing in the pilot of the LMN series My Crazy Ex.

She then made her daytime debut on March 20, 2015, on the ABC soap opera General Hospital as Valerie Spencer, the previously unknown niece of Luke (Anthony Geary) and Bobbie (Jacklyn Zeman) Spencer.

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Sarpy had auditioned for other roles on the soap opera before booking the part of Valerie. The actress revealed to Jaysonline back in 2015 that she had actually auditioned for the part of Jordan but was deemed too young because of Jordan’s son.

Nearly two years into the role, in December of 2016, Sarpy was shifted from the contracted cast to recurring status, before ultimately exiting the soap opera in February of 2019, when she joined the cast of The Young and the Restless as Dr. Elena Dawson.

While Elena’s relationship with Devon Winters (Bryton James) initially entertained audiences, the relationship didn’t last as Devon moved on with his late wife’s identical twin sister, Amanda Sinclair (Mishael Morgan), and Elena slowly faded into the background before her last appearance on November 22, 2024.

Sarpy’s casting on Days of Our Lives was confirmed on August 24, 2026. Due to the Peacock soap’s advance filming schedule, which is roughly ten months in advance, Sarpy is not expected to premiere on screen for some time.

Thankfully for the actress, she is surrounded by friends, including her best friend Sal Stowers, who plays Lani Grant on the series, who commented on Sarpy’s casting announcement, sharing, “It’s bring your bestie to work day …EVERYDAY!!!!!! 😍 so proud of you @brytni SHINE!!!!! 🤩🤩🤩”

Days of Our Lives airs weekdays exclusively on Peacock.

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This winter is likely to be fairly tumultuous, so versatile layers are essential for the ever-changing weather. If you’re in the market for a staple layering piece, you should look for one that’s easy-to-wear, stylish, and warm. Layers are especially great when you can take them from fall to winter, and this Lands’ End Anyweather Fleece Full Zip Jacket from Amazon is a great example. 

Lands’ End is known for its high-quality apparel, which is why we were thrilled to find this fleece jacket on sale for up to 33% off! Normally retailing for $50, you can now score it for as low as $35 in the dark green hue.

Courtesy of Amazon

You can choose from five solid colors and three prints, including forest green, deep sea navy, rich red, black, rose, and a mint green plaid style as well as a cream floral and navy stripe. It’s available in sizes extra small to 3XL, with petite and tall options offered in a wide range of sizes as well.

This jacket is exactly what you need to embrace the winter temperatures. Crafted from 100% polyester, it features thermal fleece designed to retain your body heat. Shoppers noted that the jacket strikes the perfect balance — the material is lightweight yet does a great job of keeping out the chill. 

“It’s light enough for a pleasant day, but warm enough for cooler temperatures,” one shopper said. Another customer described the fabric as “soft” and said: “It keeps me stylishly comfortable and cozy in cool weather.” 

The jacket has a full zip closure, allowing you to effortlessly throw it on and take it off. It has a stand collar that you can either lay flat or pop up for extra warmth. This jacket has pockets galore. With two front pockets and an interior slip pocket, there’s plenty of room to hold your essentials so you can go about your day hands-free. 

Customers said they love the form-fitting silhouette of the jacket. It has a sleek, slim cut rather than a boxy, oversized look. Styled with jeans, leggings, or sweatpants, this fleece jacket will lend a sporty feel to your outfit. 

As a bonus, this jacket is extremely easy to care for. Simply toss it in the washing machine with cold water when it’s time for a refresh. Shoppers noted that it washes and dries beautifully. Plus the polyester material boasts an anti-static and pill-resistant finish. Reviews added that it looked as good as new after it went through the wash.

A Lands’ End jacket for up 33% off is a deal that you don’t want to miss out on. Be sure to head over to Amazon and snag the Lands’ End Anyweather Fleece Full Zip Jacket starting at just $35 while your preferred color and size are still in stock! 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Suki Waterhouse‘s tour in support of her new album shows no signs of stopping.

The English actress and singer, 34, just revealed additional Loveland stops — and if you reside in North America, you’ll have some jet-setting to do come December if you want to hit one.

Waterhouse took to social media on Sunday, September 20 to announce the batch of four concerts — all in Australia — which kick off December 8 at Sydney Opera House Forecourt as part of the venue’s On the Steps series, Billboard reports.

She then hits Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on December 9, Adelaide’s Hindley St. Music Hall on December 11, and Melbourne’s Festival Hall December 12.

“Fell so deeply in love we ended up down under ˋ°•*⁀➷ Australia!!! I can’t wait to see you in loveland this december,” reads the caption of Waterhouse’s Instagram post. “Presale starts wednesday (sign up link in bio) and tickets go on sale sept 24.”

Fans have since flooded the post’s comments section to share their unfiltered reactions, with the usual messages from residents of foreign countries begging for Waterhouse to visit them instead (England, New Zealand). But others sound expectedly excited by the announcement. “Icon icon icon,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “SO COOL!!!!!”

Interestingly, Waterhouse’s final show in the land down under comes just days before the release of Dune: Part Three (December 18), which stars her significant other. Though he didn’t appear in the first two, Robert Pattinson is among the stars in the highly anticipated third installment of the blockbuster trilogy that’s been led by Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.

Pattinson, 40, will expectedly do the press rounds for Dune leading up to its mid-December theatrical release — and fans would love to see Waterhouse by his side for at least one of the red carpets. But it will be a busy month for the “Good Looking” singer…

Van Morrison’s “Listen to the Lion” remains one of the most striking long-form songs from his 1970s work, 54 years after its release. 

The more than 11-minute track, recorded during sessions at Columbia Studios in San Francisco in 1971, became part of Morrison’s 1972 album Saint Dominic’s Preview.

The song stands out for its unusual length, repeated phrases, shifting vocals and slow-building musical arrangement. Instead of following a short verse-and-chorus format, Morrison allows the performance to grow over time, using his voice almost like another instrument.

“Listen to the Lion” was first recorded during the sessions for Moondance in 1969 but was not used. The longer version released on Saint Dominic’s Preview came from the 1971 San Francisco sessions and had originally been intended for Tupelo Honey.

Photo by Mark Sullivan/Getty Images

More than five decades later, the recording remains an important part of Morrison’s catalog and has continued to appear in live performances and retrospective releases.

Morrison wrote “Listen to the Lion,” with the recording featuring him on vocals and guitar alongside Ronnie Montrose on guitar. The session also included Connie Kay on drums and Gary Mallaber on percussion and vibraphone, with Mark Jordan on piano, Bill Church on bass and Boots Rolf Houston providing backing vocals.

Mallaber recalled that there were two different takes of the song. “There were two different takes. I did one and Connie did the other. They used the one with the live vibes, which is what I played live.”

That detail helps explain one of the recording’s notable sounds. The vibraphone adds another layer to a track already built around bass, drums, piano, guitars and Morrison’s unusual vocal approach.

The song also connects with the atmosphere of Astral Weeks, the 1968 album that helped establish a different side of Morrison’s music. His work often moved between rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, Celtic influences and long, free-flowing musical passages.

“Listen to the Lion” follows that path.

The words are simple in places, but Morrison repeats them in different ways. The song begins with lines about love and tears before moving toward the repeated idea of searching for “the lion” inside himself. 

The song shifts into the image of a ship sailing from Denmark to Caledonia and around the world while looking for a new beginning.

The repeated words give the recording a steady movement. Morrison’s voice changes from singing to chanting, shouting, growling and wordless vocal sounds.

“Listen to the Lion” did not remain only a studio recording. Morrison continued performing it live, and the song became a concert highlight during the 1970s.

A live version appeared on Morrison’s 1974 album It’s Too Late to Stop Now, recorded during his 1973 tour with the Caledonia Soul Orchestra. Another important part of the song’s history came in later decades, as Morrison continued to return to it in different settings.

In 1974, he performed “Listen to the Lion” in San Francisco at Winterland and later at the Orphanage. A 1989 performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival showed the song in another setting, this time with a jazz-oriented band.

The song also returned during Morrison’s 2008 performances at the Hollywood Bowl. Those concerts focused on Astral Weeks, but Morrison used “Listen to the Lion” as an ending piece. The live performance was later connected with the title “Listen to the Lion – The Lion Speaks.”

In a 2009 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Morrison explained the thinking behind that performance: “If you listen to that, I am playing as if the lion is trying to speak with no voice. He only has his soul and I think, I hope, that came across. It’s about getting out of one’s way so the soul can be heard, I suppose. The lion speaks. . . . I decided to end the show on a spiritual note.”

The recording has also appeared in later releases, including the 2007 remastered edition of Still on Top – The Greatest Hits and the 2009 Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl release.

The song even received a musical follow-up. Morrison included “The Lion This Time” on his 2005 album Magic Time.

At 54 years old, “Listen to the Lion” continues to show why Morrison’s music can reach beyond a single period.

Related: Iconic Johnny Cash Song, Ranked Second-Greatest Country Song of All Time, Was Written Backstage in Longview, Texas

Six months before the tragic death of Presley Gerber, his famous family was cheering him on as he vulnerably shared part of his journey undergoing ibogaine treatment in Mexico. A Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report confirmed that the 27-year-old model died at a rehab center on Sunday, September 20 per People, but it did not indicate which facility.

Presley had struggled with addiction and mental health challenges for many years, periodically posting or talking about his experiences in hopes of helping others. In late March, Presley posted a video of himself in Cancun as he began the process of ibogaine treatment to attempt to “reset” his brain. He wrote, “Pre Ibogaine Flood Dose – quiet moment before everything changed.”

In the comment section of his post, Presley received accolades from each member of his adoring family. Presley’s mom, former supermodel Cindy Crawford, gushed, “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud! 🙏”

His dad, famed entrepreneur Rande Gerber, wrote, “I’m so proud of you and your courage. Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much❤️” Presley replied to his dad, “thank you pops learned it from you 🙏🏻”

Presley’s younger sister, model and actress Kaia Gerber, chimed in, “that’s my brother I am so damn proud.”

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Getty Images

In Presley’s March 26 post, he alluded to having tried ibogaine before and hoped that his most recent experience would be his last. He admitted that he was “absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this.”

“Letting go of control didn’t come easy,” he wrote, “but I trusted there was something bigger than me guiding it. I knew why i was there. I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, i started finding my way back to myself 🤍”

“We shall see…. Praying it’s the last time I have to come back,” Presley concluded. “Next time I’d like to choose 😜 🙏🏻 And absolutely can’t forget the incredible caring kind and on their s–t team. Helps a lot haha. And I made some dope ass friends there.”

Ibogaine is a “naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central and West Africa,” according to the University of California-Berkeley’s Center for the Science of Psychedelics.

Research has shown it can impact “numerous neurotransmitters in the central nervous system,” with the potential to help in the treatment of everything from depression to addiction, particularly with heroin, cocaine, and opioid withdrawal and addiction. In 2024, Stanford Medicine researchers announced that ibogaine “effectively treats traumatic brain injury in special ops military vets.”

Though some have experienced great success curbing their substance dependency by undergoing a monitored treatment process using ibogaine, it is not approved for use in the United States. UC Berkeley has warned that it “can be dangerous,” citing reports of fatal cardiac events and other side effects, including nausea and tremors.

At the time of publication, it was not yet known which rehab facility Presley was at when he died nor his cause of death. A representative for his family noted in a statement, late on September 20, “The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult and painful time.”

Today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle covers everything from schools in the nation’s capital and prestigious honors to people with something in common and soccer players who meet their mark.

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 Monday, September 21, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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The New York Times

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

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

• Yellow: Like a proclamation.
• Green: Institutions in the District.
• Blue: High-achieving soccer players.
• Purple: Different first name, same last name.

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: DISTINCTION
• Green: DC SCHOOLS
• Blue: USMNT ALL-TIME LEADING GOAL SCORERS
• Purple: _____ WAGNER

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 #728 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• DISTINCTION: ACCOLADE, AWARD, HONOR, PRIZE
• DC SCHOOLS: AMERICAN, GEORGE WASHINGTON, GEORGETOWN, HOWARD
• USMNT ALL-TIME LEADING GOAL SCORERS: ALTIDORE, DEMPSEY, DONOVAN, WYNALDA
• _____ WAGNER: ASHLEY, BILLY, FRANZ, HONUS

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: Ninja Trolls This Fan-Favorite Ceramic Cookware Brand With Newest Drop That Shoppers Say Is ‘Too Good to Be True’

How many times have you read up on what’s happening in the world and thought, “It’s the end of the world as we know it”?

Indeed, that’s the name of R.E.M.’s hit song off their 1987 album Document. Just three years earlier, the beloved rock group released another acclaimed album that was certified gold in the U.S.

And now, Reckoning is available to purchase as a special reissue, courtesy of Interscope Records. The so-called Definitive Sound Series One-Step edition delivers “an exceptional audiophile presentation of the landmark 1984 album, bringing new clarity, depth, and detail to one of the band’s most celebrated early recordings,” according to the label.

R.E.M. recently took to social media to promote the new release. “Limited to 5,000 numbered copies, the Definitive Sound Series edition features the original album artwork in a premium heavyweight tip-on single-pocket gatefold jacket and is housed in a custom-designed slipcase,” reads the Instagram post’s caption, in part. “Each copy includes a certificate of authenticity detailing the mastering, plating, and pressing chain.”

Similarly, R.E.M.’s debut EP Chronic Town and debut album Murmur were reissued together as a limited-edition, all-analog vinyl set late last year via Interscope’s Definitive Sound Series. The record label reports on its website that the Chronic Town cover art was restored as closely as possible to the original color and, along with Murmur, both now have tip on wrap jackets.

What is arriving this year from the R.E.M. frontman, 66, is something he’s never released before: a full-length solo album. And earlier this summer, Michael Stipe brought fans another piece of it.

He unveiled “Hum Desiderata,” a track that pairs his own recitation of Max Ehrmann‘s 1927 poem “Desiderata” with an instrumental drawn from his upcoming solo debut. The piece grew out of an installation at ICA Milan and features additional vocals from Athens, Georgia artist Elizabeth Hatmaker. It’s streaming now on the online sound exhibition platform Joyfully Waiting.

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As an aspiring green thumb, I’m always looking for an excuse to upgrade my planters. Some live indoors year-round and have been staring back at me from the same pots for far too long, while others spend the warmer months outside before making their annual migration indoors once temperatures start dropping. Either way, bringing a plant inside inevitably makes me realize that the plastic nursery pot I’ve been ignoring on the patio looks considerably less charming sitting on my bookshelf.

And with more plants competing for the same sunny windowsills, shelves, and side tables this time of year, I’m especially interested in upgrades that don’t require finding another free surface. The Pioneer Woman Besty Hanging 8-Inch Planter With Saucer is $19 at Walmart, giving greenery decorative digs while utilizing overhead space. 

Courtesy of Walmart

The coral-pink stoneware body of this planter pairs with a contrasting pale aqua-blue interior, and that same blue traces the planter’s softly scalloped rim and coordinating saucer. Rather than sticking with straight edges, both pieces have a gently wavy shape that adds another decorative detail from every angle. A glossy glaze over the entire design gives the retro-inspired color combo a smooth, saturated finish.

Against the coral background, creamy white botanical illustrations wrap around the planter in a loose, garden pattern. Curling vines, leafy sprigs, open blooms, buds, and smaller scattered flowers look organic and natural. Look a little closer, and you’ll also spot hummingbirds tucked among the florals, including one hovering near a bloom. The monochromatic artwork keeps the busy botanical pattern from competing with the bold coral-and-aqua combination.

Made from stoneware and measuring about 8 inches in diameter with a 2-quart capacity, it offers plenty of room for fuller foliage. I could see trailing varieties looking especially pretty here, with vines spilling over that scalloped aqua rim and partially framing the floral design underneath. A drainage hole with a removable plug gives you flexibility depending on where you keep it, and the attached saucer helps catch excess water. It also includes the rope and S-hook needed for hanging, making it ready for a porch, sunroom, covered patio, or indoor spot where you want to use vertical space.

• The Pioneer Woman Charlie the Ranch Dog Stoneware Novelty Planter, $15 at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Drummond Truck Novelty Planter, $17 at Walmart
• The Pioneer Woman Floral Ceramic Tabletop Vase With Dual Handles, $18 at Walmart

Plant parents and Pioneer Woman fans alike raved about this “adorable” pot, calling the design “beautiful” and “gorgeous,” as well as “steady” and “sturdy.” One shopper wrote, “This piece is the perfect size for a medium-size hanging plant or a tabletop planter,” adding that it “could easily go in any room of the house.”

Related: Walmart’s 3-Piece Ceramic Vase Set Brings Mediterranean Charm to Your Home

Ready for a retro upgrade? Shop The Pioneer Woman Besty Hanging 8-Inch Planter With Saucer for $19 at Walmart and give your greenery a pretty new place to hang out!

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Today’s NYT Strands puzzle might make you feel nostalgic.

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 #932 on Monday, September 21.

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.

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Blast from the past.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• TR
• LY
• SC
• GR
• NE
• NI (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is mostly vertical.

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Monday, September 21, 2026, is NINTIESTREND.

• TRACKSUIT
• LYCRA
• SCRUNCHIES
• GRUNGE
• NEON
• SPANGRAM: NINETIESTREND

Related: Ninja Trolls This Fan-Favorite Ceramic Cookware Brand With Newest Drop That Shoppers Say Is ‘Too Good to Be True’

If you are an avid DIYer, you understand the struggle of keeping all of your essentials neat and organized. This is why having the right storage solutions is absolutely key. Well, starting on Sept. 23, Aldi is selling the perfect option for just $29.99, and it’s perfect for helping you keep your arts and crafts supplies both easy to grab and tidy.

Sohl Furniture’s 10-Drawer Rolling Cart is a game changer for any DIY lover, providing ample space to sort and store crafting supplies. Available in either white (pictured below) or black, this rolling cart utilizes vertical space, saving room. This makes it especially ideal in smaller homes.

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Aldi

Featuring 10 drawers, this rolling cart helps you keep all of your arts and crafts supplies neatly sorted and organized. You can keep everything from paint brushes to colored pencils, sketchbooks, stock paper, beads, scissors, glue, tubes of paint, spools of thread, markers and so much more. You could also opt to label each drawer to make navigating this organizer even easier. It’s totally up to you. And in addition to the 10 drawers, you can also use the top of the rolling cart for additional storage. Here, you can keep your most-used items to make them even easier to grab.

Related: This Pink-and-White Aldi Throw Is Giving Halloween Hermès on a Budget

Because this cart has rolling wheels, you can move it about your space as needed. This portability only adds to its convenience, versatility and ease of use.

Aldi’s Sohl Furniture 10-Drawer Rolling Cart will be available at select Aldi stores starting on Sept. 23 as part of the next rotation of Aldi Finds, weekly product specials that come and go every single week on Wednesdays. You can shop these limited edition offerings in the center aisle.

If you are interested in shopping other Aldi Finds, be sure to check out these spooky-chic front porch signs that elevate your Halloween decor, this rustic kitchen essential that is giving major Williams-Sonoma vibes for a whole lot less, this pumpkin-shaped serving board that brings all the autumnal energy to your fall spreads or this cozy bed pillow that is designed with every sleep position in mind.

Related: Aldi’s $15 Halloween Sheet Sets Are Too Cute to Pass Up

Aspiring musicians are getting a new opportunity to take their passion for music one step further — and it could even count toward college.

The Grammy Museum has announced that Grammy Camp will return in summer 2027 with programs in five cities across the country, including a brand-new location in Seattle. And for the first time, students who successfully complete Grammy Camp Los Angeles will be eligible to receive undergraduate college credit.

Grammy Camp is a national music industry program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in music. The immersive programs are led by music industry professionals, including Grammy nominees and winners, and give students hands-on experience across a variety of career paths.

“Accreditation adds an exciting new dimension to Grammy Camp. Students already come away with meaningful learning, performance experience, mentorship, and industry connections, and now they can connect that work to their broader educational journey,” Arin Canbolat, Vice President, Education & Community Engagement, Grammy Museum, said. “Through our collaboration with Inspire EDU and our expansion to Seattle this year, we are continuing to build an experience that supports young people as artists, students and future music professionals, while reducing barriers and expanding opportunities in more communities.”

Grammy Camp’s 2027 season — which kicks off in Nashville from June 6 to June 12, 2027 — is working to make the music industry immersive experience accessible to more students nationwide, inspiring the next generation of music hopefuls.

“Grammy Camp has long provided students with an extraordinary opportunity to learn from working professionals and experience the music industry firsthand. By adding undergraduate college credit, we are recognizing the rigor and value of that experience while helping students take a meaningful step toward their educational and career goals,” Mike Packer, Founder and President, Inspire EDU, added. “Inspire EDU is proud to partner with the Grammy Museum and Golden West College to expand access and create a stronger bridge between students’ creative passions, higher education and careers in music.”

Applications for Grammy Camp 2027 are now open.

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers everything from musical geniuses of previous centuries and digital means of communication to popular strategy games and techniques for catching food.

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 #1198 on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Monday’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

1. Per my last one.
2. As seen on the creek.
3. Play this instead of checkers.
4. Moonlight Sonata.

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

1. EMAIL BUTTONS: COMPOSE, DRAFTS, SENT, SPAM
2. WAYS TO ATTRACT FISH: CHUM, FLY, SPINNER, WORM
3. CHESS VERBS: CAPTURE, CASTLE, CHECK, MATE
4. STARTS OF COMPOSERS’ NAMES: BEET, BRAH, CHOP, VIVA

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: Ninja Trolls This Fan-Favorite Ceramic Cookware Brand With Newest Drop That Shoppers Say Is ‘Too Good to Be True’

The author behind The Notebook voted in a giant poll of the century’s best TV shows, and one of his picks is not a love story.

The New York Times asked more than 500 stars, showrunners and other TV insiders to vote for the 10 best series that premiered since Jan. 1, 2000. The paper started revealing the results on Sunday night, Sept. 20, with Nos. 100 through 81, and it will name No. 1 on Friday. For many of the shows, the Times also named a famous voter who picked it.

Nicholas Sparks voted for Dexter, which landed at No. 88. The Showtime drama ran from 2006 to 2013 and starred Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a police forensics investigator who secretly killed violent criminals who had escaped justice.

That is a long way from The Notebook, the Sparks debut that hit the Times best-seller list in its first week back in 1996. Dexter Morgan’s story is not over, either. Paramount+ released first-look photos from Season 2 of Dexter: Resurrection in July.

Elisabeth Moss, who starred in The Handmaid’s Tale, voted for House, which came in at No. 95. Hugh Laurie played Dr. Gregory House, a cold, pill-popping diagnostician who only cared about a case if it interested him. The medical drama ran from 2004 to 2012.

Survivor host Jeff Probst voted for Eastbound & Down, No. 90 on the list. Danny McBride starred in the HBO comedy as Kenny Powers, a washed-up former Major League pitcher, from 2009 to 2013.

Here is the full first batch, with the famous voter the Times named where it named one.

• No. 100: Scandal, voted for by Danielle Brooks
• No. 99: Gilmore Girls
• No. 98: The OA, voted for by Bryce Dallas Howard
• No. 97: Community, voted for by Jon Cryer
• No. 96: Halt and Catch Fire
• No. 95: House, voted for by Elisabeth Moss
• No. 94: The Diplomat, voted for by Kathy Bates
• No. 93: Station Eleven, voted for by David Cross
• No. 92: The Night Of, voted for by Constance Wu
• No. 91: Catastrophe, voted for by Caitriona Balfe
• No. 90: Eastbound & Down, voted for by Jeff Probst
• No. 89: Baby Reindeer
• No. 88: Dexter, voted for by Nicholas Sparks
• No. 87: Reservation Dogs
• No. 86: Shōgun
• No. 85: The Great British Baking Show, voted for by Abby Elliott
• No. 84: Planet Earth, voted for by American Idol creator Simon Fuller
• No. 83: Justified, voted for by June Squibb
• No. 82: Better Things
• No. 81: The Queen’s Gambit, voted for by Black-ish creator Kenya Barris

The Times will keep counting down all week, so there are plenty more celebrity ballots still to come.

Today’s NYT Wordle answer is an outdated mode of communication popular in the ’80s.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1920 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

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

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

A hint for today’s Wordle: Beep me!

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

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

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle answer on Monday, September 21, 2026, is PAGER.

-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)

2026 was a big year for Matt Dinniman, as he released two novels. The biggest and most highly anticipated release was A Parade of Horribles, the eighth book in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. However, there was an earlier release that made it onto the list of best books of 2026 so far.

Barnes and Noble ranks Operation Bounce House at No. 9 on its list of the best books of 2026 so far. This list was released in June, so it captured the time when A Parade of Horribles was released. Yet, it’s this standalone sci-fi story that made it.

Operation Bounce House was released on Feb. 10, 2026, and is set in a world that isn’t Earth. The story takes place on a planet called New Sonora, where many people just want to live their lives. That includes Oliver Lewis, who runs a ranch and just wants to maintain the family’s aging agriculture bots.

However, when the travel gate to Earth finally opens up, Earth’s government decides it’s time to evict the people of New Sonora. To do that, a company called Apex Corporation deploys AI soldiers and turns the entire eviction into a video game. It’s up to Oliver and his friends to fight back against the force coming after them.

This is a standalone story, and that’s the way it remained. Dinniman chatted with Parade shortly after the release to confirm this, while he also teased a little more about the eighth book in his Dungeon Crawler Carl series.

What makes Operation Bounce House such a great story? For many reviewers, it’s due to the ability to balance dark themes with humor, which is the reason so many people love the Dungeon Crawler Carl series in the first place.

One reviewer on Goodreads shared, “I loved the balance between deep feelings and action, humor and violence. There are also very interesting ideas addressed all through the plot, especially regarding the treatment of who or what is deemed different from us.”

Another shared, “At its heart, it is a simple story about family and survival. Emotionally charged and sometimes obscene, but also a fast and easy read.”

The reviews are certainly right. While it’s not for everyone, Operation Bounce House touches on some real-world problems and adds in the sci-fi elements. It’s easy to see parallels with the war in Gaza and the threat of AI taking over within the chapters. Plus, there’s no time wasted on getting into the details of the story, with the first chapter jumping straight into the action and the threat, allowing for a fast-paced read.

Operation Bounce House is one of those that works well as an immersive read, listening to the audiobook while also reading. While Jeff Hays does all the voices on the Dungeon Crawler Carl books, Travis Baldree took over the main parts for this standalone release with Hays supplying extra voices here and there.

Mountain’s 1970 classic “Mississippi Queen” became the band’s hard rock anthem despite its one-hit-wonder status, but the story behind the song began far from the Mississippi River.

With all four band members Leslie West, Corky Laing, Felix Pappalardi and David Rea credited as the songwriters, the song, featured on their debut studio album, Climbing!, was partly born from an impromptu moment during a live performance in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Laing, who at that time wasn’t an official member of the band, came up with the initial idea for the lyrics while performing with his previous band at a club in Nantucket.

“We were at a funky beach place called 30 Acres in Nantucket [an island off Cape Cod], and because it was so d—n hot everyone had their air conditioning on, causing the entire island to black out,” the musician recalled, as cited by Louder. “The emergency lights came on, but the band stayed unplugged. Everyone was hyped on soul pills. A friend of mine was with a drop-dead gorgeous chick. She was from the south and wearing a see-through dress covered in flowers.”

Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

To keep the crowd entertained, he improvised a drum performance and developed the lyrics with the line that would eventually become part of “Mississippi Queen.”

“I just had to keep this chick dancing, I was so turned on by her,” Laing added. “But in screaming so loudly for so long I gave myself chronic laryngitis and screwed up my voice forever.”

The gamble paid off, as it ultimately inspired the song and helped lead Laing to Mountain.

Laing brought the idea to Mountain, contributing the initial lyrics and chorus, while the iconic guitar riff was provided by Leslie West and Felix Pappalardi suggested the signature double-bass-drum pattern.

Officially released in 1970, “Mississippi Queen” debuted at No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 before steadily gaining momentum and climbing the chart during the spring and summer, eventually peaking at No. 21.

The song was also the band’s only major hit in the mainstream, making them one of the 10 Greatest Rock One-Hit Wonders of All Time, according to Collider.

The publication rounded up bands and artists whose music lives forever because of the popularity and impact of their one big song.

Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen” claimed No. 6, with the publication highlighting how “cowbell grinds into a sick guitar riff as singer Leslie West snarls in.”

Moreover, the song’s enduring popularity also caught the attention of Ozzy Osbourne, after the late music icon famously covered the track in 2005 for his cover album Under the Cover.

Related: 1983 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Written in a Rolls-Royce in California

Take a moment to hit pause and reflect on your day ahead with your tarot card horoscope message for the day ahead. According to an expert Tarot reader, the card drawn for September 21, 2026, is the Seven of Wands, a reminder that you don’t have to change your position simply because others don’t understand it.

The Seven of Wands is the card of standing your ground, protecting what you’ve built, and refusing to back down on what matters most to you. It often appears when outside opinions, expectations, or pressure are making you question yourself. This Tarot card makes a fitting appearance as the astrological forecast encourages you to think independently. With the Moon in Aquarius, you may feel less interested in following the crowd and more willing to question the status quo.

The universe encourages you to listen to your own instincts. Can you trust your judgment without feeling like you need to convince everyone else that you’re right? As you navigate opposition today, remember that you don’t have to defend every decision or over-explain every choice. Sometimes, protecting your peace simply means refusing to let someone else’s opinion pull you away from what you know is true for you.

If you’ve been second-guessing yourself because your path looks different from everyone else’s, you know the collective daily tarot horoscope reminds you that comparison is the thief of joy. Catch yourself before fawning. Honoring your individuality sometimes requires boundaries and a little resistance. You may not get immediate validation for choosing differently, but that doesn’t mean you’re making the wrong choice.

Today’s spiritual astrological and tarot message is simple: you don’t need everyone’s approval to stand confidently in your own truth.

• Notice where you’re changing your mind simply because someone else disagrees with you.
• You don’t have to defend yourself against every opinion. Save your energy for the things that genuinely matter to you.
• The Seven of Wands reminds you that standing your ground doesn’t always mean fighting. Sometimes it means quietly choosing yourself and moving forward.

UP NEXT:

If you’re itching for a good documentary to watch, check out The Velvet Underground on Apple TV. It was released in 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic era, so the Todd Haynes-helmed movie may have flew under the radar a bit.

Just like the doc, there was once an album named after the band, dating back 57 years. The beloved rock band, once fronted by Lou Reed, released the acclaimed LP in 1969 — and now, it’s getting a stunning reissue that die-hards won’t want to miss.

For a bit of background — last year, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group known as UMe announced the launch of Vinylphyle, an audiophile vinyl reissue series “dedicated to presenting essential albums across multiple genres with uncompromising sound quality and packaging.”

The series debuted with four landmark titles, one of which was The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967). Cut to 2026, and the New York City-based group is being honored by UMe yet again with its self-titled LP becoming a UMe Vinylphyle.

The premium vinyl edition is available to order right exclusively through uDiscover Music. The AAA edition of The Velvet Underground was cut by Joe Nino-Hernes from the 1969 “Closet Mix” stereo album master and is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl at RTI. Reed’s original “Closet Mix” appeared on the earliest pressings of the album when it was first released in 1969, uDiscover reported this past week.

The rock group’s self-titled record was their third studio album and followed 1968’s White Light/White Heat, as fans well know. Meanwhile, there’s one song that came out in 1969 that’s regarded by music aficionados as one of the best of that decade — but is one of The Velvet Underground’s lesser-known tracks.

“Pale Blue Eyes” was a track off their self-titled album, written by Reed about a former girlfriend of his. Find out more here.