Parade

In an age where ugly-cute collectibles like Labubu dolls are forever trending, why not reignite a similar trend dating back nearly 30 years?

Indeed, it appears 1998 called and is bringing the original Furby style back with an all-new collector pack. Remember those?

On Thursday, October 1, Hasbro unveiled a nostalgic set inspired by five of the original Furby color releases that helped fuel the brand’s iconic ’90s craze.

Right now, fans can bring home 3.2 inch small-scale figures of Flamingo, Skunk, Cheetah, Leopard and the Special Edition Wizard. Owners of the O.G. models might remember if they owned one of these back in the day.

Per Thursday’s news release, each has a hard plastic body covered in soft fur and a removable keychain clip shaped like the beloved 1990s Furby silhouette. They’re suggested to make backpack accessories or bag charms — but in case you’re a stickler for keeping them in the box, they also come in a display-worthy package.

(Hasbro)

Hasbro reports that these authentic collectibles were designed by fans from the original Furby team at Hasbro, and they’re suitable as a gift for those 8 years of age through adult.

The sets are now available exclusively on Amazon and retail for $49.99.

Tiger Electronics’ interactive toy took the world by storm when it was released in 1998, with over 1.8 million sold that same year. The amount reportedly skyrocketed to around 14 million the following year in 1999.

Since it spoke its own language (AKA Furbish), responded to touch, light and sound, and blinked and moved on its own, it felt incredibly advanced and futuristic at the time.

Furby Meets Netflix’s Biggest Movie

Earlier in 2026, Hasbro — which bought Tiger Electronics — revived the toy with a makeover from KPop Demon Hunters, with the products launching a year after the movie became one of the biggest streaming hits the platform has ever had.

There are now two rare new FURBY Furblets available, inspired by fan-favorite characters Derpy Tiger and the Saja Boy Demon. Find out more here.

Big Brother’s house is open once more! Every week, Parade’s Mike Bloom will be bringing you interviews with this season’s houseguests as they get evicted from the game.

July 7, 2019. Rick Devens reached the final stage before the jury vote on Survivor: The Edge of Extinction. After a season of using advantages, clutch challenge wins, and risky manuevers to get himself to the endgame, his game quite literally goes down in flames, one day shy of what was sure to be a locked-in win.

October 1, 2026. Rick Devens reached the final stage before the jury vote on Big Brother 28. After a season of using advantages, clutch challenge wins, and risky manuevers to get himself to the endgame, the “icon” is able to pull through in the final HoH, ensuring he face the jury vote for the first time in his reality TV career. The result: A locked-in win seven years in the making. After we saw him flip a coin on Survivor 50 earlier this year, Devens made quite a few of them as a result of his time in the Big Brother house. And, in a season all about time travel, he was finally able to rewrite his reality TV history.

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

While Devens entered the Big Brother house with a beaming-wide smile, reactions were more mixed from his new roommates. While Survivor fans like Jason De Puy were immediately hesitant to trust him, others like Angela Murray were excited as all get-out. And Devens himself joined in the ecstasy when he found out that fellow former castaway Dee Valladares would be alongside him on the season. Dee’s first HoH allowed the icons to build a series of intersecting majorities, keeping them in power for the first month of the game. And it wasn’t long before Devens got his hand at the first advantage of the season, a Diamond Power of Veto that allowed him to not only remove a nominee from the block, but supercede the HoH and name the replacement himself.

Devens spent the entire first half of the game in power, a position he admittedly did not have a lot of experience with across 60 days on the island. But underneath the buttoned-up suit and tie lay a man who built a reality TV career on chaos and big moves, who had a penchant for not playing it safe, no matter how safe he was. When Devens became HoH in Week 2, he had formed a tight bond with Rome Seymour, perceived as the leader of those not in his majority. And he decided to use his newfound power — with some panache to boot. In the course of 24 hours, he formed a new eight-person alliance, put up Rome’s closest allies, then put him on blast at the nomination ceremony, calling out the people he didn’t protect. 

But, only two weeks later, where we thought the status quo had been established, Dee and Devens decided to blow it up. Only a few hours before the eviction, they suddenly wanted to swing the vote to Lyric Medeiros, putting their “Red Corner” allies in a corner. With the speed and efficiency that can only be accumulated from two seasons of live Tribal Councils, the two flipped the house, turning on their own alliance to create the first blindside of the season. Sticking their necks out, however, didn’t come without consequence, as in the coming weeks, icons began to start hitting the block. But even when Devens wasn’t in power, he was able to show he had power. He used his Diamond Veto to save Dee, putting former ally Kamu Kirk into submission instead.

As the game hit the jury phase, between Devens’s rock-solid alliance with the icons, as well as a smattering of other coalitions and relationships, he seemed in pole position to take it all. Unfortunately for him, everyone else realized that as well. Devens was the last person to go on the block this season, only doing so because he volunteered to go up on Drew Campbell’s HoH to make things easier for his ally. He had no idea, however, that his first nomination was nearly his last, as Barrett Pfeiffer was planning to declare the “Crossovers” were over and blindside him. Devens suddenly found himself in a familiar position: The consensus target for most of the house, looking at an increasing number of obstacles to get to the end. But he busted through those obstacles like the Kool-Aid Man.

In the last month and a half of Big Brother 28, Rick Devens did what Rick Devens does: Find a way to find a way. He showed his prowess in clutch competitions, earning safety for five straight rounds through either winning HoH, Veto, Block Buster, or getting icon immunity through the “BB Bribe.” So, when Devens was sitting on the block next to Dee at the Final Four, it seemed like he would soon be publishing his own obituary. But this is where his relationships won out. The seed he had planted with Drew way back in the first week had grown into a full-fledged peach, even forming an in-house father/son bond. And it was that bond, and many promises to take Drew to the Final Two, that took him the furthest he’d ever gotten in his reality TV career. And it was also that bond that caused him to make the most difficult decision of the entire season in the finale. After Taylor Brown told him he wouldn’t have four votes against Drew, Devens made the self-admitted biggest betrayal of the season, cutting him one week after promising he’d be facing the jury. It was one last risky maneuver for Devens, adding one last splash of blood to his saturated hands. And he took those maneuvers all the way to the (blood) bank, taking home a near-unanimous win from the jury, the $50,000 “America’s Favorite Houseguest” audience prize, and $10,000 from the “Pharaoh’s Curse.” Not only did Devens finally win, but he won the most money in Big Brother history.

Hours after the Big Brother 28 finale, Devens talks with Parade about what led to his decision to cut Drew, his relationship with Dee, and how he feels to finally get the win nearly a decade after just losing out.

Related: Meet the Full Cast of Big Brother 28

So we gotta start with where things ended. As you were answering the jury’s questions and they were casting their votes, how confident were you that you had this in the bag?
I could see Angela and Dee going, “Yeah, that was a good answer. Yeah, he’s crushing it.” [Nods.] And I was like, “Am I crushing it? Is this good?” The one who made me the most confident was seeing Melody go, “Oh yeah, he’s really doing good.” Melody is not a vote I was counting on. If I get Melody’s vote, that could be enough. I’m counting the votes. So by the end I felt like I had done a pretty good job of pleading my case. I was hoping I had the four votes to win it all. I was going, “I might have Barrett. I might have Yash.” Really, Lala was the only one I knew I didn’t have. So I felt pretty good about it. I’ve been preparing for that final comp and for that Q and A and for that speech like mad, and I feel like it paid off.

Well, one thing you didn’t necessarily prepare for was the decision you made at the Final Three. Talk to me about what ultimately made you decide to cut Drew, despite promising you’d take him to the end the previous week.
I believed it, and I did change, and it hurt. The night before, Taylor came to me, and it’s good gameplay on her part. She basically said, “Listen, if you take Drew, I’m not going to give you my vote, and I’m going to make sure Lala doesn’t give you her vote.” And then I’m going. “Oh well, Drew’s gonna have Melody and Barrett. That’s enough to beat me.” So when Tay, on top of that, agreed, “Hey, if I win the final comp, I’ll take you and you take me,” it was like, “Okay, I have to think this over.” And I even told her, “I need to sleep on this. Let’s touch base this morning.”

And I just tried to take all the emotion out. I let emotion get the best of me on Season 38 of Survivor when I gave half an idol back to Chris Underwood. And Chris Underwood’s a good friend, but we don’t talk. He’s not the best friend in the world. We’re good friends; we love hanging out, and I think we’d be that anyway. But I regret every day giving him that half-idol back because I would have won a million dollars. So I’m going, “This is that situation all over again. I don’t want to hurt Drew, but we all signed up for the same game. My family is my closest alliance. I have to do what I can to bring the money home to them.”

And I looked at it as if it was a 0% chance that I beat Drew, with Taylor making this good gameplay/threat. There was a high likelihood that I could beat Taylor. And I thought that even if I explained it to Drew, that I might be able to get Drew’s vote, which I thought might be necessary to beat Taylor. So I just tried to take all the emotion out of it. I said, “I’ve been gone away from my family for all summer. I need to do the very best I can to bring home the prize.”

Let’s stay on Drew. Because the two you had an incredibly close, yet complicated relationship. Your trust in him definitely wavered over the course of the season, with you and the other icons even trying to get rid of him at times. But it seemed, by the end, you had truly built this in-house father/son relationship. Talk to me about how that grew and changed over the season.
Drew is the best. I love him so much. He’s got so much energy. And the truth is, we kid about the father/son thing, but I see myself as a 22-year-old friend of Drew’s. And I like to think he sees me as kind of the same way. I wasn’t his father, even though sometimes I did feel love for him as like a young guy and wanting to guide him and be proud of him in a way that I wouldn’t be necessarily of a peer. It was very much he was my friend. We were confidants for each other. I respected what he brought to the table. He respected what I brought to the table. And he drove me nuts sometimes because he always had that other option of Melody and Mallory and Barrett, and he never wanted to let it go. I never knew where he stood with that, but I always trusted him — I think it’s fair to say more than Angela and Dee trusted him! [Laughs.]

And I always felt like, “He’s my dude. If it comes down to it, even if he turns on the Crossovers, he’s not going to turn on me.” And the further we got into the game, the more I just grew to love this guy. He has it, Mike. There is something special about Drew.

One reason I feel more comfortable betraying him is because I know he’s going places. He’s got stuff coming his way, because there’s just something really special about this guy. And we grew closer and closer, and I absolutely trusted him. He’s the only reason I got to the Final Three and was able to win this whole thing. So me sending him home is just, I mean, it’s a betrayal, man. There’s no other way to put it. But it was the reason I think that I won the game. And I hope that he’s a part of my life forever. Like, I cannot wait to see what happens with him as he finds love, as he forms a family, maybe as he finds out what the next exciting chapter in his story is going to be. Because I’m just so proud to know him, and I know big things are coming his way.

I want to bring up the other member of the Final Three in Taylor. The two of you worked together in the beginning of the game, but you at points definitely felt annoyed by her and talked about how you felt she would scream or snap at people, which some fans considered forms of microaggressions. And, by the end of this last week, you even mouthed to Drew that you hated her. Can you speak on those comments?
Look, we had nothing to do from Part Two until Part Three of that final HoH. We were going stir-crazy in there! [Laughs.] So I’ll admit that Taylor got under my skin a bit, and she got under mine. We worked well together in the beginning, but when things blew up between her and Lala and Drew at that nomination ceremony, I knew it couldn’t really happen anymore. Still, I think she’s a wonderful person, and I apologize for anything I said about her that may have seemed insensitive. Not my intention whatsoever.

Let’s talk about the person who Drew brought you to the Final Three in lieu of: Dee. You two worked tightly from the beginning even though — I’m not sure if you heard this — she was planning to evict you the first time you were on the block. Talk to me about how your relationship with your fellow Survivor developed over the season. And how far did you plan on taking her?
Dude, Dee is my homie! And of course she was talking about getting rid of me at times, just like I was talking about getting rid of her at times. [Laughs.] You can take the player out of Fiji, but you can’t take the Survivor out of the player. When I saw her, I was so relieved. I was like, “Give me Dee and not Rachel Reilly. I think it’s going to work out better for me.” And there were times along the way, especially in the Final 5 HoH, where I’m like, “This could be my only chance to get rid of Dee.” But I said, “I can’t do it because that would leave Melody and Drew together. And then I lose Dee plus I lose Drew to Melody.” I was gonna ride to the Final Three with her and Drew.

At that point, I wasn’t trying to sit next to Dee at the end. Like I love DEE, but I had an instinct that she wasn’t trying to sit next to me; I wasn’t trying to sit next to her. But obviously that’s the very end of the game. Like you saw, I rode for Dee as hard as I could when she was on the block every time, including using the Diamond Power of Veto on her. She rode hard for me when I needed her, including using the safety stone on me. This story would not have happened without Dee. But luckily, she called Drew a weasel the whole time, and I called Drew “son” the whole time! [Laughs.] So when it came down to it, I got the benefit of that.

Plus, dude, I haven’t had a chance to talk to her about this. But when Drew asked me to throw Part 1, the endurance part of the final HoH. I was like, “Yeah, done, no problem.” And apparently, Dee said, “I’m going to pretend like you didn’t ask me that.” I’m like, “What?! How? What are you thinking?” So, no, I love Dee. I could not have gotten here without Dee, and I’m eternally grateful to Dee. But I think both of us are Survivors at hearts. And neither of us wanted to sit next to each other because we were both pretty proud of the game that the other played.

Speaking of Survivor, it’s appropriate that, in the premiere, the houseguests went back to when you lost the Edge of Extinction, considering you were one firemaking challenge away from assumingly getting the win. And I know, when you came into the house, you wanted to play with your head rather than your heart, as you mentioned. So how does it feel to finally take home first place, nearly ten years after you got so close?
Mike, it’s emotional. And I’ve been so closed off emotionally this whole season. Honestly, I’m gonna watch a sad dog commercial and just break down at some point. I have not let emotions come into my game very much. But I was so scared that my story is going to be Sisyphus. I’m going to be the guy who comes up short every time. And if my story was that I got fourth and then seventh and then third, that’s a pretty good story. And I kept telling myself that, like, “You should be really proud of doing that well in these games.”

But to have made the hard decision, and corrected some of these mistakes — even though it’s a silly challenge. Big Brother‘s so silly! It’s the most dramatic moment of my life! And there’s Yoah looking like an old man talking about balls, and I’m just like, “I need to win this challenge to change my family’s life.” And there’s Angela yelling at Chuck in an old lady costume. But that was my firemaking challenge. That was when I could guarantee myself a spot to argue before the jury. Because I’ve always felt if I get before a jury, I’m going to do a really good job of pleading my case.

And the fact that it went my way this time, my heart is full. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity. Like I said when I was eliminated from Survivor 50, I’m the luckiest guy in the world, and it’s true. Because everything I have back home, because I’ve had these opportunities that people would kill for. But the fact that I got another opportunity and I made the most of it, and it’s going to change our lives. We’re not buying fancy cars. We’re changing our lives here. It’s incredible, Mike. It’s wild.

Related: Dee Valladares Reveals the Real Reason She Could Never Cut Devens on ‘Big Brother 28’ (Exclusive)

To solve today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle, you’ll be exploring Georgia sports teams, weather-themed team names, people and places associated with Allen, and Gonzaga basketball.

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 Friday, October 2, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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

Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Friday, October 2, 2026 / New York Times

New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

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

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on October 2, 2026

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

• Yellow: Peach State sports.
• Green: Is it raining?
• Blue: Burns and __.
• Purple: Bing Crosby attended.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

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

• Yellow: TEAMS IN GEORGIA
• Green: TEAMS WITH WEATHER-THEMED NAMES
• Blue: ____ALLEN
• Purple: ASSOCIATED WITH GONZAGA

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 #739 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• TEAMS IN GEORGIA: BRAVE, BULLDOGS, FALCONS, HAWKS
• TEAMS WITH WEATHER-THEMED NAMES: HURRICANES, LIGHTNING, STORM, THUNDER
• ____ALLEN: JOSH, MARCUS, PHOG, RAY
• ASSOCIATED WITH GONZAGA: FEW, HOLMGREN, SPOKANE, THE KENNEL

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

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

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Thursday, October 1, 2026

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has ruled the death of Chad Lowe’s 13-year-old daughter, Fiona Hepler Lowe, a suicide, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Fiona died Sept. 29 at a Los Angeles hospital, according to the medical examiner’s office. Her family announced her death that day in a statement shared with People, remembering her as a loving girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance. They called her “the light of our lives” and asked for prayers and privacy.

Chad, 58, is an Emmy-winning actor and director best known for Life Goes On and the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe. He married producer Kim Painter in 2010, and Fiona was the middle of the couple’s three daughters. Her sisters are Mabel and Nixie.

The couple has been together for nearly two decades and has largely kept family life out of the spotlight. Lowe’s credits also include Pretty Little Liars and 9-1-1: Lone Star, and Painter’s casting and producing work includes Enemy of the State.

The family said she was cherished by her sisters and her parents. She would have turned 14 in November. Last year, Chad marked her 13th birthday on Instagram with a photo and a message telling her to keep dancing through life.

The statement ended with a message for others. Anyone struggling with their mental health is encouraged to reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, which is available around the clock.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Warning signs can include withdrawing from friends and family, talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden, or sudden changes in mood or behavior. Experts encourage asking directly and listening without judgment, and connecting anyone in distress with professional support.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

A beautiful dinnerware set can make any weeknight meal feel a little more elevated. If you’re looking to give your table a stylish refresh, the Martha Stewart Maiden Crown Dinnerware Set at Amazon is an excellent choice. The 12-piece set features an elegant floral pattern and comes with everything you need to seat four people. And right now, it’s on sale for up to 20% off as part of an early Prime Day deal. 

Originally priced at $70, these stunning dinner plates are available for as low as $56 in the botanical, sage green, and taupe shades. You can also shop it in a pretty blue color for $59. All four styles come with four 10.5-inch dinner plates, four 9-inch dessert plates, and four 6-inch cereal bowls, providing a fully coordinated refresh for your table. 

Martha Stewart Maiden Crown Dinnerware Set, From $56 (was $70) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Each piece features an intricate botanical design that’s elegant enough for holiday dinners and special occasions while remaining versatile enough for everyday breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. It’s made from a new bone china-style porcelain that offers the refined look and durability associated with traditional bone china at a more affordable price. It’s also lighter than standard ceramic and built to resist chipping through years of daily use. 

The set is also designed for easy care. All of the pieces are dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleanup and microwave safe for effortless reheating. When your meal is over, simply load the dishes into the dishwasher for a quick refresh.  

Related: Amazon’s ‘Whimsical” $14 Fall Gnome Set Is the Cutest $14 Autumn Home Find

The 12-piece dinnerware set has earned high praise from Amazon shoppers, who called them “beautiful,” “elegant,” and “the perfect weight.” One reviewer said they’re “perfect for day-to-day family use,” adding that they’re “very versatile.” Another dubbed it, “the best dinner set I have ever had in my life!” She went on to add that it’s “great in size and weight, making it easy to handle.” 

Shop More Amazon Kitchen Deals

• Gibson Home Kenwood Shores 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $50 (was $60) at Amazon
• Acellegic Ceramic Sunflower Spoon Rest, $10 (was $12) at Amazon
• Eboot 24-Piece Gold Floral Coffee Spoon Set, $17 (was $18) at Amazon

If you’re looking for dinnerware that balances durability with an elegant look, the Martha Stewart Maiden Crown Set checks plenty of boxes. It’s lightweight, dishwasher- and microwave- safe, and offers completely coordinated dishes for four. Snag it for up to 20% off before this Prime Day deal ends at Amazon. 

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.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle explores words describing sneaky behavior, from shifty and covert to furtive, devious and stealthy.

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 #943 on Friday, October 2.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “On the sly…“

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Shhh, this is a secret.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

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:

• SH
• CO
• FU
• DE
• ST
• SN (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mix of vertical and horizontal

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for October 2

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Friday, October 2, 2026, is BEYONDREPAIR.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Friday, October 2?

• SHIFTY
• COVERT
• FURTIVE
• DEVIOUS
• STEALTHY
• SPANGRAM: SNEAKINGAROUND

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, October 1, 2026

To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, think words that can follow “finance,” types of fingers, synonyms for customary and words that can follow “prime,”.

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 #1209 on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Friday, October 2, 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, October 2

1. Think money.
2. Not toes.
3. Not out of the ordinary.
4. Amazon’s fast-shipping option.

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, October 2:

1. FINANCE: BACK, BANKROLL, FUND, SUPPORT
2. FINGERS: INDEX, LITTLE, MIDDLE, RING
3. CUSTOMARY: COMMON, ROUTINE, STANDARD, STOCK
4. PRIME___: NUMBER, REAL ESTATE, RIB, TIME

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, October 1, 2026

Ronald Reagan’s California ranch was one of the former president’s cherished private retreats, and the 688-acre property is now preserved by the Young America’s Foundation.

The estate, which he and his wife, Nancy Reagan, acquired in 1974, was named Rancho del Cielo, meaning “Ranch in the Sky,” a fitting nickname for the secluded private retreat that sits in the Santa Ynez Mountains just outside Santa Barbara, California.

The purchase came shortly before he left his post as California’s governor, with Reagan paying $527,000 for the property, according to The Washington Post.

The modest, single-story adobe home was originally built by Hispanic settlers known as the Picos in 1871. The Reagans later enlarged the house to 1,500 square feet.

It featured a distinctly homey atmosphere, including a small man-made pond called Lake Lucky, a track barn and a canoe that the couple affectionately called Tru Luv.

President-elect Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy spending time at their ranch near Santa Barbara, California, 1980.

UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

From the ranch’s highest point, Lookout Mountain, Ronald Reagan and his wife could enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Santa Ynez Valley to the northwest, with its charming towns and vineyards.

“From the first day we saw it, Rancho del Cielo cast a spell over us,” the former president said, as mentioned on Young America’s Foundation’s official website, adding, “No place before or since has ever given Nancy and me the joy and serenity it does.”

During Reagan’s presidency, the ranch became a frequent vacation destination and was dubbed the “Western White House” by the media.

For more than two decades, Rancho del Cielo served as a private retreat for the couple, where they would unwind, ride horses and enjoy time with family away from the spotlight.

However, after Reagan’s Alzheimer’s disease was announced publicly in 1994, the ranch was left vacant and was eventually listed for sale in 1996.

“President and Mrs. Reagan have announced that the Reagan ranch in Santa Barbara has been listed for sale,” as stated in a 1996 press release. “Sadly, since President Reagan’s illness, it hasn’t been used.”

Although the property was once owned by a well-known personality and public figure, it only drew a few potential buyers. Among them was California Governor Pete Wilson, who proposed using federal government funds to purchase the property and turn it into a state park. The proposal was ultimately shelved after other officials and local residents objected.

The plan was never implemented, and the property was later acquired by the Young America’s Foundation after the organization’s president, Ron Robinson, along with his board of directors, stepped in.

Young America’s Foundation acquired Rancho del Cielo on April 21, 1998, and has since preserved and protected the historic property while using it for educational programs associated with Ronald Reagan and his legacy.

Related: 1974 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 23 Minutes, Was Misheard as a Beach Boys Tribute

To solve today’s NYT Wordle puzzle, think about the practice of lending money at excessively high interest rates.

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 #1931 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 🎬

How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There is one vowel that is the repeated letter, so you’ll see it twice. It also has one sometimes vowel, but that one only shows up once in today’s Wordle.

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

Today’s Wordle begins with a vowel.

Are there any double letters?

There is a double letter in today’s Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today’s Wordle?

Today’s Wordle answer can refer to lending money at extremely high interest rates.

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 #1931 on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Friday, October 2, 2026, is USURY.

-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)

Gyspy Rose Blanchard has spoken out following the news that her fiancé Ken Urker has tragically died at the age of 33.

In a statement to TMZ, she claimed that he was the victim of “relentless cyberbullying” before his death.

“Ken was an amazing father and a man who was deeply loved,” she told the outlet, adding that he “will forever be my soulmate and my red string, a connection that time, distance, and even death can never erase.”

The two share a daughter, and Blanchard said that she “will make sure (Aurora) grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her and who he was beyond what strangers on the internet chose to say about him.”

Blanchard explained that Urker dealt with an “unimaginable level of public scrutiny” and “relentless cyberbullying” on social media, saying that the “cruelty directed toward him was something no human being should have to endure.” She said that the online harassment had a “profound impact” on Urker.

She also shared a statement with PEOPLE, saying that she believes Urker died from an overdose.

“I don’t know if it was intentional or not,” she told the outlet. “He was not in a good state of mind lately.”

Blanchard said Urker died in his bed at his home in Raceland, Louisiana.

“I’m in disbelief. I can’t think,” she added. “I’ve screamed until my throat burns.”

TMZ was the first to report that Urker had died, as he was found unresponsive in Louisiana on Thursday, Oct. 1, which was also his birthday. Blanchard had texted Urker, “Happy Birthday,” but did not receive a response. He was found by Gypsy’s brother Dylan at the home.

The Lafourche Sheriff’s Office told the outlet that they “responded to a residence in Raceland today after receiving a call at 6:15 p.m. Kenan Urker, 34, was found dead upon arrival. At this time, we are continuing the death investigation.”

The two began dating after Blanchard broke up with her ex-husband, Ryan Anderson. They welcomed their daughter, named Aurora Raina Urker, in December 2024.

Blanchard became widely known following the 2015 murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, in which she ultimately pleaded to second-degree murder in 2016 and was released from prison in December 2023.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Small bathrooms don’t always leave much room for storage, especially if you’re renting or living in a cramped apartment or home. When you can’t add built-in cabinets or don’t have enough floor space for a bulky storage unit, finding somewhere to keep your toiletries can be a challenge. That’s where a slim freestanding cabinet like this bestselling Walmart option can come in handy. 

Right now, the Costway Slim Bathroom Cabinet is on sale at the retailer for $58, down from $119. It comes in four colors — black, brown, gray and white — so there’s an option to complement just about any bathroom.

Costway Slim Bathroom Cabinet, $58 (was $119) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Measuring 8 inches wide, 8 inches deep and 71 inches tall, the Costway Slim Bathroom Tall Cabinet is designed to take up as little floor space as possible. The cabinet combines open and enclosed storage to give toiletries and other bathroom essentials a dedicated place. 

It has five adjustable shelves, four open compartments and one drawer that you can use to organize everything from skincare and hair products to toilet paper, towels and cleaning supplies. The adjustable shelves can also be repositioned to accommodate taller bottles and other items of different sizes.

The cabinet comes with an anti-toppling device that allows you to secure it to the wall for added stability, which is especially beneficial in homes with children or pets. Assembly is also straightforward, according to shoppers, with one Walmart reviewer saying the cabinets were “a breeze to put together.” 

Although it’s designed for the bathroom, the cabinet can also work in other areas of the home where storage is limited. One shopper called it an “excellent” product for their storage needs, while another said the cabinets fit perfectly in their kitchen. 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Gorgeous’ $30 Pumpkin Dutch Oven Is Perfect for Fall Hosting

For anyone living in a small apartment or home, the Costway Slim Bathroom Cabinet is an easy way to add much-needed storage space. Head to Walmart to grab one in your preferred color while it’s still in stock and on sale!

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.

“The South got something to say.” Trenchant words uttered from behind a lone microphone by a then 20-year-old André 3000 at the 1995 Source Awards as he and Big Boi accepted the award for Best New Rap Group to the raucous echo of boos. It was a moment that would go on to define Outkast‘s legacy as harbingers of a hip-hop boom the likes of which Atlanta had never seen. But beneath the undeniable tension in the room was prophecy. Unknowingly, 3 Stacks had just spoken into existence a generational run of musical talent that would make sure that people were, in fact, listening. 

From the funky, lyrical poetry of Goodie Mob to the gritty storytelling of T.I. and Young Jeezy, ATL’s hip-hop scene has always been in the driver’s seat. Whether that meant influencing sound, style, or both, the city’s contribution to the genre as a whole is impossible to deny. Perhaps the only thing more Atlanta than hip-hop, though, is Waffle House. 

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter 🍳🍔

Related: Meghan Markle’s As Ever Teamed Up With a Luxury Chocolatier on Something Special for the Holidays

The instantly recognizable 24/7 breakfast institution is more than just a spot you spill into after drinking more than you should at 3 a.m.—it’s a cultural third place. And to prove it, the Hotlanta hot spot is teaming up with Outkast to drop a limited-edition merch line that’s so ATL. The exciting new collab perfectly distills two Atlanta icons into a streetwear line that personifies the city’s inimitable swagger. To announce the drop, Outkast posted a video to their Instagram account previewing the collection set to the 2001 smash hit “So Fresh, So Clean.” 

Waffle House and Outkast Drop Limited-Edition Merch Collection View this post on Instagram

In addition to tees and striped jerseys emblazoned with the lyrics “Gator belts and patty melts,” the line also includes branded bucket hats, jackets, hoodies, and socks. We’ll take one of everything! And if you’re lucky enough to be an ATLien, you can snag the entire collection at the Outkast x Waffle House Launch Party taking place this Friday, October 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The one-day pop-up shop will include a live DJ, limited-edition André 3000 and Big Boi meals, free Outkast x Waffle House souvenir menus, complimentary coupons, and, of course, all the limited-edition merch.

If that’s not enough to get “me and you, your momma, and your cousin too,” down to 135 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, then it looks like we’ll just have to miss out. The good news is that if you’re not willing to brave I-85 or fight your way through a crowd just to get your hands on a pair of socks, the collection will also go live on outkast.com at 11 a.m. That said, judging by the sea of comments, the collection is bound to sell out fast. “Oh, this is toughhhhh,” one person said. “Purchasing immediately,” commented another fan. 

Fans Speculate About New Music from Outkast

Several other people agreed that they need every item in the collection and a few mentioned possibly sending a friend by to try and grab a piece or two. Elsewhere, fans were more concerned about Outkast’s 20-year musical drought, with their last joint album being Idlewild, which dropped in August of 2006. “Do they come with a reunion concert ticket?! 👀” someone inquired. “Chile boo… we wanted an album 🙄,” another person complained.

Although a new album would be nice, the duo neither confirmed nor denied that one would be on the way. Either way, we’ll take this so fresh and so clean limited-edition merch drop from the duo over nothing. At least they’re saying something.

Related: A 129-Year-Old Dessert Teamed Up With a Cult Beauty Favorite for a Flavorful Collab

Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s complicated relationship history has played out publicly for more than a decade.

From the boyfriend connected to her mother’s infamous murder to a prison marriage and her years-long romance with Ken Urker, Blanchard’s relationships have been closely tied to major chapters in her life.

On Oct. 1, 2026, news broke that Urker, Blanchard’s fiancé and the father of her daughter, Aurora, had died at 33. He was reportedly found unresponsive at a Louisiana home after Blanchard texted him “Happy Birthday” and didn’t receive a response. Her half-brother Dylan later found him, but so far, a cause of death has not been announced.

Here’s a look back at Blanchard’s most significant relationships.

Nicholas Godejohn

Blanchard met Nicholas Godejohn on a Christian dating website in 2012 while she was living with her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. Their secret online relationship lasted more than two years before they met in person in March 2015.

Months later, Godejohn killed Dee Dee after he and Blanchard planned the murder together. The couple were arrested shortly afterward, which ended their relationship. Blanchard later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, while Godejohn was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He is currently held at the Potosi Correctional Center in Mineral Point, Missouri, and has no chance of parole.

He said that time with Blanchard was “the best days of [his] life,”  in an interview for the Oxygen special Gypsy Rose & Nick: A Love to Kill in 2019.

Ken Urker

Urker first contacted Blanchard in 2017 after seeing the HBO documentary Mommy Dead and Dearest. Their prison correspondence became romantic, and Urker proposed during a 2018 visit. They split the following year due to a Dr. Phil podcast, according to Urker.

“I had listened to a podcast from Dr. Phil, and I had a lot of people in my ear just telling me that the best thing I can do for her is to give her some time to build a self-identity that she’s never been able to build before, and even while she’s in prison,” Urker told People in a 2025 interview.

The pair reunited in April 2024 following Blanchard’s separation from Ryan Anderson and welcomed daughter Aurora in December 2024. Their relationship eventually came full circle with another engagement before Urker’s death in October 2026.

Ryan Anderson

Blanchard met the Louisiana teacher while she was incarcerated, and they married in a prison ceremony in July 2022. Anderson picked her up when she was released in December 2023, but their life together outside prison was short-lived.

Blanchard announced their separation in March 2024 and filed for divorce the following month. Their divorce was finalized that December, legally ending their roughly two-year marriage.

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

Just hours after the tragic death of Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s baby daddy, Ken Urker, his sister, Autumn, jumped on TikTok Live amid tears.

The visibly shaken sibling did her best to answer questions from followers who flooded her comment section with condolences. Despite her grief, she did share some new information about Urker’s passing.

“They’ve been split up,” she tearfully shared before accusing Blanchard of leaking the news. “See, this is why I came on here, because I knew that b—h would go to TMZ. You cold-bloodedly murdered your mother for d–k. You are a vile human being. You’re sick in the head…”

@casefilecam

Instagram Live Via Ken Urkers Sister #kenurker #gypsyrose #gypsyroseblanchard #news #tmz

♬ A Silence Between Strings – Tugboat Annie

She continued, “Of course you went to TMZ that you texted him ‘happy birthday’ and didn’t get a response. You ain’t been getting a response.”

TMZ reported that Urker Ken was found unresponsive Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Louisiana, and that it was Gypsy’s brother Dylan who discovered Ken in the home on his 34th birthday.

Urker and Blanchard share a daughter named Aurora Raina Urker, who was born in December 2024. Prior to his death, rumors circulated online that Urker was seeking sole custody of his daughter amid the split from Blanchard, who has yet to comment on her ex-fiancé’s death publicly

As expected, people are speculating about Urker’s cause of death online.

“Sooo he broke up with Gypsy and kicked her out…. He was trying to get full custody of his daughter, and suddenly he’s found unresponsive??? Gypsy of all people ran to TMZ right away…… does anyone else think it’s suspicious?” one person asked on TikTok. Another added, “The stress of all this stuff Gypsy has done coming out. I am sure all this was hard on him.”

According to Autumn, her brother did not die of natural causes, but an exact cause of death has yet to be reported.

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

It can be quite a struggle to stay organized. Despite your best efforts, you might end up with a cabinet full of miscellaneous ingredients and drawers packed with items you don’t even remember buying. Crowded shelves can make it incredibly difficult to find what you want.

Your solution doesn’t have to be hefty or even especially big to make a difference. The Lamu Lazy Susan Organizer Set consists of three turntables that are designed to bring some ease to your life while helping you maintain a sense of order at home. It’s a solid deal, marked down to just $20 in clear, gray, and amber colorways ahead of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days event, which runs October 6 through October 7.

Lamu Lazy Susan Organizer Set, From $20 (was $24) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Each set includes turntables measuring 9.25 inches, 10.6 inches, and 12 inches respectively, so you’ll have coverage no matter where you decide to use them. The most obvious use is in the kitchen, where you can quickly gather all of your spices and condiments in one place. Many shoppers also love using them in their fridge to keep similar items together and within easy reach. A quick spin and you can easily grab that piece of fruit or can of soda without rooting through the entire fridge!

Beyond the kitchen, lazy Susans are also especially useful in the bathroom. If you have an abundance of skincare and makeup, or you just want to keep your minimalist routine in one spot, a turntable like this can really help streamline your setup. Craft and hobby spaces are also a good fit for these rotating trays. You can use them to keep smaller items in one place and easy to find at all times. Even a desktop could be a sensible spot if you want to keep your office supplies in one central location.

The trays are thoughtfully designed with raised edges to prevent anything from slipping off as you spin. It rotates a full 360 degrees, with a smooth motion that makes it easy to find exactly what you want with a quick swivel. One shopper said that it’s “just right for maximizing space,” adding that it’s “great quality and really functional.” Another person called the lazy Susans a “game-changer for my pantry.”

Related: Amazon’s ‘Whimsical’ $21 Handmade Owl Wreath Is a ‘Charming’ Fall Accent for Any Home 

There are so many ways to organize your home. However, if you’re looking for something that conserves space while making the most of the room that you have, a Lamu Lazy Susan Organizer Set makes a practical choice that won’t break the bank. With three pieces, you’ll have something to get every space under control. Grab it while it’s still on sale for just $20 at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days!

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.

Last night, The Amazing Race 39 kicked off the season with a jam-packed day in Vancouver, full of plenty of thrills and spills. But the 12 remaining teams were ready to jetset, as things quickly reset when flying out to Madrid, Spain. While in Europe, Express Press strategy continued to come to the forefront, causing strife and struggle. And one team’s crucial early mistake was enough to send them on a one-way train out of the race.

Check out our spoiler-filled recap below to find out who went home from The Amazing Race 39 tonight.

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

Who was eliminated on The Amazing Race 38 tonight? Katie Schultz and Charlotte Schultz — Sisters (L-R) Katie Schultz and Charlotte Schultz on ‘The Amazing Race 39’

Sonja Flemming/CBS

Sisters Katie and Charlotte Schultz touted in tonight’s episode that, despite how they look, they grew up doing hard manual labor on the family farm. And, ironically, it was produce that would potentially do them in. The two fell behind quickly in Spain after struggling to find a clue within a pile of tomatoes. And, in their rush to make up time, they made a critical error, taking the wrong train seven stops in the opposite direction. The sisters tried valiantly to catch up to the pack, but their difficulty to identify Spanish icons made sure their race was history.

Which teams finished at the top of The Amazing Race 39 tonight?

While Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman were happy to survive the first leg, they were clearly dissatisfied with finishing so far in the back of the pack. This time, they got some redemption, crushing tomatoes and charcuterie alike to get a first-place finish. Married parents Michelle Patterson and Matthew Patterson finished in second, thanks to the latter’s childhood knowledge of history. And siblings Cody Langlois and Jaime Tribo finished out the top in third, using their Express Pass to bypass the Detour to avoid waiting at a station.

Which teams finished at the bottom of The Amazing Race 39 tonight?

Doug Matter and Dylan Matter bond over hiking, and the grandfather/grandson team certainly got their steps in wandering lost around the streets of Madrid. Despite Dylan’s insistence that they were doomed, they were able to scrape by in tenth place. And, after leaving the Roadblock near the top, Dafina Dunmore and Saran Dunmore fell all the way down to the bottom when they struggled on the Detour. After over an hour at the museum, they were able to escape elimination.

Who’s left this season on The Amazing Race 39? Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman — Pro athletes and moms Ann-Marie Tejcek and Riley Tejcek — Mother and daughter Anuar Tager and Andrea Tager Ballesca — Father and daughter Cody Langlois and Jaime Tribo — Siblings Conner Wilson and Garrett McGuire — Childhood friends Dafina Dunmore and Saran Dunmore — Sisters Daisha Wilks and Dalton Hamby — Dating Doug Matter and Dylan Matter — Grandfather and grandson Erin Taylor and Javi Vintimilla — Married Jody Rebhun and Jenn Naso — Best friends and moms Michelle Patterson and Matthew Patterson — Married parents

Related: ‘The Amazing Race 39’s Zach and Nate Johnson Explain Their Race-Ending Starting Line Mistake (Exclusive)

With the start of October, spooky season is officially upon us, and while Christina Ricci’s extensive filmography offers a variety of shows and movies that are plenty of fun to watch year round, she is also among the stars who have a long list of must-watch projects this time of year in particular.

From the family-friendly classic Casper and the 1991 take on The Addams Family, in which Ricci played Wednesday, to more recent projects like the enormously popular psychological horror show Yellowjackets and the Tim Burton-led Netflix series Wednesday, which brought Ricci back to the larger world of the Addams Family as Marilyn Thornhill, this truly does feel like Ricci’s time to shine, year after year.

About this decades-long history of projects, including movies like Casper that have cemented themselves as time-honored fan favorites, Ricci said, “It’s really wonderful to have been in things that people still remember, decades later. To even be in things that people want to remake because they liked the character I played so much. That’s really kind of fun and impactful for me. They’re going to make another Katrina Van Tassel thing, and obviously, they made Wednesday. So, to have been somebody who created characters that people love so much that they want to do them again is actually incredibly, incredibly flattering.”

In addition to her history playing beloved characters—be they creepy and kooky or not—in classics that have become the perfect nostalgia rewatches, Ricci has continued to appear in movies and shows that captivate audiences, and high on that list is certainly Yellowjackets, which is getting its fourth and final season just next month.

About that era coming to an end, Ricci said, “It’s been a great show; it’s been a really great part of my life. I’ve enjoyed playing Misty. I’ve made some really wonderful friends on the production, and it’s been great. And I’m excited about the future.”

Understandably, Ricci couldn’t give too much away about the upcoming final season (and she shared that she actually didn’t know exactly what the season comprised outside of what she shot, which led to her learning of Molly Ringwald’s appearance in season 4 from a press release). However, she did confirm, “I am happy with where Misty’s story ends up; I am.”

Ricci shared that, with that show coming to a close, she’s looking ahead, and right now, looking ahead includes planning for Halloween—but she also revealed a detail that is sure to surprise fans. “My husband will dress up with the children. I don’t dress up, though,” she said.

Initially, she said that there was “no fun reason” for opting out of a costume, but she later added, “I feel like I dress up so much. Maybe it’s that I dress up so much for my job, you know what I mean? It’s not as thrilling for me. Although I do love now how they have like onesie costumes. So you can just be given a skeleton onesie and you’re good kind of vibe.”

While Ricci won’t be in costume this year, though, she does have a major role to play this season, as she has teamed up with Hershey’s fan-favorite candy Reese’s to find the Trick-or-Treatiest street in America. Joining her is fellow beloved actress Kathy Najimy, also known for Halloween staples, such as Hocus Pocus, and creators Rachel Iwanyszyn, Zaire Alford and Macy Blackwell.

Reese’s Halloween Council (1:13)

The team analyzed details like decorations, costumes, candy quality and more, and the winner will be announced on Oct. 21 by this Reese’s Halloween Council. The winning street will receive a Reese’s block party, held in partnership with Zillow, of course filled with many Reese’s treats.

A song released more than a decade ago is having a major moment thanks to Ted Lasso, a reminder of the impact a streaming hit can have on introducing a classic song to an entirely new audience. Topping the Billboard Top TV Songs chart for August 2026 is “Kansas City” by The New Basement Tapes, the supergroup assembled by producer T Bone Burnett in 2014 to record previously unpublished lyrics handwritten by Bob Dylan in 1967.

“Kansas City” Gets a Second Life Thanks to Ted Lasso @amandarenee.225

#kansascity #tedlasso #foryoupage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp

♬ Kansas City – The New Basement Tapes

“Kansas City” was originally recorded in 2014 by the Bob Dylan-inspired supergroup that included Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford, Taylor Goldsmith, Jim James and Rhiannon Giddens. Now, “Kansas City” is having a major second act thanks to the Ted Lasso Season 4 soundtrack, which features the song at the end of the premiere, titled “Home,” as Ted Lasso drives through his native Kansas City.

The episode was filmed in and around the Kansas City area, home not only to fictional Ted Lasso but also to the show’s star, Jason Sudeikis. With the song playing in the background, the final sequence features Ted driving past city landmarks while he weighs his options: leave home again and return to England to coach AFC Richmond’s new women’s team or stay where he is.

Related: Kenny Chesney’s Latest Hit Was Inspired by Heartbreak and an Iconic ‘Ted Lasso’ Episode

“Kansas City” Originally Charted in 2015 @clinton.green79

Bob Dylan BASEMENT TAPES featuring Marcus Mumford and Johnny Depp “Kansas City” #mumfordandsons #marcusmumford #basementtapes #johnnydepp

♬ original sound – Clinton Green

“Kansas City” originally peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart in 2015. More than a decade later, the popular Apple TV+ comedy has helped the song find its way to the top of the Top TV Songs chart.

The New Basement Tapes Have Another Ted Lasso Connection

One of the band’s members, Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons fame, also co-wrote and performs the show’s theme song, making The New Basement Tapes’ connection to the show feel like an extension of the sound established in Season 1, rather than a random placement of a song based on its city-based title.

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

Former Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham has always been an open book about her extensive plastic surgery history.

However, her latest procedure was not for cosmetic reasons. The 35-year-old reality star shared an update with her followers after undergoing jaw surgery due to a non-consensual assault.

“After a non-consensual assault left me with serious jaw damage, I spent years suffering in silence just trying to eat, talk, breathe. I find it odd everyone says sue my doctor when I should sue the animal who did this to me. It’s in the news, and I am,” Abraham wrote on Instagram. “This double jaw surgery was planned for months — custom-molded jaws, amazing doctors, PAs, ICU nurses + engineers who built them just for me.”

She did have a sense of humor about the procedure, which left her with an extremely swollen face, adding, “TIP: Get jaw surgery before Halloween and you’ll fit right in — Frankenstein & Terminator (stitches + titanium).”

View this post on Instagram

Abraham also thanked her dad and 17-year-old daughter Sophia for helping her recover. The former MTV star also made sure to remind her followers she is running for the Austin City Council, and used the experience to hopefully attract voters.

“We must STOP medical billing scams and support our doctors over the criminals who caused this,” she explained. “Twice before surgery, billing tried to charge me outside my insurance without verifying. I’m running for District 5 City Council to save YOU money on medical billing.”

In December 2022, Abraham sued former California Mayor Dominic Foppoli for sexual assault, accusing him of drugging and raping her the year prior. In September 2026, Foppoli was found liable for sexually assaulting seven other women and ordered to pay $13 million in compensatory damages. Abraham’s trial is currently scheduled to begin in February 2027.

According to Abraham, her jaw should be back to normal by January 2027.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword answers cover everything from Cheetos residue, expressions of amazement, ancient China, words meaning extremely, map locations, Google products, affirmations, dating app actions, printer supplies and types of wares.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

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

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Friday, October 2, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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

Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Friday, October 2, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Finger covering after eating Cheetos — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

5 Across: “That’s Amazing!” — HINT: Ends with the letter “W”

7 Across: First country to use paper money, way back in the 7th century — HINT: Ends with the letter “A”

8 Across: Extremely, extra, very — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

9 Across: Where “You Are,” on a small map — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Google____ — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”

2 Down: “Yup, yup, yup” — HINT: Starts with the letter “U”

3 Down: Dating app action — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

4 Down: Printer powder — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”

6 Down: Suffix with “silver” or “glass” — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Friday, October 2, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Finger covering after eating Cheetos — DUST

5 Across: “That’s Amazing!” — OHWOW

7 Across: First country to use paper money, way back in the 7th century — CHINA

8 Across: Extremely, extra, very — SUPER

9 Across: Where “You Are,” on a small map — HERE

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Google____ — DOCS

2 Down: “Yup, yup, yup” — UHHUH

3 Down: Dating app action — SWIPE

4 Down: Printer powder — TONER

6 Down: Suffix with “silver” or “glass” — WARE

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, October 1, 2026