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For today’s New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle, think of popular sports clubs, Texas sports stars, words prefaced by another word and songs that play when you score a goal.

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 Thursday, August 20, 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: Cheerio!
• Green: H-town stars.
• Blue: Title for Dracula.
• Purple: Hockey music.

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

• Yellow: LONDON SOCCER CLUBS
• Green: HOUSTON SPORTS STARS, HISTORICALLY
• Blue: CAN COME BEFORE “COUNT”
• Purple: NHL GOAL SONGS

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 #666 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

• LONDON SOCCER CLUBS: ARSENAL, CRYSTAL PALACE, FULHAM, TOTTENHAM
• HOUSTON SPORTS STARS, HISTORICALLY: BAGWELL, BIGGIO, MOON, OLAJUWON
• CAN COME BEFORE “COUNT”: FULL, HARD, PITCH, SILENT
• NHL GOAL SONGS: CHELSEA DAGGER, HOWL, LITHIUM, SHOUT

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 Wednesday, August 19, 2026

To solve today’s Strands puzzle, think of compliments that have been split into pieces.

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 #900 on Thursday, August 20.

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: Broken-up phrases of praise.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• BE
• KN
• CA
• PA
• VE
• BE
• GO
• ST
• YO (SPANGRAM)

Today’s Spangram is mostly horizontal.

Today’s Spangram answer on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Thursday, August 20, 2026, is YOURETHE.

• BEES
• KNEES
• CATS
• PAJAMAS
• VERY
• BEST
• GOLD
• STANDARD
• SPANGRAM: YOURETHE

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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As the days get shorter and we start spending more time indoors, fall is the perfect excuse to refresh your pajama drawer. But in many parts of the country, warm temperatures stick around well into the season, so lightweight, breathable sleepwear can be just as useful as something plush and cozy.

One particularly budget-friendly option is the Ekouaer Button-Down Ruffle Pajama Set. Right now, select styles are on sale for up to 66% off at Amazon, bringing the price down from $36 to as little as $12. For a complete matching set that can make lounging and bedtime feel a little more put together, that’s a great value.

Courtesy of Amazon

With 31 colors and patterns to choose from, there’s plenty of variety depending on your style. Options range from classic neutrals and solid colors to playful prints featuring leopard spots, bows, butterflies, tropical leaves, teddy bears, and more. Discounts vary by design, but the selection makes it easy to find something that feels like you.

The set comes in sizes extra small through 3X and is made from a soft 95% polyester and 5% spandex blend. The lightweight fabric is designed to feel soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin, making it a practical choice for warmer nights and relaxed days at home.

The short-sleeve top features a classic turn-down collar, full button front, and hip-length silhouette that’s easy to slip on and off. The coordinating bottoms have a relaxed fit, elastic drawstring waist, and cute ruffle details, giving the set a comfortable feel without looking overly basic.

Related: Amazon’s ‘Versatile’ $13 Cotton Cardigan Offers ‘Breathable Coverage’ for Summer-to-Fall Weather

This popular set earned over 250 five-star reviews. One shopper shared, “I love the little ruffles on the shorts — it’s such a cute and feminine addition detail. The fabric is very soft and breathable without being too thin.” Another dubbed it their “favorite pajama set,” noting that they own three sets and are planning to buy more. They wrote, “The fabric is incredibly soft, lightweight, and comfortable, making it perfect for both lounging around the house and sleeping.”

Beyond bedtime, the set is an easy upgrade to your everyday routine as the weather cools and you find yourself spending more time at home. It also makes a thoughtful gift since it’s both practical and a little more special than your standard sleepwear set.

• Yoolfine Short Sleeve Button-Down Pajama Set, From $17 (was $32) at Amazon
• Victoria’s Secret Modal Pajama Set, From $35 (was $70) at Amazon
• Opoipin Striped Pajama Set, $10 (was $26) at Amazon

For a pajama set that combines comfort, style, and value, the Ekouaer Button-Down Ruffle Pajama Set is a great pick. With Amazon’s current discounts reaching 66% off, you can snag one for as little as $12 and head into cozy season with a matching set you’ll actually want to wear.

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.

To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, you’ll need to explore New York City’s most popular food, common sets of numbers, sentence structure and zodiac-adjacent animals.

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 #1166 on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Thursday’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. Toss, bake and slice.
2. 1, 2, 3 …
3. Special symbols.
4. Year of the horse.

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. KINDS OF PIZZA: DIAVOLA, HAWAIIAN, MEAT LOVERS, WHITE
2. KINDS OF NUMBERS: ATOMIC, SERIAL, SOCIAL SECURITY, TELEPHONE
3. SIMILARLY SHAPED TYPOGRAPHICAL MARKS: APOSTROPHE, CEDILLA, COMMA, OKINA
4. STARTING WITH CHINESE ZODIAC ANIMALS: DRAGONFLY, OXFORD, PIGMENT, RATCHET

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, Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Paul McCartney was only 16 when he wrote “A World Without Love.” The song would sit unfinished for several years before becoming a No. 1 hit, and it would not be the Beatles who recorded it. 

Instead, the song launched 19-year-old Peter Asher and his singing partner, Gordon Waller, who performed together as Peter & Gordon. 

Asher had a unique connection to McCartney even before the duo landed their recording deal. His sister, actress Jane Asher, was dating the Beatle, and McCartney moved into the Asher family’s London home in 1963. 

McCartney had written the song before the Beatles became famous, and when he played it for John Lennon, Lennon wasn’t exactly impressed. Asher later recalled that Lennon particularly disliked the lyrics. 

“I think it was the lyrics,” he told Fresh Air. “I think what John didn’t like about it was the lyrics, that he thought that ‘please lock me away’ was an absurd line to put in a song.” Asher said Lennon would essentially joke, “OK, I will lock you away. The song’s over.” 

McCartney eventually offered the song to Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, but Kramer passed on it. That left the song available when Asher and Waller landed their own recording deal. 

McCartney agreed to let the two record it, but there was one problem; the song didn’t have a bridge. Asher later recalled having to “nag” McCartney to finish the track, which he did just in time for Peter & Gordon’s first recording session on January 21, 1964. 

“A World Without Love” was released on February 28 as Peter & Gordon’s debut single. It quickly became a sensation, reaching No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. 

For Asher, the success was life-changing. As he later recalled, by 19 he had already had “a No. 1 hit on both sides of the Atlantic” with a song written by McCartney.

The friendship between Asher and McCartney continued even after McCartney and Jane broke up. “Paul and I had become good friends,” Asher said, recalling how McCartney continued to stay at the family’s home when the Beatles weren’t on the road. 

That bond eventually helped shape Asher’s career beyond Peter & Gordon. After the duo split in 1968, Asher became head of A&R at Apple Records, where he signed a young, relatively unknown James Taylor. He later moved to Los Angeles, becoming Taylor’s manager and producer and working with Linda Ronstadt as both a manager and producer.

Related: 1964 Rock Song, Written by Carole King, Launched a 16-Year-Old Singer’s Career

Today’s NYT Wordle might leave you feeling cloudy and unclear.

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 #1888 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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There is one vowel and one sometimes vowel 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 is: Not clear or easy to see through.

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 Thursday, August 20, 2026, is MURKY.

-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)

As has been true of a number of trials, the Lindsay Clancy trial has become highly publicized and, for better or worse, that includes rampant rumors, theories and speculation on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

There have been a range of theories and arguments regarding the Clancy trial online, from conspiracy theories alleging that Lindsay’s husband Patrick Clancy was somehow involved, which remain unfounded, to myriad arguments about why Clancy may have done what she is accused of doing.

Clancy is specifically being charged with the murder of her three children—Cora, who was 5 years old when she passed; Dawson, who was 3 years old when he passed; and Callan, who was 8 months old when he passed—all of whom were strangled in their home in 2023. Clancy and her team are arguing that she is not criminally responsible for the children’s deaths because they say she was suffering from postpartum psychosis at the time.

The trial has seen a number of witnesses called thus far, including Patrick Clancy himself, both of Patrick’s parents and Lindsay Clancy’s mother, and the prosecution rested its case on Monday morning. However, the trial is not over yet, and court today has especially drawn attention after “unforeseen circumstances” led to the jury being sent home earlier than expected for the day.

Specifically, as reported by ABC News, the jury was sent home this afternoon for an undisclosed reason, with Judge William Sullivan telling them, “This is not something we saw coming, but you’re not to speculate about what it is…You’re not to hold it against either side. It’s just something that we have to deal with.” Because of the somewhat mysterious nature of these words, the internet quickly became abuzz with rumors about what could have caused this early dismissal this afternoon, with one of the most prominent theories being that a mistrial will be called.

While the public does not currently know what the reason for court adjourning early today was, and it’s possible that information will not be disclosed in the future, based on the information that is presently available, there is currently no reason to suspect that Clancy will be getting a mistrial. As shared by CBS News, before court was dismissed for the day, Judge Sullivan had ruled that TikToker Emily Thorndike could not testify as a witness. It’s possible that this decision affected the defense’s plan, thereby necessitating an early dismissal.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or visit their website.

A voice that helped give hard rock its power is celebrating another year.

Ian Gillan turns 81 today, Aug. 19, after a career that has placed him among rock’s most respected vocalists. In 2009, listeners of Planet Rock ranked Gillan fourth in a poll of the 40 greatest voices in rock, putting him behind only Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury and Paul Rodgers.

Long before Gillan became known for his piercing high notes and commanding performances, he found inspiration in Elvis Presley. The future Deep Purple singer collected Presley’s early music and closely studied his singing, tone and delivery.

“For a young singer he was an absolute inspiration. I soaked up what he did like blotting paper,” Gillan once said.

Born in Middlesex, England, in 1945, Gillan performed with several groups before joining Episode Six. He and bassist Roger Glover then became members of Deep Purple in 1969, completing the lineup that would record some of the band’s most celebrated work.

Gillan made his first appearance on a Deep Purple album with Concerto for Group and Orchestra, but his voice soon became central to the band’s sound on Deep Purple in Rock, Fireball and Machine Head. His performances on songs including “Child in Time,” “Highway Star” and “Smoke on the Water” demonstrated the range and force that made him one of hard rock’s most recognizable singers.

After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, Gillan led the Ian Gillan Band and Gillan before briefly fronting Black Sabbath. He returned to Deep Purple for 1984’s Perfect Strangers and has remained part of the group through most of the decades since.

Gillan was among the members of Deep Purple inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. The Hall credited the band with helping pave the way for heavy metal while combining orchestral influences with a harder rock sound.

At 81, Gillan remains active with the band. Deep Purple released its 24th studio album, SPLAT!, on July 3 and is continuing an extensive world tour. Gillan is even spending his birthday onstage, with the band scheduled to perform in Ottawa tonight.

More than five decades after his greatest recordings with Deep Purple, Gillan’s voice remains one of the sounds most closely associated with classic hard rock.

Related: ’70s Rock Legend, Who Played Bass in Prince’s Band, Turns 80

Garth Brooks sets the standard when it comes to marrying exceptional singing with unforgettable showmanship, so taking on any song from his catalog is undeniably a tall order. But rising country artist Alexandra Kay was up to the task. 

She recently covered a portion of the country music icon’s 1990 hit “The Dance.” 

RELATED: 1970 Country Ballad, Written by Kris Kristofferson, Became a Young Singer’s Only No. 1 Hit

Kay, who will serve as support for Jon Pardi’s upcoming 2026 Gamblin’ Man Tour — kicking off Sept. 17 in Richmond, Virginia — put her spin on the tune’s chorus as part of a TikTok video featuring her mixing up a specialty coffee drink from the comfort of her home. 

I could’ve missed the pain, but I’d of had to miss the dance . ☕️🎀 #coffeegirl

Backed by her guitarist and boyfriend, Rocko, Kay effortlessly showcases her stunning vocals and incredible range in the video posted on Aug. 19, giving listeners a taste of what the song could sound like from a female perspective. Kay’s “Coffee Covers” video series on the social media platform helped launch her country music career after going viral in 2020, and she has been treating fans to songs ever since. 

“Please do a full cover on this,” one fan requested in the comment section of the video while another follower added, “Wow! How beautiful!” 

“One of my favorite songs ever. You made me cry,” a third follower wrote. 

Written by Tony Arata, Brooks had his eye on “The Dance” long before he became famous. According to an interview with Arata by The Tennessean, Brooks heard the song during an open-mic night in Nashville and promised Arata that if he ever struck a record deal, he would record the song. 

And that, he did. 

“The Dance” served as the fourth and final single from Brooks’ 1989 self-titled debut album. Widely regarded as his signature song, “The Dance” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and won two trophies at the 1990 Academy of Country Music Awards for Country Music’s Song of the Year and Video of the Year. 

For its writer, “The Dance” was inspired by a scene in the 1980s movie Peggy Sue Got Married, where the lead character goes back in time and realizes she can’t change her past marital relationship because she would never get to have had her children. 

RELATED: 1969 Hit, Reimagined by Reba McEntire Decades Later, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’

“It hit me that you don’t get to pick and choose your memories in life. You have to go with things as they play out,” Arata said, sharing the meaning behind the song. “You don’t get to alter them because if she had not married him, regardless of how bad it had turned out, she would not have had her children ….That hit me, and I went home, and the next morning I wrote that song, the lyrics, in what is now known as ‘The Dance’ in about 30 minutes.”  

“The Dance,” which also ranked No. 111 on Rolling Stone‘s “200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time” list, was rejected across Nashville for three years before Brooks finally recorded the track.

Related: 1961 No. 1 Hit, Ignored by Radio and Rejected by Brenda Lee, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’

Beyoncé may be able to see halos, but registered dietitians are begging people to question any food or drink that has what they call a “health halo.”

“A health halo occurs when one appealing quality, such as being green, organic, natural or packed with vitamins, leads us to assume the entire product is healthy,” warns Johannah Katz, RD, a registered dietitian.

Registered dietitians are especially concerned with the halos currently surrounding certain beverages, especially on certain corners of social media. Depending on your algorithm, you may be familiar with some of the “aesthetically pleasing” drinks that star in videos and photos on Instagram and TikTok. They’re often green, beet-red or orange in color and full of powders and foods that often require a trip to the specialty store nearest you. To be clear, that doesn’t mean they’re all bad. However, Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com, warns that “health halos” can make us stop questioning what’s in food and drinks.

“When something is marketed as ‘healthy,’ we may assume it automatically supports our health and energy, even if it contains things like added sugar or lacks important nutrients like fiber and protein,” Routhenstein shares.

Indeed, in addition to long-term health concerns like diabetes and heart disease, these types of “healthy” drinks can seriously drain energy. One drink in particular requires a closer look—and the nutrition label and recipes often reveal ingredients that aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as they appear on social media, especially if you’re dragging quickly after your last sip. Below, registered dietitians say that this “healthy” drink can secretly destroy your energy.

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Registered dietitians say green juice is billed as “healthy,” but it may quietly deplete energy and contribute to your afternoon (or mid-morning) slump.

“Green juice may contain valuable nutrients, but consumers should still look at the serving size, total sugar, fiber and whether it provides enough protein and calories to function as a meal,” Katz says.

Julia Zumpano, RD, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic, understands why people love green juice. But she says some of its most appealing “perks” are often over-hyped (at best) and harmful (at worst).

“It tastes sweet and provides some green veggies and fruits that people feel good about consuming since most often they are not consuming them through their diet,” she says. “It gives you a false sense that you are doing something healthy, but instead you are consuming a large amount of added calories and sugar.”

The added sugar in green juice is a big pain point for RDs when they’re trying to help people determine how their diets may play into their energy levels throughout the day.

“Many green juices get their sweetness from fruit juice, fruit concentrates, or added sugars,” Routhenstein says. “Some bottled green juices can contain 25-50 grams of sugar per serving, which can be similar to or even higher than some sodas.”

It’s not that “fruit is bad.” Yes, it’s naturally sweet, and Routhenstein shares that it’s also “incredibly nutritious” in whole form.

“The difference is that juicing removes much of the fiber that naturally slows digestion,” Routhenstein explains. “When you drink a sugary juice without much fiber, the sugar can enter your bloodstream more quickly, leading to a rapid rise in blood sugar.”

Routhenstein adds that your body responds by releasing insulin, which helps move sugar into your cells.

“For some people, that can contribute to a blood sugar drop afterward, which may contribute to afternoon fatigue, brain fog or cravings for quick energy foods,” Routhenstein reports. “Liquid calories also tend to be less filling than food you chew, especially when they lack protein and healthy fats, so they may not provide the lasting energy you are looking for.”

Related: The ‘Healthy’ Drink That’s Secretly Dehydrating You in Summer, Dietitians Say

RDs’ red flags about green juice don’t stop at energy-reducing added sugar. The lower nutrient content may not just leave you dragging, but hangry.

“Most green juices provide little protein or fat and may not keep someone satisfied for long,” Katz says. “If juice replaces a balanced breakfast or lunch, the person may simply be underfueled.”

Unfortunately, sometimes the underfueling is intentional. Routhenstein also warns that green juices are often part of restrictive “cleanse” dieting, including detoxes and low-calorie meal plans.

“These approaches can encourage skipping balanced meals, under-eating and relying on liquids instead of nourishing your body with adequate protein, fiber and calories,” she adds. “When you don’t consistently meet your body’s energy needs, it can lead to a slower metabolic rate, increased fatigue, irritability and intense hunger later as the body adapts to inadequate fuel.”

Yet, Zumpano adds that the excess calories, added sugars and simple carbs in many green juices can lead to unnecessary weight gain, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Related: Strawberries vs. Bananas: Which Fruit Is Better for Blood Sugar? Registered Dietitians Explain

Green juice isn’t all bad.

“Depending on its ingredients, green juice may provide vitamin K and folate from leafy greens, vitamin C from citrus fruits or vegetables, potassium and carotenoid plant pigments,” Katz explains. “Nutrient levels vary significantly among recipes and commercial products.”

However, Katz notes you can get these nutrients in other ways that keep your energy stable. For instance, she says you can add leafy greens to:

• Salads
• Eggs
• Soups
• Grain bowls

You can also snack on whole fruit or make a smoothie that retains whole fruits and veggies, rather than juice from concentrate.

When in doubt, “Think whole foods versus ultra-processed food,” Zumpano emphasizes.

Up Next:

Related: More Than 40 Years Ago, This Diet Became a National Obsession—Dietitians Say It Didn’t Hold Up

• Johannah Katz, RD, a registered dietitian
• Julia Zumpano, RD, a Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian
• Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com

Phoebe Bridgers, the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, delivered unexpected news about her upcoming tour.

In an Instagram update, the solo artist and a member of indie supergroup boygenius revealed that she has been forced to postpone her scheduled shows in the U.K. due to a health issue.

The “Lost Boys” hitmaker revealed that she suffered from appendicitis on her birthday, Aug. 17.

As a result, her shows in the U.K. will be affected but she promised fans something to look forward to.

“I got appendicitis for my birthday,” Bridgers wrote along with a selfie lying down in a black hoodie. “Everything in the U.K. this week will have to move but I’ll make it up to you!”

Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images

The singer-songwriter, who just turned 32, followed the post with a playful remark saying “last known photo of me and my appendix,” accompanied by a photo of her on stage performing a cover of “Lithium” by Nirvana during the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge.

phoebe bridgers unfortunately has appendicitis so all her UK shows will be postponed ❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/vZEJum1sq2

Bridgers is scheduled to have three shows in the U.K., performing in Kingston, London on Wednesday, Aug. 19, followed by a concert in Brighton on Aug. 20 and wrapping up in Bristol on Aug. 21, for her intimate album release shows in celebration of Lost Weekend. However, the shows will be moved to later dates, as mentioned by the singer.

As for fans, her team is working on rescheduling the dates and all original tickets will remain valid, according to JamBase.

Amid the unexpected health setback, Bridgers is gearing up for a full-scale international arena tour, kicking things off in September with performances across major cities in the U.S. before heading to the U.K. in November and Europe in December.

The Lost Tour will also feature Alex G as opener for the North America tour while Isaac Wood, formerly of Black Country, New Road, will be her special guest for the U.K. and European run.

Sept. 15 — Indianapolis, IN @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Sept. 17 — St. Paul, MN @ Grand Casino Arena
Sept. 19 — Chicago, IL @ United Center
Sept. 22 — Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena
Sept. 25 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
Sept. 26 — Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center
Sept. 28 — Philadelphia, PA @ Xfinity Mobile Arena
Sept. 29 — Washington, DC @ Capital One Arena
Oct. 1 — Toronto, ON @ Scotiabank Arena
Oct. 3 — Detroit, MI @ Little Caesars Arena
Oct. 6 — Boston, MA @ TD Garden
Oct. 9 — Charlotte, NC @ Spectrum Center
Oct. 10 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Oct. 13 — Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
Oct. 16 — Austin, TX @ Moody Center
Oct. 17 — Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena
Oct. 19 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
Oct. 21 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center
Oct. 23 — Seattle, WA @ Climate Pledge Arena
Oct. 24 — Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
Oct. 27 — San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
Oct. 30 — Inglewood, CA @ Intuit Dome
Oct. 31 — Inglewood, CA @ Intuit Dome
Nov. 23 — Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena
Nov. 26 — Manchester, United Kingdom @ Co-op Live
Nov. 27 — Glasgow, United Kingdom @ OVO Hydro
Nov. 28 — Birmingham, United Kingdom @ bp pulse LIVE
Dec. 1 — London, United Kingdom @ The O2
Dec. 4 — Paris, France @ Adidas Arena
Dec. 5 — Brussels, Belgium @ Forest National
Dec. 7 — Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome
Dec. 8 — Düsseldorf, Germany @ Mitsubishi Electric Halle
Dec. 9 — Berlin, Germany @ Velodrom
Dec. 11 — Copenhagen, Denmark @ Royal Arena
Dec. 12 — Stockholm, Sweden @ Avicii Arena

Related: 1969 Supergroup Song, First Song Written by Eric Clapton, Is Still a Generational Hit 57 Years Later

Rising country superstar Ella Langley once put her own spin on the beloved country classic, “You Look So Good in Love.”

Originally recorded by George Strait in the ’80s, “You Look So Good in Love” became one of the defining songs of the country legend’s early career, making it a fitting choice for Langley — whose career has been taking off in recent years — to put her own spin on the timeless country track.

Langley, 27, previously shared her tender version of the Strait classic in a video posted to social media, where she used nothing but an acoustic guitar and her mesmerizing vocals to bring her own flair to the decades-old country standard.

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Many fans online were instantly impressed by Langley’s take on the song, which gave one Instagram user “goosebumps” as they listened to her “chilling rendition.”

“Classic and beautiful,” another fan commented under the clip, while more users chimed in to complement Langley’s “smokey voice” and “old school vibes.”

Written by Glen Ballard, Rory Bourke, and Kerry Chater, “You Look So Good in Love” was released in September 1983 as the lead single from Strait’s third studio album, Right or Wrong. It became Strait’s third song to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, behind his earlier chart-toppers “Fool Hearted Memory” and “A Fire I Can’t Put Out.” The country icon has since tallied 44 Billboard No. 1s, and a grand total of 60 No. 1 songs over the course of his career if you include entries on non-Billboard charts.

As for Langley, it appears that the rising country songstress is just getting started. With the release of her second studio album, Dandelion, and her hit single “Choosin’ Texas,” Langley has already been dominating the charts in recent weeks. She is close to making history after reigning atop of the Hot 100 for a whopping 18 weeks — and counting.

Related: Ella Langley’s New Duet Debuts on Billboard Amid Her Historic Chart Run

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Cottagecore was once a viral trend, but it’s now a staple aesthetic for fashion and home decor. Filled with all things nature-inspired, romantic, and whimsical, it captures the essence of a slow-paced and dreamy lifestyle. If you want to incorporate this aesthetic into your everyday life, you could add some gingham or ruffled pieces to your wardrobe, or decorate your home with wicker baskets and floral decor. 

Last spring at home 🏡 🌼 #homedecor #spring #fypシ゚viral #cottagecore #springtok

This Berthmeer Scalloped Floral Area Rug at Walmart is a fabulous option you can use to make your living space look like a storybook cottage. There’s no better time than right now to grab it because it’s currently on sale for a limited time with a Walmart flash deal. 

Normally retailing for $43, the 3-foot-by-5-foot rug is now marked down to either $23 or $24 in six styles. You can choose from a black, a navy, two beige, and two green styles. It’s also available in another beige style and a jute version, which are currently priced between $29 and $30.

Courtesy of Walmart

This area rug also comes in four larger sizes, including 5 feet by 7 feet, 6 feet by 9 feet, 8 feet by 10 feet, and 9 feet by 12 feet. Those are on sale for up to 51% off and start at $36, $53, $63, and $110, respectively. You can also get this rug as a 2-foot-by-3-foot doormat starting at just $11, a 2-foot-by-6-foot runner for as low as $22, or a 2-foot-by-8-foot runner on sale from $27.

Oozing with cottagecore charm, this rug features a stunning botanical print and playful scalloped edges that radiate whimsical elegance. It’s filled with flowers and leaves of different shapes, sizes, and hues. The pattern is dense, creating an eye-catching design that’ll make your rug a focal point and instantly elevate your living space. 

“This is a very soft and lovely rug!” one reviewer raved, adding that “the design is just gorgeous.” A second shopper commented that this is “the prettiest rug” they’ve ever had. A third customer mentioned that it’s “so cute” and perfect for their home office. 

This rug makes decorating effortless, accenting your floors and bringing your space to life. It’ll tie all your furniture together and make the appearance of your room look intentional. You can place it anywhere in your home, whether it’s in the center of your living room, underneath your dining room table, or next to your bed. 

Courtesy of Walmart

Made of polyester, this rug has a smooth texture, giving your feet a comfortable place to rest or walk on. Underneath the polyester, it boasts sponge and silica gel, offering some cushion. The backside of the rug has a non-slip design, ensuring that it stays in place. This also makes it ideal if you have children or pets, as it’ll prevent them from tripping as they run around. 

This area rug has a low-pile profile, which means that you should be able to put it near doorways without it getting caught underneath the door when it opens and closes. You’ll also be able to place furniture on top of the rug without the pieces wobbling around or feeling unstable. 

Because the strands are short, it’s difficult for this rug to collect dirt, dust, and hair, making it pet-friendly and easy to care for. Whenever it needs a quick refresh, you can go over the rug with a vacuum cleaner. If you want to give it a deep clean, toss it into the washing machine with cold water. 

• Domaci 2-Pack of Scalloped Wicker Baskets, $30 (was $47) at Walmart
• Scidweet 4-Pack of Faux Hydrangeas, From $17 (was $30) at Walmart
• Dokotoo Gingham Ruffled Blouse, $19 (was $33) at Walmart

Related: The Pioneer Woman’s $30 Cottagecore 12-Piece Dish Set Has a ‘Fresh and Beautiful’ Pastoral Daisy Print

If your home could use a bit of sprucing up, elevate it with the Berthmeer Scalloped Floral Area Rug. Head to Walmart right now and snag it while it’s still on sale starting at just $23! 

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New details have emerged in the murder case involving Nick Reiner following testimony before the grand jury that ultimately indicted him.

Reiner’s siblings, Jake Reiner and Romy Reiner, both testified before the grand jury before their brother was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of their parents, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, according to a new report by People.

While it’s unclear exactly what Romy and Jake said during their testimony, the grand jury ultimately indicted Nick in December 2025.

“This was a profound betrayal by someone who was loved and trusted by the very people he is accused of killing,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said after the indictment was unsealed, per People. “The indictment unsealed today also adds a special circumstance allegation that the defendant committed the murders by means of lying in wait.”

Hochman added, “We hope that by having a grand jury return an indictment in this case, it will bring us one step closer to a trial and achieving justice.”

Nick has pleaded not guilty to all charges filed against him.

As Parade previously reported, Rob and Michele were found slain inside their Brentwood, California, home on December 14, 2025. It was later revealed that the A Few Good Men director was involved in a verbal altercation with his son at a holiday party hosted by Conan O’Brien the night before the murders.

Nick was located and taken into custody hours after the bodies were discovered. He has remained behind bars without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.

If convicted, Nick is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on September 15.

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Most of us have had a less-than-desirable experience with dress shoes at some point, whether it happened on the first day of school, during a long workday, or halfway through an important event. Too often, a polished pair comes with a side of pinching, rubbing, cramped toes, or an urge to count down the minutes until you can kick them off. Eventually, you learn your lesson and reach for flats or sneakers instead. But you don’t necessarily have to choose between looking put-together and keeping your feet comfortable. 

Consider the Dr. Scholl’s Ruler Slip-On Loafer an olive branch between your feet and your dress-shoe collection. They’re $40 at Amazon, down from a typical $80, giving you a chic yet comfort-focused option at half the usual price.

Courtesy of Amazon

The loafer-meets-ankle-boot silhouette gives this pair a little more structure than your standard slip-on flat. The microsuede upper has a soft, subtly textured finish, while the higher-cut sides wrap toward the ankle to create the look of a low-profile shootie. A deep V-shaped opening breaks up the otherwise streamlined upper, and the overlapping panels give the vamp a clean, tailored appearance without adding hardware or embellishment. The rounded toe keeps the shape classic, while a contrasting pull tab at the heel adds a small utilitarian detail. There’s also a 1-inch stacked heel, which provides just a touch of lift while maintaining the easy, everyday feel of a flat.

There are some thoughtful details hidden inside that pared-back design, too. Interior gore adds stretch through the opening, making the shoe easier to slip on and off while giving the upper extra flexibility once it’s on your foot. Underfoot, the brand’s insole technology combines anatomical cushioning, comfort, and support, while the lightweight, flexible construction is designed to bend and move naturally with each step. The low stacked heel has a broad base for added stability, and the streamlined outsole keeps the shoe from feeling overly chunky.

Courtesy of Amazon

Sustainability also factors into the construction of these shoes. The microsuede is made using recycled bottles, as are the fabric toe box, lining, and topcloth, while the heel counter incorporates recycled materials as well. Along with the black microsuede, the style is also available in a taupe microsuede and black leather-look. 

• Dr. Scholl’s Nice Day Now Loafer/Moc Shoes from $40 (was $95) at Amazon
• Dr. Scholl’s Jetset Loafer, from $13 (was $80) at Amazon
• Dr. Scholl’s Hello Loafers/Moc Shoes, from $47 (was $100) at Amazon

Sizing runs in half sizes from 6 through 13, giving you plenty of options to find the right fit. Shoppers recommend sizing up a half size, and the loafers are also available in a wide width for those who need more room across the foot.

Amazon shoppers have dubbed these shoes as “sleek,” “stylish,” “easy to walk in,” and “super comfortable right out of the box,” with over 500 five-star ratings to match the praise. “They are very soft, so they aren’t rubbing against my ankles or feet, very flexible, and extremely comfortable to walk in due to the Dr. Scholl’s cushion sole,” a reviewer wrote.

Related: Walmart’s ‘Super Cute’ Raffia Mary Jane Flats Are a Budget-Friendly Coastal Grandmother Staple

With shoppers snatching up multiple colors, it’s clear that the Dr. Scholl’s Ruler Slip-On Loafer is a must-have. Shop them at Amazon while they’re 50% off!

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.

While the acclaimed HBO Max series, The Pitt, has plenty of shocking moments, there’s one mild aspect of Patrick Ball‘s character, Dr. Frank Langdon, that took him by surprise.

In an August 2026 interview with Vanity Fair, Ball said he was a bit taken aback when Langdon’s first name was confirmed a few episodes into season 1 of The Pitt.

“That was a shocker. I really was moving through most of the first part of season one under the assumption that I was a one-namer, like Beyoncé,” quipped the actor. “Season one, you get Langdon. Season two, you get Frank.”

Throughout the second season of The Pitt, which premiered in January 2026, Langdon grapples with his first E.R. shift following his rehabilitation stay after Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) found out he’d stolen benzodiazepines. In an April 2026 interview with Deadline Hollywood, Ball said he wasn’t aware that Langdon was struggling with substance abuse issues when he auditioned for the role.

“Well, when I first read the script, Langdon was described to me as sort of the upbeat, funtime doctor who everybody loved, which was sort of my sort of first way in. And then I think he was described as ‘the golden boy,'” said the 36-year-old actor.

He then said that during “the call-back process” he discovered “the addiction part of his character.”

“That was sort of when it really started clicking to me that this was something that was maybe meant for me,” said Ball to the publication, seemingly in reference to his own sobriety. In a February 2026 Esquire interview, Ball shared that he is “coming up on four years sober.”

While speaking to Deadline Hollywood, Ball said that “it became a really fun time over the course of season 1 and into season 2 about figuring out how to fulfill both of those archetypes and demands of the script” while playing Langdon.

“How to be the golden boy, but also how to humanize that and complicate that and realize that that person too can be struggling and can be grappling with some demons that may not be readily apparent,” continued Ball in the Deadline Hollywood interview.

On the big screen, fans know him best as Captain America. Behind the scenes, Chris Evans wears a number of hats, including dog owner and newly crowned girl dad.

The beloved A-lister, 45, is also a partner of Jinx, the pet wellness brand that recently helped bring to life a new episode of “Dodo Dream Date.” If you are a dog lover and not aware of this web series, take note…

On Tuesday, August 18, The Dodo — an online publisher focused on animals — launched a new installment of “Dodo Dream Date” featuring the Marvel actor and two “inseparable” shelter dogs.

Here is Dodo’s official synopsis of the clip: “We’re pairing celebrities and rescue animals up for the cutest blind dates in Dodo Dream Date! In this episode, Chris Evans surprises his dates with a game that helps them earn treats while getting to know each other 🫶.”

During the game, Evans is prompted with the question: “As a new girl dad, what has been the most unexpected part of fatherhood so far?” In a heartfelt moment, the award-winning actor responds by opening up about how much he misses his daughter whenever she’s not in his arms.

Evans recently took to social media to promote the adorable new episode. Check out the joint Instagram reel below.

Fans have since flooded the post’s comments section to show their support for Evans, the partnership and more. “Ahhh bless Chris and doggies 😊,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “I’m cryinggggggg this is precious. ❤️❤️❤️”

Evans has made headlines in other ways this summer, especially when the Avengers: Doomsday trailer dropped last month. Fans are finally getting the crossover they hoped for, as the upcoming film will find three distinct Marvel universes interacting for the first time on screen.

Per the trailer, characters from the main Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will collide with those from The X-Men from the original X-Men movie universe (2000) as well as the futuristic world of The Fantastic Four.

His reserved personality was matched by a talent that helped shape some of rock’s most recognizable songs.

John Deacon, the longtime bassist and one of the four members of Queen’s classic lineup, celebrates his 75th birthday on Aug. 19. The musician was born in Leicester, England, in 1951 and became an essential part of the band that rose to worldwide fame during the 1970s.

Deacon’s quiet demeanor stood apart from the commanding stage presence of Freddie Mercury, Brian May and Roger Taylor, eventually earning him the nickname “The Quiet One.” His personality never limited his contributions, however, as both his bass playing and songwriting became important parts of Queen’s sound.

The musician began playing in bands as a teenager and studied electronics before joining Queen in 1971 at age 19. His musical ability and technical knowledge helped him secure the position, completing the lineup that would remain together for the next two decades.

Deacon went on to write several of the band’s most enduring songs, including “You’re My Best Friend,” “I Want to Break Free” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” The latter topped the U.S. charts for three weeks and earned Favorite Pop/Rock Single at the 1981 American Music Awards, while Deacon was later inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003.

His accomplishments were also recognized alongside the rest of Queen when the group entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Although Deacon did not attend the ceremony, his name appears with Mercury, May and Taylor on the band’s official plaque.

Deacon largely withdrew from music following Mercury’s death in 1991. His final live appearance with Queen came in 1997 when the band performed “The Show Must Go On” with Elton John in Paris. Later that year, he joined May and Taylor to record “No-One but You (Only the Good Die Young)” before retiring.

The bassist has remained private ever since, but he continues to have a say in major decisions involving Queen. “If we have any major decision, business-wise, it’s always run past John,” May explained. “He’s still very much part of Queen.”

At 75, Deacon’s work remains closely tied to the band’s legacy. His memorable bass lines and songwriting continue to reach new generations, ensuring that “The Quiet One” is still heard whenever Queen’s music plays.

Related: ’80s Rock Legend Announces Special Tour 40 Years After Beginning Solo Career in New York

Unless you recently came to Earth from another planet, you’re probably well aware that “Hound Dog” was one of Elvis Presley‘s biggest hits, not to mention one of the songs that helped shape rock and roll. But you might not know that Presley wasn’t the first to record the song, or that it wasn’t even written for him in the first place.

While Presley’s version of “Hound Dog” went to the top of the charts in 1956, the song was actually written in 1952 by the legendary songwriting team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who started collaborating musically in 1950 when they were just 17 years old.

“When we started working, we’d write five songs at a session,” Stoller recalled during a 1990 interview with Rolling Stone. “Then we’d go home, and we’d call each other up. ‘I’ve written six more songs!’ ‘I’ve written four more.’ Our critical faculties, obviously, were not as developed, and we just kept on writing and writing.”

“‘Hound Dog’ took like twelve minutes,” Leiber added. “That’s not a complicated piece of work. But the rhyme scheme was difficult. Also the metric structure of the music was not easy.”

Perhaps “Hound Dog” was written so quickly because the pair had a specific singer in mind: Legendary blues singer-songwriter Big Mama Thornton.

“Johnny Otis [bandleader, record producer] told us to come down to his garage in the back of his house, where he used to rehearse,” Lieber explained.

“He wanted us to listen to his people and see if we could write some tunes for them,” he continued. “We saw Big Mama and she knocked me cold. She looked like the biggest, baddest, saltiest chick you would ever see. And she was mean, a ‘lady bear,’ as they used to call ’em. She must have been 350 pounds, and she had all these scars all over her face. I had to write a song for her that basically said, ‘Go f—k yourself.’ But how to do it without actually saying it? And how to do it telling a story? I couldn’t just have a song full of expletives.”

Thankfully, Thornton took to the “hound dog” metaphor, though she wasn’t particularly open to hearing Stoller and Lieber’s thoughts on her performance.

“She was a wonderful blues singer, with a great moaning style,” Stoller said. “But it was as much her appearance as her blues style that influenced the writing of ‘Hound Dog’ and the idea that we wanted her to growl it. Which she rejected at first. Her thing was ‘Don’t you tell me how to sing no song!'”

“Hound Dog” was the biggest commercial success of Thornton’s career, spending seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1953. A few years later, in 1956, Presley had even better luck with the tune (though his version of the song was closer to Freddie Bell and the Bellboys’ reworked cover, which came out in 1955).

“Elvis was incredibly cooperative,” Leiber remembered. “He would try anything. He wasn’t a diva, no prima donna. When it came to work, he was a workhorse.”

“If he didn’t like something — his own performance, primarily — he would say, ‘Let’s do another one,'” Stoller agreed. “And this would go on and on, take 38, take 39, until he felt he had it. We thought we already had it! We’d got it twice!”

Presley’s “Hound Dog” (released with “Don’t Be Cruel” as a double-sided single) became the longest running #1 hit of his career, spending 11 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Another “Hound Dog” fun fact: Presley’s performance of the song on The Milton Berle Show (complete with hip gyrations that made the audience scream) earned him the nickname “Elvis the Pelvis” and served as one of rock’s first major controversies, as Robert Fink wrote in Elvis Everywhere: Musicology and Popular Music Studies at the Twilight of the Canon.

Related: This Rock Legend Paid Less Than $4 for His First Ever Recording 72 Years Ago 

In the days following Hayden Panettiere’s tragic and sudden death, social media has been flooded with tributes to the actress.

However, in one of the most emotional and touching tributes, her on-screen father from Heroes shared a heartbreaking message about her passing and his memories of her.

Related: Hayden Panettiere Fans Blame Estranged Mom Following Actress’ Sudden Death

Jack Coleman starred as Panettiere’s dad, Noah Bennet, on the NBC series, which ran from 2006 to 2010. In a post shared on Instagram, Coleman revealed that Panettiere called him “daddio” from the very first day they met on set 20 years ago.

“I’ve loved Hayden since day one of the pilot of Heroes, 20 years ago, when she introduced herself by shouting “daddy” and throwing her arms around me. From that day on, she called me daddio. She was Haydini, because she was a magician,” he wrote.

“She brought joy to the set and a photographic memory. Everyone was in awe of her ability to bring it every take. A tiny colossus who loved to laugh. We laughed a lot. That shining face, that megawatt smile, that wasn’t just for the camera. That was her. She glowed.”

He also went on to detail how she was hunted by the paparazzi as a teenager, calling them predatory. Coleman also expressed regret and anger regarding her tragic death.

“I love you, Hayden. I’ll miss you. I’m so sorry you suffered. I’ll remember how happy you were on set and on the European press tour; how you championed Tess when she was being bullied; your commitment to animal welfare and the courage to put yourself in harm’s way to protect them,” he continued. “I only wish you had been given that same protection.”

Coleman’s daughter, Tess, whom he mentioned in his tribute, also shared a sweet memory of Panettiere, commenting, “I’ll always remember the way she made me feel seen, heard, and protected, three things that meant everything at that age. She championed other people in a way she so often wasn’t championed herself. That’s one of the rarest qualities a person can have, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”