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Chris Brown pleaded guilty last Friday to affray over a 2023 nightclub altercation, and the reaction online has been swift and overwhelmingly critical.

The plea, entered at London's Southwark Crown Court, resulted in prosecutors dropping more serious charges against the singer, including assault, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm, and possessing an offensive weapon. Prosecutors said surveillance footage showed Brown striking music producer Abraham Diaw with a glass bottle at a Mayfair nightclub, an incident senior prosecutor Claire Campbell called "vicious and unprovoked." Brown, 37, is scheduled to be sentenced October 26 on the affray charge, which carries a maximum of three years in prison.

News of the plea deal spread quickly online, and much of the reaction centered less on the incident itself and more on Brown's long pattern of violent allegations. "It's almost like he has a history of this," a commenter said.

Others pointed directly to Brown's 2009 guilty plea for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna as evidence of a pattern. "This guy's rap sheet of assaults is too long. He's a ticking time bomb," one person wrote. Another put it more bluntly: "Man with history of assaulting people pleads guilty to assaulting people."

A recurring theme throughout the thread was frustration that the incident is unlikely to meaningfully affect Brown's career. "It surprises me that he still attracts 50,000+ to his stadium concerts," one commenter wrote, a sentiment echoed repeatedly by others questioning why his commercial success hasn't been impacted by his legal history. Some specifically criticized his fanbase for continuing to support him. "Enabled by his dumbass fans," one person wrote, while another added, "People will put up with anything if you're insanely talented. A horrible fact of life."

Not every comment focused purely on outrage. Some pushed back on the idea that the public reaction would change anything at all, arguing that cycles of backlash followed by continued commercial success have defined much of Brown's career for over a decade.

Often credited with being one of the first people to normalize what we’d now call “pop” (or “popular”) psychology, bringing these concepts to the American public in a mainstream manner, Joyce Brothers had a long life with many interesting side quests that led to a pretty robust career. She was an American psychologist, television personality, advice columnist, as well as a writer.

According to the Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA), Brothers earned her doctorate in psychology in 1953, but she made her “big break,” so to speak, two years later when she first appeared in the popular game show, The $64,000 Question. She made waves because she correctly answered hard boxing questions, which she knew thanks to her husband’s love of the sport.

She went on to spend seven weeks on the show, becoming the second person—and the only woman—to win the top prize, per JWA. This led to many more television appearances and all of the things she’s known best for. Our quote of the day is from Brothers and highlights some good advice about having a positive self-image and how it can lead to success. 

As the Cornell University Library reported, Brothers was born Joyce Diane Bauer on Oct. 21, 1927, in Queens, NY, to two attorney parents. She went on to attend Cornell at just the young age of 16, in 1944, graduating with a double major in psychology and home economics; then she received her PhD in psychology from Columbia University. 

They also reported that after she won it big on The $64,000 Question, she appeared in their spin-off show, The $64,000 Challenge, and won the top prize there as well. She got her own afternoon talk show in 1958, per JWA, and then a late-night show, where she would talk about children, love, sex and more—including “taboo” subjects that weren’t discussed on TV, let alone by a female host.

She appeared on national radio programs as well, and had syndicated columns in newspapers and magazines. Brothers even went on to act, appearing in shows like The Nanny (as herself) and movies like National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1. In Kathleen Collins’s 2016 book, Dr. Joyce Brothers: The Founding Mother of TV Psychology, she calls her “a conduit for learning about particularly American problems and fixations,” per Publishers Weekly. And with her reach, that was absolutely true. 

With such an illustrious career, today’s quote about success through confidence in yourself seems to really be something Brothers took to heart, considering all that she accomplished before she died in 2013 at the age of 85. 

Related: Psychologist Kelly McGonigal's Advice on How To View Stress Is Actually So Inspiring

Quote of the Day by Joyce Brothers

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“A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success.”

This quote appears in the 2006 book, Wisdom for the Soul: Five Millennia of Prescriptions for Spiritual Healing, compiled and edited by Larry Chang. It’s a book of quotes that stand as affirmations. The book is broken down into 220 themes, with the “primary aim of the collection [being] self-help...” though it can be helpful for even speechwriters, quotation collectors and general readers, per the book’s description. 

Brothers’s quote appears under the section titled “Affirmation/Approval,” so all of these quotes have to do with self-love, how you see yourself and how you should be kind to yourself. The full quote reads as follows:

“An individual's self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior; the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change, the choice of friends, mates and careers. It is no exaggeration to say that a strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success in life.”

Related: Sir Ken Robinson’s 27-Year-Old Advice on Creating a Lasting Legacy Still Rings True Today

Deeper Meaning of Joyce Brothers’s Quote—Self-Image and Success

Joyce Brothers’s quote is a great reminder that when you think highly of yourself, you can tackle so many more things that come your way. If you trust your gut and your decision-making skills, if you have a strong self-image and know your worth, life is not only more pleasant—even in the face of adversity—but you are more well-equipped to handle tough situations.

It’s not good to be cocky, of course, but confidence isn’t inherently tied to arrogance. Being self-assured has everything to do with how you view yourself and your skills, rather than how you compare to others. 

If you are confident and have a “strong, positive self-image,” you are certainly more prepared to overcome obstacles and succeed, in the end.

Related: Sandra Oh's Powerful Advice About Embracing Discomfort Is What So Many People Need Right Now

More Quotes from Joyce Brothers

• “Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.”
• “Trust your hunches... Hunches are usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level.”
• “If you change nothing, nothing changes.”
• “Happiness hides in life’s small details. If you’re not looking, it becomes invisible.”
• “Studies indicate that the one quality all successful people have is persistence.”
• “The only people who don't make mistakes are the people who don't do anything.”

Up Next:

Related: Almost 46 Years Later, Carl Sagan’s Quote About Imagination Still Hits Home

Lou Koller, founding frontman of the influential New York hardcore band Sick of It All, has died at 59 following a battle with cancer that had returned earlier this year.

The band announced his death Friday on social media. "It's with unbelievable sadness that we announce to our worldwide hardcore family the passing of our brother Lou Koller," the statement read. "The level of loss that we feel at this time is overwhelming." The band noted the timing was especially painful, coming in what would have been Sick of It All's 40th anniversary year. "We have lost a beloved friend and an iconic frontman," they wrote, remembering how Koller "had the power to raise everyone's spirits at our shows with a smile and a sarcastic comment."

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Koller formed Sick of It All in Queens, New York, in 1986 alongside his brother Pete Koller, bassist Craig Setari, and drummer Armand Majidi. The band became one of the most influential and longest-running acts in New York hardcore, and Koller collaborated with numerous other bands over the years, including Gorilla Biscuits, Ensign, and the Bouncing Souls.

Koller was first diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2024. He announced he was cancer-free in May 2025, but the disease returned just a few months later, in September. In an update he shared with fans on Instagram at the time, Koller was direct about the news. "Unfortunately the cancer has come back, and it brought some friends with him," he said, adding that he planned to take treatment "day-by-day."

In the band's statement, they thanked fans who had contributed to Koller's medical fund throughout his illness. "You all helped Lou feel very special and very loved as he battled away these last two years," they wrote. "His battle is over now and he can finally rest."

Tributes poured in from fans and fellow musicians following the announcement. One fan recalled meeting Koller decades ago backstage at a festival, describing him as immediately warm despite pre-show nerves: "He walked over smiling from ear to ear, and said 'hey what's up, man!! nice to meet you, huge fan.'" Another wrote simply, "None of us would be here if not for him. He was an example, a true gentleman always."

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A great dinnerware set can help make any summer meal feel straight out of a five-star restaurant. If you want to spruce up your dinner party with stylish plates and bowls, Walmart's latest home find is worth a closer look. The bestselling AmorArc 12-Piece Stoneware Dish Set has a stunning stoneware design that elevates any gathering, and it's over 45% off in all three colors right now. 

For a limited time, the top-rated set is now on sale for as low as $60, down from $110, in the green wheat color. You can also shop it in a cappuccino shade for $63 and in a blue hue for $65, both marked down from their original price of $136. If you need a larger set, it comes in 18- and 24-piece options as well, although availability varies depending on color. 

AmorArc 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set, $60 (was $110) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The 12-piece version comes with everything you need to serve four people, including four 10.5-inch dinner plates, four 8.5-inch dessert plates, and four 5.7-inch cereal bowls. Each piece is crafted from high-quality stoneware that's lead-free, chip-resistant, and double-fired to enhance durability. They also have a glazed finish that prevents scratches or other damage and adds a sophisticated glossy look. 

Designed for easy everyday use, the entire set is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, allowing for hassle-free heating and cleaning. The dishes are also freezer-safe if you want to use them to store leftovers, with each featuring a slightly ridged border that prevents sauces, condiments, and other foods from spilling. Storage is also simple, thanks to the stackable design.  

Related: Walmart's 'Beautiful' $100 Slatted Accent Cabinet Is a Chic Way to Add Hidden Storage to Any Room

This dinnerware set is a Walmart bestseller for good reason, with over 100 five-star ratings online. One reviewer said they're "so beautiful," adding that "the colors are muted and elegant." Another noted that they're "stunning and great quality," while a third praised the "well-made" construction. 

Shop More Deals

• Vancasso 16-Piece Dinnerware Set, $68 (was $105) at Walmart
• Vesteel 12-Piece Square Dinnerware Set, $50 (was $87) at Walmart
• Yilush 44-Piece Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set, $16 (was $37) at Walmart

If you want to find a stylish way to serve your favorite summer meals, this pretty stoneware dish set checks all the right boxes. It's stunning, durable, and available in three versatile colors. Make sure to snag one while it's still marked down to just $60 at Walmart. 

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.

A decade of steady climbing just paid off in the biggest way.

Kehlani has been named the No. 1 artist on Billboard's Hottest R&B Artists of 2026 list, a leap from No. 3 a year ago and a crowning moment for one of the genre's most patient stars.

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Billboard's staff, weighing chart success, cultural buzz, touring and business moves, placed Kehlani above some of the genre's biggest names. Leon Thomas ranked No. 2, followed by Tems, RAYE and Chris Brown, the list's No. 1 in 2025, who slipped to No. 5. Rounding out the top 10 were Jill Scott, Brent Faiyaz, Durand Bernarr, Giveon and kwn.

The Year That Changed Everything

Kehlani's rise was powered by "Folded," the breakout ballad that became her first Hot 100 top 10, peaking at No. 6, and her first No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Its 17 straight weeks atop Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay set a record as the chart's longest reign since it launched in 1993.

The song also earned Kehlani the first two Grammys of her career, for best R&B song and best R&B performance, at the 2026 ceremony. Her self-titled album Kehlani debuted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, her first leader there.

View this post on Instagram A Changing of the Guard

The honors kept coming. At the BET Awards, Kehlani won best female R&B/Pop artist, ending SZA's three-year hold on the category, while "Folded" took video of the year. The 2026 BET Awards capped a run that turned a decade of groundwork into a breakout year. For fans who have followed her since the Cloud 19 days, the top spot feels overdue. Kehlani's reaction to the honor was simple: "grateful."

You'll solve today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle quickly if you're into cars, love the color of the forest, or know how to throw a fastball. 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 Saturday, July 25, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, July 25, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today's Connections Sports Edition Categories on July 25, 2026

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

• Yellow: Fast and furious.
• Green: They've got a good arm.
• Blue: Women who dominate the court.
• Purple: Verdant with envy.

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: F1 TEAMS
• Green: HALL OF FAME PITCHERS
• Blue: 2026 WNBA ALL-STARS, FAMILIARLY
• Purple: GREEN _____

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 #670 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• F1 TEAMS: FERRARI, MCLAREN, MERCEDES, RED BULL
• HALL OF FAME PITCHERS: FORD, PAIGE, PERRY, SPAHN
• 2026 WNBA ALL-STARS, FAMILIARLY: A'JA, ANGEL, KIKI, MARINA
• GREEN _____: BAY, FEE, MONSTER, WAVE

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: I Tried Reese Witherspoon's Grandma's Corn Salad and It's the Refreshing Ode to Summer That I'll Be Making on Repeat

Ninja is expanding beyond blenders and air fryers with a brand-new kitchen product designed to tackle something consumers are thinking about more than ever: what's actually in their drinking water.

The company has unveiled the Ninja HydraSense™, an intelligent countertop water filtration system that removes up to 99% of contaminants while preserving naturally occurring minerals that help give water its fresh taste.

According to Ninja, the HydraSense is certified to reduce more than 80 contaminants, including PFAS ("forever chemicals"), lead, microplastics and pharmaceuticals, while leaving beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium intact.

Shark Ninja

Unlike traditional water filter pitchers, the HydraSense also aims to solve another common complaint: speed. Ninja says the system dispenses filtered water up to six times faster than the leading water pitcher, making it easier to fill reusable bottles, coffee makers and cooking pots without waiting.

The countertop appliance also includes smart features that go beyond basic filtration. Users can monitor filter life in real time and track their hydration through personalized settings, helping take the guesswork out of when it's time for a replacement filter.

Another sustainability perk: each HydraSense filter is designed to replace the equivalent of up to 900 single-use plastic water bottles, potentially cutting down on both plastic waste and the cost of bottled water over time.

The launch comes as more Americans pay closer attention to drinking water quality and the contaminants that may be present in tap water. While standard filter pitchers can improve taste and reduce certain impurities, many remove a more limited range of contaminants than newer filtration systems designed for broader protection.

RELATED: Costco Brings Back Its Viral Giant Halloween Skeleton Ahead of Fall

Today's NYT Strands puzzle would've gotten "Best Dressed" in high school. 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 #874 on Saturday, July 25.

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: "Frocks and smocks"

A hint for today's Strands game: Robes and wraps.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• PINAFORE
• GOWN
• MUUMUU
• DIRNDL
• TUNIC
• KIMONO
• YO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today's Spangram is mostly vertical.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for July 25

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Saturday, July 25, 2026, isYOUWEARITWELL.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Saturday, July 25?

• PINAFORE
• GOWN
• MUUMUU
• DIRNDL
• TUNIC
• KIMONO
• SPANGRAM: YOUWEARITWELL

Related: I Tried Reese Witherspoon's Grandma's Corn Salad and It's the Refreshing Ode to Summer That I'll Be Making on Repeat

A beloved Halloween tradition is getting a festive new twist just in time for the spooky season.

Peanuts

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, fans of the Peanuts gang will soon have a new way to bring Halloween spirit home with PEANUTS GREAT PUMPKIN CAROLS: Sing-Along Songs to Spark the Halloween Spirit.

The new book, arriving Sept. 15, transforms the familiar melodies of traditional Christmas carols into Halloween-themed songs featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the iconic Peanuts characters. The collection was written by award-winning author Daniel Kibblesmith, known for his work on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and other projects.

Inspired by the world created by legendary cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, PEANUTS GREAT PUMPKIN CAROLS combines classic Peanuts artwork, beloved characters and playful Halloween lyrics designed for families to sing along together.

The release arrives during a milestone year for It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, which first premiered in 1966 and has remained one of the most cherished Halloween specials for generations.

The animated classic follows Linus as he waits in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin to appear, while Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts crew celebrate Halloween in their own unforgettable ways.

Now, six decades later, fans can celebrate the season with a new Peanuts tradition that blends Halloween nostalgia with the familiar joy of holiday sing-alongs.

The book will be available Sept. 15, giving fans plenty of time to add it to their fall reading lists before Halloween arrives.

'PEANUTS GREAT PUMPKIN CAROLS'

• Halloween is Here ("Christmastime is Here")
• Linus the True Believer ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer")
• Spooky Beagle ("Santa Baby")
• Little Blanket Boy ("Little Drummer Boy")
• The First Halloween ("The First Noel")

Peanuts

• I Got a Rock ("Oh Holy Night")
• The Twelve Nights of Halloween ("The Twelve Days of Christmas")
• We Wish You a Scary Season ("We Wish You a Merry Christmas")
• I Saw Snoopy Kissing Lucy’s Cheek ("I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus")
• O Perfect Little Pumpkin Patch ("O Little Town of Bethlehem")  

Related: Hallmark Reveals Disney World Christmas Collection Inspired by New Holiday Movie

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers everything from prime cuts, waterworks, foreign currency, and mi gente. 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 #1140 onSaturday, July 25, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections Puzzle for Saturday, July 25, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Saturday'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 Saturday, July 25

1. ¡Mi familia!
2. Getting emotional.
3. Cash in humanity's cradle.
4. Like a popular cut of meat.

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 Saturday, July 25:

1. SPANISH RELATIVES: ABUELA, HIJO, MADRE, PRIMO
2. START TO CRY, WITH "UP": CHOKE, MIST, TEAR, WELL
3. AFRICAN CURRENCIES: KWANZA, LEONE, NAIRA, RAND
4. STRIP ___: CLUB, MALL, POKER, STEAK

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: I Tried Reese Witherspoon's Grandma's Corn Salad and It's the Refreshing Ode to Summer That I'll Be Making on Repeat

Oprah Winfrey recently reflected on one of her biggest regrets throughout her storied career.

The television host and media icon spoke about her brief stint as a singer during an episode of the Baby, This is Keke Palmerpodcast published July 21. 

KekePalmer playfully sang the lyric "I think I’m gonna run on" from the Black spiritual song "Run On," which Winfrey recorded as her first and final single. The track became the theme song for the 13th season of The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1998. 

"Girl, please," the 72-year-old told a giggling Palmer. "That is one of the mistakes of my career."

The One of Them Days actress said her recording was "no mistake,” but Winfrey did not agree. 

“It is a mistake," the talk show host doubled down. "So, what had happened was I was trying to decide, 'Am I gonna end the show or not end the show?' And then I had a little talk with Jesus, and Jesus said, 'You gotta keep going.' And so I said, 'There’s this song. It’s an old spiritual.'”

Winfrey’s talk show aired for 30 seasons from 1986 to 2011, winning 47 Daytime Emmy Awards throughout the decades. 

The media mogul sang the lyric "I think I'm gonna run on" for Palmer. The podcast host responded, "You got to give them a little slave hymn sometimes." 

Winfrey revealed she wasn’t surprised her rendition of "Run On" never took off. It was only used in one season of her show.  

"We realized, I can’t sing," she explained, "even though I took the singing lessons."

She added that the song was produced using a church choir for backup vocals to improve it, but  "it didn't work."

The 32-year-old actress told Winfrey that her singing "wasn't bad,” but the former talk show host resisted her compliment. 

"You know it was bad,” she said. “You’re just saying that 'cause you’re looking at me. It was pretty bad." 

Today's NYT Wordle is easy if you've ever been to Waikiki. 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 #1862 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a vowel.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle

A hint for today's Wordle is: Means "hello" and "goodbye" in the tropics.

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 #1862 on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Saturday, July 25, 2026, is ALOHA.

-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)

Cheap Trick, the 1970s rock band, delivered exciting news to fans ahead of the All Washed Up Tour.

With only a few weeks remaining before the highly anticipated North American run which will debut in August, the band, composed of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Robin Zander, lead guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson, along with touring members Daxx Nielsen, Rick Nielsen's son, and Robin Taylor Zander, is expanding its fall schedule with more dates.

In an Instagram update, Cheap Trick revealed nine additional dates for the November schedule. 

Fans can expect another round of classic favorites from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame outfit as they make stops in major cities across Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio and Michigan.

Cheap Trick members bassist Tom Petersson, drummer Bun E. Carlos, guitarist Rick Nielsen and singer Robin Zander in 1977.

Michael Putland/Getty Images

With the additional tour dates, Cheap Trick's tour now spans 38 dates featuring special guests The Calling, Pat Travers Band and James Hatem as supporting acts.

As for the legendary ZZ Top, the iconic trio is set to join Cheap Trick on selected dates as the band continues their 50th anniversary tour.

View this post on Instagram

Meanwhile, Cheap Trick's tour supports its 21st studio album, All Washed Up, released in November 2025.

Cheap Trick's North American Tour 2026:

Aug. 2: Minnedosa, Canada @ Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa
Aug. 4: Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Aug. 5: Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
Aug. 8: Saratoga, CA @ The Mountain Winery
Aug. 9: Modesto, CA @ Fruityard Amphitheatre
Aug. 11: Redmond, WA @ Marymoor Park Concerts
Aug. 13: Central Point, OR @ Bi Mart Amphitheater
Aug. 15: Castle Rock, CO @ Castle Rock Summer Concert Series
Aug. 18: Sandy, UT @ Sandy Amphitheater
Aug. 21: Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 23: Chandler, AZ
Aug. 29: Albany, OR @ Northwest Art & Air Festival
Sept. 2: Walla Walla, WA @ Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days
Sept. 10: Aurora, IL
Sept. 11: Paw Paw, MI
Sept. 15: Huntington, NY
Sept. 16: Hampton, NH
Sept. 18: Lincoln, RI
Sept. 19: Morristown, NJ
Sept. 21: Glenside, PA
Sept. 22: Greensburg, PA
Sept. 24: Louisville, KY @ Bourbon & Beyond 2026
Sept. 26: Nashville, TN
Sept. 27: Port Wentworth, GA
Oct. 3: The Woodlands, TX
Oct. 4: Irving, TX
Oct. 5: Fort Wayne, IN
Oct. 8: Madison, WI
Nov. 5: Fort Wayne, IN @ (Venue TBA)
Nov. 8: Madison, WI @ (Venue TBA)
Nov. 11: Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
Nov. 12: St. Louis, MO @ The Factory
Nov. 14: Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theatre
Nov. 15: La Vista, NE @ The Astro Theater
Nov. 18: Milwaukee, WI @ Landmark Credit Union Live
Nov. 19: Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre
Nov. 21: Northfield, OH @ Northfield Park Racino
Nov. 22: Detroit, MI @ MotorCity Casino Sound Board Theater

Related: Beloved Rock Band, Disbanded After Nine Years, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

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Whether you're schlepping across campus, battling crowded transit to make it to work on time, or packing for a quick getaway, having a reliable backpack is incredibly helpful in a variety of situations. But the struggle to find one that's comfortable to carry and doesn't leave you digging through a massive black hole to find a pen or grab your wallet can be tough to overcome on a budget. It's rare to find a useful name-brand backpack for under $30, but Adidas currently has a large selection of bags marked down ahead of back-to-school season, including one backpack on sale for half off that you're absolutely going to want to check out. 

Normally $58, the Weekender 2 Backpack is on sale for as low as $29 at Adidas. It's packed with smart, traveler-friendly organizational features that put it in a class above the typical back-to-school selections available this time of year. (Though it'd still be great for the classroom!) This backpack is on sale in three colors, including blush pink for $29, black for $44, and mauve for $47.

Weekender 2 Backpack, $29 (was $58) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

Shop at Adidas

Built to function seamlessly as a travel bag or for daily carry, this 27-liter backpack features a roomy main compartment accompanied by multiple pockets. Inside the largest zippered compartment is a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 15 inches. 

The exterior boasts two smaller zippered pockets on the front and fully lined water bottle pockets on either side. On the back, there's a trolley strap that you could use to attach this backpack securely to the top of a suitcase handle when traveling. An Adidas shopper called this backpack "very spacious," noting that both side pockets were each large enough to fit a 20-ounce water bottle.

Made of polyester, this backpack is durable and lightweight, with padded straps that help distribute the weight of whatever is inside. To back its quality, Adidas offers a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing it free from material and workmanship defects for 5 years, which the retailer stated is the typical life of a well-used bag. 

Shop More Deals

• Essentials 3 Sling Bag, $24 (was $48) at Adidas
• Classic 3S 5 Backpack, $25 (was $50) at Adidas
• Saturday 2 Backpack, $28 (was $55) at Adidas

Related Card Link:https://parade.com/shopping/amazon-vera-bradley-featherweight-lunch-tote-bag-sale

Deals this good on such a useful essential rarely last long. Snag the Weekender 2 Backpack for just $29 at Adidas while you still can!

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Summer Housestar Carl Radkerevealed that he'd like Belmont Cameli, of Off Campusfame, to film for the hit Bravo series.

In a July 2026 interview withPage Six's Virtual Reali-Tea, Radke was asked to "pick a Summer House cameo you would love to see." The 41-year-old, who has starred on Summer House since its first season, which premiered in 2017, said he would like "Belmont Cameli from Off Campus" to stop by the Hamptons. Radke then explained that Cameli, who plays hockey player Garrett Graham on the Prime Video series, enjoys watching Summer House. In addition, Radke noted that there used to be a large billboard for Off Campus next door to his non-alcoholic bar in Brooklyn, Soft Bar.

"I heard he's a big fan of Summer House. And believe it or not, next door to Soft Bar, right outside, there's a huge billboard that rotates every month, and for the last month, up until a week ago, it was Belmont," said Radke during the interview.

Radke then revealed he has been attempting to reach out to the actor via social media.

"I've been trying to tag him in stuff, and I've been trying to tweet at him. Belmont, where you at?" said Radke during the interview.

Belmont Cameli Spoke About His Appreciation for 'Summer House' in a March 2026 Interview

During a March 2026 Vogue interview, alongside his Off Campus castmate Ella Bright, Cameli revealed that "if [he] had to be cast in a reality show," it would be Summer House. He then shared that he was watching the show's 10th season, and referenced Amanda Batula's relationship with West Wilson, which caused the end of her friendship with Ciara Miller.

"As I'm watching it, I cannot believe the story of what happens after they're done shooting. There was some pretty serious betrayal and infidelity that happened after they were done shooting, which I'm hoping will come to light at the reunion," said Cameli during the Vogue interview.

While staying with her brother and his wife in 1796, 21-year-old Jane Austen began working on a novel she titled First Impressions initially. While working on the novel Austen would read it out loud to her family members. In 1797, Austen's father sent a letter to a bookseller in London to see if they had any interest in reading the manuscript, but the offer was turned down.

Austen made significant rewrites and changes to the novel between the years of 1811 and 1812. At this time she also changed the title, renaming it Pride and Prejudice. Austen sold the rights at that time to Thomas Egerton for £110, and the first editions of Pride and Prejudice were published in January of 1813. The first and second editions both sold out, and a third was published in 1817.

Like most of Austen's initial works, Pride and Prejudice was published anonymously. She was more of a "concept" of an author, rather than a known name.

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In the 200+ years since its publication, Pride and Prejudice has gone on to be considered a literary classic and one of the most popular novels in English literature. The book has been sold over 20 million times and consistently appears on lists of the "Most Loved Books." Recently, PBS listed and ranked the "100 Most Loved Novels" in America, and Pride and Prejudice was listed at number four.

Pride and Prejudicefollows the trials and tribulations between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. Elizabeth, the daughter of a countryman, and Darcy, a wealthy suitor, are drawn to each other but have to overcome familial dynamics, class disparity, and other isues in order to make their relationship work. Described as "a novel of manners," Pride and Prejudice is a romantic story, but one that masterfully depicts the social world occuring within the story in and of itself.

A massive success as a novel, Pride and Prejudice has been subject to multiple adaptations over the last two centuries. Multiple TV series, films, and stage versions have been created to critical and commercial acclaim.

Pride and Prejudice is available wherever books are sold.

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Related: Best-Selling Classic Novel Was Written When the Author Was Just 18 Years Old

Debby Boone was just 21 years old when she recorded "You Light Up My Life" — and it turned out to be the biggest single of the entire 1970s. 

The song didn't just hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It stayed there for 10 straight weeks, something no song had ever done before.

“The success of ‘You Light Up My Life’ surprised everybody,” she recalled to Goldmine magazine in 2017. 

When Debby released the song, she wasn’t completely new to the music world. She came from a house full of singers, with her father, Pat Boone, and her grandfather, country legend Red Foley, both having built successful careers in the industry.

Surprisingly, music wasn't her original plan. "I've been an animal lover since I was a little girl and thought I might become a veterinarian," she told Boomer magazine.

Things changed when she was 14. Her dad was heading to Japan for work, and she came along so the family could stick together.

“He made a mistake and put me in his show!” she said. “I got a taste of the work and loved it, so that’s when I knew for the first time I had the ability to be an entertainer.”

Debby sang alongside her sisters and parents as part of The Boone Family, performing a mix of pop and gospel music. As she got older, the family act began to wind down, and there was growing demand for her to go solo. 

Debby’s first opportunity came from Mike Curb, an executive at Curb Records, who brought a tape by her parents' house. "Curb had brought a cassette of this song they wanted me to record,” she recalled. 

“At that point, I had only performed with the family, so I was shocked because we hadn’t talked about me doing anything on my own. But I was pleased when I heard this lovely song and my parents were supportive when I flew to New York to record it.” 

That song was "You Light Up My Life," the title track from the romantic drama about a young woman balancing life with big dreams of becoming a professional singer.

What most fans don't realize is that Debby’s recording wasn't the only version made for the project.

In the film, actress Didi Conn's singing voice was originally dubbed by Kasey Cisyk. But according to Debby, Cisyk and the director had "creative differences," and that's how she ended up recording her own version.

It ended up being one of the biggest moments of her career. Debby estimates she's sung it thousands of times since, and her take on it has changed as she has.

“When I was younger I had a more powerful voice, but now I have a lot more maturity in my voice which I love. I think I command the lyrics better today than I did in my early 20s.”

Debby said she's grateful for all it's done for her, even if people still call her a "one-hit wonder."

“Some people still consider me to be a one-hit wonder with ‘You Light Up My Life’ even though I’ve had Number 1 country records and won three Grammys,” she noted. “But I’ve had a strong public persona over the years and am still performing and recording. People remember that song, but they also remember who sang it!”

Related: 1969 Rock Classic, Written in Less Than an Hour, Became a Timeless Anthem

Some songs become classics twice.

That was the case with "Gold Dust Woman," which first captivated listeners when Fleetwood Mac released it on its landmark 1977 album Rumours. Nineteen years later, the song found an entirely new audience when Hole recorded a brooding cover, proving its emotional power could transcend generations and genres.

Written by Stevie Nicks, "Gold Dust Woman" closed Rumours on an unforgettable note.

While many listeners initially interpreted its mysterious lyrics as a portrait of a troubled relationship, Nicks has long explained that the song was a "symbolic look about somebody going through a bad relationship, and doing a lot of drugs, and trying to… just make it, trying to live, trying to get through it to the next thing." Its haunting imagery, layered harmonies, and Lindsey Buckingham's experimental production helped make it one of the album's most distinctive tracks.

While "Gold Dust Woman" never charted as a major single, Rumours, which spent 31 non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200, won the 1978 Grammy Award for Album of the Year, and has sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. The album's phenomenal success helped elevate the song into one of Fleetwood Mac's most enduring deep cuts.

But, by the mid-1990s, the song was ready for a new interpretation.

At the height of alternative rock's popularity, Courtney Love and Hole stripped away much of the original's dreamy atmosphere in favor of a grittier, emotionally volatile performance. Recorded for The Crow: City of Angels soundtrack, the cover retained Nicks' evocative lyrics while replacing Fleetwood Mac's polished soft rock production with distorted guitars and raw vocals.

The reinterpretation introduced "Gold Dust Woman" to younger listeners who may have been unfamiliar with Rumours.

Although the soundtrack featured some of alternative rock's biggest names, Hole's version quickly became one of its standout tracks. For many fans discovering the song in the 1990s, it served as a gateway back to Fleetwood Mac's original recording, helping reinforce the composition's enduring appeal.

That ability to evolve is part of what has made "Gold Dust Woman" so remarkable.

Whether heard through Fleetwood Mac's ethereal harmonies or Hole’s angst-filled reinterpretation, the song's themes of temptation, vulnerability, and survival remain strikingly relevant. Each version reflects the era in which it was recorded while preserving the emotional core that Stevie Nicks first put on paper.

In 1997, Love interviewed Nicks for SPINMagazine:

"I love the imagery in the song, when she's a dragon, and a black widow," Love told Nicks.

"That just means an anger," Nicks replied. "The black widow, the dragon thing, is all about being scary and angry."

"But I think it's more powerful than that," Love countered. "A dragon is the most potent and virile symbol you can use. So applying yourself to a woman, or to yourself, or to an archetypal alter-ego self is like this power, especially if you wrote it when you were frail and frightened and maybe not as powerful as you became later."

Nearly 50 years after Fleetwood Mac debuted "Gold Dust Woman," the song continues to resonate across generations. Reimagined 19 years after its original release, it proved that a truly great composition can thrive in more than one musical landscape, cementing its place as a timeless soft rock anthem.

Related: 1972 Classic Ballad, Written by a 19-Year-Old, Became a Timeless Heartbreak Anthem

Chuck Russell, a legendary director behind the 1994 film The Mask, has died at the age of 74, TMZ reports.

His family told the outlet that he died on Wednesday, July 22, at his San Diego-area home. The local fire department responded to his home in the afternoon after receiving a report of a medical emergency for an unconscious male.

His cause of death is unknown at this time.

TMZ added that his family is flying to California to learn more about his sudden death.

During his career, he worked with many talented actors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dwayne Johnson, and Jim Carrey. Specifically, Russell served as a director on 1987's A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, as well as having written and directed The Blob in 1988. He's also known for 1996's Eraser, 2002's The Scorpion King, 2016's I Am Wrath, and Paradise City. His final film was a remake of the 1986 film Witchboard, which he did in 2024.

Following his passing, many paid tribute, including Warner Bros. Entertainment.

"Remembering Chuck Russell," the film studio shared on social media with a photo of the director.

"Shocked to learn of the passing of my friend Chuck Russell. He was a visionary filmmaker, who I believe had just embarked on a new chapter in his storied career. I will miss our long chats about movies and music. Mask, Blob, Nightmare 3. Eraser. Classics, all. RIP, friend," composer Bear McCreary posted.

"Sad to hear of filmmaker Chuck Russell’s death. Spoke w/ him a few months ago & he couldn’t have been kinder & more gracious. A versatile talent, able to nimbly negotiate tones to amp up horror, drama & action. My deepest sympathies to his daughters & family," film critic Courtney Howard commented.

Russell is survived by his wife, Ania, and his children Riley and Carlyn, as well as his sister Anne Jacob.