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Open your arms to receive! The full moon in Capricorn, arriving on Monday, June 29 at 4:57 p.m. PST / 7:57 pm EST, is one of the sweetest, most positive lunar events of 2026. Occurring only on the ninth day of Cancer season, it is the first major lunar event of the Summer, energetically assisting us in closing certain themes as we transition to new ones. Read on to learn about the astrology of June 29's full moon in Capricorn, as well as the horoscopes of the zodiac signs most impacted. An expert astrologer shares all you need to know below.

The June 29 Full Moon in Capricorn, Explained

All full moons are coded differently, and what’s special about this one is that it’s occurring on the very last day of the one-year transit of Jupiter in Cancer. As the planet of expansion, growth, and spirituality, Jupiter has been swimming in the warmer waters of Cancer since June 9, 2025. And as it prepares to enter Leo the very next day, it reaches its luckiest state before beginning a one-year journey on June 30. 

Full moons are times of manifestation, when the results of the seeds planted in the past bloom into being. This connection to time itself is important, as Capricorn is the zodiac sign most connected to the concept of timelines. Something that began around six months ago, by the January 18 New Moon in Capricorn, could be reaching a climax.

While Capricorn is often perceived only as career-oriented, it’s also connected to legacy and the power of building a meaningful life for ourselves. Since Mercury, the planet of communication, will also be going retrograde in Cancer on June 29, opportunities, relationships, and themes from the past could be making an exciting comeback. Due to the confusing energy coming from Neptune now, it may be best to wait for Mercury to move direct on July 23 to sign any important deals or commitments. 

4 Zodiac Signs Are Closing a Major Chapter Under the Capricorn Full Moon

According to professional astrologers, Sagittarius, Cancer, Capricorn, and Libra could receive good news as they close a one-year chapter of growth and expansion. 

Sagittarius: You're Wrapping Up A Year Of Healing And Transformation

Congratulations, dear Archer. For the past year, Jupiter—your planetary ruler—has been traveling in your eighth house of transformation, inspiring you to become the very best version of yourself. As Jupiter exits Cancer at this full moon, you may see the results of your long-held efforts. On a material level, you may receive a check or an offer to make more money. At a spiritual level, you may be left with a heightened feeling of self-worth and more aware of your capabilities and what you bring to the table. You’re also closing a chapter of deep healing within your family and ancestry, which will allow you to see your future from a brighter perspective. 

RELATE?: Chiron Enters Taurus — 4 Zodiac Signs Are Finally Ready to Heal

Libra: Professional Opportunities Solidify

Since June 9, 2025, Jupiter in Cancer has been inspiring you to make your mark. Doors have been opened, and you’ve received the opportunity to heal professional connections by relating from a place of personal power. The June 29 Capricorn full moon may solidify the projects, partnerships, and opportunities you’ve been exploring, while also reminding you to take care of your foundation. You get to maintain what you’ve built for yourself professionally, while also making more space to enjoy time with your family and friends. If an opportunity from the past comes back due to the involvement of Mercury retrograde, you may want to give yourself four weeks before accepting. Neptune, currently activating your partnership sector, could bring confusion about how to move forward. 

MORE: The Summer Solstice Begins a New Chapter for Your Zodiac Sign

Cancer: You're Closing An Era Of Personal Expansion

Since June 9, 2025, Jupiter traveling in your sign has inspired you to go after your dreams. You’ve grown personally, but you’ve also been challenged to heal any insecurities around your sense of leadership. As Jupiter prepares to leave your sign at this full moon, you may receive a celestial gift in the form of good news around your career, a business partnership, or romantic relationship. Since Mercury is going retrograde in your sign between June 29 and July 23, you may feel themes from the past year returning for revision. Full moons are emotional, and as you allow yourself to go down memory lane, you may gain a deeper appreciation for how long you’ve come, dear Cancer. 

You're Closing A Period Of Growth In Your Relationships

For the past year, while Jupiter was traveling in your relationship sector, you established all types of expansive personal and business connections. It’s been a year of growth, healing, and emotional depth. This June 29 full moon, happening in your sign, may find you having all the feelings about how much you’ve grown. Since you only get one full moon in your sign a year, this is definitely a time to allow yourself to reminisce and even go down memory lane. In the end, Mercury going retrograde in your partnership sector now may bring your mind back to the past. If a partnership or offer returns now, you may give yourself time to think before accepting. Neptune, the planet of confusion, is active now, asking you to look at the situation with calm and from many different angles. 

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When it comes to packing beauty products, the goal isn't to bring more—it's to bring products that do more. The best travel-sized beauty essentials pull double duty, helping you streamline your routine, save precious space in your carry-on and stay within TSA liquid limits without feeling like you've left your favorite products behind.

When your skin is hydrated and well cared for, you often need less makeup and fewer touch-ups throughout your trip. From multitasking skincare to beauty products that combine several benefits in one, these are the best travel-sized beauty essentials for keeping your routine simple while helping you look and feel your best wherever you're headed.

As a shopping and travel writer whose work has appeared in Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper’s Bazaar, I’ve tested countless beauty products over the years. These are the eight travel-sized beauty essentials that have earned a permanent place in my carry-on.

Related: 8 Best Carry-On Essentials Your Pet Needs to Stay Comfy While Traveling

GLASSFX REVIVEfx Serum Mist

GlassFxSkin.com

If you're a fan of facial mists, this is one of the best travel-friendly options to keep on hand. REVIVEfx combines the benefits of a toner, essence and treatment serum in one spray, helping hydrate, calm and refresh skin instantly while giving you that coveted glass-skin glow after long flights or busy travel days.

Get it on GlassFXSkin.comAtmosphera Climate Plus Duo

Atmosphera.com

The Atmosphera Climate Plus Duo is a smart travel beauty essential because it helps your skin adapt to changing environments, whether you're dealing with dry airplane cabins, cold weather, humidity or fluctuating temperatures. The Vital Quench Adaptable Hydration Serum delivers lightweight hydration while the Fortify Eye Restorative Eye Cream helps protect the delicate eye area from environmental stressors. Instead of packing multiple products for different destinations, this duo simplifies your routine while helping maintain healthy-looking skin wherever you travel.

Get it on Atmosphera.com

Related: 7 TSA-Approved Beauty Items Come With Me on Every Trip  

No7 Future Renew Defense Shield

A good facial sunscreen is non-negotiable when traveling, and this SPF 50 formula makes it easy to stay protected without adding another step to your routine. Lightweight and designed to leave no white cast, it layers seamlessly under makeup and works well across a variety of climates. Whether you're exploring a new city or spending the day outdoors, it's an easy way to help protect your skin from visible signs of sun damage while keeping it hydrated.

Get it on Amazon.comVictoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops with TFC8

VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.com

If you're only bringing one complexion product on a trip, make it this one. The serum-light formula delivers natural, buildable coverage while incorporating Augustinus Bader's TFC8 technology, making it feel like skincare and foundation in one streamlined product that's easy to pack and wear from day to night.

Get it on VictoriaBeckhamBeauty.comKAHI Aqua Balm Stick

Amazon.com

The KAHI Aqua Balm Stick is a travel-friendly skincare staple that makes touch-ups effortless throughout the day. Infused with salmon collagen and fermented oils, the stick helps hydrate the skin instantly, improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines while giving skin a fresh, dewy look. With SPF 50+ protection, it's an easy way to add an extra layer of sun defense on the go.

Get it on Amazon.com

Related:  I Test Travel Gear for a Living—Here’s The Carry-On Checklist I Use Before Every Trip

Yensa Luxe Lip Nourishing Oil

Yensa.

Airplane cabins and changing climates can quickly leave lips feeling dry, which is why this nourishing lip oil from Yensa is a travel essential. It delivers lasting hydration and a glossy finish without feeling sticky, while the range of flattering shades adds a subtle wash of color. It's the perfect multitasking lip product, helping keep your lips moisturized while adding a hint of color and shine when you want a simple, low-maintenance beauty look.

Get it on Yensa.comBliss Pro Supercharged Eye Masks

Amazon.com

These reusable silicone eye masks are a smart addition to any travel beauty routine. Designed to hold eye creams and serums in place, they help maximize absorption while staying comfortably put, making them perfect for a long flight or a quick hotel-room skincare session. Reusable and easy to pack, they're an effortless way to give tired under-eyes a more refreshed, hydrated appearance after a day of travel.

Get it on Amazon.comBorghese Deep Hydration Hand Sheet Masks

Amazon.com

Travel can be surprisingly tough on your hands, especially after frequent hand washing, sanitizer use and dry airplane air. These deeply hydrating hand masks are a great way to multitask while watching a movie on a flight or relaxing at your hotel, leaving hands softer, smoother and more comfortable.

Get it on Amazon

Related: 8 Carry-On Items Every Retiree Needs for Smoother, More Comfortable Travel

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Dolly Parton just dropped a series of stoneware tableware at Target, and each item in the collection is so charming and whimsical. One piece in particular that is especially cute is this Chip and Dip Guitar Platter. It's honestly perfect for any music lover.

Dolly Parton's The Lakeside Collection Chip and Dip Guitar is shaped like a guitar, divided up into five sections to keep all your snacks, dips and apps separated and displayed beautifully. From serving up crunchy tortilla chips and spicy salsa to building a tasty charcuterie board with all your favorite meats and cheeses, this serving tray has all your serving needs covered.

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Constructed from sturdy stoneware, this crisp white chip-and-dip platter is great for entertaining or everyday use. Even better, it is dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleanup.

Dolly Parton the Lakeside Collection Chip and Dip Guitar, $26.99 at Target

Target

Shop It!

When it comes to dimensions, this serving tray measures 15.75 inches in width, 10.5 inches in depth and 1.5 inches in height. This makes it a generous size.

Related: Dolly Parton's 4-Section Stoneware Platter Set Is the Definition of Pure Whimsy

Shoppers adore this stoneware servingware collection, earning it an average rating of 4.5 stars. For reviews of the guitar-shaped serving tray specifically, fans appreciate its cutesy design, versatility and quality construction.

"Appetizer snack tray [a] must have for any music enthusiast," raved one shopper in a five-star review on Target.com. "This snack/appetizer tray is darling! Made so well and versatile for serving any array of finger foods, dips, candies and more!! Beautiful design and crafted very well. PERFECT GIFT IDEA!!!"

"Great for entertaining!" said another happy fan in a five-star review on Target.com. "I purchased both the big guitar piece as well as the smaller guitar dishes to complete the set. They were packaged and shipped very well within the box inside other boxes and wrapped in bubble wrap. It was so appreciated the card they took into ensuring these fragile items arrived intact! Can't wait to use them for our next get together!"

You can find this charming guitar-shaped serving tray on Target.com. It retails for $26.99.

Related: Dolly Parton's New 12-Piece Stoneware Dinnerware Set at Target Is Countryside Perfection

It’s officially peak berry season, and if you haven’t already, now's the time to start gathering your recipes for what to make with the season’s best. Ruby red strawberries, plump blueberries and juicy raspberries so ripe they stain your fingertips—what more could you ask for?

But when it comes to berry desserts, unless you’ve got a tried-and-true favorite, sometimes things can get a bit stale. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with eating a giant bowl of macerated berries topped with whipped cream or making yet another blueberry pie, but why not step outside the traditional pie crust and try something different?

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Instead of just using strawberries as-is, why not roast them with balsamic and maple syrup to make things a bit more interesting? You could even give blueberries an upgrade by blending chilies into your usual go-to compote recipe. There’s even a reality where instead of the expected summer's bounty, you reach for gooseberries or currants for a twist on your favorite tart.

We’ve only scratched the surface of what makes a great berry dessert, and if you’re looking to upgrade your recipe book, then read on. To give you the berry best berry-picking tips and inspire you to think beyond the basic fruit tart or pie, we consulted four berry-loving chefs to find out how they upgrade the season’s sweetest berries and turn them into the best berry desserts.

Our Panel of Chefs 

These are the chefs we spoke with about how to make the most of berry desserts this season.

• Jason Jonilonis: Chef Jason Jonilonis is the director of culinary at The National Autograph Collection in downtown Oklahoma City. He has been selected twice by the James Beard Foundation as one of the Best Hotel Chefs in America, won the Best of Phoenix Southwestern Restaurant award from the PhoenixNew Times and has been named by the American Culinary Federation as an Arizona Rising Star Chef of the Year.
• Julian Eckhardt: Chef Julian Eckhardt is the culinary director at The Inn at Little Washington, and he has spent more than 15 years honing his craft under Chef Patrick O’Connell. Having worked his way through numerous roles in the kitchen since joining the Inn in 2009, Eckhardt brings deep expertise in ingredient selection, seasonality and fine-dining dessert creation.
• Molly Pisula: Molly Pisula is currently a food blogger and content creator for her site Vanilla Bean Cuisine. She is also a former personal chef. Her formal training in French pastry makes her an expert at teaching home cooks to create French-inspired recipes that are doable for cooks of all skill levels.
• Victoria Fisk: Chef Victoria Fisk is the confectionery chef behind Bouqedibles, which has been in operation since 2022. She makes traditional Eastern European zefir into showstopping edible bouquets. 

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Chicken, and They All Said the Same Thing

What to Look for When Shopping for Berries

SimpleImages / Getty Images

According to our very berry-obsessed chefs, shopping for perfectly ripe, juicy berries is surprisingly simple. Unlike other fruits like pineapple, avocado or watermelon where you might have to employ a variety of hacks to find out which one is the ripest, spotting the best berries in the bunch comes down to a few key indicators. 

First and most importantly is how do the berries look. Chef Jason Jonilonis says, “Always look for berries that are deeply colored, vibrant and aromatic.” Chef Julian Eckhardt notes that “berries that look bright and full-colored and hold their natural shape are important.”

For Chef Molly Pisula, the best way to determine if strawberries are ripe is by looking for “deep red, shiny, bouncy-looking berries." She says that "the more the red color extends to the green leafy stem area, the better (and sweeter) the berry.”

Another tell-tale sign that you’re getting the season’s best is whether or not they have a distinct aroma. “If they don’t smell like anything, they’re not going to taste like much either,” Chef Jonilonis says.

You’ll also want to pay careful attention to ensure there’s no mold in your berry container. Because of their higher moisture content, berries are notorious for spoiling quickly, so looking for dry, intact fruit with minimal bruising is your best bet. 

It’s also a good idea to buy local berries when you can because they’ll often be fresher and tastier than the ones shipped to the grocery store. You could even make a fun summer activity out of it and find a local pick-your-own berry farm.

Now that you know how to pick the best berries, it’s time to turn them into the sweetest summer desserts. Here are the best berry desserts according to our panel of experts. 

Related: We Asked 7 Chefs for Their Favorite Frozen Meals and We're Obsessed With These Answers

The Best Berry Desserts, According to 4 Chefs

The Washington Post / Getty Images

When it comes to transforming juicy blueberries, strawberries or raspberries into transcendent desserts, the possibilities are virtually limitless. You could cook blackberries down into a compote to top your ice cream, or fold blueberries into cake batter for a tart pop of freshness. From the conventional and expected to more inventive feats of gastronomic experimentation, berries are one of the most versatile ingredients you can use in the kitchen. 

For Chef Jonilonis, his favorite way to use berries is to keep things simple and let the berries shine. “Fresh berries lightly sweetened with agave nectar, micro lemon zest and whipped cream is hard to beat,” he says. He also notes that “they cut through butter, cream and chocolate beautifully.” 

Chef Victoria Fisk takes a more visually striking approach, using berries in her edible works of art made with zefir. (Zefir is an Eastern European dessert similar to marshmallow or meringue that's flavored with various berry and fruit purees.)

Chef Eckhardt chooses to use berries to make ice creams and sorbets. “Berries are usually at their peak during the warmer weather, and using them for these chilly treats is always a refreshing way to champion their natural flavor and purity,” he says. 

Chef Pisula prefers to transform strawberries into a stunning galette or a parfait topped with mascarpone cream. She also likes to make a strawberry coulis that's perfect for drizzling over ice cream, cheesecake, crepes or even pancakes. 

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Tuna, and They All Said the Same Thing

5 Genius, Chef-Approved Ways to Make Berry Desserts 10x Better

SimpleImages / Getty Images

Like most ingredients in the kitchen, how you treat each one individually can have a huge impact on the outcome of your final dish. Berries are no different. Whether you use them fresh or cook them, there are subtle ways you can boost their flavor to make your berry desserts 10x better. Here are five ways to take berries to the next level. 

1. Add Herbs or Vinegar

Jena Ardell / Getty Images

It might seem counterintuitive to sprinkle tarragon into your blueberry compote or fold thyme into your macerated strawberries, but surprisingly, berries can benefit from the addition of herbs to add a subtle lift to their flavor.

“We also enjoy pairing them with complementary herbs like lemon-thyme, heirloom basils and tarragon for a more multi-dimensional flavor profile,” Chef Eckhardt says.

2. Roast Berries to Bring Out Their Natural Sweetness

karetoria / Getty Images

Although you’ll want to consider what kind of integrity you want in your finished berries, roasting them can transform berries into even sweeter, more complex versions of themselves. The roasted result can be perfect for topping cakes and pies, or even folding into ice cream.

According to Chef Jonilonis, “Sometimes I’ll macerate them with sugar and freshly squeezed lemon or lightly roast them with a little sugar, freshly ground black pepper or chili powder, and citrus to concentrate their flavor and create a natural sauce.”

3. Experiment With Different Berries

Gina Pricope / Getty Images

Although strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are popular picks, there are a variety of other berries out there that also work beautifully in desserts. Gooseberries, currants, kumquats, cranberries and even tomatoes—which, yes, are indeed berries—all make fabulous additions to sweet summer treats. Chef Eckhardt uses gooseberries to make a GooseJuice mocktail for The Inn at Little Washington, and also turns them into a delicious ginger-gooseberry jam. 

4. Use What’s Available

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Depending on where you live, there might be additional varieties of berries available, but it’s always a good rule of thumb to shop for what’s in season. Although you might have your heart set on blueberries, sometimes the strawberries are better. And if you can’t find currants, it’s OK to sub in another tart berry for your stunning berry-studded muffins. For Chef Fisk, that means making her zefir with only what’s seasonally available.

5. Frozen Is Just Fine

Ray Kachatorian / Getty Images

While it’s always nice to buy fresh berries when you can, frozen berries are often just as good because they’re picked and packed at the peak of ripeness. The only caveat to using frozen berries is that they’ll have a higher moisture content and less structural integrity than fresh berries, so you’ll want to save them for making jams or in recipes that prioritize their flavor over their texture.

Related: We Asked 3 Chefs the Best Thing To Make With Canned Beans, and They All Said the Same Thing

Filming for the third season of Netflix’s hit series Wednesday came to a sudden standstill outside Dublin, Ireland, after newly cast actress Eva Green suffered a severe leg injury on set.

The 45-year-old French star, best known for her roles in Casino Royaleand Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, was rushed to a local hospital for immediate treatment, according to Hello! The accident forced producers to pause the production to rearrange the shooting schedule.

"This was really nasty," a production source told The Sun. "Eva sustained an injury and was clearly in pain and producers were taking no chances. Medics were called and Eva went to hospital. She underwent treatment and is now recovering well."

While Green is reportedly on the mend, the filming of the hit series faces immediate complications. The star joined the production in November to play Aunt Ophelia, the sister of Morticia Addams. Her official casting ended months of fan speculation that Lady Gaga’s brief cameo as Rosalyn Rottwood would eventually lead to Gaga playing the Ophelia character.

Before the injury occurred, Green expressed excitement about entering the franchise.

"I'm thrilled to join the woefully twisted world of Wednesday as Aunt Ophelia," Green said at the time of her casting announcement. "This show is such a deliciously dark and witty world, I can't wait to bring my own touch of cuckoo-ness to the Addams family."

Series creators, showrunners, and writers Al Gough and Miles Millar specifically sought out Green for her ability to handle dark, theatrical roles.

"Eva Green has always brought an exhilarating, singular presence to the screen - elegant, haunting, and beautifully unpredictable," Gough and Millar said in a joint statement. "Those qualities make her the perfect choice for Aunt Ophelia. We're excited to see how she transforms the role and expands Wednesday's world."

The production features an ensemble cast including Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, and Isaac Ordonez. Because the first season set the record as the most-watched English-language series in Netflix history, the studio has kept the current production wrapped in immense secrecy.

"Wednesday is a huge priority for Netflix," an insider explained. "But since it became such a streaming success, the producers have gone to extraordinary lengths to keep the production secret. The budget for the show is enormous. No expense has been spared in securing huge name actors."

Representatives for Netflix confirm that while the schedule required immediate changes to accommodate Green's recovery time, filming has since been managed to minimize long-term delays.

One of rock music's most legendary unfinished projects has earned a new distinction.

Nearly 60 years after it was abandoned, Smile—the ambitious album envisioned by Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys—has been named the No. 1 "ghost" album in rock history by BBC Music Magazine. The publication described the record as the greatest of music's many unfinished or shelved albums, calling it a project that "could have changed music history forever" had it been released as originally intended.

Conceived in 1966 as the follow-up to the groundbreaking Pet Sounds, Smile was Wilson's attempt to create what he famously called a "teenage symphony to God." The album paired his increasingly adventurous songwriting and production with surreal lyrics from Van Dyke Parks, and many believed it would push pop music into entirely new territory.

Instead, mounting pressure, creative disagreements within the band and Wilson's deteriorating mental health caused the project to collapse in 1967 before it could be completed. Songs from the sessions later appeared in different forms, while the unfinished album itself became one of rock's most enduring "what if?" stories.

Wilson eventually completed a solo version of Smile in 2004, earning widespread critical acclaim, and extensive archival recordings from the original sessions have since been released. But the original 1967 album remains one of popular music's most famous unfinished masterpieces.

Other Legendary 'Ghost' Albums That Made the List

BBC Music Magazine's roundup also highlighted several other famous albums that were abandoned, shelved or radically altered before release. Among the highest-ranked were Homegrown by Neil Young, Camille and The Black Album by Prince, Lifehouse by The Who, Toy by David Bowie, Get Back by The Beatles, Dreamland by Joni Mitchell, Household Objects by Pink Floyd and Genesis' unrealized film companion to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

While some of those projects eventually surfaced in revised forms years later, others remain largely the stuff of legend, known primarily through bootlegs, archival releases and decades of fan speculation.

For Smile, however, its unfinished legacy may be exactly what has kept it so fascinating. Nearly six decades later, it continues to stand as the album that fans still wonder about most.

Related: Meet the Newest Beach Boys Member — and The Crazy Way He Got the Gig

If you live anywhere in the South, you already know that late July and August require a survival strategy. When the summer humidity hits that thick, sweltering peak, the instinct is to flee directly toward the nearest crowded coastline. But if battling for a square inch of sand alongside thousands of other tourists sounds more exhausting than refreshing, there's a hidden, high-altitude sanctuary offering a different kind of escape.

Tucked away in the Appalachian foothills of Whitwell, Tennessee—perched just 45 minutes outside of Chattanooga and positioned between the bustling hubs of Nashville and Atlanta—Bolt Farm Treehouse is a 55-acre, adults-only haven built explicitly with couples and slow-paced reconnection in mind.

If the word "treehouse" makes you think of roughing it on a rickety wooden platform, think again. This mountaintop property takes the core nostalgia of a childhood camp and completely covers it in a five-star, luxury polish, making it the perfect destination for empty-nesters or couples looking to escape the digital noise.

The estate features a collection of distinct cabin types, from geometric glamping domes and hand-crafted, multi-tiered treehouses to ultra-modern, mirrored cabins that blend into the forest canopy. Each individual space comes fully loaded with premium touches like dramatic freestanding copper bathtubs, private outdoor showers with heated flooring, roaring fire pits, and private hot tubs looking out over a stunning three-state valley view.

Related: Between Atlanta and Asheville Are Underrated Appalachian Escapes With Mountain Views, Cozy Cabins, and Waterfalls—Without the Crowds

Cliffside Cool-offs and Firefly Canopies

Josh Cunliff

The centerpiece of a warm-weather stay is the resort’s newly expanded, state-of-the-art Wellness Haven. Designed to take the sting out of the afternoon sun, this cliffside sanctuary features deep, natural stone hot spring pools that the team keeps dialed down to a crisp, refreshing temperature to act as an elevated plunge pool. Paired with an invigorating, professional-grade cold plunge pool, it's the ultimate setting to spend a lazy afternoon floating with a cold drink while staring out over the expansive, misty Sequatchie Valley below.

Because the property is surrounded by dense, protected Tennessee woodland, July and August welcome thousands of wild fireflies that illuminate the entire forest floor. As dusk falls, guests can grab a front-row seat directly from their private hot tub or deck lounge chairs to watch the entire tree canopy light up in a synchronized, sparkling display—a breathtaking, real-world light show that completely blows any high-tech hotel projection out of the water.

Related: Why 2026 Is the Summer to Skip the Famous National Parks for These Under-the-Radar Alternatives

The Power of the Analog Reset

Levi Kelly

What truly sets Bolt Farm apart from standard luxury resorts, however, is its design layout that encourages you to completely disconnect from the outside world. The cabins and domes are intentionally structured to help you tune out constant digital notifications, work emails and news cycles, swapping them instead for an entirely analog experience.

Instead of giant flat-screen TVs, you'll find indoor movie projectors perfect for cozying up after dark, high-end vinyl record players with a curated collection of classic albums, and custom outdoor wood-fired pizza ovens that turn making dinner into a playful, interactive date night. Surrounded by massive, panoramic glass walls that flood the hardwood interiors with soothing green forest light, the environment forces you to downshift into a slower, more intentional pace. It’s a place where you can finally slow your breath, notice the crisp texture of the mountain bark, and remember exactly what it feels like to be fully present with your favorite person.

Related: The Smoky Mountain Dream That Dolly Built Turns 40 Today

In 1979, Triumph released a song that would become a rock radio staple: ”Lay It On It he Line." Written by Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore, the song appeared on the Canadian band’s U.S. breakout album Just a Game.

Opening with a melodic riff that builds into a full power trio performance, “Lay It On the Line” features a hook-filled chorus and soaring guitar solo set around Emmett’s vocals about truth in a relationship.

The song made it No. 86 on Billboard Hot 100 in December 1979, becoming a radio classic and a concert favorite that still resonates with fans nearly 50 years later.

While “Lay It on the Line” is often thought to be a song about heartbreak, Emmett has explained it’s actually a song about honesty.

In an interview with Songfacts, Emmett said he was “proud” of the song and the Just a Game album as a whole.

“My bread gets buttered because of ‘Lay It on the Line,’” he said. “That was a big record in my life, a big record in the career of the band. … ‘Lay It’ is about honesty, and it's about wanting somebody to just be honest with you. When I started to develop that one, I probably had the hook. Whoever's singing that song is saying, ‘Just give me the truth.’ That's really all I want in a relationship is honesty.”

“It's a fairly common theme for me,” the Triumph frontman added. “But there was no specific person that I was thinking of or anything. You just sort of have this generalized feeling of, ‘Okay, let's imagine that there's tension in a relationship.’ It's probably because one person is into the relationship more than the other one is. So the one that's into it more is going, ‘Come on. Look, just tell me the truth. What's going on here?’”

Emmett, who has been married to his wife, Jeanette Ann, since 1976, elaborated on the song’s meaning in a 2025 interview with Amplify.

“It was nothing in my personal life because I was perfectly happy with my wife,” he explained of “Lay It On the Line.” "I was thinking about girlfriends that I had in high school where they weren’t honest with me.”

Emmett also shared his favorite line from the song, which comes in the second verse.

“‘I don’t ask for much / The truth will do just fine / won’t you lay it on the line,’“ he said. “I just loved that line. There’s a bottom line being established, so lay it on the line — the line is a bottom line; the line is truth; the line is honesty. If the song is saying, ‘I don’t ask for much; I just want the honest truth,’ that’s universal. Everybody can relate to that. So I was quite proud of myself.”

More than 45 years after its release, “Lay It On the Line” remains one of Triumph’s most enduring songs. Last year, it was used as a theme song to promote the NHL playoffs in Canada, bringing the classic song to a new audience.

“That’s a cool thing, that kids are finding out about these songs, and it’s been 47 years since I wrote them,” Emmett noted in the 2025 interview.

“Lay It on the Line” was also a highlight during Triumph’s recent 50th anniversary Rock and Roll Machine Reloaded Tour.

Related: 1981 Hard Rock Classic, Inspired by a Bible Verse, Remains a Timeless Anthem 45 Years Later

If your usual Independence Day plan involves fighting for a square inch of grass on a crowded town common, it might be time to rethink the logistics.

To kickoff to America’s milestone 250th anniversary thisFourth of July, a few key regional parks are making a strong case for skipping the standard community lawn chairs in favor of a much more seamless, elevated long-weekend strategy. These parks are proving that when you mix world-class rides and nostalgic charm with a spectacular, high-tech fireworks show, you get the absolute loudest, proudest and most fun celebration of the summer.

For the most ambitious display of the weekend, Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio is anchoring the holiday with a progressive triple-header on July 4th, utilizing the park’s dramatic limestone quarry walls as a natural amphitheater.

Related: Craving more park thrills? Check out The Roller Coasters Amusement Park Superfans Are Most Excited to Ride in 2026.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

The staggered lineup begins at 9 p.m. in Rockville, moves to Crackaxle Canyon at 10 p.m., and culminates in a massive, park-wide 360-degree finale at 11 p.m. to mark the early wave of America’s 250th anniversary.

For an entirely stress-free evening, the smart move is booking an All-American VIP ticket, which secures premium seating at Lone Star Lil’s Amphitheater and pairs it with an upscale backyard cookout in the Picnic Grove beforehand—effectively eliminating the need to camp out for a view hours in advance.

Further north, Kings Dominion in Virginia is leaning into a sophisticated blend of modern thrills and historical homage. In recognition of the upcoming semiquincentennial, the park’s historic Old Virginia section has received a beautifully curated patriotic makeover that remains active through Labor Day.

Related: The Multi-Gen Family Guide to Navigating Disney World's New 2026 Holiday Season

It's an ideal setup for travelers who want a balanced day: pacing out the afternoon on heavy-hitter coasters like Twisted Timbers or the brand-new launch wing coaster, Rapterra, catching the daytime percussion shows, and then settling in for nightly fireworks synchronized to a beautifully mastered patriotic score.

For pure heritage and nostalgia, Dorney Park in Pennsylvania offers a distinctly timeless mid-Atlantic escape. There is something incredibly grounding about celebrating a national holiday by riding Thunderhawk—one of the oldest continuously operating wooden coasters in the world, spinning since 1924—or spending a quiet moment at the park's 1921 Antique Carousel.

For their Star-Spangled Nights event, the entire property transforms with crisp red, white, and blue banners and a dedicated Liberty Bell installation, featuring nightly live anthem performances by local recording artist Kendal Conrad to bring in the hometown feel.

The real differentiator this season is how the culinary teams are elevating the standard park fare into a limited-time, nostalgic menu that feels like a high-end boardwalk pop-up. The standout is the Liberty Bell apple pie smash shake—served in a cinnamon graham-rimmed mason jar—alongside layered red, white, and blue parfaits, and frozen Americana coladas.

When you factor in a full day of water park thrills and a spectacular night of fireworks all on a single ticket, choosing any of these destinations is a total no-brainer for a massive holiday weekend.

Related: Six Flags Is Turning Its Parks Into the Ultimate Coast-to-Coast Bash for America’s 250th Anniversary

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Whether it's providing functional storage space or adding aesthetic appeal, every piece of furniture has a purpose. But if you look hard enough, there are some truly remarkable pieces up for grabs nowadays that check multiple boxes and deliver extra bang for your buck.

The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Fluted Bar Cart is a great example of furniture that pulls double duty by adding both style and storage to any space. It's also a fantastic price right now during Walmart's Summer Deals event, marked down from $125 to just $84. That means you can save over $40 on a "beautiful" and "elevated" piece with over 100 five-star reviews.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Fluted Bar Cart, $84 (was $125) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

Drew Barrymore's Walmart-exclusive Beautiful brand consistently churns out quality home items with decorative flair that won't break the bank, and this find is no different. Crafted with care, the bar cart features three open shelves designed for both storage and display purposes. Whether you want to showcase your favorite bottles, arrange your cherished glassware, or display decorative items, these shelves offer ample room to accommodate all your essentials. One of its standout features is the charming fluted shelf edge pattern, adding a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.

Related: Walmart’s $6 Crewneck Sweatshirt Is ‘Soft,’ ‘Perfectly Oversized,’ and Comes in 3 Classic Colors

The cart is built for convenience with four rolling caster wheels, two of which lock in place for stability. This feature makes it easy to move the cart around for gatherings or dinner parties. Round wood legs provide a supportive base while enhancing its modern and chic appearance. Made from solid wood, this bar cart is durable and designed to withstand the bustle of everyday use.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Fluted Bar Cart, $84 (was $125) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Available in three chic shades — thyme green, warm honey, and rich black — this three–tier bar cart complements various interior decor styles. The thyme green finish adds a pop of color, creating a fresh, inviting atmosphere in your home. Or you can opt for a neutral by choosing black or honey.

Measuring about 35 inches in width, 20 inches in depth, and 31 inches in height, this bar cart fits snugly in any space, whether you place it in your dining room, living room, or even on a cozy patio. Don’t worry about complicated assembly, either. It’s designed with ease of setup in mind so that you can enjoy your new decor in no time.

"The quality is astounding," one shopper wrote. "This is heavy, beautiful material that looks expensive and elegant in person. It elevates the room and really is a statement piece."

Shop More Deals

• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Manual Slow Cooker, From $20 (was $25) at Walmart
• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 5.3-Quart Stand Mixer, $125 at Walmart
• Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Ceramic Tea Kettle, $30 at Walmart

Related: Walmart's 'Soft' and 'Breathable' $12 Linen-Blend Pants Are 'Perfect for Summer'

The aesthetic appeal, paired with the practical features, makes the $84 fluted bar cart a delightful addition to any home. Enhance your living space with this charming bar cart while it’s still on sale during Walmart's Summer Deals event (running through June 28) and enjoy the myriad of uses it offers.

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.

It was never released as a single, but that didn't stop "Simple Man" from becoming one of the most famous songs from Lynyrd Skynyrd's catalog.

Released in 1973 on the band's debut album, (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd), "Simple Man" didn't have the benefit of a commercial single release — yet its heartfelt lyrics and timeless message helped it grow into a classic rock staple.

Written by Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington, "Simple Man" took only about an hour to come up with. The song's emotional lyrics drew inspiration from life lessons passed on from Van Zant's grandmother and Rossington's mother, who died around the same time.

"We just put down in a song what our mama or grandma had said to us," Rossington previously said about the song, per American Songwriter. "They really wrote it. We just played it."

The song later took on a deeper meaning for fans in the wake of Van Zant's death, after he was tragically killed in a 1977 plane crash that also claimed the lives of bandmates Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines. The emotional message of "Simple Man" has continued to resonate with listeners in the decades since, becoming one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most enduring and cherished songs.

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The official Rock History account on X (formerly Twitter) calls "Simple Man" "one of the most beloved ballads in Southern rock" — and the song continues to resonate with listeners across generations.

In 2010, "Simple Man" reached No. 7 on Billboard's Rock Digital Song Sales chart, and in 2021, almost 40 years after its initial release, it peaked at No. 13 on the Hot Rock Songs chart.

It is also frequently ranked as one of the top songs from the band's entire discography, which also includes hits like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird."

Even the band knows that "Simple Man" is a favorite, writing in a December 2025 Instagram post that the track "Gets 'em every time."

Related: 1977 Rock Classic, Ranked One of the Best Songs of All Time, Never Hit No. 1

Comedy has no limits. No fear. And no expiration date. For proof, look to Mel Brooks. 

The King of Comedy has been pushing the boundaries of the universal genre and making people belly laugh for decades.

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Born June 28, 1926, Brooks turns 100 today. So herewith, a look back at the legendary comedian, filmmaker, producer [insert every other hyphenate here] who reshaped what satire could be—and what it could get away with.

Photo by Silver Screen Collection on Getty Images

Mel Brooks is a rare figure in the entertainment industry. Though his career stretches across more than five decades, his work still feels as sharp and relevant in modern times as it did in the 1950s. A living, walking, joke-cracking institution, he began his career in the legendary comedy circuit of the Borscht Belt resorts of the Catskills Mountains in upstate New York.

“Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you fall into a sewer and die.”
—Mel Brooks

Following service as a combat engineer with the Army in WWII, Brooks transitioned into television, where he became a legendary screenwriting force, with Your Show of Shows(1950-1954) and GetSmart, which he co-created with Buck Henry, standing out. It’s around this time that he also met longtime collaborator Carl Reiner in the writers’ rooms. Their friendship led to a partnership that conceived 2000 Year Old Man, the comedy sketch that earned Brooks one of the Grammys in his EGOT.

As an architect of the science that is comedy, Brooks established his voice on the small screen before moving into film. Anarchic and kinetic, his signature satire benefited from rapid-fire one-liners and aggressive silliness. As a writer in television, he helped lay the foundations for the modern sketch comedy by pushing the boundaries and making audiences uncomfortable. Race, gender, Hitler—everything is on the table in a Brooks production.  

“I’ll just say what’s in my heart: ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump, ba-bump.”
—Mel Brooks, when he won an Oscar for The Producers in 1967

In 1964, Brooks' short film, The Critic, won an Oscar (credited to producer Ernest Pintoff), paving the way for his directorial debut, The Producers, in 1967. Unyielding and endlessly entertaining, the dark comedy was an instant cult classic, scoring him his own Oscar for Best Original Screenplay (he'd later be honored with another Oscar for his expansive body of work).

Despite its critical success, the film, which turned Nazism and the Holocaust into parody, was met with a polarizing reception. 

“If you can reduce Hitler to something laughable, you win.”
—Mel Brooks

The Producers’ taboo subject matter and radical departure from Hollywood norms were too much for some viewers, but that was only the beginning for Brooks on the big screen. He followed his Oscar-winning feature with classics that have gone on to shape the genre, from Blazing Saddles to Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs to Robin Hood: Men in Tights. 

Today, Brooks reigns over an oeuvre of comedy that is endlessly rewatchable and continues to inspire entertainers to this day. With four Emmys, three Grammys, two Oscars, three Tonys, and a new Spaceballs movie on the way, the legend shows no signs of slowing down. 

May the Schwartz be with you, Mel, and may you have a wonderful 100thbirthday.

Related: 1968 Hit From Rock’s First Supergroup Makes for One of the Greatest Classic Rock Movie Moments

When you think of the Enlightenment in Europe—also known as the Age of Reason, which took place in the late 17th and 18th centuries—you might think of many things, such as intellectual ideas touching on religion, politics, reason for being and more. As Britannica reported, “the use and celebration of reason, the power by which humans understand the universe and improve their condition,” was at the center of the Age of Enlightenment. 

Key figures in this period included Voltaire, Immanuel Kant, Benjamin Franklin and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In fact, Rousseau is considered “one of the most influential thinkers during the Enlightenment in 18th century Europe,” according to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. He was a philosopher, writer and political theorist born in 1712 in Geneva, Switzerland, and he wrote many novels and treatises (written works that formally deal with a subject) that inspired French Revolution leaders and Romantic writers alike, per Britannica. Our quote of the day comes from one of his most famous treatises and focuses on the importance of kindness.

According to Britannica, Rousseau was less of an academic philosopher and wrote more about the way of life and existence in this world. He influenced music and artistic choices of the time, along with politics and reform, and changed how people expressed emotions such as love and friendship. Plus, he really wanted parents to be more interested in their children simply being kids and not being so stringent with them.

This is essentially what Rousseau was writing about in the passage where today’s quote comes from. He believed that placing burdens and too many responsibilities on kids took away from their youth. And above all, being kind was the most important “first duty” people had (as citizens of the world and as parents).

Related: Quote of the Day: Poet Edgar Allan Poe on the Power of Creativity, Imagination and Daydreaming

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Quote of the Day by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

“Men, be kind to your fellow-men; this is your first duty, kind to every age and station, kind to all that is not foreign to humanity. What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?”

This quote can be found in Rousseau’s Emile, or Education, his “classic work on the philosophy and practice of education,” according to the Online Library of Liberty. It was originally published in 1762. This quote appears in Book II of the treatise, which starts off with Rousseau writing about the second phase of life, which is infancy. He then goes into how children start to cry less as they learn to speak more, but there are still things that make them cry, of course.

He writes that no one knows when they will die, and many (at the time) don’t even reach old age. Rousseau states that “cruel education… sacrifices the present to an uncertain future,” and burdens children with limitations that ultimately make them “miserable.” 

Rousseau then writes our quote of the day. He follows it up with the sentiment that there is so much fun in childhood, something that adults remember fondly but can never return to. And because of this, fathers shouldn’t put more burdens on their kids because you never know how long each person has or what they will face throughout their lives.

“Do not lay up sorrow for yourselves by robbing them of the short span which nature has allotted to them,” he wrote. “As soon as they are aware of the joy of life, let them rejoice in it, so that whenever God calls them they may not die without having tasted the joy of life.”

Related: Quote of the Day: Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross on Inner Light and Resilience Being 'Like Stained-Glass Windows’

Deeper Meaning of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Quote—No Greater Wisdom Than Kindness

Rousseau is sharing a pretty “out there” belief for the time period in this passage, telling parents (or fathers specifically) to ease up on the “shackles” of education and expectation and let kids be kids. 

But on top of all that is our quote for the day, which is a statement he throws in there to remind parents how important kindness is. While generosity or compassion aren’t the main point of Book II (or even this section of the book), it’s all a part of his message to be nicer to children and let them lean into their childhood more. 

So, whether you’re reading it in the context of the book it appears in or at face value, the quote means the same. Rousseau is saying that being thoughtful is your first job, no ifs, ands or buts. And that this “first duty” is not just to be nice to some people or just your kids. He states that you should be considerate with “every age and station,” which was another radical thought for the time. Not only was this a point in history where kids were meant to be seen and not heard, but it was also not really one where they were respected or treated with kindness just because. And it certainly was not a time when being nice to those lower than you on the social food chain was done, let alone expected.

He states that you should basically be considerate to all of humanity and that it’s the greatest wisdom out there.

It can be easy to move through life quickly and fall into the hustle and bustle of work or family life. But you should always find time to be kind to others, no matter who they are. Lead with kindness first, and you’ll go far.

Related: Quote of the Day: Writer George Orwell on Happiness—‘Men Can Only Be Happy’ When They Aren’t Searching for Happiness as Life’s Main Point

More Quotes from Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• “People who know little are usually great talkers, while men who know much say little.”
• “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.”
• “The thirst after happiness is never extinguished in the heart of man.”
• “Teach by doing whenever you can, and only fall back upon words when doing it is out of the question.”
• “It is as if my heart and my brain did not belong to the same person. Feelings come quicker than lightning and fill my soul, but they bring me no illumination; they burn me and dazzle me.”
• “Gratitude is indeed a duty which we are bound to pay, but which benefactors cannot exact.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Novelist Flannery O’Connor on How Truth 'Does Not Change According to Our Ability to Stomach It Emotionally’

Brenda Harvey Richie, the ex-wife of Lionel Richie, shared the first update on the singer's recent health scare.

The Grammy Award winner, 77, was forced to cut his St. Paul, Minnesota, concert short earlier this week and was rushed to the hospital.

"Under advisement by doctors to rest and return to full health, Lionel Richie has postponed his show on Friday, June 26 in Chicago, IL and Saturday, June 27 in Columbus, OH," a statement shared by Richie's team read. "He and Earth, Wind & Fire will return to the stage on Tuesday, June 30 in Pittsburgh, PA. Lionel is heartbroken to postpone these two shows and cannot wait to be back performing for his fans."

The statement continued, "We apologize for any inconvenience this causes fans who have tickets for these two shows. Rescheduled dates will be announced soon."

While the statement was vague regarding Richie's health battle, TMZ reported that the artist felt "dizzy" and "strange" while performing.

@ynaffitmocha

Praying for Lionel Richie🙏🏾 #lionelrichie #fyp

♬ original sound - ♎️Mocha♎️

On Friday, June 26, Richie's ex-wife and the mother of his eldest daughter Nicole Richie, shared an encouraging update with fans.

"Thanking everyone for their concern! Lionel is OK and will be back on the stage. ❤️❤️" she wrote via X.

The couple was married from 1975 to 1993, but have remained close in the decades since their divorce.

The so-called America 250 celebration is currently underway, with our country marking the epic milestone in a variety of ways.

A docuseries just dropped on Netflix called The American Experiment, for example, which tells the story of how the 13 colonies united against the British, overthrew the Redcoats and emerged on the other side with both independence and their own system of government.

And back in the early 2000s, a filmmaker from an entirely different nation decided to helm a series of movies about American life in the early 20th century.

Award-winning director Lars Von Trier debuted Dogville, his experimental arthouse drama starring Nicole Kidman and plenty of other big games, at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. It was the first of three planned films for a "USA: Land of Opportunities" trilogy and released in the U.S. the following year.

The second installment, Manderlay, was released in 2005 and starred in Bryce Dallas Howard in place of Kidman, 59, due to scheduling conflicts. But it's worthy of note that a projected third film still has not come to fruition, despite the fact Von Trier, 70, has still kept busy making movies ever since.

Those who know the indie cinema scene, particularly Von Trier's filmography, know that Dogville takes the cake over Manderlay in terms of memorability for multiple reasons — particularly that the controversial auteur had written the Dogville script during a 12-day drug binge, according to a 2014 interview.

“I don’t know if I can make any more films, and that worries me,” he said during the same interview, per The Guardian, where he also revealed he was receiving treatment for dependency. “There is no creative expression of artistic value that has ever been produced by ex-drunkards and ex-drug-addicts. Who the hell would bother with a Rolling Stones without booze or with a Jimi Hendrix without heroin?”

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle requires you to know a little bit about soccer. 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 Sunday, June 28, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Sunday, June 28, 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 June 28, 2026

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

• Yellow: Very cool!
• Green: Hoops data.
• Blue: Allez les Bleus!
• Purple: Where the dunking happens.

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: STYLE
• Green: BASKETBALL STATS, ABBREVIATED
• Blue: MEMBERS OF FRANCE'S WORLD CUP SQUAD
• Purple: NBA ARENAS
  

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 #643 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• STYLE: FLAIR, PANACHE, PIZZAZZ, SWAGGER
• BASKETBALL STATS, ABBREVIATED: FG, FT, PF, TO
• MEMBERS OF FRANCE'S WORLD CUP SQUAD: BARCOLA, GUSTO, MBAPPÉ, OLISE
• NBA ARENAS: BARCLAYS, KIA, MODA, TD

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: The Genius Way to Make Strawberry Shortcake 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef

On June 28, 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl premiered at Disneyland, becoming the first film to ever do so. The reasoning made sense: it was based on the popular Disney ride, so why not debut it at the park where the film's idea originated? While those involved in the movie's creation faced doubts and ridicule, they got the last laugh when it grossed more than $650 million worldwide and launched a film franchise worth over $4 billion, despite never reaching No. 1 at the U.S. box office. It debuted at No. 2, despite its impressive run.

The Odds Against Success

Most didn't have high expectations for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. 2002's The Country Bears, based on a Disney World stage show, was a box-office flop. Not to mention how poorly recent pirate films had performed. 1995's Cutthroat Island, starring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine, was not just a critical and commercial failure but also forced the film studio Carolco Pictures to file for bankruptcy.

The film starred Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, and Johnny Depp. Knightley, who was only 17 when filming began, recalled later that her years making Pirates of the Caribbean were "a brutal time to be a young woman in the public eye," and that she experienced stalking.

The Battle Over Jack Sparrow

While it's hard to imagine anyone other than Depp playing the lead role of Jack Sparrow, the actor was considered a controversial choice at the time. What the studio wanted was a movie star, which they didn't think Depp was. Actors such as Matthew McConaughey, Jim Carrey, and Michael Keaton were considered for the role before Depp signed on.

Disney's head honchos, especially, hated his interpretation of the character. "They just couldn't stand him," Depp claimed to Vanity Fair. "I think it was Michael Eisner, the head of Disney at the time, who was quoted as saying, 'He's ruining the movie.'"

Disney's gamble -- and Depp's -- ultimately paid off. Depp won a Screen Actors' Guild Award, MTV Movie Award, and an Empire Award, and was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Jack Sparrow.

The films later expanded the world with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

The 2006 sequel went on to become the highest-grossing film of its release year and the third film in history to cross the $1 billion mark globally.

Against a backdrop of studio doubt, failed pirate movies, and intense personal pressures on its young cast, Pirates of the Caribbean proved to be a historic gamble. By trusting its unique creative vision and Depp's eccentric lead performance, Disney transformed a risky theme-park adaptation into a multi-billion-dollar cinematic phenomenon.

In June of 1970, Linda Ronstadt released “Long Long Time” — a track that ultimately became her breakthrough song as a solo artist after stepping away from her band, the Stone Poneys, two years prior.  

Appearing as the first single from her sophomore Silk Purse album, and produced by Elliot Mazer and recorded in Nashville, “Long Long Time” followed Ronstadt’s first solo effort, Hand Sown…Home Grown, which wasn’t a commercial success.

Written by Gary White, “Long Long Time” showcases Ronstadt’s stunning soft, whispering vocals over a heavy stringed arrangement peppered with gentle acoustics. The song finds the folk-rock icon grieving over a relationship that is clearly over. 

Throughout the ballad, her vocal delivery plays out like a confessional as she captures the emotional exhaustion of trying to win someone’s love and affection, but failing to do so. Though her tracked vocals on the song seem flawless, Ronstadt, surprisingly, wasn’t a fan of the take, according to American Songwriter, who sourced a 1985 interview the singer had with Esquire. 

“I can remember the day I recorded ‘Long, Long Time.’ It was 10:30 in the morning, but I was really into this kind of achy feeling, because the music – it’s in these chords. I think my phrasing was horrible,” Ronstadt said. “I think I kind of butchered it, but it is definitely in those chords. And it happened to the musicians, who are jaded session players. As soon as the fiddle player and Weldon Myrick, who’s the steel guitar [player], began to play those chords, they got real into that and became personally involved.”

Although she wasn’t too keen on her own delivery, “Long Long Time” has gone on to become a timeless classic, resonating with newer generations, as it experienced a resurgence in 2023 after being featured in the HBO series The Last of Us.  

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, which sourced Spotify, the 2023 revival resulted in streams of the song going up a whopping 4,900 percent. That comeback drew comparisons to the resurgence of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” which grew in popularity after being featured in Netflix’s television series Stranger Things. 

Though “Long Long Time” didn’t reach No. 1 on any chart, it did give Ronstadt a top 40 hit, peaking at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for 12 weeks. Additionally, “Long Long Time” earned Ronstadt a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance/Female in 1971. 

Related: 1981 No. 1 Hit Named Among ‘Greatest Country Songs of All Time’ Became a Genre Anthem of Small-Town Pride

Today's NYT Strands puzzle is extra festive. 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 #847 on Sunday, June 28.

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: "March in June"

A hint for today's Strands game: Love is love.

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:

• RA
• PA
• CEL
• RA
• DR
• FL
• PR (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

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

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for June 28

Today's Spangram answer on Today's NYT 'Strands' Hints, Spangram and Answers for Sunday, June 28, 2026, isPRIDEMONTH.

What Are Today's NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Sunday, June 28?

• RAINBOW
• PARADE
• CELEBRATION
• RALLY
• DRAG
• FLAGS
• SPANGRAM: PRIDEMONTH

Related: The Genius Way to Make Strawberry Shortcake 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef