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Have more clothes than storage space? Does your winter coat collection continue to grow every year? If so, you may want to invest in a new storage piece to alleviate your overstuffed closet. As we head into the spring cleaning season, now is the best time to organize and streamline your living space. With double the storage options, this Concetta 4-Tier Dresser with Hanging Rack at Walmart is definitely worth checking out. 

Right now, you can score this dresser and rack combo on sale for less than $50! It normally retails for $59, but you can currently snag a rustic brown or white version for just $42 for a limited time. This nifty storage piece is also available in black for just a dollar more. 

Concetta 4-Tier Dresser with Hanging Rack, From $42 (was $59) at Walmart

Featuring a black metal frame and a rustic wood-grain finish, the brown dresser lends itself to both the farmhouse and industrial aesthetics. Both the white and black versions have more of a sleek, modern look, designed with one singular color and drawers entirely covered in fabric. Whichever style you opt for, it’ll effortlessly elevate your living space while doubling as a stylish storage solution. 

The practicality of this multifunctional dresser and hanging rack combo is unmatched. Boasting two medium drawers at the top and two at the bottom, the dresser offers plenty of space to store your clothes, bedding, and anything in between. Both the medium and large drawers are about 14 inches wide and 11 inches long, and they have a little less than a two-inch height difference. If you want to ensure that your drawers remain neat and tidy so you can find everything with ease, you can invest in some organizing bins! 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Very Farmhouse Chic’ $80 5-Cube Bookcase Is a ‘Great Storage Solution’

Ideal for hanging coats and such, the other side of this piece features a simple yet sturdy rack made of steel alloy. It has a 50-pound weight capacity, offering a breathable place to store your bulky winter coats and jackets rather than stuffing them in a closet. You can also use the rack to hang your dresses and blouses that you want to keep wrinkle-free. One small but notable detail is the anti-drop hook at the edge of the rack, designed to prevent your hangers from slipping off. 

Concetta 4-Tier Dresser with Hanging Rack, From $42 (was $59) at Walmart

Courets

The bottom of the rack is fixed with a shelf that you can use to organize anything from your handbags to storage boxes. Additionally, there’s some open space underneath the dresser and rack that you can slot your shoes into. 

“The hanging rack is a great space-saver,” one shopper raved, while noting that it “fits perfectly in a small bedroom.” They described it as “very practical, well-designed, and sturdy,” and added that it’s “easy to assemble.”

The dresser and rack combined measure around 48 inches tall, 39 inches wide, and 12 inches deep. Because this storage unit takes advantage of vertical space, it’ll fit well into small and large rooms alike. You can place it anywhere in your home, whether it be your living room, bedroom, or foyer, and it’ll seamlessly blend in with the rest of your furniture and decor with its sleek and simple design.

Ensuring that this storage piece stays stable, it comes with an anti-tip kit. You can also easily adjust the feet of the frame by twisting it to prevent it from wobbling around, especially on uneven surfaces. 

Shop More Deals 

• Izeyno Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer, $12 (was $23) at Walmart
• Tinana 4-Pack of Stackable Storage Baskets, $28 (was $55) at Walmart
• Biemlerfn Over-the-Toilet Storage Shelf, From $57 (was $170) at Walmart

If you’re looking to streamline and organize your space ahead of the spring cleaning season, be sure to snag the Concetta 4-Tier Dresser with Hanging Rack at Walmart while it’s still on sale for just $42! 

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.

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 #982 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections puzzle for Tuesday, February 17, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Tuesday'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 Tuesday, February 17

1. Light's pace.
2. Savory takeout additions.
3. What you might do with a magazine.
4. Swing and a....

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 Tuesday, February 17:

1. ZOOM: DART, FLASH, SPEED, ZIP
2.SAUCES IN CHINESE CUISINE: HOISIN, OYSTER, PLUM, SOY
3. RIFFLE (THROUGH): FLIP, LEAF, SKIM, THUMB
4. STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "DUD": BOMBAY, BUSTLE, FLOPPY, MISSUS

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: Le Creuset Just Dropped a Stunning New Colorway, and It's Perfect for Spring

February 16, 1985, marked a pivotal moment in pop history.

On this day, "Careless Whisper" began a three-week reign at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. While the track cemented George Michael’s status as a generational talent, the story behind its rise involves a confusing credit dispute, a teenage bus ride, and a studio struggle that nearly ruined the song’s most famous hook.

The "Solo" Song That Wasn't

In the UK, "Careless Whisper" was released as George Michael’s first solo single, signaling his eventual departure from Wham!. However, in the United States, the marketing strategy was different. American audiences were just getting to know the duo, so the single was credited to "Wham! featuring George Michael".

This billing allowed the song to appear on the Wham! album Make It Big, ensuring the duo’s momentum didn't stall while simultaneously setting up Michael for future solo stardom. The strategy worked. Billboard eventually named it the No. 1 song of 1985.

A Saxophone Nightmare

The song’s defining feature is its opening saxophone riff, but capturing that sound was a logistical disaster. Michael allegedly went through 10 different saxophone players who could not deliver the sound he heard in his head.

The 11th player, Steve Gregory, finally got the job, but even he struggled with the original key. To solve this, the engineer slowed the tape down, allowing Gregory to record the solo a semitone lower. When they sped the tape back up, it created the sharp, unnatural saxophone tone that became one of the most recognizable sounds of the 1980s.

Related: ’80s Rock Legend’s No. 1 Best-Selling Song of All Time Released 43 Years Ago Today

Written on a Bus at 17

Despite the song’s mature themes of infidelity and guilt, Michael co-wrote the melody with bandmate Andrew Ridgeley when he was just 17 years old. He later revealed he composed the famous saxophone line in his head while handing money to a bus conductor on his way to work as a cinema usher.

Michael often expressed amusement at the song's enduring legacy. In later interviews, he admitted he felt "puzzled" that a lyric he wrote so flippantly as a teenager connected so deeply with millions of people. He noted that while the production was sophisticated, the lyrics were "naive" and lacked the emotional depth of his later work.

A Lasting Legacy

"Careless Whisper" did more than top the charts. It became a cultural touchstone, covered by artists ranging from Seether to Bananarama. It proved that George Michael was capable of producing timeless standards before he even became an adult.

Next: ’80s Pop-Rock Icons Announce ‘Special Live Shows’ in Europe This Summer

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. And, of course, I can’t forget about Wordle, too! If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1704 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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

How many vowels are in today's Wordle?

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

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

Today's Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

Synonyms for today's Wordle would be: "group" or "gang."

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 #1704 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, is SQUAD.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Sam's Club's Elegant $25 Tumbler Set Looks Eerily Similar to a Viral Style from Stanley 1913 Nearly 2x the Price

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

For people who are always on the move, having a pair of shoes that will hold up across daily use is essential. You don’t even have to have a huge sneaker collection. From running errands to jogging, just one good pair of sneakers can prove incredibly useful in a wide variety of situations. This pair from Adidas is not only practical and cute, it’s also on sale. 

The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Shoes are now discounted to as low as $42. It's one of the lowest prices we've seen on this style outside of holidays and sale events, and given the rave reviews, it's worth snagging a pair for yourself while they're marked down.

Cloudfoam Pure Shoes, From $42 (were $75) at Adidas

The shoes come in four colors: black, white, gray, and black with white stripes. Each variety is versatile and ideal for daily wear. They have a rubber outsole, textile lining, and lace closure. The design features Adidas' Cloudfoam midsole cushioning, making them extremely comfortable. If you want to be more active without having to worry about aching feet. 

Related: Adidas’ Iconic Sambae Sneakers Are as Low as $66 During a Massive Sitewide Sale

As another bonus, the sleek look of these shoes allows you to wear them with almost anything. “Looks good with sundresses,” a shopper said. “They dress up jeans and a nice shirt.” From workout classes to walking around town, you’ll be carefree and cool in these sneakers.

"Love the Cloudfoam," another reviewer wrote. "Great for walking and jogging! Feels like you're walking on clouds."

With an impressive 4.4-star rating from over 3,800 reviews, it's clear that these are a tried-and-true Adidas sneaker option. What are you waiting for? These Cloudfoam Pure Shoes are selling fast, so grab them in your preferred size and color before the Week of Deals event ends.

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.

President's Day is evidently a big day for Nicki Minaj, who marked the bank holiday with a bizarre pair of photos featuring her likeness alongside Donald Trump.

The rapper, who is a very vocal supporter of the Trump administration, used some form of generative AI to create a pair of photos of the two sitting in a car together. While the white and black leatherwork give the vibe of a luxury sports car, the lack of a backseat points more toward a pickup truck.

The Two Were Pretty in Pink for Minaj's Celebratory Post

Minaj sat in the driver's seat in both pictures, wearing a light pink and magenta striped t-shirt with a magenta and white striped collar and a nonspecific logo design across the front. It was paired with a thick layered silver chain around her neck. 

In the seat next to her sat Trump, decked out in a pair of jeans embroidered with Japanese cherry blossoms and a pink zip-up jacket over a white t-shirt. The jacket appeared to be meant to be Nike, with a white checkmark on the left breast. Meanwhile, the right side said “golf” in a white script, underneath another patch that changed appearance between the two photos. He also wore a think chain around his neck, with a large silver medallion. 

In the first snapshot, they both looked in the direction of where the camera would have been, were it a real photograph, with Trump throwing the “okay” symbol up with his left hand. In the second, Minaj held stacks of bills, which she appeared to be counting, while Trump agains tired in the direction of the would-be camera. 

Happy #PresidentsDay pic.twitter.com/uVvRK4MnJ5

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 16, 2026

Countless internet users were seemingly fooled by the post, with many questioning, "Is this real?" or, "Is this picture true or false?"

"Lmaoo I really thought this was real 🤣🤣," someone else admitted.

Others wondered what the point of the fake pictures were when Minaj met with Trump in person not long ago, where she took genuine photographs with him.

Nicki Minaj and Donald Trump shake hands during the Treasury Department's Trump Accounts Summit this past January.

Photo by Win McNamee on Getty Images

The Rapper Has Recieved Mixed Responses Over Her Steadfast Support

Minaj has been under fire of late for her staunch support, most recently culminating in "bribing" her fans to help pass the SAVE America Act, which is posited as a measure to ensure election security, but which many argue would block eligible citizens from casting their votes.

She also recently engaged in a series of mutual flattery withJD Vance and Rep. Mike Waltz, which led to a rash of pushback from loyal fans.

Even Glee star Kevin McHaleslammed her statements, writing, “Such a shame about Nicki. Literally so stupidly talented, changed the musical world in so many ways for the better. A truly gifted rapper, one of the best everrrr. Like, you have to work so hard to f–k that up, yet here we are.”

Of course, some of her supporters agree with her, too—or simply don't care. "I’ll never turn my back on Nicki Minaj idgaf what y’all say,” one said at the time.

Related: JD Vance Makes Powerful Statement About Nicki Minaj After Her Accidental ‘Assassin’ Comment

"Don’t judge a book by its cover," they say. But what about an album? If you saw Limp Bizkit’s Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water in the racks of your favorite record store, would you bring it home?

Rolling Stonewouldn’t—the publication dubbed the 2000 album from Fred Durst and crew the “Worst Album Cover” of all time.

“Five Gollum-looking dudes lolling around on a bed of nitrate-infused meat? Sure, that’s a fair representation of Limp Bizkit,” wrote Rolling Stone’s Gavin Edwards in 2024, repulsed by the artwork made by the band’s guitarist, Wes Borland. Edwards noted that the title is a juvenile allusion to a human body part, adding: “This cover is both tacky and gross, but at least it works as a warning label: what you see is what you get.”

“It was my version of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, said Durst, per Loudwire. “I was the a------, and the other guys could be the d--ks.”

Despite the cover, very few heeded this “warning”: Limp Bizkit’s third studio album was a smash success. It sold 1,055,000 copies in its first week alone, according to Billboard, making it the fastest-selling rock album (to reach 1 million sales) in the U.S., a record it holds today.

Chocolate Starfish debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and it went on to sell over 6.7 million copies in the United States alone. The album remains a pillar in Limp Bizkit’s discography, with songs like “Rollin’,” “Take A Look Around,” and “My Way.”

“I never thought Limp Bizkit was gonna be as large as it was,” Wes Borland told Metal Hammerin January. “Then the record sold a million in the first week. It was just ridiculous. There was a point at which things got so big that I don’t remember getting them getting bigger.”

Related: 1972 Rock Album by Ex-Beatle Crowned ‘Most Disappointing’ of All Time

Chocolate Starfish beat out Roger Daltrey as a centaur on the cover of his 1975 album, Ride a Rock Horse, and Creed’s Weathered, which featured “semi-competent Photoshop fakery of the band’s faces being digitally carved into a digital tree.”

Crosby, Stills & Nash’s Live It Up (with its cocktail weenies on the moon, another hot dog-themed cover) and Ted Nugent putting a naked woman trussed up like a turkey for Love Grenade fill out the top 5. (Rolling Stone said Nugent’s label pulled the cover before it was released.)

There are some controversial entries in the list: No. 41 is Metallica, aka “The Black Album,” with Edwards remarking the metal legends “gussied up the blackness just a little, with some matte-vs.-gloss images that didn’t really work.” The Beatles’ Revolver, often considered the band’s best album, is No. 37, mainly because “the portrait of George is so bad that you have to wonder if Harrison owed [artist Klaus] Voormann money.”

Related: This Iconic '80s Rock Band's Shocking Cover Art Was Banned for Causing a Major Controversy — Here's Why

There's no question that the 1970s gave us some of the most amazing music of all time...but not every chart-topper from the decade went on to become a classic for generations to come. In fact, some of the era's #1 hits have aged like milk, as the saying goes.

That's why when Rolling Stone asked readers to vote on the "Top 10 Worst Songs of the 1970s," people had plenty to say on the subject. While rankings like this tend to divide music lovers, it's pretty hard to argue with most of the tunes that made the list; then again, there's no accounting for taste.

For example, at the very bottom of the list was "Loving You" (1974) by Minnie Riperton (Maya Rudolph's mom), a song that's long been the target of disdain...even though credit must be given to the late Riperton for her impressive vocals. Next up was the "incredibly, stunningly crappy" 1975 hit "Feelings" by Morris Albert which has been mocked relentlessly for decades (and not without reason).

At #8 was Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods' 1974 #1 hit "Billy Don't Be a Hero," actually a cover of a song by the British group Paper Lace — and while many people assumed the tune was inspired by the Vietnam War, it was about the Civil War. (Either way, apparently nobody wants to hear it now.)

Another sappy soft rock hit (and another cover) was voted #7: "Seasons in the Sun" (1974) by Terry Jacks, originally written by poet Rod McKuen and turned into a hit by Belgian singer Jacques Brel in 1961. 1979's "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes took the #6 spot, a tune that will no doubt live on forever as a drunken singalong.

The Captain and Tenille's unfortunately named "Muskrat Love" (1976) kicked off the top 5, followed by Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" (1977), which spent a whopping 10 weeks at the top of the charts. Paul Anka's "uber-saccharine" 1974 hit "(You're) Having My Baby" was ranked at #3, while the cringe-worthy "Afternoon Delight" (1976) by Starlight Vocal Band took the #2 position.

So which long-reviled track was voted the absolute worst song of the '70s? Coming in at #1 was the 1976 parody "Disco Duck" by Memphis DJ Rick Dees. Though Dees' later novelty songs wouldn't find much popularity with listeners, "Disco Duck" was somehow a massive hit when it came out, which is probably why so many Gen X-ers have fuzzy memories of that cartoon duck on the record cover (the voice on the song sounded like Donald Duck but was, in fact, Yakky Doodle).

Related: This 'Absolutely Terrible' Chart-Topper Was Voted 'Worst Song of the '60s'

It was only a matter of time before the superficial juggernaut that was America’s Next Top Model and the people behind it were given a reality check. Looks like they got one in the form of a tell-all docuseries, now streaming on Netflix.

According to Tudum, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model takes an “unprecedented” look behind the ANTM curtain, exposing the toxicity, cruelty, and controversy lurking in the shadows of 24 seasons, or cycles.

Launched in 2003, the original show, a Frankenseries blending American Idol with The Real World set it in the world of modeling, was filled with drama at the expense of young women trying to better their lives with a cash prize and a modeling contract.

"There were cruel aspects of ANTM," Danielle Lindemann, author of True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us, said, per BBC. "But, for better or worse, it is part of the cultural zeitgeist."

The Netflix docuseries seeks to address the dysfunction associated with the pioneering reality show by interviewing past contestants and even Banks herself. But for all her effort or lack there of, Banks takes no accountability. Drawing backlash, Banks does have at least one supporter: Adrianne Curry-Rhode. 

Winner of the very first cycle, Curry-Rhode took to TikTok to offer her thoughts on the docuseries and Banks’ refusal to apologize. 

“OK, I have mad respect for Tyra Banks,” Curry-Rhode began. “She is not sorry. She is not apologizing to you. That b-tch is not effing sorry. She will not bend the knee, and I respect that.”

@adriannecurryrhode

Tyra Banks owes you NOTHING! #antm #americasnexttopmodel #topmodel #realitytv

♬ original sound - Adrianne Curry

She went on to share that she’d rather Banks be truthful about the way she feels rather than feign false regret or offer performative pseudo-remorse. 

“What? You want her to lie?” she said. “Lie and say how bad she feels? Everyone’s coming to me and they’re like, ‘None of the judges were sorry.’ Why should they be? They’re all loaded. Why should they give a flying f–. You know? If they didn’t give a f– at the time, they certainly ain’t gonna give a f– now.”

To close her video, Curry-Rhode gave Banks backhanded credit for putting herself out there and allowing herself to be judged by audiences and viewers.

“Mad respect for Tyra,” she said. “Because that’s hard, to push back on that many people trying to struggle-session you. And she’s just like, ‘F– you. I do what I want.’ And I got to respect that. So, I tip my hat, malady. Keep on being yourself, which is someone who doesn’t give a flying sh-t [laughs].”

Today, Curry-Rhode lives in Montana and “sells Avon,” People magazine reported in May of last year. She said she occasionally gets recognized by those living near her, but when it comes to fessing up about being on reality TV (she also starred on The Surreal Life and My Fair Brady), she’s “too humiliated” to keep it real.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is streaming now on Netflix.

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Related: Miss J. Alexander Reveals Stroke Left Him Unable to Walk, Says Tyra Never Visited Him

Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks are expanding their upcoming tour.

Following the announcement regarding the first leg of the YES Epics, Classics and More tour covering major cities in the U.S., the singer-songwriter added a series of shows for their European fans.

Sharing the surprising news on Instagram, the former vocalist of the progressive rock band Yes released tour dates and locations for their U.K. and Sweden shows.

The tour will begin in mid-September in Birmingham and will end the nine-stop run in early October at Malmö.

According to the post, this will be a milestone for Anderson and The Band Geeks, marking their first performances outside the U.S.

British singer Jon Anderson, part of the band "ARW" Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman during a concert at the Cirque Royal on March 27, 2017 in Brussels.

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/british-singer-jon-anderson-part-of-the-band-arw-anderson-news-photo/658428098?adppopup=true

As for the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer himself, the September and October tour represents his first return to the U.K. since 2023, when he performed with Rock Academy.

“JON ANDERSON AND THE BAND GEEKS today announce their first ex-U.S. tour, consisting of 7 U.K. shows and 2 shows in Sweden. The UK shows will be JON's first performances in his home country since a one-show appearance with the Rock Academy in 2023. The tour is billed as "YES Epics, Classics and More" and will feature songs recorded during JON's 40 years as the lead vocalist of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees YES,” the caption reads.

Moreover, the tour promises to give fans Anderson’s iconic hits as well as songs from his new album True with The Band Geeks.

View this post on Instagram

"To be back home in the U.K. performing YES music with the BAND GEEKS, who are dedicated YES fans, is a dream come true for me. So come and enjoy a great event, never to be forgotten!” the 81-year-old singer added, as mentioned in the Instagram update.

Meanwhile, tickets will be available for purchase starting Feb. 20.

Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks U.K. and Sweden Tour Dates

Sep 15 - Birmingham - Symphony Hall

Sep 17 - Bath - Forum

Sep 20 - London - Palladium

Sep 22 - Liverpool - Philharmonic

Sep 26 - Manchester - Opera House

Sep 28 - Glasgow - Royal Concert Hall

Oct 1 - Gateshead - Glasshouse

Oct 3 - Stockholm - Cirkus

Oct 5 - Malmö - Slagthuset

As mentioned, Anderson, who also co-founded Yes, scheduled a series of shows in the U.S., marking the first leg of the YES Epics, Classics and More tour

April 17 - Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse

April 19 - Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse

April 21 - Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre

April 23 - Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Theatre

April 26 - Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center Theater

April 28 - Hershey, PA @ Hershey Theater

April 30 - Landsdowne, PA @ Landsdowne Theater

May 2 - Landsdowne, PA @ Landsdowne Theater

May 5 - Troy, NY @ Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

May 7 - Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Theatre

Related: '70s Rocker Compares Himself to Elvis Presley in New Post

Sixty-nine years ago today, a soft-spoken ballad about first love climbed to the top of the charts and helped cement its singer's place in music history.

In 1956, Sonny James scored a No. 1 hit with "Young Love," a song that would become one of the most recognizable country-pop crossovers of the decade. Written by Ric Cartey and Carole Joyner, “Young Love” captured the innocence and intensity of teenage romance at a time when youth culture was beginning to reshape American music.

James' version topped the Billboard country chart and also crossed over to the pop charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 in early 1957. That crossover success was significant: country artists were only beginning to make consistent inroads into mainstream pop radio during the rise of early rock 'n' roll.

The song spent almost six months on country and pop music charts, a surprise that no one saw coming. "It caught the people in merchandising off guard," James explained in an interview, adding: "[Capitol Records] didn’t want to overpress before any record was released. The song surprised everybody, it hit so fast."

"Young Love" wasn’t just a commercial triumph; it became Sonny James' signature song. The gentle vocal delivery and stripped-down arrangement stood in contrast to the wilder sounds emerging in the mid-'50s, helping the track resonate with both country traditionalists and pop audiences.

The success of "Young Love" also set the stage for James’ long-running career. Over the years, he would go on to earn an astonishing run of consecutive No. 1 country hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s, eventually becoming one of the most successful male country artists of his era. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, a testament to the longevity of his impact.

Nearly seven decades later, "Young Love" remains a snapshot of a fleeting moment in American music, a time when country and pop were beginning to blend, and when a simple song about young romance could unite listeners across genres.

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Although spring is a few weeks away, winter is definitely still making its presence known. Cozy days and nights curled up on the couch can make it so much more bearable, especially when you've got a blanket that brings some farmhouse charm to your space. There's nothing quite like that warm, lived-in, rustic aura to make things feel even cozier.

If your space calls for a homey upgrade, a Vera Bradley wool-blend throw blanket could make a world of difference. It was basically made for those moments by the fireside, bundled up with a good book. It's giving major cabin vibes with its rich plaid pattern, exuding a down-to-earth quality that instantly softens any room. While it's typically $100 at Amazon, right now it starts at just $39 for the red version. There's also a green option for $59.

Vera Bradley Wool-Blend Throw Blanket, From $39 (was $100) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

The 100% acrylic blanket is basically a loungey dream. It wraps you up in warmth, perfect for movie nights with the family or lazy mornings in bed. At the same time, it's an aesthetic masterpiece. The deeply saturated colors and classic plaids give it a timeless quality. It's exactly the kind of bedding you might use to decorate your hideout in the woods, so if you love that vibe it's definitely a quick and easy path to achieving the look.

At 70 inches long by 50 inches wide, it's a great size that comes in just slightly larger than the average throw blanket. Whether you fold it up at the foot of the bed as an accent piece or drape it over the back of the couch, it will have an immediate impact on the room's atmosphere. The effect is intimate and even nods a bit to the Danish concept of hygge, which is rooted in natural and tactile elements that bring joy and serenity to a space.

Related: Amazon Has a 'Buttery Soft' 3-Piece Comforter Set That 'Feels Like a Fluffy Cloud' for Just $23

While some luxury blankets in this category might require special care, this one is simple to maintain. Just toss it in the washing machine using a gentle cycle with cold water, then let it line dry to preserve its shape and integrity. 

The reviews are outstanding, with several shoppers praising the blanket's texture. It's "very soft and cozy," said one shopper, adding that it's "made well" and feels "warm." Another person commented that it's "beautiful and such a great deal."

Shop More Deals

• Melomoir Rustic Farmhouse Mirror, $110 (was $140) at Amazon
• LuxSight Collection Rustic Floor Lamp, $70 (was $87) at Amazon
• Loongrug Area Rug, $85 (was $100) at Amazon

Sometimes it's the subtle updates that leave the most lasting impressions. This Vera Bradley wool-blend throw blanket is a solid example of an accent that brings color and charm to your space without feeling too overpowering. At this price, it also offers an accessible way to embrace that wonderfully inviting farmhouse aesthetic.

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Heavy metal icons Judas Priest are finally giving fans a glimpse behind the curtain of their 50-year career.

The band has dropped the first official clip from their upcoming documentary, The Ballad of Judas Priest, and it offers a surprising deep dive into the true meaning behind their most recognizable anthem.

While the band has been teasing the project for some time, this new video clip moves past the general nostalgia to focus specifically on the "rage" that fueled the 1980 hit "Breaking the Law".

Grand Theft Audio

The teaser focuses heavily on the music video for "Breaking the Law," which famously features the band robbing a bank to steal a gold record. In the new footage, the band clarifies that the imagery was never about greed; it was a metaphor for the unstoppable nature of heavy metal itself.

"We're not going into the bank to steal the money. We're going into the bank to steal the album," lead vocalist Rob Halford explains in the clip. "Maybe it was just a metaphor of you cannot cage this music. You cannot put this music behind bars".

A Revolutionary Rhythm

The clip also features commentary from other musical icons, including Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels, who draws a direct line between the British New Wave of Heavy Metal and the aggression of hip-hop.

"Breaking the law is like some Ice Cube s--t," McDaniels says in the footage, noting the song's rebellious spirit.

Related: ’70s Rock Band Announces Update on World Premiere Ahead of 2026 Tour

Halford agrees with the sentiment, labeling the track a "revolution song" in the clip. The documentary intercuts the band’s commentary with archival footage of civil unrest, grounding the song in the grim reality of the UK at the time.

"The pain and the suffering of so many British working-class people, rioting and striking because of their rage," Halford recalls. The clip suggests that the "mob" mentality seen in the streets directly influenced the track's driving rhythm and defiant lyrics.

Back on the Beat

The release of The Ballad of Judas Priest comes at a pivotal moment for the group. As Parade previously reported, the metal icons are currently preparing for their 2026 tour starting in July, which will see them celebrating over half a century of heavy metal dominance.

Next: 1992 Iconic Rock Comedy Turns 34 Years Old as the Highest-Grossing ‘SNL’ Movie of All Time

Kathie Lee Gifford is making it clear where she stands when it comes to religion—and her take may surprise some.

The former Today co-host has long been known to practice and share her Christian faith and views over the years, and that has not changed. Her opinions on "religion" in general, however, may come as a shock to longtime fans, as the TV personality, 72, says she's actually "anti-religion."

Explaining why she describes herself as such, despite being a Christian, Gifford said religion can sometimes put "people in chains."

"The Bible talks about prayer without ceasing. Our life should be nonstop prayer, nonstop conversation, dialog, and walk with our Lord," Gifford told Fox News Digital. "It's not a religion. I am very anti-religion. Religion puts people in chains and Jesus takes them away. So I've always tried to be, and I am, the exact same person."

The outlet spoke with the Then Came You actress ahead of her hosting gig for Childhelp's Drive The Dream gala in Phoenix, Ariz., on Saturday, Feb. 14.

"I don't separate the secular from the spiritual. I don't say, 'Oh, I'm an actress. So that's my secular life.' And then I go, 'And I raise money for Childhelp.' No, it's all one life, lived in accordance with God's blessing, with His, I don't like to call them commandments, His teaching, His guidance. We live according to that," she added.

"Childhelp exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children," the organization's website states. Gifford has been working with the charitable cause since 1996, but insisted she has "always been an advocate for children, long before" joining.

She continued: "That's just been a lifelong thing for me. God loves all the little children. And we're all made in the image of God, no matter what color we are, no matter where we come from. It's, that's all, I've always known that. And Jesus who said, you know, let the little children come unto me, don't stop them. They are the kingdom of heaven. So all my life, that has been a driving force."

As for her relationship with God, it's something she has always been loud and proud about. "People go, 'I can't believe how bold you are for your faith,'" she told the outlet. "I don't care what people think. I care what He thinks. And a few hands, like maybe two hands full of precious friends who love me. I care what they think."

The attitude toward the subject is one she has never shied away from, even encouraging others to build close relationships with Jesus. In 2020, she extended that same advice publicly to her own goddaughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner. (According to Today.com, the actress and the women's mother, Kris Jenner, have been close for decades.)

“I would tell them, first of all, ‘Stay close to God’,” she advised on staying level-headed while navigating being in the spotlight. “I would tell them to be true to themselves and that’s about it. That’s what I’d tell anybody.”

Martha Stewart just got brutally honest about social media — and yes, she has opinions. The 84-year-old lifestyle legend says she actually learns a lot from Instagram, but there’s one thing she simply can’t stand: that voice.

On Monday, February 16, Stewart joined Lauryn and Michael Bosstick on The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, where she was asked what she sees online that feels untasteful. Stewart didn’t hold back.

“It’s that voice. That guy’s voice. I hate his voice so much,” she said. “You know, the guy who is giving instructions all the time, that high kind of high-pitched voice. It’s the voice of a robot. That voice... that is an awful voice.”

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She added that the sound is everywhere — even on content she otherwise likes. “I don’t like that that same voice is used for so many, sometimes really good projects,” the Emmy-winning TV host said, noting that it feels like an announcer’s voice that’s been pushed into something harsher and less natural. “It was based on a person’s voice… but it’s worse than any voice that was ever on the radio.”

While it’s not entirely clear which specific voice Stewart is referring to, her description fits a style most people recognize: that AI text-to-speech “instruction” narrator you hear over everything from recipe tutorials to motivational clips to random fact videos. As reported by Shopify, the text-to-speech feature took off around 2020 after launching as an accessibility tool, but its rollout didn’t stay straightforward.

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In 2021, voice actor Beverly Standing sued TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, alleging the platform used a robotic version of her voice without permission, according to the BBC. Not long after, “Jessie” — voiced by Canadian radio host and voice-over artist Kat Callaghan — became one of the app’s most recognizable voices.

Since then, both TikTok's built-in options and third-party AI voice generators have flooded social media with synthetic narrators, and the male AI voiceover Stewart is describing has become one of the most recognizable — and, for some viewers, most polarizing — sounds online.

Long before they became Hollywood legends, the late Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman were just young actors studying their craft in New York City.

After a brief stint in the Army, Duvall moved to New York to pursue acting, supporting himself as a postal clerk while taking classes. Among his classmates were Hoffman and Hackman—two future Oscar winners who would remain lifelong friends. “A friend is someone who many years ago offered you his last $300 when you broke your pelvis,” Duvall once recalled per BBC. “A friend is Gene Hackman.”

​​At the time, none of them looked like obvious movie stars. As Vanity Fair previously reported, the trio were part of the thousands of struggling actors bouncing between rejection and hope in the 1950s and ’60s. Hackman, a former Marine, and Hoffman, then a 19-year-old outsider at the Pasadena Playhouse, bonded as fellow misfits before eventually heading east. All three would go on to become character actors who somehow rose to Hollywood’s A-list.

READ MORE: Dustin Hoffman, 88, Makes Rare Red Carpet Appearance After Death

That early chapter proved formative for Duvall, who went on to build one of the most respected careers in American film. Born in 1931 in San Diego and raised in a military family, he ultimately chose the stage over the Navy path expected of him. His breakout film role came in 1962’s To Kill a Mockingbird, where he played Boo Radley. He earned his first Academy Award nomination for portraying Tom Hagen in The Godfather and reprised the role in The Godfather Part II. Duvall received seven Oscar nominations and won Best Actor in 1983 for Tender Mercies.

Duvall died at the age of 95 on Sunday, February 15. His wife, Luciana Duvall, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, writing, “Yesterday, we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.” A cause of death has not yet been announced.

“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all,” Duvall recalled.

If you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's The Mini Crossword, too!

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

So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Prefix meaning "eight" — HINT: Starts with the letter "O"

5 Across: Classic poem that begins "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness" — HINT: Ends with the letter "L"

6 Across: One of the Jenners — HINT: Starts with the letter "K"

7 Across: A henchman / As two words: "Please proceed" — HINT: Ends with the letter "N"

8 Across: Prickly seedcases — HINT: Starts with the letter "B"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: "Stop, I’m blushing!" — HINT: Ends with the letter "U"

2 Down: Indicator of difficulty in Connections — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

3 Down: Identical siblings — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

4 Down: Repeated cheer at a soccer stadium — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

6 Down: Soviet spy org. — HINT: Starts with the letter "K"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Prefix meaning "eight" — OCTO

5 Across: Classic poem that begins "I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness" — HOWL

6 Across: One of the Jenners — KYLIE

7 Across: A henchman / As two words: "Please proceed" — GOON

8 Across: Prickly seedcases — BURS

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: "Stop, I’m blushing!" — OHYOU

2 Down: Indicator of difficulty in Connections — COLOR

3 Down: Identical siblings — TWINS

4 Down: Repeated cheer at a soccer stadium — OLE

6 Down: Soviet spy org. — KGB

Related: 15 Photos of Pizza Hut in the '90s That Will Unlock a Core Memory

Taylor Swift has long proven she's a woman of many talents, but fans have found another new type of project they'd like to see her file away on her extensive resume.

The superstar singer hopped back into a recording studio to lend her voice to the biggest cultural event of the season, narrating an introductory video for three of America's Olympic figure skaters, who, as a trio, have been dubbed the Blade Angels: Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Isabeau Levito.

It's been 20 years since an American woman has medaled in the individual figure skating segments, but the three have brought a resurgence of hope for a U.S. sweep in Milan this year, and Swift is helping to build the hype ahead of their big moment on Tuesday night.

Introducing the Blade Angels

"Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to Amber, Alyssa, and Isabeau,” Swift’s voice rang out in a new video shared by the official NBC Olympics social media pages. The video was themed around Swift's latest single, “Opalite,” which played in the background as the skaters' shadows moved gracefully in front of a glittering, silvery teal moon-shaped background. 

Swift described the Olympians as “three American showgirls on ice,” noting that their stories would “capture [the] heart” of everyone listening.  

Action clips of each skater followed as Swift detailed their motivations before the trio “take center stage.”

Swift detailed Amber’s superpower of “embracing the fights,” sharing how the young skater looks at every loss with just as much meaning as her wins. Then she described the “joy [that] fuels” Alyssa nowadays, after her surprising return to the sport following a retirement at just 16 years old. Isabeau, she said, is “destiny personified,” applauding her for “skating like [she ’s] meant to be out there.”

taylor swift audiobook WHEN‼️‼️ this is so cool i love that she narrated https://t.co/CaHeeTkz9I

— ruchi ⚓︎ (@ciwywisteria) February 16, 2026 What Else Could the Multihyphenate Possible Add to Her Resume?

Swift's versatility earned high praise, with one fan gushing, "From stadium tours to the Winter Olympics? The range is insane."

"Only Taylor Swift could make a skating intro feel cinematic.✨," they gushed.

And it's true—Swift's cinematography dominates everything she does, from her music videos to her concert tours. Plus, we already know that her feature film directorial debut is in the works, but now, fans are itching for something of an entirely different nature following her brief narration.

"taylor swift audiobook WHEN‼️‼️" one demanded. "this is so cool i love that she narrated."

"Taylor Swift Olympics announcer she’s so jobful," another joked, offering a different option for a future project: "let her be a football commentator next."

Obviously, with all the sporting expertise she's gained since the start of her relationship with fiancé Travis Kelce, the latter isn't necessarily out of the realm of possibilities.

Which would you rather see her do next?

Related: Tayvis Fans Are 'Sobbing' Over 'Precious' Photo of Donna Kelce and Andrea Swift: 'The In-Laws Are Hanging Out'

Tim McGraw is paying his respects to late Hollywood legend Robert Duvall.

Following the news of Duvall's death at age 95 on Sunday, Feb. 15, McGraw was among those who took to social media to honor the life of the late actor, whom he described as "one of the all-time greats."

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The country crooner, who worked with Duvall on the set of the 2008 holiday rom-com Four Christmases, shared an Instagram post on Monday evening with a throwback photo of Duvall from his famous role in Lonesome Dove.

"One of the all-time greats in my opinion has passed on," McGraw, 58, began his caption. "I will never forget my time with him on set and our text messages over the last few years about movies, '1883' and every time 'Tender Mercies' was on on tv, I would text him and say 'I’m watching it again'!"

Related: Tommy Lee Jones Honors ‘Lonesome Dove’ Costar Robert Duvall After Death

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"One of my prized possessions is a book of screenplays by Horton Foote that I got in the mail around 6 months ago with a beautiful sentiment and autograph that I will keep to myself," McGraw continued.

He went on to call Duvall "an incredible talent, one that doesn’t come along that often, before concluding the heartfelt post, "We will miss him and celebrate his life by watching all the great films he made through the years, go rest high my friend."

Related:'To Kill a Mockingbird' Star Recalls Her On-Set Experience With Robert Duvall After His Death

Related: Tim McGraw Shares Rare Photos With Wife Faith Hill in Valentine's Day Tribute

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You can never go wrong with cozy wardrobe staples. They're among life's simplest pleasures, designed strictly to keep you comfortable and help you get through the day in classic style. While there are so many options out there, it's always nice to find one that add instant style to your closet without breaking the bank.

An easy example of this is the Time and Tru fleece hoodie, a simple yet incredibly versatile top that instantly makes a place for itself in your closet. It's the epitome of effortless off-duty fashion, offering a go-to choice for everyday wear. Whether you're running laps or errands, a comfy top like this can round out your outfit perfectly. Marked down from $10 to just $8 at Walmart, it's an excellent value.

Time and Tru Fleece Hoodie, $8 (was $10) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

The accessible price point alone means it's well worth stocking up, whether you pick up just one in your favorite color or grab all four. Available in black, grey, red, and olive green, it's stocked in sizes extra small to XXXL. The relaxed fit makes it the perfect companion for anything from jeans to joggers to sweatpants.

Related: Walmart Has Cozy Sofas and Accent Chairs Starting at Just $76 During Its Presidents Day Sale

Part of its appeal is its timeless design. It's made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, resulting in a super soft texture with just the right amount of stretch. The attached hood keeps you cozy whenever the wind picks up or there's a chill in the air, while the roomy front pocket keeps your hands toasty.

With ribbing at the cuffs and hem, it also locks in heat and maintains just the right amount of structure. For easy care, you can just toss it in the washing machine to maintain its color and shape. One shopper called it a "comfortable everyday hoodie with a flattering fit," while another described it as "simple but stylish."

Shop More Deals

• Galaxy by Harvic Fleece Joggers 3-Pack, $24 (was $60) at Walmart
• Shibever Crewneck Tunic, $13 (was $25) at Walmart
• Avia 5000 Performance Sneakers, $15 (was $25) at Walmart

With spring just weeks away, this is a good opportunity to stock up on a piece that will make the seasonal transition easier. The Time and Tru fleece hoodie offers style, warmth, and comfort, all for an exceptional price.

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