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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 #978 on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Today's NYT Connections puzzle for Friday, February 13, 2026 / New York Times

NEW YORK TIMES

If you've been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Friday's puzzle, you're not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I'll reveal the answers further down.

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

Hints About Today's NYT Connections Categories on Friday, February 13

1. For sure.
2. Wave it or put it on the wall.
3. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
4. Sounds like...

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today's Connections Game Answers for Friday, February 13:

1. DOWNRIGHT : PURE, SHEER, STARK, UTTER
2.PENNANT : BANNER, COLORS, FLAG, STANDARD
3. CIGARETTES BRANDS: CAMEL, KENT, PARLIAMENT, SALEM
4. HOMOPHONES OF WAYS TO GET SMALLER: LESSON, RESSED, SYNC, WAYNE

How'd you do?

Up Next:

- 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
- Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT's 'Mini Crossword' Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let's Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints, Clues and Answers Today, Thursday, February 12, 2026

Before Carol, there was Daryl. 

Love Story, the latest glossy episodic feat from showrunner Ryan Murphy, is based on the 2024 book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, by Elizabeth Beller, and explores the courtship and marriage of scion John F. Kennedy Jr. and fashion maven Carolyn Bessette. 

However, the first three episodes feature another one of JFK Jr.'s love stories -- the one between him and Emmy-nominated actress Daryl Hannah. Per Gold Derby, the two engaged in an on-and-off “dalliance” that spanned the late '80s to the early '90s. 

Portrayed by Dree Hemingway (yes, that Hemingway; Ernest is her great-grandfather; Mariel, her mother), Daryl attempts to save her relationship with JFK Jr., played by Paul Kelly, despite the disapproving calls from the Kennedy family.

In a not-so-surprising move, producer Nina Jacobson told Gold Derby that the crew didn’t reach out to Hannah for input about her experience in the Kennedy orbit. Fans of Murphy’s true-story-inspired projects are probably accustomed to the producer taking some artistic liberties with his fare and doesn’t “solicit the input of the real people that are being depicted.”

She did say, however, that they were "mindful" and "respectful" of the relationship.

“The only time we've really interfaced with the real person was with Monica Lewinsky on Impeachment," said Jacobson, who shares executive-producing responsibilities on Love Story with Brad Simpson (Crazy Rich Asians) and creator/showrunner Connor Hines (Dollface).

Previous projects that saw Jacobson and Murphy team up include American Crime Story and Pose.

JFK Jr. and Caroline Bessette-Kennedy married in September 1996 in a private, intimate ceremony at the First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, Georgia. The two died together, when their aircraft piloted by JFK Jr. crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette premiered tonight, Feb. 12, on FX. The first three episodes are now streaming on Hulu.

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Related: JFK Jr.’s Complete Dating History: Who Did He Romance Before Carolyn Bessette?

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 #1700 ahead.

Let's start with a few hints.

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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 double letters in today's Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today's Wordle?

Today's Wordle answer can relate to: Asking or begging for something without paying for it.

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 #1700 on Friday, February 13 2026.

Today's Wordle answer on Friday, February 13, 2026, isMOOCH.

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

Related: Today's Wordle Hint, Answers for #1699 on Thursday, February 12, 2026

Iconic 1980s rock band Squeeze has thrilled fans worldwide with an exciting announcement: the band will headline the Gŵyl Portmeirion Festival in Wales this summer on July 4, 2026, and tickets are already on sale. 

This news comes alongside the release of their highly anticipated album, Trixies, their first studio collection in eight years, but composed of songs originally written as teenagers in 1974.

The London-based group, famous for hits like “Tempted,” “Cool for Cats,” and “Up the Junction,” is also gearing up for a massive UK arena tour starting in November 2026, marking some of the largest headline shows in their career. Special guest Billy Bragg will open for all dates, including a hometown show at London’s O2.

Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze performs on the Pyramid Stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival 2024 at Worthy Farm, Pilton.

Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage

Trixies represents a unique time capsule in Squeeze’s storied career. Songwriting duo Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook rediscovered the original cassette of songs they composed as teenagers in 1974, years before Squeeze’s 1978 debut album.

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“These are very much the same songs that we wrote then,” Tilbrook said, per Best Classic Bands. “The only difference is that now I can teach the songs to the rest of the band. Back then, I didn’t even know the names of the chords!”

Difford added, “It really fills me with joy that at my age we can discover that we wrote such great songs when we were teenagers. I’m very proud of that.”

The album, set for release on March 6, 2026 via BMG, features tracks like “You Get the Feeling,” “Don’t Go Out in the Dark” and “Why Don’t You,” all set in the fictional nightclub Trixies.

The songs were written with the youthful energy and storytelling style that made Squeeze famous, and now finally receive the polished production they deserve, led by bassist Owen Biddle.

Squeeze’s 2026 tour, dubbed “Tried, Tested & Trixies: 53 Years of Classic Songwriting,” kicks off in Glasgow on Nov. 12 and travels through major UK arenas including Blackpool, Nottingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester and concludes in Brighton on Dec. 5. Fans can expect a mix of new Trixies tracks alongside classics such as Pulling Mussels (From the Shell), Black Coffee in Bed and Hourglass.

The band also recently paid tribute to longtime drummer Gilson Lavis, who passed away in November 2025 at age 74. Lavis, a member of Squeeze from 1975, played on all of the band’s first ten albums and contributed to classics like “Tempted” and “Up the Junction”.

Difford reflected, “I was heartbroken to hear that Gilson had passed away. His playing was the deep thread that kept our verses and choruses firmly on the tapestry of our Squeeze journey.” Tilbrook added, “He was so great and inventive, there is no one else like him. My thoughts are with his family.”

With over five decades of iconic music, Squeeze proves that their clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and powerful storytelling are timeless.

Related: Lost ’70s Album Finally Gets Release Date From Beloved Rock Band

Two underground heavy music institutions are officially joining forces.

The Melvins and Napalm Death have announced a collaborative album titled Savage Imperial Death March, due out April 10 via Ipecac Recordings. According to a press release, the project is “a true collaboration — not a split, but a new album featuring members of both bands.”

While the title may sound familiar to longtime fans, as it mirrors the name of their joint tours in 2016 and 2025, this marks the first full-length studio album created under the shared moniker.

For the musicians involved, the collaboration was both personal and long-awaited.

"I have loved The Melvins forever and their outlook on music," said Napalm Death's Shane Embury in a recent interview. "A chance to make an album of eclectic musical madness with them was truly an honor and a whole lot of fun, which surely is the whole point!"

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The Melvins front man, Buzz Osborne, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how organically the record came together.

"Napalm Death are one of my favorite bands ever," Osborne said. "It was an absolute pleasure and a dream come true to do this collaboration with them. We wrote songs together. I would write a riff and we would learn it and record it right there. They wrote stuff and we would learn it immediately as well. It was truly a 50/50 partnership."

Pre-orders are available now, with the album set for release on CD, digital platforms and four limited-edition vinyl variants: Black As Your Soul, Indie Exclusive Obnoxious Orchid, Ipecac Exclusive Absurd Aqua and Revolver Exclusive Neon Coral. An abbreviated version was previously made available during the bands' 2025 tour as a hyper-limited vinyl/CD edition, featuring alternate artwork and two additional tracks, “Awful Handwriting” and “Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy.”

Beyond the album, both bands remain active on the live front. The Melvins are slated to appear at the Sick New World festival this spring, with two California headlining shows surrounding the festival date. Napalm Death is currently touring Europe ahead of a North American trek later this season.

Related: This ’90s Band Quietly Became 2025’s Hardest-Working Classic Rock Act

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Objectively speaking, we’ve moved on from the heights of the status water bottle craze of 2023, but it’s hard to imagine a world where the icon that is the Stanley 1913 tumbler doesn’t exist. The over-100-year-old company, first founded in 1913, successfully revitalized a market full of gaudy, self-aggrandizing clones that did nothing more than provide a cheeky, patterned exterior for you to swap your bottle of Dasani with. It gave the industry color and set in motion one of the greatest rallies we’ve ever seen for an object as utilitarian as a water bottle. 

From limited-time collections and color drops that sell out in minutes, it’s hard to deny the appeal of a Stanley 1913 bottle, but for the average consumer, spending $50 every couple of months on a new water bottle (especially in this economy) just isn’t feasible. Luckily, there are several comparable options on the market today that cost a fraction of the price, and in some cases, you might even find one that looks just as good as one from Stanley 1913. 

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Related: Skip Reservations This Valentine's Day and Get Sam's Club's Romantic Restaurant-Quality Dinner Delivered to Your Door Instead

Take this gorgeous $25 tumbler set at Sam’s Club, for example. The larger-than-life grocery warehouse just added the Zak Designs Stainless Steel Double Wall Sutton Flex Tumbler Set to stores, and if you look fast enough, you might mistake it for the viral Loveshack Fancy x Stanley 1913 collab. This adorable set comes in two coordinating colorways—solid purple and a couquettecore pink bow print, or mossy green and verdant green floral—and includes not one, but two 30-ounce stainless steel double-wall insulated water bottles. That means you can get one for yourself and give the other to your valentine. How sweet is that?

Zak Designs 30-Ounce Stainless Steel Double Wall Sutton Flex Tumbler Set, $24.98 at Sam's Club

Sam's Club

Each set includes a straw lid with a soft silicone spout that’s splash-resistant and stays securely attached, and a flip-up spout lid with a built-in carry handle that offers leak-proof confidence when closed. The bottles are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup and come with a lifetime warranty in case of any mishaps. And at just $24.98, each bottle works out to just under $12.50, which is four times cheaper than the cost of $55 for one Stanley 1913 x Loveshack Fancy Holiday Quencher ProTour Flip Tumbler. 

Stanley 1913 x LoveShackFancy Holiday Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, $55 at Stanley 1913

Stanley 1913

Although it’s hard to argue with a bottle that’ll keep your beverage frosty even in a car fire, like the more expensive option, the Zak Designs bottles are designed to keep your drinks cold for hours, whether you’re headed to the gym or spending the day on the road. Beyond that, the only notable difference is that you can only use the bottles from Sam’s Club for cold beverages, so that means iced coffee only. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with saving a little extra cash, especially when it means getting more bang for your buck. 

The status bottle craze might have cooled (for now), but we’re sure we’ll find a new utilitarian obsession soon enough. Our vote is for Tinkr, the design-forward toolkit loved by Oprah and Tyler Cameron. What’s yours?

Related: Shoppers Are Losing It Over This 'Smart' Sam's Club Dessert Hack That's Perfect for Parties

An iconic candy bar and fresh-baked cookies collide with Snickers' new limited-edition collaboration with Pillsbury, and fans are ready to clear the refrigerator section immediately.

The two food brands are coming together to bring smiles to shoppers' faces with the launch of Pillsbury Snickers Cookie Dough—and yes, it's safe to eat raw. "Everyone’s favorite candy bar and the Pillsbury Doughboy are teaming up to give cookie lovers exactly what they’ve been craving at home: a warm, comforting treat with a satisfying twist," Pillsbury teased in a statement shared directly with Parade, adding that the release is a "nostalgic favorite reimagined" offering a "shareable dessert that feels both familiar and new."

Blending rich chocolate chunks, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts into classic Pillsbury Ready to Bake Dough, each pack of limited-edition dough makes 12 big cookies for sweet, bakery-style bites that you can make and enjoy from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Related: Unique M&M's Flavor Is Officially Hitting Shelves for Spring

Foodies on social media could hardly contain their excitement after getting wind of the new treats heading to stores' refrigerator sections.

"The way my jaw dropped!!!" one exclaimed in the comments section of a @candyhunting Instagram post, while another admitted, "I’m gonna eat the whole thing raw! 😍"

Two more people agreed with that sentiment, adding, "These things will not make it out of the parking lot...🤤🤤🤤" and "They would probably never get baked in my house."

Someone else raved in anticipation, "now you’re talking!!!"

The exciting cookie dough flavor addition follows the release of two new frozen treats that promise to add some tasty fun to breakfast time. As Parade reported, the brand recently launched Pillsbury’s Mini Bagels featuring a pull-apart outer layer and a “creamy” filling in Strawberry Creamy Cheese & Cinnamon Creamy Cheese.

As for the classic, crunchy and peanut-buttery Mars candy, it has been revived in a totally different form just in time for Valentine's Day with the return of Snickers Bark.

Related: Ghirardelli's Brand-New Release Is an Elegant Valentine's Day Idea

Kylie Minogue is the latest music legend to be immortalized in plastic.

On Feb. 12, Mattel released a new Barbie Signature Kylie Minogue Collectible Doll, celebrating the Australian superstar’s record-breaking career and her recent viral resurgence. Dressed in head-to-toe red, the doll mimics Minogue's look from the 2023 "Padam Padam" music video, a visual that became an instant pop culture staple.

While the "Princess of Pop" is celebrating the collaboration as a "perfect snapshot" of her recent world tour, fans on social media are debating whether the doll actually resembles the singer, or a certain RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorite.

Padam, Barbie!

The design team at Mattel worked closely with Minogue to capture her "bold persona" for this release. The doll features the singer's signature blonde waves and wears a sleek, fitted bodysuit with a flowing chiffon cape. The outfit is finished with red thigh-high boots, replicas of the Maison Ernest pair worn in the music video.

The release honors Minogue's longevity in the industry. She remains the highest-selling Australian artist of all time, with 80 million records sold and a unique record of scoring a No. 1 album in five consecutive decades in the UK.

Minogue expressed her excitement about the partnership in a press statement shared with Parade. "Connection has always been at the heart of everything I do," Minogue said. "From the spark of 'Padam Padam' through to the 'Tension' albums and world tour, this Barbie feels like a perfect snapshot of that time".

Related: ’80s Australian Pop Icon, 57, Flaunts Natural Beauty in Polka-Dot Pajamas

'Spinning Around'

Following the announcement on Barbie’s official Instagram page, the reaction from collectors and fans was immediate; and mixed. While many celebrated the release with comments like "Iconic" and "Ordered," others pointed out a striking resemblance to drag superstar Katya Zamolodchikova.

"This is literally just Katya," one user commented on the brand's post, garnering over 1,000 likes. Another user joked, "Is the Kylie face mold in the room with us?" while others noted that the doll's heavy eye makeup and bone structure seemed to lean more toward the UNHhhh co-host than the "Can't Get You Out of My Head" singer.

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Despite the debates over the face sculpt, the doll is positioned as a high-end item for adult collectors.

How to Buy

The Barbie Signature Kylie Minogue Collectible Doll is available now at major retailers including the Mattel Shop, Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

• Release Date: Feb. 12, 2026
• Retail Price: $59.99

This is Minogue's second collaboration with the brand; she was previously honored with a one-of-a-kind "Role Model" doll for Barbie's 65th anniversary in 2024. Unlike that exclusive figure, this "Padam Padam" version is available to the public.

Next: Hasbro Just Made a Massive ‘Harry Potter’ Announcement

Thomas Rhett’s pregnant wife Lauren Akins says she’s feeling the emotions of both “joy” and “sadness” after revealing that her younger sister, Macy Page, is battling stage three breast cancer. 

The podcast host and philanthropist took to her Instagram page on Wednesday, Feb. 11, sharing the difficult news with her fans and followers. The announcement comes as Akins is preparing to give birth to her fifth child, an incoming sibling to her and the country star’s already four daughters, Lillie Carolina, 4, Lennon Love, 6, Ada James, 8, and Willa Gray, 10. 

“Carrying so much joy and anticipation as well as carrying a lot of heav[iness] and sadness in this season,” Akins began her post, which included photos featuring her with her kids and her with his sister. “It feels so hard and unnatural and sometimes wrong to feel both, but these are my days right now.” 

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Akins went on to say that while she is “grateful for another little life growing in our family,” she is also “heartbroken that my little sister is walking through a valley that feels so hard.” 

Despite Her Sister’s Cancer Diagnosis, Akins Says She’s Trusting in Her Faith

Although she’s feeling varied emotions, Akins gave herself some grace as she shared she is leaning into her faith to get through the tough times. 

“....I know our Father can handle any emotion (or hormone) I throw at Him,” she wrote. “And I am so grateful that Jesus has been so near. So near to our family and community supporting Macy, and even more near I think to Macy. She is truly letting the Lord fight for her (Exodus 14:14), and He has given her such strength and bravery, and her faith has grown tremendously.”

Her Sister Has Already Began Treatment

Akins also thanked the flood of prayers and support she and her family have received as her sister continues her brave fight. Upon sharing the news, the country star’s wife also noted that Page has already begun her treatment, saying,  “She started chemo this week for stage 3 breast cancer, and she’s already crushiiinnggg it likeeee a bossss👊🏽💥 .” 

Akins, who is in her third trimester, is counting down the days until she goes into labor. She and Rhett chose not to find out the gender of their newborn until the birth of their baby. 

“Thank you for your kindness and excitement as we get closer to meeting this new life God has given me the privilege of carrying for the past 9 months,” Akins wrote in closing, adding that she can't wait for her courageous little sister to hold the couple's baby upon arrival. “We cannot wait to kiss the sweet face of this baby, boy or girl, and I can’t wait for my sister to hold this sweet little babe and love on him or her in a way that only she can.” 

Related: Country Star, 35, Says He’s ‘Going Deaf’ in One Ear: ‘Can’t Think Straight’

American heavy metal veterans Corrosion of Conformity are officially back.

The band has announced their first album in eight years, a sprawling double LP titled Good God / Baad Man, set for release April 3 on the Nuclear Blast label. The project marks their first full-length since 2018's No Cross No Crown, and arrives after years of upheaval, loss and reinvention.

When No Cross No Crown was released, the band's long-standing lineup—Pepper Keenan (vocals, guitar), Woody Weatherman (guitar), Reed Mullin (drums) and Mike Dean (bass)—was still intact. The quartet's history stretches back to 1982 in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the group of then-teenage punks began forging what would become one of heavy metal's most enduring legacies.

Corrosion of Conformity's early records, Eye For An Eye (1984), Animosity (1985), Blind (1991) and Deliverance (1994), made a tremendous mark on punk, metal and hard rock. By the time they released No Cross No Crown nearly 25 years after Deliverance, they were widely regarded as legends embraced by multiple generations of fans.

Then tragedy struck.

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In January 2020, drummer Reed Mullin died, a devastating loss for the band both personally and professionally. Shortly after, bassist Mike Dean departed in what was described as an amicable split, leaving Keenan and Weatherman to reassess their path forward.

The duo regrouped at Keenan's home in Mississippi, immersing themselves in the music that shaped them. They turned up the volume on Discharge, ZZ Top, Motörhead, Neil Young and Black Sabbath, then began writing relentlessly. The result was so expansive that it evolved into a double album.

"As we went on, we had such a crazy plethora of songs, it was almost like two different directions," Keenan said in a recent interview. "We knew we had to split it into two different albums. Then we came up with this concept."

That concept became the album's title: Good God / Baad Man.

"Our producer, Warren Riker, kept calling it 'Dark Side Of The Doom,'" Keenan recalled. "In my head, it's a weird love letter to all things rock & roll. We used that for the freedom to go in different directions. Each album is its own tiny universe and has its own identity. 'Good God' leans toward the heavier/pissed end of the spectrum. 'Baad Man' is more on the throwdown rock scope. As we went along, it became clear which songs went on which album."

To complete the record, the band enlisted drummer Stanton Moore, who previously appeared on 2005's In The Arms Of God, and bassist Bobby "Rock" Landgraf, known for his work with Down and Honky.

"With a lot of these songs, we're trying to make Reed Mullin proud," Keenan said. "He was a badass, and a one-of-a-kind drummer. And the stakes were high."

Eight years after their last release, and following one of the most challenging chapters in their history, Corrosion of Conformity are returning not just with new music, but with a mission to keep the fire burning.

Beyoncé surprised fans with a fearless transformation that left fans speechless.

With months to go before the highly anticipated Met Gala, where Queen Bey was named one of three celebrity co-chairs with Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams, the award-winning singer is already making waves with her bold new look.

In an Instagram update, the “Texas Hold 'Em” singer ditched her signature long blonde locks and went for a striking short hairstyle.

The carousel of photos featured Beyoncé looking effortlessly chic in glamorous outfits while aboard a private plane and showing off her voluminous chin-length bob.

Often referred to as the “bubble bob” or “bouncy bob,” the hairstyle highlighted her stunning facial features and sharp jawline, creating a playful yet sophisticated look.

Beyoncé’s latest Instagram post sparked a fan frenzy with the majority of her followers admiring her dramatic transformation.

View this post on Instagram

“OH, NOW THAT'S A BOB!” one wrote.

“Mother got the bob memo,” a commenter said.

“THE BOB IS BACK,” a fan mentioned, recalling the singer’s 2014 era, where she had curly bob hair.

Fellow celebrity Gabrielle Union couldn't help but react, exclaiming “BOB Life!”

The Grammys official Instagram also commented, noting, “She's in an era.”

As for others, some speculated that the music icon might be preparing for something, hence the transformation.

“She’s coming!” a commenter said.

“Lord, I feel an announcement is underway … Yonce Please DON'T PLAY WITH OUR TIME .. gone ahead and drop the promo Nah,” a fan mentioned.

“New era?” a follower echoed.

It’s been almost two years since Beyoncé dropped her last album, Cowboy Carter (Act II).

The eighth studio album was also supported by a global tour dubbed Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour, running from late April to late July last year.

Beyoncé accepts the Best Country Album award for "COWBOY CARTER" onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy via Gett

As mentioned by Billboard, the global tour sold over 1.6 million tickets and grossed $407.6 million in ticket sales.

For almost three months, the 35-time Grammy winner toured around California, Illinois, New Jersey, Atlanta, as well as some parts of Europe and the UK, including London and Paris.

As for this year, she is set to take on a new role at the upcoming Met Gala. This will mark Beyoncé’s first appearance in 10 years.

With her last appearance in 2016, Queen Bey strutted the iconic red carpet in a peach-colored latex Givenchy ensemble.

Related: Beyonce’s Look-Alike Daughter Sparks Confusion at Lakers Game

Remember how we all checked in on Betty White? Well, fans are once again performing digital wellness checks for another national treasure: Dick Van Dyke.

Story is: The song-and-dance legend and beloved screen icon was mistakenly pronounced dead today by radio show host Ashley Roberts. 

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Over a live broadcast on the Thursday edition of the U.K.'s HeartBreakfast (you can listen here), Roberts, who is also a member of the Pussycat Dolls, took a second to pay respects to the recently passed James Van Der Beek. Trouble is, she got her Dutchmen mixed up.

“I do have some sad news: Dawson’s Creek's Dick Van Dyke has passed away,” she said.

Quickly, Jamie Theakston, one of Roberts’ co-hosts, jumped in to correct her.

"Not Dick Van Dyke," he said. "Come on, if you're going to do a sensitive moment, if you're going to do an obituary, you can't just say Dick Van Dyke."

At that point, another co-host, Amanda Holden, confirmed for listeners once and for all that Van Dyke is most definitely still with us.

“He's alive," she said, with Roberts adding, "Yes — he's 100 years old!"

That, she’s right about.

Dick Van Dyke turned 100 on Dec. 13. He celebrated with a private gathering, per Entertainment Weekly. And though the Mary Poppins star has been candid about some issues with mobility and arthritis, he remains pretty darn active for a 100-year-old; see his step-in-time below for proof.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSNxcz5EiE8

Following the on-air flub, Roberts apologized and confirmed that she was indeed speaking about James Van Der Beek, who passed away yesterday after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The news was shared by his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek in a post on Instagram. 

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," she wrote. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

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Related: Now That He's 100, Celebrate Dick Van Dyke with His Top Movies, Ranked

If you are looking to level up your home's organization, you are probably thinking about investing in nifty organizers like bins, boxes and drawer dividers. While these things are definitely helpful, there are plenty of other details to consider when making your home as functional as possible. This includes having proper lighting, especially for dim spaces like your pantry, bathroom cabinets and more. Luckily, Aldi gets it and has just dropped a new five-pack of sleek puck lights that will upgrade your home's organization beautifully.

Casalux's 5 Pack Indoor Rechargeable Puck Lights are a total game changer for home organization. Intended for indoor use, these five puck lights can alternate between warm white and RGB colors, giving you options.

The puck light set comes with one remote that has a CR2025 battery. The set also features convenient USB-C charging. The indicator glows red while charging and it turns green when the charging is all set to go. You can turn these puck lights on and off with the remote.

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Casalux 5 Pack Indoor Rechargeable Puck Lights, $14.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Now, let's talk about the versatility of this five-piece puck light set. These lights help level up your home's storage and organization by illuminating hard to reach and dark areas, helping you navigate these spaces. You can easily find what you are looking for when you are looking for it.

Related: Aldi's 12-Drawer Rolling Cart Is Perfect for DIY Lovers

These puck lights have an adhesive design, making them a breeze to install wherever you need them. There's no hardwiring required! You can place these puck lights underneath cabinets, in closets, along staircases, in cupboards and more. The options are truly endless. These puck lights' low profile design also helps them fit into the tightest of spaces, adding to their versatility.

This five-pack of puck lights are part of Aldi's current selection of Aldi Finds, weekly, limited-edition product specials that can include everything from organizational staples and cooking essentials to cute pajamas and cozy comforters. It retails for $14.99 for the whole set.

If you are interested about other Aldi Finds, consider checking out this 15-piece measuring spoon set, this $5 Bath & Body Works three-wick candle dupe or this chic cordless lamp that will lighten the mood for cozy season.

Related: Aldi's Heart-Shaped Cheeses Are Taking Over Valentine's Day Charcuterie Boards

After a super successful run of concerts this past fall, pop singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan has extended her tour with a new leg of shows in the U.S. this summer.

McLachlan shared the big news on Instagram on Feb. 12, saying, "Hello everyone! I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be taking my #BetterBroken tour across the US this summer 😊."

"I can’t wait to play these songs for you in some of the most iconic outdoor amphitheaters, and to be sharing the stage with the incredibly talented @allisonrussellmusic each night," she went on, announcing that singer Allison Russell is going to be performing with her each night of the tour.

View this post on Instagram

The thrilling announcement also noted that the tour would be in support of McLachlan's personal passion, saying, "$1 per ticket will be donated to @sarahschoolofmusic which provides musiceducation and mentorship to underserved children and youth facing barriers to access."

For those interested in buying tickets, McLachlan has a presale through her website that will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17th, at 10 a.m. local time, while the general public sale will happen on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the same time. Fans can also buy a VIP package with some great perks if they are interested.

Russell commented on the big news, writing about her partnership with McLachlan on the tour, "And now it can be told! The Rainbow Coalition and I are ecstatic to be opening for Goddess/Queen/Icon @officialsarahmclachlan #BetterBroken - and so proud to be part of supporting @sarahschoolofmusic - see y’all this Summer! 🫶🏾🥹🌈✨."

Related: Sarah McLachlan Sings One of Her Favorite Taylor Swift Songs—"Highly Underrated"

The upcoming tour dates will start in Franklin, Tenn., on July 1, traveling through Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, and Washington. The final date of the summer tour will be in Woodinville, Wash., on Aug. 9.

The summer leg of McLachlan's Better Broken Tour comes after she completed a sold-out string of shows in late 2025.

While a lot of fans were ecstatic to hear about the new concerts, many international listeners shared hopes that McLachlan will go on to tour in other countries in North America and beyond.

Related: Kelly Clarkson Teams With Sarah McLachlan on 'Perfect'  Duet of Joni Mitchell's '70s Holiday Classic

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It’s never too early to shop for gifts for your loved ones. Jewelry is always a winner, and with prices this low, your wallet will thank you, too. Right now, you can get this “stunning” Swarovski Crystal Necklace for 40% off at Amazon. It’s the perfect present for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or any other special occasion. 

The Swarovski Constella Crystal Circle Necklace is on sale now for only $59. The “dainty” necklace features a circle adorned with clear Swarovski pavé crystals, with a “sparkly” crystal set above the circle's perimeter in a halo effect. The pendant is on a 15-inch chain, so it should sit around your collarbone.

Swarovski Constella Crystal Circle Necklace, $59 (was $99) at Amazon 

Courtesy of Amazon

The necklace is great for wearing on its own or layering with other necklaces. It’s elegant enough to be worn to work or out to dinner, but could also easily dress up your everyday style. “It adds the perfect touch of glamour to any outfit,” one shopper said.  

The metal chain has a rhodium finish, so it’s made to last. The lobster clasp makes it easy to put on and take off. For maintenance, remove the necklace before applying lotions or perfumes, or before coming into contact with water. Shoppers reported wearing it daily without any tarnishing. 

Related: Macy’s Has a ‘Dainty’ $100 Diamond Necklace on Sale for a Rare $30 Right Now

You can also choose the crystal circle necklace that features a gemstone on top of the circle, and another at the top, inside, in a halo effect. It also features Swarovski pavé crystals and a metal chain with a rhodium finish, and it’s on sale for $73. 

There are many jewelry pieces from the Swarovski Constella Collection currently available on Amazon. If you’re looking to make a matching set, pick up the Swarovski Constella Crystal Ring for $73, the Swarovski Constella Crystal Earrings for $74, or the Swarovski Constella Crystal Bracelet for $75. Keep delivery times in mind if you are buying for a specific date. 

Shop More Deals 

• Swarovski Constella Crystal Bracelet, From $75 (was $119) at Amazon
• Swarovski Constella Crystal Ring, From $73 (was $149) at Amazon
• Swarovski Constella Crystal Stud Earrings, From $74 (was $99) at Amazon

Get them a gift you know they’ll love to wear. Pick up the Swarovski Constella Crystal Circle Necklace for just $59 at Amazon. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week. 

There's nothing like being at a concert where one of your favorite musical artists performs a song they've never played live before...and that's exactly what happened for audience members at a Jeff Tweedy show over the weekend.

The Wilco and Golden Smog frontman kicked off the European leg of the tour supporting his most recent solo album, Twilight Override, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Madrid, Spain. Backed by a band including Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart of Finom, James Elkington, Liam Kazar, and his sons Spencer and Sammy Tweedy, the indie rock icon surprised concert-goers during the encore by covering Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls" for the first time ever.

According to Jambands, the evening also featured a selection of songs from four of Tweedy's solo albums as well as favorites from his Tweedy family band's 2014 album Sukierae...but "Fat Bottomed Girls" apparently "stole the show."

View this post on Instagram

Fans commenting on an Instagram video of the song posted by Brooklyn Vegan definitely approved.

"Their joy is infectious!!!! Creativity Eats Darkness!" one person wrote, with a second adding, "This is amazing!!"

"Great cover!" declared someone else.

Wilco is going on tour this spring

Tweedy definitely has a big year ahead. As Wilco announced in an Instagram post last month, the band is hitting the road in April, bringing back their beloved “An Evening With” format (featuring two full sets with an intermission in between).

The post revealed a list of dates, as well, which start on April 23 in Fort Wayne and include stops in locations such as New Orleans and Oklahoma City. Wilco's upcoming jaunt wraps up on May 8 in Albuquerque.

Related: Country-Rock Supergroup Brings Iconic Member Back for First Shows in Years

Beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira just revealed that she and her husband are divorcing.

The Point of View Beauty founder revealed in both Instagram and TikTok videos on Thursday, February 12, that she and husband Cody Hawken have decided to divorce after five years together and two years of marriage.

“You’re gonna want to sit down for this video,” she started off the clip. "I am getting a divorce. Take a minute, take it in. I am getting a divorce," Nogueira, 27, said in the video, acknowledging the weight of the announcement. Despite the split, she emphasized that their bond is still there. She told followers they still "love each other so much" and added, "We would do literally anything for each other. I want you to know that."

View this post on Instagram

While speculation quickly followed online, Nogueira made it clear she won’t be sharing details about what led to the decision, going so far as to turn the comments off on the videos. "I'm not going to be sharing any details whatsoever as to why Cody and I have made this decision. The main reason I am doing that is because I want to protect Cody. Cody deserves that."

She also addressed her husband’s past struggles with addiction, urging fans not to conflate the two. "Please leave that out of the conversation," she said, calling addiction and divorce “two separate things.” Nogueira previously shared in April 2025 that Hawken had entered a rehabilitation facility after relapsing twice in 2024. "It is hard enough as it is to be an addict and to struggle to stay sober," she noted.

She then asked her followers not to pick sides: "I see a lot of times when people get a divorce or separate, people try to pit people against each other, pick sides. I'm asking you not to do that. Cody and I are in this together. Please don't pull us apart.” 

The couple, who married in July 2023, made the decision to separate sometime in 2025. Nogueira said she has spent months processing the change through “a lot of crying, a lot of talking to family, friends, therapy.”

Still, she’s choosing to move forward with grace. “We're entering a completely new chapter of our lives, an unexpected chapter, and we're embracing it,” she shared. “Listen, sometimes life has different plans for you, and Cody and I have both accepted that.”

Within minutes of the start of this week's episode of The Pitt, fans felt the tears flowing as a lovable, recurring patient in the emergency room met a devastating demise.

At the end of last week's episode, Dr. Langdon stepped into a treatment room to check on Louie Cloverfield, an alcoholic patient who required a paracentesis earlier in the season (otherwise known as an abdominal tap, which removed excess fluid from the abdomen that is often a result of liver disease caused by chronic alcohol abuse). Louie's monitor alerted Dr. Langdon to low vital signs, which the provider believed was a result of the patient removing his pulse oximeter.

Louie Wasn't Just Causing Trouble With His Monitoring Equipment

Unfortunately, the alarm was not a fluke, as Louie had stopped breathing and his heart had stopped beating. The team initiated CPR, intubating him to provide rescue breaths and oxygen and delivering one shock with the defibrillator before blood suddenly flowed back up his breathing tube.

Dr. Robby diagnosed Louie with a pulmonary hemorrhage, or severe bleeding in his lungs, and, unfortunately, pronounced him deceased.

Dana and her nursing student, Emma, worked on Louie's end-of-life care, cleaning him up and making him look presentable in case they found any family members who would want to come see him, and Dr. Langdon tried to get in touch with his emergency contact. Even more upsetting, the phone number on file ended up being the direct line to their own emergency room, a tragic detail that left viewers everywhere feeling a little breathless.

Louie's tragic death left fans feeling a little shell-shocked.

Photograph by Warrick Page/HBO Max

Related: 'The Pitt:' What on Earth Is a Death Doula?

Fans Took to Social Media to Express The Visceral Nature of Their Emotions

"Five minutes into today's episode of The Pitt and I'm already a mess," one lamented, as another demanded to know, "HOW THE F--K IS THE PITT EPISODE SUPPOSED TO START LIKE THAT?! WHAT DO THEY WANT? FOR ME TO CRY THE WHOLE WEEKEND? 😭."

"I had to pause the Pitt stream to reflect 😭," one emotional viewer admitted, while another admitted that the episode was already "making me so sad 😔" just minutes into the broadcast.

"Yo The Pitt 🥲 not my boy," another mourned.

As if his death wasn't heartbreaking enough, the fact that "LOUIE'S EMERGENCY CONTACT WAS JUST THE PITT 😭😭😭" ripped countless fans' hearts out.

louie's emergency contact being the pitt pic.twitter.com/lgsrhPYmcM

— Khadj (@GanzgangK) February 13, 2026

THE PITT BEING LOUIES EMERGENCY CONTACT I CANT DO THIS pic.twitter.com/0sjDYzg4Wk

— marisabel 🏒💋🪩 (@s0urliar) February 13, 2026

One also made sure to call out the depiction of Louie's end-of-life care, sharing, "I have cleaned so much bodies and its always an honour to give them a last clean."

Another shared a similar sentiment, noting that "as much as i feel like sobbing rn louie is actually genius storytelling."

Before the episode was over, the staff went on to hold a small memorial service for him, gathering around his bedside and holding his hand as they recounted their experiences with him over the years as a regular patient, ending the episode the same way it started: with the sounds of hearts shattering around the world.

Related: 'The Pitt': What Exactly Is Sepsis? Debbie Cohen's Condition, Explained

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 Friday, February 13, 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 Friday, February 13, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Like flowers that never wilt — HINT: Ends with the letter "E"

5 Across: Italian city that's hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics —HINT: Starts with the letter "M"

6 Across: "Huh, that's strange ..." — HINT: Ends with the letter "D"

7 Across: Regions — HINT: Ends with the letter "S"

8 Across: Crossword clue, e.g. — HINT: Starts with the letter "H"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Guy in a kitchen — HINT: Starts with the letter "F"

2 Down: Visitor from another world — HINT: Ends with the letter "N"

3 Down: Gold measurement — HINT: Starts with the letter "K"

4 Down: "Don't tell me how it ___!" — HINT: Starts with the letter "E"

5 Down: Kissing sound — HINT: Ends with the letter "H"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Friday, February 13, 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: Like flowers that never wilt — FAKE

5 Across: Italian city that's hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics — MILAN

6 Across: "Huh, that's strange ..." — WEIRD

7 Across: Regions — AREAS

8 Across: Crossword clue, e.g. — HINT

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Guy in a kitchen — FIERI

2 Down: Visitor from another world — ALIEN

3 Down: Gold measurement — KARAT

4 Down: "Don't tell me how it ___!" — ENDS

5 Down: Kissing sound — MWAH

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, February 12, 2026

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It may seem like winter is far from over, but spring will be here before you know it. That means it’s time to get your layers together, and a cardigan is one of the most versatile picks. Luckily, Walmart has plenty of affordable sweaters to choose from, like this cardigan that’s over half off. 

The $18 No Boundaries Button-Front Cardigan is now just $8 at Walmart. Both the light blue and grey sweaters are priced about the same, with the gray sweater costing about 20 cents more. 

No Boundaries Button-Front Cardigan, From $8 (was $18) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Designed with a relaxed fit and a slightly cropped hem, this cardigan boasts a deep V-neck and long sleeves with ribbed cuffs for a clean and classic look. The midweight knit blend (98% polyester, 2% spandex) gives you a bit of stretch, and the pattern print adds some visual flair. It’s machine washable for easy care and layers well with just about everything, from denim to skirts. 

Related: Walmart Has a 'Soft' and 'Stylish' Cardigan on Sale for $15 That Looks 'So Expensive'

One helpful shopper said that this cardigan is “very soft with a cute design,” and another wrote that it’s “lightweight, beautiful, and comfy.” A third reviewer commented, “I love everything about it, and it’s a great value for the money.” Another shopper said that whenever they wear this cardigan, they get tons of compliments. 

No Boundaries is one of Walmart’s biggest in-house brands, and was recently revamped in 2024 to match Gen Z tastes. Most of the label’s clothes are quite affordable and made from sustainable materials as well. Since the relaunch, the clothes have become a certified hit for Walmart, and they continue to drop fashionable picks that don’t break the bank.

Shop More Deals

• Fantaslook Fall Cardigan, $15 (was $28) at Walmart
• JWD Open Front Cardigan, $15 (was $29) at Walmart
• Showmall Open Front V-Neck Cardigan, $20 (was $30) at Walmart

A reliable layer you can wear all year long, No Boundaries’ Button-Front Cardigan can be yours for just $8. Considering that a few sizes are already out of stock, you should jump on this deal ASAP if you’re interested. 

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.