Entertainment
Fireworks, Freedom… and Four Words, NYT Connections Puzzle for July 4 Has Everyone Scratching Their Heads
It’s Independence Day, but players of The New York Times word game ‘Connections’ are anything but free—from confusion! Here are today’s clues, answers, and the surprising theme that’s got the internet buzzing.
As Americans light up the sky in celebration of Independence Day, another kind of fireworks is exploding online—frustration and joy over today’s challenging edition of The New York Times Connections (NYT Connections) word puzzle.
For July 4, 2025, the beloved daily brain teaser dropped a thematic twist that’s got even the most seasoned players scratching their heads. While the rest of the country fires up grills and waves flags, Connections fans are hunched over their screens asking themselves: “Wait… what do these words even have in common?”
What Is NYT ‘Connections’ Anyway?
If you’re new to the party, Connections is the latest word-game craze from the makers of Wordle. Launched by The New York Times, the game challenges players to group 16 seemingly unrelated words into four categories of four. Each category has a common thread—like colors, movie titles, tools, or emotions—and the connections can be deceptively simple… or frustratingly obscure.
The game resets daily at midnight, offering a fresh puzzle for players worldwide. Unlike Wordle, which only involves guessing a single five-letter word, Connections demands pattern recognition, deduction, and sometimes, a bit of cultural trivia.
Today’s Theme: Stars, Stripes, and… Surprises
July 4 is all about celebrating freedom, but the Connections puzzle didn’t go easy on players today. Instead of handing out patriotic themes on a silver platter, the game took a more subtle—and clever—route.
“It felt like a pop quiz on Americana wrapped in a word maze,” one user wrote on Reddit’s r/NYTConnections.
Here are the clues for Friday, July 4, 2025:
Words:
Grill, Tank, Sparkler, Parade, Buns, July, Red, Fire, March, Burger, Blue, White, Drum, Heat, Salute, Barbecue
Looks easy? Think again.
Spoiler Alert: Today’s Categories Revealed
If you’re still working on today’s puzzle, turn back now. Major spoilers ahead.
But for everyone else who’s either stuck or just curious—here are the answers:
- Patriotic Colors: Red, White, Blue, July
- Military Parade Elements: Drum, March, Tank, Salute
- Cookout Essentials: Grill, Buns, Burger, Barbecue
- Fire-Related Words: Sparkler, Fire, Heat, Parade
Yes, Parade showed up twice in player guesses—some placed it under patriotism, others under celebrations. But it made its way to “Fire” due to associations with “fireworks parade” and “sparkler” themes. That twist alone threw thousands of players off.
“It was the most American puzzle yet,” wrote Kris Holt, Forbes contributor and long-time word-game analyst. “But also the most confusing. Parade could’ve fit anywhere!”
The Internet Reacts
Across Discord communities and Twitter threads, today’s puzzle sparked celebration, frustration, and plenty of memes. In Holt’s Pastimes newsletter, he notes how the puzzle subtly referenced Independence Day activities—from grilling burgers to military salutes—without making it too obvious.
Players expressed their love-hate relationship with today’s grid:
- “I had ‘Burger, Buns, Grill, Barbecue’ in my first guess, but second-guessed it. Should’ve trusted my gut!”
- “Thought Red, White, and Blue would be too obvious for July 4. Apparently not.”
- “Parade threw me off. How can one word connect to so many things?”
The Connections subreddit is flooded with hot takes. One top-voted comment calls today’s board “a masterclass in misdirection.” Another labeled it “the Wordle of barbecues.”
A Community Grows
Kris Holt, who regularly provides Connections hints and analyses, encourages fans to join the growing Connections Discord server. The space has become a haven for word game fans to vent, brag, and bond over their shared struggles and streaks.
“Everyone who has joined has been lovely,” Holt wrote in today’s post. “It’s a fun hangout spot, and you’re more than welcome.”
The Connections column also includes daily music recommendations. Today’s pick? A bubbly summer hit from rising pop star Chappell Roan, which fans say pairs perfectly with July 4 fireworks and failed guesses.
How To Play ‘Connections’
If you’re intrigued but haven’t yet played, here’s a quick guide:
- Visit NYT Connections.
- You’ll see 16 words.
- Group them into four sets of four, based on common themes.
- Yellow is easiest, followed by green, blue, and then purple—the hardest.
- You get four chances before it’s game over.
Simple? Yes. But just like a good burger, it’s all about the layers.
Why It Matters
Games like Connections have become cultural staples. Like Wordle, which was acquired by The New York Times in 2022, Connections taps into our love for language, logic, and daily rituals. On a day like July 4—when many are unplugging—this puzzle still managed to unite thousands in digital camaraderie.
And in the spirit of freedom, today’s answers served up a fun reminder: even a word game can be patriotic.
Entertainment
Olivia Rodrigo Leaves Her Idol ‘Mind Blown’ With Stunning A Cappella Christmas Cover
Teaming up with Jacob Collier, Olivia Rodrigo delivers a pitch-perfect ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ that earns praise from Sheryl Crow
Olivia Rodrigo just delivered an early holiday gift that instantly melted the internet — and left one of her biggest idols completely stunned.
On Monday, December 8, acclaimed musician Jacob Collier shared a video featuring himself and the Gen Z pop superstar performing an a cappella cover of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The stripped-down rendition, rich with layered harmonies and emotional warmth, quickly became a fan favorite — and even earned a jaw-dropping reaction from Sheryl Crow.
“Ok MIND BLOWN,” Crow wrote in the comments, summing up what thousands of listeners were thinking.

A Simple Start, A Breathtaking Finish
The video begins casually, with Olivia Rodrigo flashing a heart with her hands and asking, “Hi, Jacob! How’s this?” What follows is anything but casual.
Rodrigo launches into a soft, crystal-clear vocal take on the classic holiday song — originally made famous by Bing Crosby in the 1940s. One by one, Jacob Collier layers in intricate backing harmonies, creating a rich, almost orchestral soundscape without a single instrument.
“I’ll be home for Christmas / You can plan on me,” the pair sing in perfect sync. “Please have snow and mistletoe / And presents under the tree.”
Sharing the clip, Collier wrote, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas with my dear friend @oliviarodrigo 🎄,” keeping the caption as understated as the performance was powerful.
A Classic Song, A Modern Revival
Though “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” dates back more than 80 years, the song has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, even peaking at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2021. Rodrigo and Collier’s version feels both timeless and modern — respectful of the original while infused with their distinct musical identities.
Fans praised Rodrigo’s control and emotional restraint, while Collier’s signature harmonic genius elevated the performance into something almost sacred.
Sheryl Crow’s Full-Circle Moment
The most notable reaction came from Sheryl Crow, a longtime inspiration for Rodrigo. The admiration between the two artists has been mutual and well-documented.
The pair first crossed paths at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards in 2022, where Crow presented Rodrigo with Woman of the Year. During her acceptance speech, Rodrigo gushed,
“Sheryl, I am such a massive fan of you and your songwriting… It really means the world.”

In 2023, Rodrigo returned the favor by helping induct Crow into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Reflecting on that moment, Rodrigo told Billboard,
“It was an honor to join Sheryl on stage. She’s equally as kind as she is talented.”
Crow, for her part, has been equally generous with praise. Speaking on The Tonight Show, she called Rodrigo “the real deal,” adding,
“She’s a great songwriter. She seems kinda unaffected by all of it.”
A Holiday Moment Fans Won’t Forget
For Rodrigo, who first rose to fame on High School Musical: The Musical: The Series before becoming one of pop’s most defining voices, the performance marks another reminder of her versatility — not just as a hitmaker, but as a vocalist deeply rooted in melody and storytelling.
For fans, the collaboration is more than just a Christmas cover. It’s a meeting of generations, talent, and influence — and a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful performances need nothing more than voices and heart.
Entertainment
Justin Bieber Revisits the Bowling Alley From His ‘Baby’ Era 15 Years Later — A Full-Circle Moment Fans Didn’t Expect
The pop star returns to the iconic filming location of his breakout hit ‘Baby,’ reliving memories from the start of his global superstardom
Justin Bieber recently took fans on a nostalgic journey back to where it all began. On Thursday, December 11, the global pop icon shared an Instagram Reel revealing that he revisited the bowling alley where he filmed the music video for his career-defining hit “Baby” — a full 15 years after the song changed his life forever.
“Went to where I shot my music video for baby. This is what happened,” Bieber captioned the post, instantly sending longtime fans into an emotional spiral. The Reel shows Bieber casually walking through the bowling alley, singing Baby a cappella while friends beatbox beside him — recreating the magic that once introduced him to the world as a teenage sensation.
A Casual Look, A Powerful Memory
Now 31, Bieber appeared relaxed and reflective in the video, wearing an oversized gray T-shirt, baggy embellished shorts, a silver chain, and a beanie. The vibe was far from the polished pop-star image of his early years — instead, it felt intimate, spontaneous, and deeply personal.

Friends and collaborators including Eddie Benjamin, Oranj Goodman, Gabriel Jacoby, and Kyle Massey accompanied him. In one moment that delighted fans, a friend even stepped in to perform Ludacris’ famous verse: “When I was 13, I had my first love…”
‘Baby’: The Song That Changed Everything
Released in 2010, “Baby” was the lead single from Justin Bieber’s debut studio album My World 2.0. The track quickly became a global phenomenon, peaking at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and turning Bieber into one of the most recognizable faces in pop culture.
The music video was filmed at Universal CityWalk and Lucky Strike Lanes in Los Angeles, locations that became instantly iconic for an entire generation of fans who grew up watching Bieber’s rise.
Inspired by Michael Jackson
Back in 2010, Ludacris compared the Baby video to a modern-day version of Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” during an interview with MTV News — a comparison that underscored how massive Bieber’s breakout moment truly was.
At the time, Bieber explained that the song and video centered around teenage heartbreak and persistence.
“It starts off, I really like this girl, but we didn’t get along,” Bieber said then. “I want her back, and I’m chasing her around. She’s playing hard to get, but I’m persistent.”
Ludacris Knew It Was a Hit
Ludacris, now 48, recalled having to creatively frame his verse to fit a teen love story.
“I knew it was a hit as soon as I heard it,” he said. “I just had to figure out how I could get on a record with a 15-year-old.”
He famously added, “Mark my word, that’s going to be one of the biggest songs of 2010.”
History proved him right.

Jasmine Villegas Looks Back
Jasmine Villegas, who played Bieber’s love interest in the Baby music video, later reflected on the experience in a PEOPLE interview.
“I was around 16 or 17,” she said. “I knew he was on YouTube, but I didn’t realize what it would become. I didn’t put two and two together at first.”
From Teen Idol to Global Icon
Bieber’s quiet return to the bowling alley wasn’t just about revisiting a set — it symbolized how far he’s come. From a YouTube discovery to a chart-topping artist who has navigated fame, controversy, marriage, health struggles, and reinvention, Justin Bieber’s journey has been anything but ordinary.
Fifteen years later, Baby still echoes — not just as a song, but as the starting line of one of pop music’s most defining careers.
Entertainment
Euphoria Season 3 First Photos Drop After Four-Year Wait — Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi Return Older and Darker
HBO unveils new Season 3 images as Euphoria jumps five years ahead, revealing adult lives, broken ties, and shocking futures
After nearly four years of silence, HBO’s Euphoria is finally back in focus. On Friday, the network released the first official photos from Euphoria Season 3, giving fans their first glimpse at where the beloved — and deeply troubled — characters have landed after a dramatic five-year time jump.
The images confirm what creator Sam Levinson has been hinting at for months: Euphoria is no longer a high school story. The former teens are now adults, navigating careers, relationships, addiction, ambition, and consequences that didn’t fit inside lockers and classrooms.
Zendaya’s Rue Enters a New, Dangerous Phase
At the center of the series remains Zendaya, returning as Rue Bennett. In the newly released photos, Rue appears isolated and solemn — sitting alone in a church in one image, and riding in a truck in another.

Across the first two seasons, Rue’s struggle with substance abuse — fueled by grief over her father’s death — defined the emotional core of Euphoria. Season 3 takes that struggle even further.
According to Sam Levinson, Rue is now “south of the border in Mexico,” deeply in debt to drug dealer Laurie, played by Martha Kelly. The new season will follow Rue as she searches for “very innovative ways” to survive and pay off what she owes — a storyline that suggests the show is entering its darkest territory yet.
Nate and Cassie’s Shocking Future
One of the biggest reveals from Levinson confirms a jaw-dropping arc: Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi) and Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney) are now living together in the suburbs — and they’re engaged.
In the Season 3 photos, Nate is seen in a suburban kitchen making hamburgers, a quiet image that contrasts sharply with his violent and manipulative past. Cassie, meanwhile, stands outside a house as an ice cream cone melts in her hand — a visual metaphor for her unraveling emotional state.
Levinson revealed that Cassie is now addicted to social media and obsessed with the illusion of success surrounding her former classmates. He also confirmed that Nate and Cassie will get married before the end of the season, a development that is already dividing fans online.
Jules, Maddy and Lexi Find New Worlds
Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer, is now attending art school. A new image shows her working in an art studio, with Levinson describing her as “nervous” about her future as a painter.
Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) has moved to Hollywood, working at a talent agency while juggling undisclosed “side hustles.” In one of the most striking photos, Maddy appears fully glam on a film set — a far cry from her high school chaos.
Interestingly, Maddy appears alongside Lexi Howard (Maude Apatow) in multiple images. Lexi is now working as an assistant to a showrunner, played by Sharon Stone, and is seen wearing a “crew” pass on what looks like a large-scale production set, complete with gladiator costumes in the background.

The Losses Still Linger
Season 3 also carries the weight of real-life and fictional loss.
At the end of Season 2, Fezco (Angus Cloud) watched helplessly as his younger brother Ashtray (Javon Walton) was killed during a SWAT raid. Tragically, Angus Cloud himself died of an accidental overdose in 2023, and his absence looms large over the new season.
Not all characters are returning. Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez, previously exited the show, citing creative differences and a lack of direction for her character. Storm Reid, who portrayed Rue’s sister Gia, will also not return for Season 3.
A Grown-Up Euphoria
Speaking earlier this month at an HBO presentation, Sam Levinson explained why the five-year leap felt necessary.
“It felt natural,” he said. “It allows the characters to not only leave high school behind, but college as well.”
The new photos hint at adulthood without spoiling key plot points — solitude, ambition, domesticity, and identity all quietly woven into the visuals.
If Seasons 1 and 2 were about chaos in youth, Euphoria Season 3 looks poised to explore something more unsettling: what happens when trauma grows up with you.
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