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There’s a time and place for statement jewelry, but every collection also needs pieces they can rely on — think simple, comfortable, and versatile enough to wear any day. Whether it’s to add a touch of polish to your work outfit or to complement your favorite weekend look, a versatile piece is the finishing touch that could pull together your style effortlessly.

If you’re looking to add a timeless accessory to your jewelry collection, Macy’s current deal on the 10-Karat Yellow Gold Ball Stud Earrings is worth a closer look. These classic gold studs, usually priced at $140, are now available for just $35, a whopping 75% savings.

Macy’s 10-Karat Yellow Gold Ball Stud Earrings, $35 (were $140) at Macy’s

Courtesy of Macy's

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The design of Macy’s Ball Stud Earrings is simple and timeless, consisting of 5-millimeter gleaming yellow gold sphere set with a secure post-and-nut closure. The minimalist style pairs effortlessly with virtually any outfit, from casual jeans and t-shirts to more formal attire. This versatility makes them a staple for those who appreciate accessories that transition seamlessly from day to night.

Crafted from 10-karat yellow gold, these earrings offer both durability and a warm, luminous finish. They’re noticeable but understated, making them suitable for all ages and multiple piercing placements, whether you wear them as a main earring or as part of an earring stack.

Customer feedback for these earrings is overwhelmingly positive, with shoppers saying these “simple” are “lovely” and “a classic pair of earrings to add to your collection.”

One shopper called the studs the “perfect” and appreciated that they “will not overpower anything.” Another satisfied customer raved about the “great quality” and the fact that they’re made from real gold.

While the holidays may seem incredibly far off, it’s never too early to start gifts when the price is right. If you have any jewelry enthusiasts on your list, these earrings have potential to delight just about anyone.

Related: Kate Spade’s $29 Huggie Earrings Have a ‘Unique’ Layered Design That Elevates Any Fall Look

With their simple, polished look and top-rated quality, these gold ball studs are designed to become a go-to accessory for years to come. Invest in these $35 versatile stud earrings while they’re on a limited-time sale! 

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.

The Eagles found themselves at a major career shift by the mid-1970’s with a hit rock track that would effectively become one of the best breakup anthems they didn’t write.

By 1974, the country-rock band had a handful of hits to their name, with “Already Gone” adding to the list of beloved classics. The track became a staple breakup anthem about a guy who hears through the grapevine that his girlfriend is leaving him. Instead of heartache, he finds a new sense of freedom.

American Songwriter tagged “Already Gone” as one of the top breakup anthems of the era that still hits whether listeners are in a relationship or not. Despite landing at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the song did the job of shifting the Eagles to a harder rock sound, accompanied by their album On the Border.

“Already Gone” wasn’t actually written by the band and was created years before it ever landed at the feet of the Eagles. It was written by Jack Tempchin and Robb Strandlund in 1968. Some may recall that Tempchin is also responsible for another Eagles hit, “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”

The song was originally country, with Tempchin and Strandlum having developed it while Tempchin was managing a club called The Back Door at San Diego State College. They often played at the club, and Tempchin recalls having sat in the club’s back-room kitchen, drinking a questionable liquid.

“We were playing one night and we were in the back room, which was the kitchen where there were these big refrigerator doors,” explained Tempchin to SongFacts.

“I opened the door and there was a white jug. So I got this jug out, and for some reason, we thought it would be OK to just drink out of this jug. It was hard cider, and I had never had any alcohol or any drugs or anything at that point,” he added.

“So, we were drinking out of this jug and we started to feel really good, and I said, ‘Let’s write a country song.’ So in about 20 minutes in the back room there, we wrote ‘Already Gone.’ The chorus goes woo hoo hoo because I just felt so good suddenly.”

The song was played by Tempchin now and again, but he never thought much of it. He had been good friends with Glenn Frey since the ’60s, and he got a call from the rocker about “Already Gone.”

The band was in the studio working on their newest album when Frey told Temchin over the phone that his country song would be a great rock track. Tempchin remembers Frey holding the phone up to the studio speakers and hearing their version of “Already Gone.”

It became a hit for its guitar by new member Don Felder and was one of the first tracks they recorded with new producer Bill Szymczyk.

Related: 1977 Hit, With 34-Year-Old Johnny Rivers, Is Still a Slow-Dance Favorite 49 Years Later

Derek Hough shared a heartbreaking update about his beloved dog of 15 years late Wednesday night.

The Dancing With the Stars pro-turned-judge posted a photo to his Instagram Stories showing himself lying on the floor nose-to-nose with his longtime canine companion Romi, revealing that the dog “isn’t doing too good.”

“My boy of 15 years isn’t doing too good, so I’ve been sleeping on the floor with him for the past few days,” Hough wrote over the touching photo. “My mind is racing thinking of all the different stages of life we’ve gone through together.”

Hough set the emotional post to Lewis Capaldi’s “Wish You the Best.”

The 41-year-old dancer and his wife Hayley Erbert Hough are longtime animal lovers who have filled their home with rescue pets over the years.

Hough previously opened up about his pets in a 2021 interview with People, when he and Erbert shared two rescue dogs, Romi and Luna, as well as rescue cats Palo and Lily. The couple has since added another cat, Otis, to the family.

At the time, Hough described Romi as his oldest dog, a German shepherd/husky mix who had begun going gray around his face. Hough joked that they had nicknamed the older pup “George Clooney” because he was so cool and relaxed.

“We’ve nicknamed Romi ‘George Clooney’ because he’s starting to get a little grey in his face, but he’s so cool and always just chilling, checking up on stuff around the house,” Hough told People.

Hough also made clear just how important his animals were to him and Erbert, calling them “the loves of our lives.”

“No matter what’s going on in your life, there’s this love and look on their face which says, ‘It’s going to be okay,’” Hough said at the time. “Taking care of them, loving them, and playing with them remind me to be present.”

That bond makes Hough’s latest update especially poignant. Fifteen years with Romi have spanned numerous chapters of the dancer’s life, from his years as one of Dancing With the Stars’ most successful professional dancers to becoming a judge on the ABC competition, marrying Erbert in 2023 and welcoming their daughter Everley in December 2025.

For now, Hough appears determined to spend as much time as possible beside his longtime friend, even if that means trading his bed for a spot on the floor.

Related: Hayley Erbert Shares What Watching Derek Hough Become a Dad Means to Her

After appearing on Broadway, Tommy Lee Jones popped up in his first movie back in 1970, which means that he’s been acting onscreen for over 55 years. Now, the 80-year-old award-winning star has revealed his retirement plan, and it may or may not be what you’d expect from such a passionate, popular, and prolific actor who’s enjoyed a lengthy and successful career.

During an interview with E! News alongside Jones’ The Lowdown costar Ethan Hawke, the older actor talked about whether he’s thought about retiring, saying, “Yes, I have.”

He then added, “I’m not gonna do it.”

E! News noted that this is due to the fact that the star is still loving what he does. That’s not to overlook the fact that he’s still being offered jobs like his current gig.

Telling E! that working on The Lowdown “was very inviting,” Jones admitted, “I would have been happy to play any part in that world.”

This attitude towards Jones’ career is nothing new. Back in 2014, when he was 68, he was already opening up about his desire to keep acting despite his worry that he might not be offered jobs in the future, telling The Guardian, “I don’t want to end my career.”

Fortunately for Jones, his career is still thriving. Along with his current role on The Lowdown, he also appeared in 2019’s Ad Astra with Brad Pitt, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, and the late Donald Sutherland, as well as Wander alongside Aaron Eckhart and The Comeback Trail costarring Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman, which both came out in 2020. He also nabbed roles in 2023’s Finestkind with Jenna Ortega and The Burial opposite Jamie Foxx, as well as 2026’s Angel and the Badman also starring Zachary Levi.

It seems clear that enticing roles in projects featuring fellow captivating stars are still being offered to Jones, which means that he won’t have to retire any time soon. That’s obviously good news for both the actor and his fans.

To solve today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle, think about ways to get a ball to your teammate, places where you can rack up some points, MBL players known for their legendary games and phrases that end with something that covers your face.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Thursday, October 15, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Thursday, October 15, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

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

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

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

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

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on October 15, 2026

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

• Yellow: Gimme that!
• Green: Go here, and get points.
• Blue: No one got a hit off them.
• Purple: Covers your face.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: DELIVER THE BALL TO A TEAMMATE
• Green: PLACES WHERE ONE SCORES
• Blue: MLB PITCHERS TO THROW A PERFECT GAME
• Purple: _____ MASK

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #752 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• DELIVER THE BALL TO A TEAMMATE: DISH, DISTRIBUTE, GIVE, PASS
• PLACES WHERE ONE SCORES: END ZONE, GOAL, HOOP, PLATE
• MLB PITCHERS TO THROW A PERFECT GAME: BROWNING, CAIN, CONE, LARSEN
• _____ MASK: CATCHER’S, FACE, GOALIE, PROTECTIVE

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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With fall in full swing and winter fast approaching, there’s no better time to make your bedroom feel a little warmer and cozier. If you’re looking to refresh your space for the colder months, Walmart’s latest bedding deal is worth checking out. The Amberspace Floral 7-Piece Bed in a Bag offers a complete refresh for your sleep space, and it’s now on sale for over 30% off. 

Right now, you can snag the king-sized set for as low as $60, down from $90, in the gorgeous sage green color. You can also shop it in pinkish purple and clay pink colors for $70, and if you need a different size, full and queen sizes are available at varying prices. 

Amberspace Floral 7-Piece Bed in a Bag, From $60 (was $90) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

No matter which color you opt for, the bedding features a beautiful butterfly and floral pattern that brings a touch of nature-inspired charm to your bedroom. Each set includes an oversized comforter, two pillowcases, two pillow shams, a fitted sheet, and a flat sheet, offering a fully coordinated look that makes it easy to pull a room together. 

All seven pieces are made of soft polyester fabric that’s lightweight, cozy, and breathable enough for year-round use. The fabric is Oeko Tex-certified, meaning it has been independently tested for potentially harmful substances. The flat sheet is designed to fit mattresses up to 14 inches thick, with convenient side pockets for stashing tablets, remotes, and books. 

Related: Walmart’s $55 LED 8-Drawer Dresser Is the Multifunctional Furniture Upgrade Your Home Needs

The set is also easy to maintain, thanks to its machine-washable design. To keep it looking like new, wash the bedding in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low heat. The brand recommends avoiding bleach and ironing to keep the fabric looking its best. It’s worth noting that the comforter arrives vacuum-packed; Simply tumble dry it for 15 to 20 minutes to help fluff it back up. 

The top-rated set has earned over 120 five-star ratings from Walmart shoppers, who called it “prettier in person and so soft.” One reviewer praised the “very beautiful floral pattern,” while another said, “The comforter is soft and comfortable and feels so cozy on cold winter days.” Several also mentioned buying more than one color, with one writing, “I loved this set so much I bought a second one!”

Shop More Bedding Deals:

• Regency Heights King Size Comforter Set, $60 (was $160) at Walmart
• IGI Full/Queen Comforter, $25 (was $37) at Walmart
• Sonive Washed Duvet Cover Set, $22 (was $39) at Walmart

If you’re craving a bedroom refresh before winter arrives, this floral seven-piece comforter set offers an easy and affordable way to update your space. It has a soft, plush feel and a stunning pattern available in several classic colors. Grab one for over 30% off before this deal ends at Walmart.  

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

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Martha Stewart’s influence on American kitchens is legendary, and her fan-favorite 3-piece stoneware bakeware set continues that tradition of timeless style and practical design. Available now for as low as $39 at Wayfair, down from $50, this set has won over many home bakers who appreciate both beauty and function. 

You can shop the collection in five colors, including classy neutrals and vibrant hues. Choose from light blue, cobalt, red, and sunny yellow, all accented by creamy white on the interior and upper section of the exterior. The dishes make a Pinterest-worthy statement whether they’re in the oven or on the dining table. While prices vary slightly by color, no option costs more than $40 right now.

Martha Stewart 3 Piece Stoneware Bakeware Set, From $39 (was $50) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

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The set includes three essential pieces: a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, an 11-by-8.75-inch dish, and a versatile 9-by-4-inch loaf pan. These sizes can house everything from bubbling casseroles and baked pastas to golden loaves of banana bread and sweet fruit crumbles.

Each piece is crafted from durable stoneware, which is well known for retaining and distributing heat evenly. The result is perfectly crisp crusts and moist interiors, whether you are baking savory main dishes or delicate desserts.

Shoppers praised the “beautiful” set for its versatility and “classy” design. One happy customer called it a “wonderful addition for my farmhouse kitchen,” highlighting its ability to go straight from oven to table with style. 

Martha Stewart 3 Piece Stoneware Bakeware Set, From $39 (was $50) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

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The stoneware’s smooth, colorful finish cleans up easily, making post-dinner tidying much less of a chore. Because the set is oven safe up to 500 degrees and can go in the microwave and dishwasher, it’s as convenient as it is attractive. This bakeware is also free from PTFEs and PFOAs, and the sturdy construction means each piece can withstand regular use, whether you’re baking a weeknight dinner or preparing dishes for a special gathering. 

Shoppers said the weight of the stoneware provides a solid, substantial feel, and the vibrant colors add cheer to any kitchen. One reviewer praised the “heavy” and “excellent quality” feel, adding that you can’t go wrong with Martha Stewart products. Another called them “easy peasy to clean.”

Related: Martha Stewart Sells the ‘Cutest’ Striped Ottoman That Looks Like a Lucky Antique Store Find

If you want to brighten up your kitchen or give a heartfelt gift, the $39 Martha Stewart 3-piece stoneware set is a sweet pick. Grab a set in your favorite color while it’s on sale to level up your baking game.

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.

To help you solve today’s NYT Strands puzzle, think of the different parts of a structure that would help guide ships safely along the coast.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #956 on Thursday, October 15.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “Sailor’s guide.”

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Preventing shipwrecks.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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

• DO
• TO
• BE
• GA
• LA
• ST
• LI (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is mostly vertical.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for October 15

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Thursday, October 15, 2026, is LIGHTHOUSE.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Thursday, October 15?

• DOME
• TOWER
• BEACON
• GALLERY
• LANTERN
• STAIRCASE
• SPANGRAM: LIGHTHOUSE

Related: Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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

The best everyday earrings strike a balance between subtle and distinctive. Smaller styles are easy to wear with almost anything, but fun details can make them feel more special than basic studs or classic huggies. Whether you’re wearing bold prints, cozy textures, or simple wardrobe staples, a pair with a little extra personality can elevate your look without competing for attention.

The Kate Spade Gold-Tone Chain Reaction Huggie Earrings do just that, and they’re currently 40% off at Macy’s. The price has dropped from $48 to just $29, saving you $19 on a versatile pair of earrings. They’re a lovely option if you’re refreshing your own jewelry collection or looking for a stylish gift for someone who appreciates modern accessories.

Kate Spade Gold-Tone Chain Reaction Huggie Earrings, $29 (were $48) at Macy’s 

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

What makes these earrings stand out is their layered chain design. Two delicate gold-tone chains drape beneath each hoop, adding dimension to the compact silhouette. The shorter chain features a cable-link design, while the longer chain has a bolder, more structured look and finishes with a white imitation pearl. Cubic zirconia adds a touch of sparkle, bringing together classic jewelry details with a more contemporary edge.

The earrings are made from gold-tone brass and measure approximately 0.95 inches in diameter. Their petite size makes them noticeable without feeling gaudy, while the combination of pearl-like accents, sparkling stones, and draped chains gives them plenty of personality. Snap-post closures help keep them securely in place, making the design practical enough for regular wear.

Related: Clarks’ Mary Jane Flats Are a ‘Cushy’ Spin on Fall’s Cutest Shoe Trend, and They’re Nearly 40% Off

Styling them is easy, too. For daytime, pair the earrings with jeans, a simple sweater, and loafers for an elevated everyday look. They also complement a blazer and tailored trousers for work or a dress for dinner and special occasions. If you enjoy layering accessories, try them with delicate gold necklaces or other fine jewelry to create a coordinated, stacked effect without overwhelming your outfit.

One five-star reviewer described the earrings as “unique,” adding, “I have worn them twice already and only just purchased them. They go with a multitude of jewelry that I own and are so cute.”

Shop More Earring Deals

• Anne Klein Gold-Tone Metal Ball Huggie Earrings, $13 (were $26) at Macy’s
• Jessica Simpson Earth-Tone Hoop Earrings, $30 (were $100) at Macy’s
• Guess Gold-Tone Tortoise Hoop Earrings, $24 (were $34) at Macy’s

If you’re looking for earrings that transition easily from casual outfits to dressier occasions, the Kate Spade Gold-Tone Chain Reaction Huggie Earrings are a stylish choice. With Macy’s current 40% discount, they’re available for $29 instead of $48, giving you a chance to save $19 on a polished accessory with a modern twist.

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.

To solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, you’ll be exploring topics like ways to preserve food, scoring in sports, lower levels and small natural dips in the ground, with one letter changed.

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 #1222 on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Thursday, October 15, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Thursday’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 Thursday, October 15

1. Keep some chow for a long time.
2. I made the points!
3. Way down.
4. Change one letter and make a piece of land that’s not high up.

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 Thursday, October 15:

1. WAYS TO PRESERVE FOOD: CURE, DRY, PICKLE, SMOKE
2. THINGS YOU CAN SCORE IN SPORTS: BASKET, GOAL, RUN, TOUCHDOWN
3. LOWEST PART: BASE, BOTTOM, FOOT, FOUNDATION
4. LOW LANDFORMS WITH A LETTER CHANGED: CANNON, FORGE, RACINE, VOLLEY

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, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

As Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Mariska Hargitay has made TV history. The 62-year-old actress has the distinction of playing the longest-running character in one of the longest-running television shows of all time, but Hargitay wasn’t exactly an overnight success…and her very first film role just happened to be in a ’80s horror movie that now has a 7% on Rotten Tomatoes.

When Hargitay was just a young actress of 20 years old, she played the part of “Donna” in 1985’s Ghoulies. Also starring Peter Liapis, Lisa Pelikan and Jack Nance, it was critically panned at the time. In a scathing review, Vincent Canby of The New York Times called it a “cut-rate Gremlins about some small, nasty creatures brought forth by a young man dabbling in the occult.” Over the years, Ghoulies has gained something of a cult following…but as that Rotten Tomatoes score proves, it still hasn’t won everybody over.

What was Ghoulies about? IMDB describes it like this: “A young man and his girlfriend move into his parents’ old mansion, where his satanic father is buried, and [he] immediately becomes possessed by a desire to conjure and control tiny demons.”

But as anybody who’s actually seen Ghoulies or remembers the promotional campaign knows, it’s really the movie where “a monster pops out of a toilet,” as Hargitay herself put it at the 2026 Emmy Awards.

Hargitay, who was the first woman to host the Emmys since Jane Lynch in 2011, got a huge laugh when she made a hilarious reference to her film debut.

“There are a lot of big stars here tonight who have made the leap from movies to television,” Hargitay said.

“Well, I’ll have you also know that I started in film as well. I actually starred in a little movie called Ghoulies. And yes, it’s a horror movie where a monster pops out of a toilet. Let’s take a look,” she continued, before showing a clip from the movie in which she screams in terror as a creepy little creature attacks another character.

“Ghoulies, they’ll get you in the end, right?” Hargitay continued. “I mean, come on. Jamie Lee Curtis is not the only scream queen around here. Unfortunately, though, I didn’t make the cut for Ghoulies 2 or Ghoulies 3. Uh, Ghoulies go to college. And don’t even get me started on Ghoulies 4. And that’s why I turn to television.”

Clearly, starring in Ghoulies didn’t hurt Hargitay’s career. And the movie will never be forgotten, that’s for sure.

Related: 1987 Cult-Classic Ranked ‘Best Comedy Movie of All Time’ Was Made on a Shoestring

To solve today’s NYT Wordle puzzle, think of a playful name for someone who makes a foolish mistake.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1944 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 Wordle.

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?

You’d wear this cap after making a silly mistake.

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 #1944 on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Thursday, October 15, 2026, is DUNCE.

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

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Avery Anna paid homage to Ozzy Osbourne on Sunday, Oct. 11, taking the Grand Ole Opry stage to perform a cover of his 1991 hit “No More Tears.” The rising country star brought a heavy-metal classic into one of country music’s most iconic venues and left swearing that she’d spotted some fans headbanging.

The 22-year-old singer, who won New Female Artist of the Year at the 61st ACM Awards in May 2026, didn’t turn the song into a conventional country arrangement. Instead, she retained its heavy-rock sound, guitar in hand, and leaned into the track’s distinctive opening vocals.

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After sharing a video of the performance on Instagram, Anna wrote, “I swear I saw some heads banging at the Opry last night.”

Avery Anna’s Ozzy Osbourne Cover Has Divided Fans​

The performance may have brought the song to a new audience, but Anna told Bobby Bones on The BobbyCast that the cover has prompted sharply divided responses—including her first online hate comments.

“People either love it or they hate it,” she said. “It’s been like a war.”

Some commenters on her Instagram post were firmly in the love-it camp.

“Never in my life would I have ever thought an Ozzy Osbourne song would be played at the Grand Ole Opry. Truly shows the impact Ozzy had in this world,” one person wrote.

“Rocking at the Opry!” another commented, while a third called seeing Anna perform the song “top 10 best experiences.”

Why Avery Anna Wanted to Cover ‘No More Tears’

For Anna, the cover wasn’t a random genre experiment. She had wanted to perform “No More Tears” for a while, even though people around her initially doubted the idea.

“When I said we should cover ‘No More Tears,’ everyone kind of laughed at me a little bit, but I was dead serious, and I’m glad we did,” she said.

The cover has since become a staple of her live shows, and the Opry performance gave her a chance to share her take on the song with another audience.

The Story Behind Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘No More Tears’

“No More Tears” is the title track of Osbourne’s 1991 album, released decades before Anna was born.

The album reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and was certified four-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Its title track was among the album’s singles, alongside “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “Road to Nowhere.”

Anna’s version brings the heavy-rock song into a different musical setting without abandoning the sound that made the original distinctive.

Related: ’90s Rock Icons Announce New Greatest Hits Collection Nearly 30 Years After Debuting With ‘Word Gets Around’

Stevie Wonder was on quite a roll in 1975. His last three albums, Talking Book, Innervisions and Fulfillingness’ First Finale were all major hits; he even won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year two years in a row. The future looked bright…still, Wonder wasn’t satisfied.

After achieving so much success in his career, Wonder felt compelled to do more with his life. For a time, he seriously considered moving to Ghana to work with disabled children, according to Zeth Lundy‘s 331⁄3 Songs in the Key of Life. There was even a farewell concert planned. But even if Wonder thought he was done with the music industry, the music industry wasn’t done with him.

“There was no way I was going to lose Stevie,” Motown’s Berry Gordy said in 1997. “I was shaking in my boots!”

Thankfully for Gordy, Wonder was convinced to re-sign with Motown for a seven-year contract deal including $13 million up front, 20% of the royalties, and control of his publishing rights. It was the biggest deal in the music industry at the time.

Wonder’s next album, the divine Songs in the Key of Life, is widely considered to be his masterpiece. It was the third album ever to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and the first by an artist from America. The first two singles, “I Wish” and “Sir Duke,” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The iconic album has only grown more popular over the years, if that’s possible. Just a few days ago, on Oct. 11, Rolling Stone ranked Songs in the Key of Life at #1 on a list of the “76 Best Albums of 1976.”

“I challenged myself [to write] as many different things as I could, to cover as many topics as I could, in dealing with the title and representing what it was about,” Wonder said of the album. “The title would give me a challenge, but equally as important as a challenge it would give me an opportunity to express my feelings as a songwriter and as an artist.” 

Last month, on the 50th anniversary of the album’s release, Parade‘s Rylan Fischer called Songs in the Key of Life a “sweeping and beautiful exploration of life and love with some of the greatest writing and instrumentation of all time.”

“Throughout the music world there’s an upper echelon of albums that stand above the rest with their sheer critical acclaim,” he wrote. “Records like Abbey Road, Pet Sounds, Purple Rain, Thriller, and of course, SITKOL. It’s a record whose reputation is so massive and far reaching that it has come to define Wonder’s career.”

In 2021, decades after he first considered moving to Ghana, Wonder told Oprah Winfrey that he was planning on moving there permanently.

“I am, because I don’t want to see my children’s children have to say, ‘Oh, please like me. Please respect me. Please know that I am important. Please value me.’ What kinda [life is that]?” he said.

Wonder was granted Ghanaian citizenship on May 13, 2024, on his 74th birthday.

Related: 1973 Classic Song, Used to Revive Stevie Wonder from a Coma, Became a No.1 Hit

In the Season 14 premiere of Chicago P.D., at the very end of the episode, Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) got the call that his girlfriend Tasha Fox (Karen Obilom) was about to give birth and he was rushed to the hospital by Ruzek (Patrick John Stewart) for the birth of his son.

In Episode 2, Hawkins final episode on the series, Atwater is bonding with his baby son Malcolm, saying, “Welcome to the world.  I’ve got you always.”

Atwater takes some paternity leave, and he’s finally headed back to work as the story progresses, but he really wants to postpone it and stay home with his son. Tasha convinces him that she and the baby will be fine and she encourages him to talk to Voit (Jason Beghe) about his future.

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One of the first things Atwater does as a result on his return is talk to Voit about helping him get promoted.

“It has been a year since the Blue wall screwed me and I can’t get promoted with this brick on my name,” Atwater said. “If there’s anything you can do, now would be he time.”

Voit said, “Just short of a regime change, I don’t think there’s much I can do, but I will try.”

The incident Atwater’s referring to happened a few seasons back when he called out racist behavior on the part of a fellow officer.

Then the Intelligence Unit catches a case that begins as a burglary call but turns out to be homicide when the manager of one of the stores that was robbed was killed. It was the perfect final case for Atwater because when they finally catch the suspect, it turns out it was a father doing anything he could for his son.

Initially, they arrest the son Brennan, but when Atwater is at the hospital, where Tasha took Malcolm because he had a fever, he realizes that it’s the father not the son when the doctor tells him that his baby looks like him.

As they go to track down the bad guys, Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), who adopted a daughter, tells Atwater, “I know the feeling. You want to be there all the time. You want to be here all the time.”

They finally arrest Brennan’s father Peter, who’s meeting his patner. The partner shoots Atwater as he makes his escape. Luckily, it hits Atwater’s vest and he survives.

Peter finally admits that everything he’s doing is for his son. “They’re going to kill him. He stole from a dealer. Someone in Humbolt Park. He was supposed to earn the money back, but he didn’t. They’re going to make an example of him if he doesn’t.”

And he gives Atwater, his partner’s name in return for Atwater’s promising to send a unit to Peter’s house and bring Brennan to safety. But by the time the unit gets there, Brennan is gone and there’s blood. They eventually find Brennan’s body, and Peter tells Atwater it’s his fault because he wasn’t present enough as a father.

“It didn’t make sense back then,” he says. “They said don’t blink. Kids grow up when you’re not looking. I wasn’t looking. I wasn’t there. Now he’s gone.”

It gives Atwater pause.

Related: Chicago P.D. Season 14 Boss Teases Laroyce Hawkins’ Exit and a Mysterious New Arrival (Exclusive)

Meanwhile, Atwater gets good news from Voit.

“As soon as Sgt. Nolan retires, you can be promoted,” Voit says. “I have it on very good authority that Nolan will be putting in his papers by the end of this month. Brick’s off your name, Kev.”

Atwater: “Really?”

Voit: “You are not as relieved as I though you would be.”

Atwater: “I am. Maybe a promotion isn’t really what I was after.”

Atwater: “What were you after?”

Atwater: “I don’t know.  I wanted to have everything. Be good police, give back. Be home. Play with my son before he goes to sleep. Be home in time for dinner.”

Voit: “I get it. In those early years with my son, those were the best years of my life.”

Atwater: “Yeah. It’s like we had him, but now I want something new. I don’t know. Teach at the Academy?”

Voit: “You would be damn good at that. As a matter of fact, I got a call last week looking for seasoned officers to teach. I almost gave them your number.”

Atwater: “What stopped you?”

Voit: “The call came from Atlanta. Pay’s good. Real good. You can take cases whenever you want. Be home whenever you want. No snow. There are a lot of ways to be good police. I think you could pretty much have any way you want. Kevin, you deserve that. So does your son.”

The advice coming from Voit, a man that Atwater respects, and also a man who lost his own son to violence, makes Atwater reassess his future. And he talks to Tasha about making changes and considering the Atlanta job.

“For the first time I was out there, I wished I was home,” he told her. And when she says, it will get easier, he says he doesn’t want it to get easier over time.

“My dad’s been on the road more and more. Jordan and Vanessa are never home. You got aunties down south, your sister. We got family all over the place and we’ve got opportunities in other places. Atlanta. Remember that time you asked me what I want? I got my answer now. I want us to build something together. I want something new.”

And that’s when Atwater makes the decision to leave the Chicago P.D. and the Intelligence Unit. Of course, there was a going away party.

“I look around this room and the only word that comes to mind is gratitude,” Atwater says to the assemblage. “The Chicago Police Department will always be a piece of my heart. You will always be my family. For the past 14 years, the 21st District has been my home. But raise a drink because I went ahead and made a new family and it’s time we find a new home. From my heart, thank you.”

And that was the end of LaRoyce Hawkins’ time on Chicago P.D. One of the few remaining original cast members.

Chicago P.D. airs Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, Chicago P.D. Heartbreak! Showrunner on the Original Cast Member Set to Exit NBC Drama in Season 14 (Exclusive)

A crime novel published more than four decades ago is getting fresh attention thanks to one of today’s best-selling thriller writers. Robert B. Parker’s Ceremony, the ninth book in his long-running Spenser detective series, which spawned a three-season series, has been named the No. 1 pick in a MovieWeb roundup of novels recommended by Harlan Coben.

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The list brings together crime-fiction favorites spanning generations, but Parker’s 1982 novel stands out as a particularly notable choice. Coben has long admired Parker’s work, once calling Ceremony a classic crime novel readers should pick up.

What Is Robert B. Parker’s ‘Ceremony’ About?

Parker, who wrote dozens of books featuring Boston private investigator Spenser, earned wide respect for his contributions to American crime fiction. In 2002, he received the Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master Award, recognizing his lifetime contributions to the genre.

Published in 1982, Ceremony is the ninth installment in Parker’s Spenser series. The story follows the private investigator after a couple hires him to find their missing 16-year-old daughter, April Kyle, who has run away from home and become entangled in Boston’s criminal underworld.

Spenser takes the case for a symbolic fee of $1, but finding April proves far more complicated than locating a runaway teenager. As the investigation unfolds, Parker explores the vulnerability of young people, the dangers of exploitation, and the difficult questions surrounding rescue, independence, and personal responsibility.

Parker wrote 40 Spenser novels during his lifetime, and they proved popular enough to inspire the television series Spenser: For Hire, starring Robert Urich as the Boston private investigator and Barbara Stock as Susan Silverman. The adaptation brought Parker’s hard-boiled detective and his cases to the small screen, extending the author’s crime-fiction legacy beyond the page.

Why Harlan Coben Recommends the Classic Crime Novel

Coben, the best-selling author known for twist-filled mysteries including Tell No One and Fool Me Once, has openly acknowledged Parker’s influence on modern crime writers.

In a CrimeReads interview, Coben was asked which classic crime novel everyone should read. He answered Ceremony by Robert B. Parker.

“I don’t know whether you’d label it a classic, but maybe Ceremony by Robert B Parker,” he said.

Coben has also praised Parker’s Spenser series more broadly.

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In a separate interview, he called Parker a major influence on generations of detective writers, noting that many contemporary authors owe him a debt of gratitude.

“When it comes to detective novels, 90 percent of us admit he’s an influence, and the rest of us lie about it,” Coben told the Atlantic in 2007.

Which Other Thrillers Made Harlan Coben’s List?

Parker’s Ceremony was joined by a range of crime and thriller titles in MovieWeb’s roundup, including Mary Higgins Clark’s Where Are the Children?, Lawrence Block’s A Dance at the Slaughterhouse and S.A. Cosby’s Blacktop Wasteland.

The recommendations span classic mysteries and more contemporary crime fiction, offering readers a range of styles and eras to explore. For anyone looking to branch out beyond recent bestsellers, Coben’s selections remind readers that some suspenseful stories remain worth discovering decades after publication.

Related: The Real Twist in ‘Harlan Coben’s Final Twist’ Is What They Did With Actual Crime-Scene Photos

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If you’ve been eyeing Rothy’s clogs, now might be a good time to finally add them to your cart. The brand has built a following among shoppers who want everyday footwear that feels practical without looking overly casual, and this latest deal could make the investment easier to justify.

Rothy’s is known for its knit footwear made using recycled plastic bottles, giving its shoes a distinctive texture that sets them apart from traditional leather or rubber clogs. The brand’s classic clogs pairs that signature material with a chunky sole, an adjustable strap, and a buckle detail that gives the otherwise relaxed silhouette a more polished finish. Right now, Rothy’s Casual Clog Slip-On Mules are $41 off in five colors—the lowest price in three months on Amazon—so it’s a great time to try them. 

Rothy’s The Casual Clog Slip-On Mules, From $119 (was $160) at Amazon

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For fall, the clogs are especially useful on days when sneakers feel too sporty, but a traditional loafer feels a little too formal. You can shop them in dove, taupe, brown, black, and butternut. This classic clog is machine washable, making it an appealing choice for shoppers who want footwear they can wear regularly without worrying quite so much about keeping it pristine. The brand also uses a contoured footbed and a lightweight EVA-cork midsole, adding a little height while keeping the profile substantial.

Related: Amazon’s $20 Linen Button-Down Tank Is the Perfect ‘Lightweight’ Summer Travel Companion

Before ordering, interested shoppers should keep in mind that Rothy’s says its Classic Clog runs large and recommends sizing down a half size for a better fit. Checking the brand’s sizing guidance before purchasing could help avoid the hassle of an exchange.

“Comfy and cute!” one shopper wrote. “I’ve been looking for a slipper-style shoe to wear to workout classes, and these are perfect. Lightweight and very comfy. Great for lounging around the house too!”

“These are the most comfortable shoes!” another shopper wrote. “They are made of a soft fabric, not leather.I have owned 6 pairs over the years.”

Of course, the biggest draw right now is the price. The clogs are at their lowest price on Amazon in more than three months. So, it’s the perfect time to stock up for yourself or snag a pair or two to give to loved ones this holiday season.

Shop More Deals

• Rothy’s The Double Bit Loafer Mule Women’s Slip-On Shoes, $109 (was $155) at Amazon
• Dream Pairs Foldable Ballet Flats, From $21 (were $29) at Amazon
• Tingrise Pointed-Toe Bow Flats, From $28 (were $33) at Amazon

If you’ve been waiting for a better opportunity to try Rothy’s, this is your moment. A versatile silhouette, recycled knit construction, and machine-washable design give these $111 clogs plenty of everyday appeal, and the lower price makes them even more tempting!

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.

Last week, The Amazing Race 39 left us on quite the cliffhanger. Two teams raced desperately to the Pit Stop, one trying to make up for a two-hour deficit, the other attempting not to have completely collapsed their game at a fruit stand. But whoever survived, they barely had enough time to revel before their brains were scrambled — literally. The remaining 10 teams were thrust into a Moroccan medina for the day, searching for slippers, transporting rugs, and asking for directions way too many times. And, by the end of the episode, another pair had to hit the road.

Check out our spoiler-filled recap below to find out who went home from The Amazing Race 39 tonight.

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Who was eliminated on The Amazing Race 39 last night? Jody Rebhun and Jenn Naso — Best friends and moms (L-R) Jody Rebhun and Jenn Naso on ‘The Amazing Race 39’

Sonja Flemming/CBS

Best friends Jody Rebhun and Jenn Naso both have immense success in their careers as a teacher and forensic scientist, respectively. And that caused the two to butt heads in Spain, as Jenn pushed for the team to use the Express Pass, despite Jody’s insistence that her history knowledge could help them. While it helped the two survive the day, it’s certainly something they wished they’d had the next day. Traveling from Madrid to Morocco, the teams kicked off their African adventure by smashing through pots in search of their next clue. Unfortunately, Jenn struggled with the “needle-in-a-haystack” task, putting her and Jody behind by over two hours to start the leg. For what it’s worth, her experience with Arabic also helped them make up a lot of time, to the point where they got in a footrace to the Pit Stop. Unfortunately, after being all those steps behind to start the day in Morocco, they were just a few too late at the end of it, eliminating them from the race.

Cody Langlois and Jaime Tribo — Siblings (L-R) Cody Langlois and Jaime Tribo on ‘The Amazing Race 39’

Sonja Flemming/CBS

The first thing we hear from Cody Langlois and Jaime Tribo is that they hate when sibling teams on The Amazing Race talk about each other lovingly. Indeed, we got quite the opposite from the brother/sister pair during their time on the race, often regarding each other with frustration, sarcasm and plenty of snark. Still, the reason why they were racing was full of heart, as they were looking to help their superfan mom, who had started to succumb to an illness that has left her practically immobile. Cody and Jaime had an up-and-down four legs on the race, starting in the back of the pack before surging to the front when they used their Express Pass in Madrid. They got off to a rough start, however, on the Scramble when Jaime slipped up on the slipper-finding task. Things went from bad to worse during their last task, as they got incredibly lost navigating around the convoluted streets of the medina (all while carrying a giant rug). In the end, the siblings got too turned around to continue in the race, but they walked out surprisingly arm-in-arm, with nothing but glowing words for each other.

Which teams finished at the top of The Amazing Race 39 tonight?

In a leg that was all about teams making and breaking alliances, Michelle Rozalski Patterson and Matt Patterson won the day by being the most independent. The married parents were able to lean into each other’s strengths to navigate the Scramble with a clear head, earning a first-place finish. Anuar Tager and Andrea Tager Ballesca once again came in second place, while Erin Taylor and Javi Vintimilla overcame some struggles during the Roadblock to get their eyes on third.

Related: ‘The Amazing Race 39’s Zach and Nate Johnson Explain Their Race-Ending Starting Line Mistake (Exclusive)

Which teams finished at the bottom of The Amazing Race 39 tonight?

Twice in one episode, and for the third time this season, we got to watch Doug and Dylan Matter barely escape elimination. Yet again, the grandfather/grandson team struggled with navigation, starting the Scramble way after the other pairs. But they were able to not only get their act together with the actual tasks, but getting to and from them, having the self-proclaimed “bottom feeders” survive to see another leg. Finishing above them were surprisingly two teams that many fans would consider the frontrunners to win: Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman and Ann-Marie Tejcek and Riley Tejcek. Despite maintaining great position through most of the leg, both pairs of women got incredibly lost transporting the rug, sending them all the way to the back of the pack.

Who’s left this season on The Amazing Race 39? Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman — Pro athletes and moms Ann-Marie Tejcek and Riley Tejcek — Mother and daughter Anuar Tager and Andrea Tager Ballesca — Father and daughter Conner Wilson and Garrett McGuire — Childhood friends Dafina Dunmore and Saran Dunmore — Sisters Daisha Wilks and Dalton Hamby — Dating Doug Matter and Dylan Matter — Grandfather and grandson Erin Taylor and Javi Vintimilla — Married Katie Schultz and Charlotte Schultz — Sisters Michelle Patterson and Matthew Patterson — Married parents

Related: ‘The Amazing Race 39’s Katie and Charlotte Schultz Reveal If They Were in the All-Women’s Alliance (Exclusive)

Paul Hollywood knows he’s a tough judge. In a new video, he explains why he’s “quite picky” and what he hopes bakers take away from his critiques.

The Great British Baking Show judge, who was just 43 when he started on the show and is now 60, said there’s no act behind his critiques in a new Instagram video on Wednesday, October 14. “My judging technique has always been, well just me really, I’m not putting anything on, I’m quite picky,” he said.

He thinks some of that pickiness may come from his dad. “My dad was like that with me as well, to be honest, that’s probably where I get it from,” Hollywood explained. But he also believes he’s fair with the contestants, and said there’s a side of his feedback viewers may not see in the finished episodes.

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“I think I’m quite fair, I’m honest with the bakers,” he said. “I always, always, always, you may not see it on the edit, but I always give constructive criticism, it’s never destructive criticism because I want the bakers to get better.”

Some former contestants chimed in the comments.

“You are definitely fair, honest and do give a lot of positive constructive criticism, and suggestions. But i am still scared of you when I am in the tent,” former winner Rahul Mandal said.

Season 3 Great American Baking Show contestant Pari said, “I thought you were incredibly kind and fair… And also genuinely hilarious which always helps when you’re giving someone feedback who’s absolutely petrified to hear it 😂.”

Another fan replied, “You give very honest and constructive criticism, with helpful suggestions on how to improve. The bakers signed up for your expertise. Please don’t change a thing.”

That, Hollywood said, is the point of his approach. He wants contestants to take what they’ve learned and make small improvements the next time they bake. “And then things will get better, and that’s what it’s all about,” he continued.

READ MORE: ‘Great British Baking Show’ Judge Paul Hollywood Reveals Painful Condition That Requires Surgery

Hollywood’s own experience with baking spans decades. In an Instagram video posted October 9, he said he has severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, which he was diagnosed with about 12 years ago. He attributed it to “working on the table with the dough, manipulating dough for over 30 years.” He sometimes wears wrist braces to stabilize his hands when the condition flares up.

He also said he recently damaged the top of his hand while testing a McMurtry race car, though he clarified that carpal tunnel is the reason he wears the braces. Hollywood expects to need surgery on both hands eventually, but said he isn’t ready for it just yet.

Related: ‘Great British Baking Show’ Alum Reveals Diagnosis: ‘I’ve Never, Ever Spoken About This Publicly’

People everywhere are feeling the spooky season vibes as they gear up for Halloween later this month. But if you need help getting into the scary mood, there’s officially one horror movie that is guaranteed to get your heart racing.

For years now, the Science of Scare Project has done an annual study to determine what horror film is the scariest of all time. The experiment has viewers watch a compiled list of 250 English-language horror films, with their metrics being the audience’s average heart rate (BPM), the heart rate variability (HRV), and the peak heart rate (BPM), all used to calculate a “Scare Score” out of 100.

The film that earned the title of the “scientifically scariest movie of all time” is getting the honor for the fourth year in a row, and that’s 2012’s Sinister. The film stars Ethan Hawke as a true crime writer struggling for inspiration to write his next big hit.

He moves with his family to a house in Pennsylvania that was was the site of an entire family’s death, which he intends to investigate in the hopes that it’ll spark a story. But as his investigation into the deaths continues, Hawke’s character uncovers a conspiracy much more menacing than anyone could’ve predicted.

Sinister tops the list of horror films with a Scare Score of 96 out of 100. As for the rest of the list, there were some interesting findings when it came to newer horror movies.

For 2026 releases, Resident Evil included “the biggest jump scare we’ve ever recorded,” as the study said, while only five 2026 horror films made it into the top 50 scariest movies, including Obsession and Backrooms.

Related: Actress Judi Dench, 91, Revealed Her Very Specific Plans for How She Wants to Die

In second place behind Sinister was the 2020 movie Host, followed by 2022’s Skinamarink, 2010’s Insidious, and 2013’s The Conjuring. Just shy of the Top 5 was Ari Aster‘s 2018 horror film Hereditary in sixth place.

Unless something new comes out next year to compete with Sinister‘s dark story and unending tension, the movie will likely hold on to its top scare spot when the 2027 study results come out.

Related: 1977 Hard-Rock Song, Written in Anger After a Ludicrous Rumor, Is Still Among the ‘Top Classic Rock Songs’ Ever