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The bond between a grandparent and grandchild is so special for many people. Many people have fond memories with their grandparents, whether that’s in grandma’s kitchen baking cookies, playing golf with grandpa or participating in a family tradition during the holidays together. Of course, the relationship is not the same across the board for everyone; some people didn’t live close enough to their grandparents to create close bonds or just didn’t have that kind of relationship. However, many people, young or old, have cherished memories with their grandparents, whether they were extremely bonded to them or not. It’s actually quite different from the relationship kids have with their parents or even other dear relatives.

“What makes a grandparent truly unforgettable has nothing to do with elaborate vacations, expensive holidays or spectacular events,” says Dr. Shannon Franklin, PsyD, a licensed psychologist, as well as the co-founder and Director of Clinical Training at Element Q Healing. “It’s simply a matter of being consistent in demonstrating warmth, giving the children your undivided attention, creating an atmosphere of humor and showing them you are genuinely interested.”

Ahead, we spoke with family psychologists about what grandkids remember most about their grandparents. Spoiler alert: It’s really not about things they did together or how they were spoiled by them, but something more sentimental. 

Related: Family Psychologists Say Grandparents With the Closest Bonds With Their Grandkids Do These 7 Things

What Grandkids Remember Most: The Core Psychology of Grandparent Legacy

The main thing kids remember the most about their grandparents is how they made them feel. 

“Most people, especially kiddos, remember how situations and others make them feel more than anything else,” says Dr. Cynthia Shaw, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Authentically Living Psychological Services. “This includes emotional safety, uninterrupted time and attention, excitement and validation over small achievements or just simply being seen. Kids can feel and remember when their grandparents’ affection isn’t colored by performance or success, but simply by their existence.”

From a more psychological perspective, while the hippocampus is responsible for memory storage, the amygdala is our emotional center, and the hippocampus develops later, so children are more likely to “remember” feelings over specific situations, according to Dr. Shaw.

Related: 9 Things Adult Children Need From Their Parents and Grandparents—but Won’t Ask For, Psychologists Share

The Top Memories That Stick With Grandkids for a Lifetime

You might be wondering, “Well, what do kids actually remember about their grandparents?” There are some specific types of memories grandkids tend to hold onto about their grandparents, according to the psychologists Parade spoke to. 

Sensory memories

According to Dr. Shaw, our senses are keenly linked to memory, especially smell, because olfactory information reaches the amygdala directly instead of going through the thalamus first. 

“And as we mentioned above, the amygdala helps assign emotional significance to an experience or memory,” she explains. “That’s why when we smell grandmother’s cookies, her secret recipe lasagna or even the smell of her moldy house, we’re almost instantly taken back emotionally to those special moments of how we felt being in their home, eating those delicious cookies after dancing in the living room together.”

Inside jokes and shared moments

Whether it’s cooking a recipe together, playing an old board game or sharing an inside joke, Dr. Shaw says children are likely to remember aspects of these moments because of how they were made to feel during them.

“The special nature of those moments sticks with us throughout our lifespan,” she states. 

Heritage and learnings

Many children, especially grandchildren, are eager to learn about their heritage and ancestry.

“Children are also likely to remember learnings, life lessons, takeaways or historical data because the information is usually shared uninterrupted and without other motivations,” says Dr. Shaw. “Lessons may feel less corrective, while shared history can make a child feel part of something meaningful and communal.”

In the same vein, kids are also more likely to remember details associated with a story or narration as opposed to a hard and fast rule, so these “lessons” or learnings may be more easily recalled, she adds. 

Big milestones

Dr. Franklin says grandkids will often remember the big events like graduations and birthdays where grandparents showed up.

“These interactions are very memorable as the children will recall times when a grandparent made them feel like they were the most important person in the room by being present during an activity,” she tells Parade. 

Related: The #1 Habit of Highly Respected Grandparents, According to a Family Psychologist

Presence Over Presents: Why Material Gifts Fade and Shared Experiences Last

Although kids love gifts, especially from grandparents, it’s not really what they will remember down the road. 

“While a gift can certainly elicit excitement, it can sometimes lose its significance over time,” says Dr. Shaw. “If a gift is more of an experience or excursion, a child is much more likely to remember it and assign more meaning to it over time.”

Now, that doesn’t mean that all material items won’t bring about memories, but the significance might stem not from the item itself, but from the association, like remembering a grandparent wearing it or using the item together when they were younger, Dr. Shaw explains. 

Simple Ways To Create Lasting Memories With Your Grandchildren

If you’re a grandparent reading this, then you’re in luck because there are ways you can create lasting memories with grandchildren. A few examples are:

• Create rituals together.
• Spend uninterrupted time together.
• Laugh together.
• Be curious about the child’s life; ask questions.
• Share stories about your life and history.

Showing up and supporting your grandchild goes a long way to show your love. And these are great ways to do just that.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 3 Child Psychologists the One Thing Grandkids Need Most From Their Grandparents—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

•  Dr. Shannon Franklin, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist as well as the co-founder and Director of Clinical Training at Element Q Healing.
• Dr. Cynthia Shaw, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Authentically Living Psychological Services.

​Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber were photographed holding hands during a beach walk in Malibu, California, on Saturday, Oct. 10. The outing came 20 days after their son, Presley Gerber, died at age 27 on Sept. 20. Their daughter, Kaia Gerber, was reportedly with them.

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Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber Hold Hands During Beach Walk

The couple was spotted walking along Zuma Beach in Malibu in photos published by People and TMZ.

Crawford kept her look casual in a white long-sleeve top, dark leggings, sneakers, sunglasses, and a cap. She carried her phone in one hand while holding Rande’s hand with the other.

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Rande coordinated in a white shirt, black athletic shorts, sneakers, and a cap.

The outing marked the couple’s first public appearance since Presley’s death.

George Clooney Speaks Out About Presley Gerber’s Death

Close friends, including George and Amal Clooney, have supported the family. George, who co-founded Casamigos Tequila with Rande in 2013, spoke about the loss at The Albies, an annual awards ceremony hosted by his Clooney Foundation for Justice, on Oct. 9.

“Quite honestly, it’s one of the most devastating things that’s happened to our family,” Clooney told Entertainment Tonight. “And their family is just as you can imagine.”

He added, “It’s the worst thing that could ever happen with family.”

Clooney’s comments came as the Gerber-Crawford family continues to navigate the loss of Presley, Cindy and Rande’s only son. The couple married in 1998 and also share daughter Kaia.

Kaia Gerber Previously Opened Up About Her Brother’s Struggles

Before Presley’s death, Kaia had spoken about how her brother’s decade-long struggle with drug addiction affected their family. In an August Vogue interview, she reflected on the impact of having a sibling who needed significant support.

“When something like that happens in a family, it kind of levels everyone,” she said. “I think that’s also why I started to self-identify as the easy one and never wanted to ask for help. Because it felt like too much to have two children who were needing.”

Presley Gerber’s Cause of Death Remains Undetermined

Presley, a model, died at age 27 at a rehabilitation facility in Santa Monica, California, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. The department said the cause and manner of death had been deferred pending additional testing. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

Cindy and Rande have previously spoken about the challenges of supporting Presley through addiction. A source previously told People that the couple had been devoted to helping their son.

“This was never a situation involving two absent Hollywood parents,” the source said. “Cindy and Rande could not have been more supportive of Presley. They were always there for him and did everything they could to help him. The family has always been incredibly close, and Presley was deeply loved.”

Related: Presley Gerber Was Connected to Elvis Presley From the Very Beginning

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Some holiday decorating trends come and go, but classic Christmas colors and patterns never go out of style. A festive patchwork quilt is one of those simple bedroom updates that can make your space feel ready for the holidays, whether you’re dressing up the guest room for visitors or adding a little seasonal cheer to your own bed. Just in time for the season, a fresh new holiday bedding find has landed at JCPenney.

The Martha Stewart Festive Patchwork 3-Piece Quilt Set at JCPenney was originally priced at $200 and is now marked down to $120, a savings of 40% for a full/queen set. If you use the code AUTUMN26 at checkout, the price drops even further to just $84, saving you a total of $116 off the full price. The quilt offers extra comfort on chilly nights without feeling too bulky, making it a lovely choice for holiday bedding and year-round layering.

Martha Stewart Festive Patchwork Quilt Set, $84 (was $200) at JCPenney

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at JCPenney

Made from soft, brushed cotton flannel with lightweight polyester fill, this quilt brings a festive touch to your bedroom just in time for the holidays. Its patchwork design features red and green plaids, white snowflakes, and evergreen tree prints against a rich dark green background. The classic Christmas colors make it a charming pick for dressing up your bed for the season. 

As a bonus, the quilt is reversible, which gives you two looks to enjoy. Once the holidays are over, simply flip the quilt over to reveal a classic red plaid pattern that still looks lovely on your bed but isn’t too Christmassy. 

The set is available in two sizes: full/queen and king. The full/queen includes a 92-by-96-inch quilt and two 20-by-26-inch shams, while the king comes with a 108-by-96-inch quilt and two 20-by-36-inch shams. With the code AUTUMN26, the full/queen size drops to $84, while the king size is available for $91.

It’s also Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified, meaning the materials have been tested for harmful substances. The blanket is machine washable, so upkeep is simple, too.

Shop More Deals

• Jenny Martinez Oval Stoneware Serving Platter, $18 (originally $40) at JCPenney
• Martha Stewart Wave Embossed Velvet Rod Pocket Blackout Curtain Panel Set, $48 (was $80) at JCPenney
• Clarks Carleigh Ray Round Closed-Toe Slip-On Shoes, $60 (were $100) at JCPenney

Related: Dolly Parton’s Colorful Christmas Wine Glass Set Is a ‘Fun’ Way to Toast to the Holidays

For anyone looking to bring a little Christmas cheer to their bedroom without breaking the bank, the Martha Stewart Festive Patchwork 3-Piece Quilt Set is hard to beat at just $84. It’s a festive new find for the upcoming holiday season, and definitely worth grabbing before the deal ends! 

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Just days before his tragic death, RJ Mitte was spending time with a familiar face from Breaking Bad.

The actor, who died Monday, October 12, at age 34, recently reunited with former costar Luis Moncada for a hot air balloon ride at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.

Moncada, who portrayed Marco Salamanca on the AMC crime drama, shared an Instagram Reel six days before Mitte’s death, capturing the two enjoying the experience high above the ground.

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A post shared by Luis Moncada (@luis_moncada)

RJ Mitte and Luis Moncada enjoyed a hot air balloon ride

“Do NOT look down!!! 🎈” Moncada captioned the video, adding, “RJ and I at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque New Mexico.” He also thanked Strange Kind Ballooning for the ride and hospitality, calling it an “Amazing Experience 🙏🏼”.

In the footage, Moncada playfully checks on Mitte as they take in the view from the balloon. “You OK, RJ?” he asks before joking, “Let’s, let’s hold hands, bro.”

At another point, someone discusses how high they’re flying, while Moncada encourages everyone to admire the scenery. “It’s really high and I’m not high, but I’m high,” he jokes.

Moncada played one of the Salamanca cousins, a pair of intimidating cartel enforcers who appeared in Breaking Bad. Mitte, meanwhile, portrayed Walter White’s teenage son, Walter Jr., also known as Flynn.

Mitte recently discussed a possible Breaking Bad spin-off

During an October 5 appearance on Joe Vulpis’ podcast, the actor suggested that the White family’s story could continue beyond the show’s 2013 finale. “There’s more to be told,” he said. “There’s always more to be told, but you gotta tell it right.” Mitte also believed a continuation could become a major streaming hit, although no new project had been announced.

READ MORE: RJ Mitte Teased a Potential ‘Breaking Bad’ Spin-Off One Week Before Shocking Death

According to TMZ, Mitte died in Texas on October 12. His representatives confirmed his passing and remembered his work as an actor and disability rights advocate. At this time, there is no official cause of death, but it’s being investigated as a suicide.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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Windows have traditionally been a tradeoff: more glass brings in more daylight and views, but it can also bring unwanted heat and glare. Smart glass is designed to change that equation by adjusting how much light and solar energy pass through the window.

Electrochromic glass, sometimes called smart tint or dynamic glass, uses a small electrical charge to shift between clearer and darker states. The technology is already used in buildings and is being developed for broader residential applications, although it remains different from the fixed-performance glass commonly available for replacement windows today.

For homeowners researching new windows, understanding the difference can help separate genuinely dynamic technology from advanced glass coatings that simply stay in one configuration.

Choosing the right replacement window starts with matching proven glass technology to your home’s unique sun exposure and heating needs. Contact Renewal by Andersen today to book your free in-home consultation and explore advanced Low-E options built for year-round comfort.

How Does Smart Tint Electrochromic Glass Work?

Electrochromic glass changes its light transmission when a small electrical voltage moves ions within a thin coating between the glass panes. Applying voltage causes the glass to darken; reversing the voltage returns it toward a clearer state. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory explains that electrochromic glazing can dynamically control visible light while also managing solar heat gain.

Unlike a traditional tinted window, electrochromic glass does not have to stay dark all day. Sensors, timers or a control system can change the glass according to sunlight, glare, temperature or other conditions.

That gives homeowners something conventional glass cannot: the ability to adjust the window itself without closing blinds or curtains.

What Happens Inside an Electrochromic Window?

The technology relies on a multilayer coating rather than a mechanical shade. The layers include transparent conductors, an active electrochromic material, an ion-conducting layer and a counterelectrode.

When a small voltage is applied, ions move through the ion-conducting layer and alter the optical properties of the electrochromic material. Reversing the voltage moves the system back toward its original state.

The electrical demand is relatively small because electricity is primarily needed to change the window’s state, rather than continuously power the tinted condition. Berkeley Lab notes that electrochromic windows also have a form of memory, allowing them to maintain a selected transmission level without continuously drawing power.

Related: Selecting Replacement Windows for High Sun Exposure Rooms

Can Smart Glass Control Solar Heat?

Yes. One of the main purposes of electrochromic glass is to reduce unwanted solar heat gain while preserving a view through the window. When the glass darkens, less solar energy enters the home, which can reduce heat buildup near sun-facing windows.

That can be particularly useful on large south- or west-facing windows, where direct afternoon sunlight can create glare and raise indoor temperatures.

The U.S. Department of Energy identifies dynamic solar control as an important area of window technology research because windows have to balance daylight, views, ventilation and solar heat gain. Dynamic glazing adds another way to manage those competing demands.

Does Smart Glass Replace Blinds or Shades?

Not necessarily. Electrochromic glass can reduce glare and solar heat, but it does not provide the same function as an opaque shade.

Darkened electrochromic glass generally remains transparent, so occupants can continue to see outside. That makes it different from closing curtains or blinds, which can block the view completely.

This distinction matters when evaluating smart glass for a bedroom, media room or other space where privacy and darkness may be more important than daylight control.

Electrochromic technology is best understood as a way to modulate daylight and solar energy, not as a universal replacement for every window covering.

Schedule a free design consultation with Renewal by Andersen to find the ideal window package tailored to your home’s climate and orientation.

How Is Electrochromic Glass Different From Low-E Glass?

Low-E and electrochromic glass both help manage solar energy, but they do it in fundamentally different ways. A Low-E coating is designed to provide a consistent level of thermal performance. Electrochromic glass can actively change its optical properties.

Renewal by Andersen’s glass options include Low-E4® and Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass. These coatings are designed to manage heat and UV exposure without requiring the homeowner to switch the glass between clear and tinted states. That makes today’s high-performance Low-E glass a different category from true electrochromic smart glass.

What Is SmartSun™ Glass?

Renewal by Andersen’s SmartSun™ glass uses a Low-E coating designed to block solar heat and UV radiation while allowing substantial natural daylight into the home. The company says its SmartSun glass blocks 95% of harmful UV rays. It does not automatically darken as sunlight changes.

SmartSun™ is a product name for high-performance Low-E glass; it is not the same technology as electronically switchable electrochromic glass.

Are Electrochromic Windows Available for Homes?

Electrochromic windows exist, but residential availability and cost remain more limited than conventional high-performance replacement windows. The Department of Energy has identified high cost, durability, color and manufacturing challenges as factors that have limited broader adoption of dynamic window technology.

For homeowners replacing windows today, the practical choice is usually between established technologies such as double- or triple-pane insulated glass and Low-E coatings, rather than assuming every “smart” window uses electronic tinting.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Smart Windows?

Electrochromic glass has several potential advantages for homes:

• Less glare: The glass can darken during periods of intense sunlight.
• Solar heat control: A darker state can reduce the amount of solar energy entering the room.
• Daylight management: The glass can become clearer when more natural light is desirable.
• Automated control: Sensors and smart-home systems can adjust the glass without manual blinds.
• Consistent views: Unlike closed shades, tinted glass can continue to provide an outdoor view.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s research on electrochromic windows also examines potential effects on energy use, occupant comfort and lighting conditions.

Related: How Long Do Replacement Windows Last? Expected Lifespans by Material

Are Smart Windows Worth Considering for a Home?

For most homeowners replacing windows today, the first priority should be overall window performance rather than chasing the newest glass technology. U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, glass construction and installation quality all affect how a replacement window performs.

Renewal by Andersen’s window glass guidance explains how factors such as U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient and visible light transmission help determine whether a glass package is suited to a particular climate.

A homeowner in a hot, sunny climate may prioritize low solar heat gain, while someone in a colder region may put greater emphasis on insulation. Large windows with strong afternoon exposure may call for different glass considerations than shaded windows facing north.

If you’re considering new windows, a window consultation can help determine whether advanced Low-E glass, triple-pane construction or another glass package fits the home’s climate and exposure.

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What’s Next for Smart-Tint Windows?

Electrochromic glass is part of a broader shift toward windows that actively respond to their surroundings rather than remaining passive parts of the building envelope.

Research is also exploring technologies that can selectively control visible light and near-infrared radiation, potentially allowing future windows to admit daylight while reducing unwanted heat. The Department of Energy and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory continue to study dynamic glazing as a way to improve building energy performance and comfort.

For homeowners, the technology is worth watching—but today’s high-performance replacement windows already offer substantial improvements over older single-pane or inefficient glass.

When you’re comparing new windows, focus first on the window’s measured performance and how its glass package fits your home’s climate, orientation and exposure. Smart glass may eventually make windows even more responsive, but the right glass today still starts with matching the technology to the house.

Ready to reduce solar heat gain and lower energy costs without waiting for complex smart glass technology? Connect with Renewal by Andersen to schedule your free consultation and discover how custom high-performance windows can transform your home.

Some or all of this content may have been generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, AI can occasionally produce incorrect information. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

RJ Mitte never wanted cerebral palsy to define a person.

Long after Breaking Bad made him recognizable worldwide, the actor used that visibility to push for better disability representation, challenge stereotypes, and encourage young people with disabilities to keep pursuing the lives they wanted. His representatives confirmed that Mitte died Monday, October 12, at age 34, as reported by TMZ.

According to USA Today, the beloved star had cerebral palsy himself and played Walter White Jr., a character with the same condition, throughout all five seasons of AMC’s Breaking Bad.

What Did RJ Mitte Say About Living With Cerebral Palsy?

Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 3 and underwent physical, occupational, and speech therapy as a child.

In a late 2025 interview with Future of Personal Health, he explained how he continued managing the condition as an adult, sharing that “stretching has been one of the most important tools for me.”

“I also rely on hot showers and baths to relax my muscles, especially to help manage spasticity,” he added.

Mitte said his travel schedule often kept him away from a gym, making smaller routines particularly important.

“Finding what works for you, and blending those therapies into your daily life, can truly change everything.”

What Message Did RJ Mitte Have for Young People With Disabilities?

Mitte’s message extended well beyond managing cerebral palsy physically. “My hope is to inspire a ‘never give up’ mentality,” he told Future of Personal Health.

He encouraged young people with disabilities to keep pushing toward the future they wanted. “If there is something you want in life, pursue it no matter how hard it may be,” Mitte said. “Keep your dreams alive. Don’t lose sight of who you want to become.”

The actor repeatedly argued that disability should not limit the kinds of lives or careers people are expected to have. In the same interview, he described storytelling as a way to show that disability is a perspective rather than a limitation.

How Did RJ Mitte Push for Better Representation?

Mitte’s advocacy became a major part of his career after Breaking Bad. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children’s, and led philanthropic work as president of The Mitte Foundation, according to Deadline.

He also supported performers with disabilities in the entertainment industry. 

At SXSW in March 2026, Mitte warned that inaccurate or one-dimensional portrayals of disabled people could have “a huge negative impact” on people actually living with those conditions, Axios reported.

His focus was not simply on seeing more disabled characters on screen. He wanted those characters to have full lives, personalities and stories beyond their diagnoses.

Who Helped RJ Mitte Through His Childhood?

Mitte also credited his mother with helping him gain greater mobility as a child. “They told me I was going to need a wheelchair because I couldn’t bend my legs,” he previously told Ability Magazine.

“My mom stretched my legs and really pushed me to get to where I am today. Really, I owe my mom,” he shared.

He also credited soccer with helping him move beyond leg braces. “What most helped me to get out of my braces was playing soccer,” Mitte said.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Across 28 seasons and over a quarter-century on the air, Big Brother has over 380 people walk through the front door. Despite the large number who have competed, remarkably only a few of them are no longer with us. That said, here are all the former Big Brother houseguests who have died so far.

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Big Brother deaths Cassandra Waldon (Season 1) Cassandra Waldon on ‘Big Brother’ Season 1

Courtesy of CBS

Cassandra Waldon was one of the first to break ground in the Big Brother house, part of the show’s very first season back in the summer of 2000. Back then, things looked remarkably different, with houseguests getting “banished” (not evicted) by fan vote, rather than by America. In fact, Cassandra was the very first person to enter the house, kicking off a “first in” curse that lasts to this day. The UN Communications Director lasted 72 days in the game, ultimately finishing in sixth place. Cassandra died on Oct. 7, 2019, at the age of 56 from a head injury sustained in a car accident she had gotten into two months earlier.

Kent Blackwelder (Season 2) Kent Blackwelder on ‘Big Brother’ Season 2

Courtesy of CBS

Big Brother radically changed its format between Seasons 1 and 2. And Kent Blackwelder was part of the group that ushered in the now-familiar structure of a Head of Household and nominees. The oldest houseguest that season, Kent is most well-known for his season-long friendship with Bunky Miller, despite Bunky being gay and Kent’s conservative values. After going on a power trip during his HoH week, Kent was nominated and evicted unanimously in Week 5, finishing in seventh place. He died of a heart attack on Dec. 24, 2017, at 62 years old.

Amber Siyavus (Season 8) Amber Siyavus on ‘Big Brother’ Season 8

Courtesy of CBS

Emotions can run high in the Big Brother house. And nobody knew that better than Amber Siyavus on Season 8. The Vegas cocktail waitress was seen crying many times throughout her time on the season, whether it was in response to Evel Dick Donato’s many tirades or her shock at her allies’ decisions. After one of Amber’s closest allies was blindsided, she was evicted soon after, finishing in seventh place. Amber passed on Oct. 9, 2026 of currently undisclosed causes.

Mickey Lee (Season 27) Mickey Lee

Sara Mally / CBS

Event curator Mickey Lee started Big Brother 27 in one of the best positions in the house. Not only was she in good with many of the houseguests, but she won a power to bot, one she used to great effect when she overthrew the HoH and claimed the position as her own. That reign will ultimately lead to her undoing, however, as her choice to target ally Jimmy Heagerty had turned her from a well-connected power player to a pariah. Despite her back being against the wall, Mickey fought hard all the way until Day 59, when she was evicted in tenth place. Months after filming Big Brother 27, on Christmas Day 2025, Mickey passed away from multiple cardiac arrests that resulted from complications of the flu.

Before there was a smiling pitcher bursting through walls, there was a Midwestern entrepreneur dealing with a problem: his transportation costs were too high and his bottles kept breaking. That headache, in a small city in Nebraska, led directly to Kool-Aid.

Born in Iowa in 1889, Edwin Elijah Perkins moved to Hendley, Nebraska at age 11 with his family after his dad bought a general store there. He learned about business and the food industry here, and in 1911 he began considering starting his own business.

Through its popularity, Kool-Aid has become a part of the cultural lexicon, as seen here at the Macy’s balloon inflation ahead of Thanksgiving 2010.

eddtoro / Getty Images

Over time, he grew interested in household products and patent medicines. In 1918, he created Nix-O-Tine as a way to curb nicotine addiction. Demand for the product grew, and he and his new wife, Kitty, whom he married that year, left Hendley, a tiny village with a population of 20 as of the 2020 census. They moved to Hastings, about 100 miles west of Lincoln, in 1920 to be closer to distribution routes and expand his product line.

He also created Fruit Smack, selling the concentrate in 4 oz. bottles at an affordable price; however, shipping costs became a challenge, and bottles occasionally broke, causing even more issues.

In 1927, inspired by Jell-O, he decided to sell a powdered version of Fruit Smack, which he called Kool-Ade (the spelling didn’t change to Kool-Aid until 1934). The product started selling so well that he moved his company, Perkins Product Company, to Chicago in 1931. According to the Nebraska State Historical Society, during the Great Depression, Perkins cut the price in half—from 10 cents a packet to five cents—making it an affordable luxury for families. 

After WWII, as people started loosening their wallets for small pleasures, demand grew so strong that Perkins expanded the factory; by 1950, as many as 300 production workers made almost one million packets of Kool-Aid every day. Just three years later, Perkins told his employees he was selling Perkins Products Company, which included the Kool-Aid business, to General Foods, a company that, through mergers and acquisitions, has since become Kraft Heinz.

The Kool-Aid Man, the anthropomorphic pitcher we know and love, was introduced in 1954, not long after General Foods bought the brand.

In true Midwestern fashion, Perkins never forgot his Nebraskan roots, despite becoming a wealthy man. Before he died in 1961, he and his family donated to philanthropies in Adams County (where Hastings is located) and throughout the state. These gifts include Perkins Pavilion at Good Samaritan Village, Perkins Recital Hall, and Perkins Library at Hastings College.

Related: In 1933, Richard Hollingshead opened the first drive-in theater in New Jersey with room for 400 cars; today, fewer than 500 drive-ins still operate in the US

Leonard Peltier’s story is one that everyone should know, and now they can.

Directed by Jesse Short Bull and David France, Free Leonard Peltier revisits one of the most discredited convictions in America. The documentary captures the fear and apprehension that Peltier and the Pine Ridge reservation felt at the time, as well as the occupations, arrests, demands and stories of Peltier.

In 1977, Peltier was sentenced to two life terms for the murder of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He was eligible for parole in 1993 and on January 20, 2025, on President Joe Biden’s last day in office, he commuted Peltier’s sentence as indefinite house arrest on the basis of his age, health, time served and support from advocates. A month later, he was released and transferred to the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

People protesting outside of the White House on January 2025 to release Peltier from prison.

Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Peltier is an active member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), an Indigenous rights advocacy group that worked to combat racism and police brutality experienced by Native Americans.

The shootout took place on June 26, 1975, at the Pine Ridge Reservation. Two FBI agents, Ronald Arthur Williams and Jack Ross Coler, were on the reservation looking for a man named Jimmy Eagle who was wanted for assault of two local ranch hands and theft of a pair of cowboy boots. That morning, the agents were following a Chevrolet Suburban Carryall into the Jumping Bull Ranch that had Peltier and two others — Norman Charles and Joe Stuntz — and when they got out of the car, a shooting ensued.

Williams radioed local dispatch that he and Coler were under fire, and eventually announced that they were shot. The two agents died 10 minutes after being shot, due to local dispatch and FBI agents being miles away from the shootout. Williams’ car was driven south into the AIM camp and the three men allegedly took the weapons in the car, and Stuntz was found wearing Coler’s FBI jacket.

“I covered the shootout in Oglala from underneath my truck. I was getting great access to the material, but I wondered if I’d gotten too close,” Kevin McKiernan told the Santa Barbara Independent. He was one of the only reporters in the area during the shootout and serves as one of the documentary’s producers. “Especially when I stayed overnight there and found a bullet hole in my bed frame.”

A sign welcoming visitors to Oglala Lakota Nation

UCG / Getty Images

Three men were arrested in connection with the shooting — Peltier, Robert Robideau and Darrelle “Dino” Butler — who were all present at Jumping Bull. Stuntz was shot and killed by a BIA agent later that day. In December 1975, Peltier was named as one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitive List, and two months later, he was arrested in Canada.

Peltier’s trial was held in Fargo, North Dakota, where a jury convicted him of the murders of Coler and Williams. Unlike in the trial for Butler and Robideau, the FBI produced forensic evidence that the two FBI agents were killed by close-range shots to their heads, when they were already defenseless because of previous gunshot wounds. Unlike Butler and Robideau, who were acquitted after arguing that they acted in self-defense, Peltier was tried separately in federal court in Fargo, North Dakota. His defense challenged the prosecution’s evidence, including the circumstances surrounding the agents’ death. But in April 1977, the jury convicted him of their murders and was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.

In his 1999 memoir, Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance, Peltier admitted to participating in the shootout, but did not kill the FBI agents. Since then, human rights activists and organizations have campaigned for his clemency.

David France, Jesse Short Bull, Mato Wayuhi, N. Bird Runningwater, Jodi Archambau, Jhane Myers, Paul McGuire, Amber Morning Star Byars, Holly Macarro, Nick Tilsen and James Costa attend the “Free Leonard Peltier” Premiere during the 2025 Sundance Film Festival at Ray Theatre on January 27, 2025 in Park City, Utah.

Maya Dehlin / Getty Images

Free Leonard Peltier premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year. His sentence was commuted by President Biden 14 minutes before he left office. The former president recognized that Peltier’s trial was marred by government misconduct, including false FBI affidavits obtained by coercing and threatening a witness with harm to her children and the withholding of exculpatory evidence.

“It was a real heart thumper up to the last second,” McKiernan said. “His native admirers and friends who had worked to get him out were there at the prison in Florida.”

Despite receiving plea deals, he explained to Democracy Now! that he chose to stay in prison for decades rather than accept those deals that required him to admit to a crime he didn’t commit or even denounce his activism.

“I refuse to bow down to them. I’m gonna die with my beliefs. [Accepting a plea deal] would have been treason against my nation, my people,” he said.

Despite the immense personal cost, Peltier continues to stand firmly behind his actions and legacy.

“I’m going to spend the rest of my life fighting for our people, because we ain’t finished yet,” he told the Associated Press. “We’re still in danger.”

Free Leonard Peltier is out now on Netflix.

Related: Kidnapper Richard Evonitz killed himself in 2002, days after a 15-year-old escaped his apartment and identified him; Investigation Discovery’s documentary on the case arrives Oct. 7

Just one week before his death, RJ Mitte was reflecting on the possibility of returning to the world of Breaking Bad.

The actor, best known for playing Walter White Jr., also known as Flynn, on the acclaimed AMC drama, died Monday, October 12, at age 34, according to TMZ. His representatives confirmed his passing, remembering him as a passionate advocate for disability rights.

Only days earlier, Mitte appeared on Joe Vulpis’ podcast on October 5, where he discussed the show’s legacy and why he believed there was still more of the White family’s story to explore.

What RJ Mitte said about a potential ‘Breaking Bad’ spin-off

“I don’t think it was an end,” Mitte said of the series finale. “I think that was, that was really the end of, of Heisenberg’s journey, but I don’t think that was the end of, of Skyler, Walt, and Holly’s journey.”

He suggested the surviving family members still had unresolved issues following Walter White’s downfall. “There’s more to be told,” he explained. “There’s always more to be told, but you gotta tell it right.”

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While no spin-off was confirmed, Mitte believed fans could play a significant role in bringing the series back. “Top of Netflix, top of wherever it’s streaming,” he said, imagining the reception a continuation might receive.

READ MORE: RJ Mitte Spotted Hanging Out With ‘Breaking Bad’ Costar One Week Before Death

He acknowledged how difficult it would be to match the original show’s success. “I wanna top Breaking Bad,” he said, adding that he had set himself a professional standard that was “kind of unobtainable.”

RJ Mitte’s cause of death

Beyond his acting career, he was recognized for his disability advocacy, drawing on his own experience with cerebral palsy. His representatives highlighted his work with United Cerebral Palsy, Shriners Children’s, and The Mitte Foundation.

According to TMZ, Mitte died in Texas. The outlet reported that his death was being investigated as a suicide, although his representatives did not publicly confirm the cause.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Cheap Trick is giving fans more chances to rock out in 2027!

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band has announced its first concert dates for next year, adding three shows to its growing tour schedule. The newly announced performances include two stops in Florida in February and a concert in Georgia in April.

The news comes as Cheap Trick prepares to resume its All Washed Up tour in November, extending the band’s busy run of live performances into another year.

Cheap Trick Announces 3 New Concert Dates for 2027

Cheap Trick’s first announced concerts of 2027 include the following dates and locations:

• February 19, 2027: 29th Annual Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival in Sarasota, Florida
• February 20, 2027: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee in Immokalee, Florida
• April 10, 2027: Wild Adventures LIVE! Amphitheatre in Valdosta, Georgia

The two Florida shows give fans a chance to catch the band on consecutive nights, while the April performance will bring the group to Georgia.

Additional 2027 dates could be announced as the band’s schedule develops. Fans can check Cheap Trick’s official website for the latest tour updates and ticket information.

Cheap Trick’s ‘All Washed Up’ Tour Continues in November

Before heading into its newly announced 2027 shows, Cheap Trick will return to the road for the next leg of its All Washed Up tour.

The band is scheduled to resume touring on Nov. 5 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, before continuing through November with stops in Madison, Wisconsin; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Davenport, Iowa; La Vista, Nebraska; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Cincinnati, Ohio; Northfield, Ohio; and Detroit, Michigan.

Cheap Trick first rose to prominence in the 1970s with hits including “I Want You to Want Me,” “Surrender” and “Dream Police.” The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing its place in rock history.

The group’s current lineup features founding members Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson, alongside touring musicians Daxx Nielsen and Robin Taylor Zander.

Where to Find Cheap Trick Tickets

Fans interested in attending the newly announced 2027 shows can find tour information and ticket links through Cheap Trick’s official website.

The band has not announced a complete 2027 touring schedule yet, so fans hoping to catch Cheap Trick in other cities will want to keep an eye out for additional dates.

RELATED: Kelly Ripa Has a Very Specific Request for Her Own Funeral—and Mark Consuelos Is Not Allowed to Do One Thing

Kacey Musgraves just delivered a fiery response to Kristi Noem after the former Homeland Security secretary said she prefers fellow country star Ella Langley.

The exchange began when Musgraves welcomed Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico to the Dallas, Texas, stop of her Middle of Nowhere tour on Saturday, Oct. 10. The country star has long been an outspoken advocate for liberal and progressive causes.

Following Talarico’s appearance at the concert, Noem took to X to share a photo of the candidate with a pointed message about his musical host and his Republican opponent in the Texas Senate race.

“I’ll take @ellalangleymsic over Kacey Musgraves any day,” Noem wrote. “And if I’m Choosin’ Texas, I’ll take Ken Paxton over James Talarico.”

Musgraves appeared to get the last word, however, with a viral response that referenced a controversial story from Noem’s 2024 memoir, No Going Back.

“I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it,” the country star wrote.

The remark referenced Noem’s own account of shooting and killing her 14-month-old dog, Cricket, which she described as “untrainable” and having an “aggressive personality.” The story sparked widespread backlash after the memoir was published.

I don’t think you have a dog in this fight but if you did you would have shot it. https://t.co/bI50bahJZu

— K A C E Y (@KaceyMusgraves) October 12, 2026

RELATED: Ella Langley Speaks Out After Canceling Concert Due to Security Threat: ‘Not Worth a Human Life’

Fans quickly flooded the replies to Musgraves’ post, with many applauding the singer’s response.

“MY GIRL 👏 GET HER ASS,” one fan wrote.

“This is the energy we need. 🔥,” commented another.

“Clap back of the millennium,” added a third.

Noem has also been in the headlines recently following news of her divorce from her husband of 34 years, Bryon Noem. The former Trump administration official filed for divorce in April, citing “irreconcilable differences,” though the filing did not become public until late September.

The divorce filing came shortly after The Daily Mail published photos of Bryon appearing to wear women’s clothing and fake breasts. The report also prompted renewed attention to rumors of an alleged relationship between Noem and political adviser Corey Lewandowski, with both denying allegations of an affair.

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As we transition from sweltering summer temperatures to breezy, unpredictable weather, it’s the perfect opportunity to update your seasonal wardrobe. Fall fashion is all about layers, and we’re not just talking about outerwear. When you’re dressing for fluctuating temperatures, base layers are just as important. The ideal pieces should keep you warm and complement the rest of your outfit, whether you wear it alone or under a thicker layer. A no-frills long-sleeve top is a prime example, opening the door for seemingly endless style possibilities with its unmatched versatility. 

Walmart carries a ton of budget-friendly basic long sleeves, and the No Boundaries Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee is one of our favorite options. Versatile, comfortable, and warm, it’s bound to be in constant rotation during the cooler months. While it’s rare to find a high-quality shirt for less than $10 these days, you can snag this top for just $6 or $7, depending on size and style. This long-sleeve tee is available in seven colors, including white, off-white, black, light pink, emerald, and red. Sizes range from XXS to XXL, and shoppers noted it fits true to size. 

No Boundaries Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee, From $6 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Sleek and simple, this long-sleeve tee features a classic crew neckline and structured shoulders. It has a form-fitting silhouette, designed to skim your body without hugging it to keep you from feeling restricted. The slim yet relaxed fit makes this top a dream for layering, so you can comfortably wear thicker pieces on top of it without looking or feeling bulky. 

Compared to oversized long-sleeves, this top feels more refined, thanks to the streamlined silhouette. You can wear it for nearly any occasion, whether you’re lounging at home, running some errands, or working in the office. It effortlessly complements jeans, leggings, and sweatpants for a casual ensemble. If you want to dress it up, pair it with trousers or a maxi skirt and add some accessories. The hem ends around the hips, so you can even tuck it into your waistband for a more polished look. 

Made of 57% cotton and 38% polyester, this long-sleeve is soft and smooth to the touch, delivering all-day comfort. The other 5% of the fabric is made of spandex, giving this top elasticity. It stretches with you so you can move around with ease. Attesting to this, shoppers noted that they were even able to sleep in this shirt. 

No Boundaries Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee, From $6 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

While this top offers ample coverage and does a great job of keeping you warm, it’s lightweight and breathable, preventing you from overheating. However, if you tend to sweat no matter what you wear, the shirt’s fabric absorbs and wicks away moisture to keep your skin dry. 

Thanks to the cotton, polyester, and spandex blend, this top is easy to care for. Whenever it needs a refresh, toss it into the washing machine with cold water and tumble dry it on low afterwards. Shoppers noted that it washes well without shrinking. 

This top is a Walmart bestseller, and it’s no surprise why. “It’s the perfect layering piece,” one reviewer commented. “I have bought several colors, and they get a lot of wear in my daily routine.” The same reviewer also described the material as “stretchy.” A second customer mentioned that they were beyond happy with this top, as it’s “super soft and comfy.”

Shop More Fall Fashion 

• No Boundaries Ribbed Crewneck Long-Sleeve Tee, $8 at Walmart
• Eytino Back Bow-Knot Sweater, $26 (was $44) at Walmart
• Celebrity Pink Pointelle Crew Neck Cardigan, From $9 (was $20) at Walmart

Related: Infuse Classy ‘French Vibes’ Into Your Fall Wardrobe With Nordstrom Rack’s Checkered Rain Coat

Whether the forecast calls for sunny skies or overcast weather, the No Boundaries Long-Sleeve Crewneck Tee is ready to handle whatever fall throws your way. Head to Walmart and grab it for just $6 or $7 while your preferred style is still in stock! 

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.

A lot of Del Shannon‘s hit tracks from the ’60s were about heartbreak, and he never expected a track released at the start of the decade to lead him to the top of the charts.

Written by Shannon and keyboardist Max Crook, “Runaway” skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart upon its release in 1961. It held the spot for four consecutive weeks and became an international sensation, ranking at No.1 in various countries from the UK to Chile. The track has even been regarded as one of the top songs of 1961, and once on the Rolling Stones‘ list of the best songs of all time.

“Runaway” became one of Shannon’s haunting classics that fed into his image of being known for heartbreak lyrics. The song tells the story of a man left wondering why his recent girlfriend left him, with the singer having once said it’s based on his own habit of running from relationships.

Del Shannon is actually a stage name; the singer was known by his real name, Charles Westover, while performing with Crook as “Charlie Johnson and the Big Little Show Band” in Battle Creek, Michigan. “Runaway” actually happened by accident on stage.

Shannon, Crook, an 18-year-old drummer named Dick Parker, and 40-year-old Loren “L.D.” Dugger performed at a local lounge known as the Hi-Lo Club. In October of 1960, the group was on stage when Crook started “tinkling on the piano,” and the rest of the band joined in, adding their own parts.

According to Parker on delshannon.com, they worked on the song for 15 to 20 minutes before the “owner of the club came over to the stage and told them to ‘Knock it off!’ and ‘Play something else!” At the time, Crook had developed his own clavioline-based electric keyboard called a Musitron, which became integral to “Runaway’s” unique sound like nothing heard on a jukebox before.

“At that time, I had built a little instrument called the Musitron, and it was sitting alongside the keyboard of the piano. So when the time came to make the bridge, I just played what came out of my head. What you hear on the record is precisely what I came up with on the Musitron, with no changes whatsoever. A lot of people have told me it is very unique and interesting. But to me, at the time, it was just something that flowed out,” said Crook to Forbes.

The keyboardist also revealed that Shannon had written most of the lyrics while sitting on carpet rolls. He had taken his guitars to The Carpet Outlet, where Shannon worked during the day as a carpet salesman at 26 years old. Shannon’s friend, Wes Kilbourne, remembers the track having originally been titled “Little Runaway” and Shannon having the lyrics finished by lunch.

According to Crook, they had already ordered thousands of copies of “Runaway” before they even finished recording. While popular upon its release, the track reached No. 1 after Shannon appeared on Dick Clark‘s American Bandstand and would become a hit cover for generations, from Elvis to the rock band Avenged Sevenfold. It even became the theme for the 1986 drama, Crime Story, starring Dennis Farina and Anthony Denison.

Related: 1971 Rock Song, Included in One of The ‘Greatest Soundtracks of All Time,’ Became a Fleetwood Mac Hidden Gem

Bono’s eldest daughter, Jordan Joy Hewson, is stepping into the music spotlight, making a dramatic shift from a successful tech career to pursuing music full time.

In a recent interview with The Irish Times, Hewson, 37, discussed her new five-track EP, LED Moon, released under the name Jordan Joy. Insisting that her move into music is anything but a “side-project,” she said a major rupture in her personal life helped open her up to songwriting.

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“I hope that I can put an album together soon,” she said. “That would be the goal,” she added, saying she’s “happiest making music.”

Who Is Bono’s Daughter Jordan Joy Hewson?

Jordan is the eldest child of U2 frontman Bono and activist and entrepreneur Ali Hewson. She has three younger siblings: actor Eve Hewson; Elijah Hewson, frontman of the Irish rock band Inhaler; and actor John Hewson.

Although music was part of her upbringing, Jordan said she never thought she could become an artist and found the music industry intimidating. Her siblings have since supported and advised her as she pursues her musical ambitions.

“Eve has a lot of experience with putting herself out there. She’s very focused. John is very wise, and he’ll tell me if something is good or crap. He’s got a great musical sensibility. In the early days, when I was starting to write songs, Eli was showing me the ropes. My cousin Duncan helped me demo my first songs to send to producers. So there’s a lot of support and interest in the family,” she told the Times.

What Was Bono’s Daughter Doing Before Music?

Before focusing on music, Jordan built a career in technology. She founded Speakable, a social-impact tech company, in 2016. Its Action Button product was designed to help people engage with causes and civic campaigns.

In 2019, she made Forbes’ European 30 Under 30 list for social entrepreneurs. She also studied political science at Columbia University before earning a master’s degree in fine arts in poetry.

Jordan experimented with music under the name Tenderhooks in 2023, but she said she wasn’t fully ready to embrace being an artist then.

“I didn’t think I could be an artist,” she said. “The industry looked intimidating. I think you have to really know who you are to be an artist. I was too young … and it wasn’t a part of myself I was open to.”

The Heartbreak That Helped Change Her Life

After NationBuilder acquired Speakable in 2021, Jordan left New York, where she had lived for 11 years, and returned to Dublin during the pandemic. Around the same time, she was navigating a breakup and major life change.

“My life did a 180,” she said of the company’s acquisition. “It was a lot of change. Music helped me get through things I was going through personally. Music came and found me.”

The upheaval helped Jordan open up to songwriting, leading her toward a creative path she hadn’t imagined for herself.

What to Know About Jordan Joy’s New EP, ‘LED Moon‘

Jordan’s five-track EP blends alt-pop with indie electronica and explores themes of love, change, and finding a sense of place. The track list opens with “LED Moon” and closes with “LED Moon (Slower),” which has an unusual origin story.

While attempting to record backing vocals, her brother Elijah accidentally slowed down the title track. Jordan then sang over her own pitch-shifted vocals, with harmonies added by frequent collaborator Jackson Phillips.

The EP also features “One on One,” “Don’t Kill the Vibe,” and “Indigo Girl,” and follows the release of several singles under the Jordan Joy name in 2026.

Jordan is now “creativity dating,” as she put it, finding new collaborators and joining writing sessions in Los Angeles, Norway, and London. She’s performed at open-mic nights but said she had not yet played an official live show under this project when she spoke to the Times. She planned her first official shows in the U.K. for November.

“I hope that I can put an album together soon,” she said. “That would be the goal.”

As for whether she’ll return to tech, Jordan was clear about where her ambitions lie: “I’m happiest making music. This is not a side-project.”

Related: ’70s Rock Icon Releases New Album 51 Years After Debuting With ‘Dreamboat Annie’

Saturday Night Live alum Ego Nwodim is firing back at Shane Gillis after the comedian performed a monologue on the sketch comedy series that many fans found sexist and offensive.

During the Saturday, Oct. 10, episode of the late night show, the comedian gave a controversial monologue where he called women who wear athletic clothes to the gym “whores.”

“Also, I haven’t been to the gym in so long. I didn’t know women just dressed like whores now,” Gillis said.

“Look, I’m sorry, there’s no other way to describe… Have you seen it? I’ve seen it. The shorts. Have you seen the shorts? Those neon…they’re like artificial bait colored. And the wrinkles, the wrinkles go like around the cheeks and all combined at the butthole,” he continued. “And don’t look. You’re not allowed to look. For real, don’t look because they are filming. I’m in the background of like 10 TikToks right now.”

Gillis’s comments have received widespread criticism online, and now Nwodim is seemingly chiming in. On Monday, Oct. 12, Nwodim—who starred on the series as a main cast member from 2020 to 2025—appeared to issue a response via her Instagram Story.

“whore reporting for duty,” Nwodim wrote alongside a photo of her at the gym.

She then seemingly posted another response, sharing a photo of her lunch and writing, “getting my 30 grams of protein in after heauxing.”

RELATED: Shane Gillis Gets Absolutely Filleted Over Sexist ‘SNL’ Monologue Calling Women ‘Whores’

After a screenshot of the apparent jab towards Gillis was shared to social media, SNL fans praised the actress and comedian for taking a stand.

“Actress and comedian that is actually funny,” wrote one fan on Reddit.

“The SNL death spiral got so much worse when we lost Ego. A gem and a great comedian,” said another.

“That’s how you make people laugh, Shane,” added a third.

Gillis has yet to address his controversial comments. However, he did apologize after accidentally dropping an uncensored F-bomb live on air during Saturday’s show.

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How much did your lunch cost today? Mine exceeded $17 with no sides or beverage.

Prices are climbing and wallets are feeling it, so consumers are often combing the “deals” sections of their favorite restaurants’ menus to find something satisfying without regretting their finances later.

On Monday, October 12, Jersey Mike’s revealed that it’s giving guests a break with an all-new Mini Bundle, where fans can enjoy mini cold sub and a bag of chips for just $7.99.

The popular sandwich chain took to social media to promote its new offering. “Available for a limited time at participating locations in-store, online, and in app with any cold Mini size sub and chips,” reads the caption of its recent Instagram reel.

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Fans have since commented on the post to show their support for the restaurant and its new deal. “You’re too good to us Jmikes!” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “$7.99 for a sub AND chips. the economy is healing.”

Per Monday’s news release, Jersey Mike’s assures fans that this isn’t a stripped-down option. Mini subs are made with the same freshly sliced meat and cheese as every sub by the brand — just in a smaller size and without sacrificing the quality.

And like all Jersey Mike’s subs, the minis are best enjoyed Mike’s Way — topped with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oregano, salt and “The Juice” (red wine vinegar and olive oil blend).

Firehouse Subs Is Bringing Back Its Dippable Thanksgiving Sub

In other sandwich news, another chain revealed last month that it’s bringing the November holiday to store menus early this year. Firehouse Subs announced the return of its hit Thanksgiving Turkey Sub, available now at participating locations nationwide.

The fan-favorite sandwich is served piping hot and piled high with:

• Tender carved turkey breast
• Warm, seasoned stuffing
• Sweet-tart cranberry sauce
• Mayonnaise

Find out more here.

Smallville star Michael Rosenbaum quickly became a fan favorite with his portrayal of the charming but nefarious Lex Luthor. Rosenbaum recently revealed he was concerned that he was going to be fired early on in the hit WB series, which had a 10-season run until 2011.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Smallville, Rosenbaum reunited with his former co-stars Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, and Erica Durance, as well as the show’s co-creators Al Gough and Miles Millar, on an October 2026 episode of his podcast, Inside of You.

According to Rosenbaum, he was “a nervous wreck” while working on the series. In addition, he said he “thought [he] was going to be fired numerous times” while filming the pilot episode of Smallville.

The 54-year-old noted that the show’s first episode has a scene wherein an unconscious Lex nearly drowns in a body of water before being rescued by Clark Kent (Welling). Rosenbaum said the scene called for him to wear weights while fully submerged in a cloudy water tank. The actor recalled that the experience was terrifying and he kept coming up to the surface before finishing the take.

“I was so scared, and I was like, ‘They’re going to fire me,'” said Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum also said he believed he was going to get fired from playing his famously bald character because of the shape of his head.

“When I shaved my head, I looked in the mirror, and I go, ‘Okay, you’re Lex Luthor.’ Then I realized I had this big bump on the back of my head and I was like, ‘Oh man, they’re going to fire me. I’m not as pretty as these people on this show,'” said Rosenbaum on the podcast episode.

Michael Rosenbaum Opened Up About Leaving ‘Smallville’ After Season 7

Rosenbaum left Smallville following its seventh season. In a 2024 interview on the Sackhoff Show podcast, hosted by actress Katee Sackhoff, Rosenbaum explained that his Smallville “contract was six years,” but he “ended up doing seven.” The actor said he felt the network was “being incredibly unfair” when he was renegotiating his contract.

According to Rosenbaum, the former CEO of Warner Bros. Television Studios, Peter Roth, wasn’t happy about the actor’s Smallville renegotiations.

“Peter supposedly marched into the creators’ room and said, ‘You fire him. Fire him now. Just fire him.’ And they looked at him and go, ‘We can’t. He’s f–king Lex Luthor.’ And God, I wish I knew that then because I would have really negotiated,” said Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum then said he was on “very good terms” when he exited Smallville after season 7 and was asked to have dinner with Roth. According to Rosenbaum, Roth asked him to film for Smallville for three more years. Rosenbaum said, however, that the new contract offer was the same salary he received during the show’s seventh season.

“That was the last straw for me. That was it. I just said, ‘I don’t want to counter. I don’t care what they offer now. It’s the principle,'” said Rosenbaum during the 2024 interview.

Robert Costanzo is one of those actors who has appeared in so many memorable movies and TV shows that his face feels familiar to fans who have come to know and love his work. The 83-year-old character actor has spent decades popping up in some of Hollywood’s most memorable projects, from Saturday Night Fever and Total Recall to Die Hard 2 and Friends. A recent autograph signing has fans revisiting his memorable roles and trading favorite lines, showing how even a brief appearance can leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

From Saturday Night Fever to Friends Robert Costanzo Has Been Everywhere @itzsasha2020 ♬ The night we met – 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗻

Costanzo has worked alongside Hollywood’s biggest stars, from John Travolta to Jennifer Aniston, but his career is a reminder that some of the industry’s most impactful actors aren’t necessarily its biggest stars. Costanzo made an early appearance in the 1975 Al Pacino drama Dog Day Afternoon before playing a paint store customer in 1977’s Saturday Night Fever, the disco-era classic that helped propel Travolta to international stardom.

His appearances in recognizable films, including Total Recall, Dick Tracy, Die Hard 2 and City Slickers, established him as a familiar presence in Hollywood. Social media commenters traded Costanzo’s most memorable lines, demonstrating the actor’s lasting impact.

“Recall, recall, you thinking about going there? Well, don’t! A bud of mine got lobotomized,” fans shared, quoting Costanzo from Total Recall.

Others joined in, quoting another line from the film: “You talk about Mars!”

“He was in everything,” one commenter added. Others call him a legend.

Related: 1985 Synth Hit Sung by Husband and Wife Duo From Portland Featuring Wine Bottles as Percussion Named One of the Best One-Hit Wonders of the Decade

The Memorable Robert Costanzo Lines Fans Still Love @moviequotesociety

Robert Costanzo in Saturday Night Fever (1977)

♬ Star Shopping – ambient instrumental – Ambient Hood

The social media comment section is a reminder of what makes a skilled character actor stand out and become a go-to performer for directors. Character actors like Costanzo can establish a personality and deliver a memorable line, sometimes getting a scene’s biggest laugh, with just a short amount of screen time. Without the luxury of a lengthy storyline or an extensive character history, they can make an entire person feel real in just a few lines.

Some of Costanzo’s most recognizable moments come from characters who make a strong impression in only a handful of scenes. On Friends, for example, Joey’s father has a very different kind of memorable moment. Trying to explain his affair, he tells his son, “Joe, your dad’s in love, big time. And the worst part of it is, it’s with two different women.” The absurd confession fits the sitcom’s mix of family dysfunction and comedy, while giving Joey a rare glimpse into his parents’ complicated marriage.

Actors like Costanzo don’t always become household names or receive the same accolades as their celebrity counterparts, but their appeal and impact can be measured by fans’ ability to quote their lines and remember their faces. The fact that fans can recall so many of Costanzo’s roles is a tribute to his ability to make an impression, no matter how small or large the part.

Related: 65-Year-Old Ballroom Legend Finally Gets Her ‘Bucket List’ Moment With Her Son on ‘DWTS’ After Training Its Biggest Stars

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With Hallmark Channel’s 17th annual Countdown to Christmas lineup of wall-to-wall holiday movies kicking off on Friday, October 16, wouldn’t it be cool to connect with your favorite rom-com stars in real life? The Hallmark Christmas Cruise, setting sail on October 23, has long been sold out, but there are plenty of other chances to see the stars in-person throughout the holiday season in cities across the U.S…

Arlington Heights, Illinois — Jingle Stop Tour

• WHO: Fans can meet and take photos with five beloved Hallmark stars who’ve got new Christmas movies or series coming out this season: Jonathan Bennett, Erin Cahill, James Denton, and Mistletoe Murders‘ Sarah Drew and Peter Mooney.
• WHEN: Thursday, October 14 from 2 -4 p.m.
• WHERE: Little Green Apple, a Hallmark Gold Crown Store at 9 W. Rand Road in Arlington Heights (a suburb of Chicago)
• NOTE: Additional Jingle Stop Tour appearances are being planned in Asheville and Orlando, with dates to be announced.

Reno, Nevada — A Night to Give & the Lucky Few Fall Festival with Kristoffer Polaha Kristoffer Polaha attends Hallmark Media’s 15th Anniversary of Countdown To Christmas event at Blue Hill at Stone Barns on October 17, 2024 in Tarrytown, New York.

Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images

• WHO: Longtime Hallmark fan-favorite Kristoffer Polaha, who’ll soon star in Mistletoes & Mimosas with Tamera Mowry-Housley, will return to his hometown this month. He’ll host A Night to Give, raising funds for the Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada, and will appear at the DSNNN’s Lucky Few Fall Festival the following day. Details on both events can be found here.

• WHEN: Friday, October 16 (dinner) and Saturday, October 17 (fall festival)
• WHERE: Dinner at La Strada (345 N. Virginia St., Reno) and festival at Ferrari Farms (4701 Mill Street)

Multiple Cities — Bethany Joy Lenz Book Tour

• WHO: Bethany Joy Lenz, star of Hallmark’s hit series Hope Valley: 1874 and many movies including the beloved A Biltmore Christmas, will appear at a series of book readings and signings for her first novel, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford. Details and tickets can be found here (though many dates are quickly selling out!).
• WHEN: October 19 – 29
• WHERE: October 19 in Ridgewood, NJ; October 20 in NYC (sold out); October 21 in Raleigh, NC (waitlist); October 22 in Nashville; October 28 in Chicago (sold out); October 29 in Toledo, OH (sold out)

Des Moines, Iowa — Tyler Hynes at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique Tyler Hynes in Hallmark’s 2026 movie “I’ll Be Seeing You”

Photo by Courtney Julien/Hallmark Media

• WHO: One of Hallmark’s most beloved stars, Tyler Hynes, will speak and meet with fans one week before his new Hallmark movie, The Nights Before Christmas, premieres on November 14. You must have a ticket to the Des Moines Holiday Boutique to attend Hynes’ appearance, found here.
• WHEN: Friday, November 6 at 1:30 p.m.
• WHERE: Entertainment Stage at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique, held at the EMC Expo Center (730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50309)
• NOTE: The producers of an upcoming documentary about Hynes’ fandom, known as the Hynies, will be filming and connecting with fans on-site. Details here.

Nashville — Meet-Cute Con

• WHO: Hallmark stars Chyler Leigh (The Way Home), Evan Williams (The Way Home), Bethany Joy Lenz (Hope Valley: 1874), as well as cast members from Virgin River and One Tree Hill, will gather for an “intimate fan experience.” Details on the first-ever Meet-Cute Con are here.
• WHEN: Friday and Saturday, November 6 & 7 (VIP event on Nov. 6, and access to stars depending on ticket level)
• WHERE: Nashville’s Loveless Barn (8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221)

Cleveland — Tyler Hynes at the Cleveland Christmas Connection

• WHO: One week after the November 14 premiere of Tyler Hynes’ 2026 holiday movie, The Nights Before Christmas, the Hallmark hunk will be on hand for a meet-and-greet with fans. Only available to those with tickets to the expo, found here.
• WHEN: Friday, November 20 at 1 p.m. (but get there early to get in line!)
• WHERE: I-X Center (1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, OH) 

Kansas City, Missouri — Hallmark Christmas Experience Onstage antics featuring multiple stars at the Hallmark Christmas Experience in November 2025.

Hallmark Media

• WHO: This is the ultimate holiday event for Hallmark Channel fans, with at least 12 beloved stars appearing every weekend for Q&A panels, hilarious games, light shows, meet-and-greets, photo ops, and more. Jonathan Bennett hosts each weekend’s onstage events. Ticket packages and details can be found here.
• WHEN: Four consecutive weekends from November 27 — December 20
• WHERE: Events are held in Crown Center Square (2425 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108), with indoor festivities held at the adjacent Westin Kansas City at Crown Center.

Edison, New Jersey — Christmas Con

• WHO: More than 30 celebs, known for their holiday-themed movies and series will appear at Christmas Con, an annual three-day event with star panels, photo ops, and more. The lineup includes many Hallmark stars, including Andrew Walker, Paul Campbell, B.J. Britt, Kimberley Sustad, Lacey Chabert, and Marilu Henner. Details and tickets can be found here.
• WHEN: December 11 – 13
• WHERE: NJ Expo Center (97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ 08837)

Orlando, Florida — EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays with Lacey Chabert

• WHO: For the first time, Hallmark Christmas queen Lacey Chabert will be the featured celebrity narrator for the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays. Makes perfect sense, given that Chabert’s Hallmark and Disney collab, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, premieres on November 28. Full details can be found here.
• WHEN: December 22 & 23 at 4:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
• WHERE: America Gardens Theatre at EPCOT in Walt Disney World

Post-Holidays Cruise with Stephen Huszar & Brittany Bristow

• WHO: Cure your post-holidays blues by setting sail with two longtime Hallmark stars, Stephen Huszar and Brittany Bristow! The form to request a room and receive full details can be found here.
• WHEN: January 8 – 11, 2027
• WHERE: Avoid holiday letdown by giving yourself something to look forward to after the New Year! Coordinated by Expedia Cruises, Huszar and Bristow will set sail with fans aboard the Celebrity Reflection, traveling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the Grand Bahamas.