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The most festive time of the year is just around the corner. Before you know it, bells will be ringing, lights will be twinkling, and you’ll be itching to put up your Christmas tree. If you’re already getting into the spirit of the season, the legendary Lenox Holiday Melamine Plate Set will make a beautiful addition to this year’s festivities.

We don’t use the word “legendary” lightly around here — and that is what makes this deal so special. Normally $90, the four-piece set is currently on sale for only $33 at Wayfair. That’s an excellent 63% off the iconic brand’s shopper-loved holiday dinnerware. Known for its delightful motif featuring crisp green holly leaves and deep crimson berries, the collection debuted in 1974 and has been a mainstay on tables ever since. 

Lenox Holiday Melamine Plate Set, $33 (was $90) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Few designs are as merrily delightful as this classic pattern. It’s nostalgic yet simple, making it a charming choice to bring your tablescape to life during the holiday season. The pattern has a warm and inviting quality, and it almost appears to pop from the cream-colored plate. Rich green trim adds a bright frame to complete the look.

Many fancy holiday plates are high-maintenance, but this Lenox set is so easy you’ll want to break them out every night. The melamine material is dishwasher-safe, so there’s no risk that the pattern will lose its deep colors over time. Melamine is also prized for its durability, with a virtually shatter-resistant finish.

Of course, “dinner” plates aren’t strictly reserved for the last meal of the day. At 8 inches wide, these are appropriately sized for everything from your morning waffles to a slice of post-dinner pie. They’re great if you’re setting cookies out for Santa Claus, too! Children will appreciate the lively reminder of their favorite holiday just as much as parents will adore the fuss-free material and pretty design. 

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

It’s a “very well made and pretty” collection, according to one shopper. Another person agreed, writing that they’re “beautiful” and make “every meal a special occasion.” Several reviewers also pointed out that the melamine looks just as refined as Lenox’s china — but is more convenient than heavy-duty dinnerware.

Shop More Lenox Deals

• Lenox Vintage Jewel Gold 5-Piece Flatware Set, $67 (was $118) at Wayfair
• Lenox Tuscany Stackables Classic Glasses Set, $38 (was $72) at Wayfair
• Lenox Butterfly Meadow Teacup and Saucer Set, $30 (was $44) at Wayfair

It’s never too early to get started on your holiday shopping, especially when you can score 63% off the lovely Lenox Holiday Melamine Plate Set. Don’t miss it while it’s on sale for a limited time at Wayfair!

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Jack Antonoff is speaking out about his split from actor and ex-partner Margaret Qualley to reveal that performing his songs about her on stage has been surprisingly “really beautiful.”

The frontman spoke with The Guardian three months after it was reported that the couple had separated and gone their own ways after three years of marriage. Antonoff had written a handful of hit songs about the 32-year-old actor and admitted that he wouldn’t have done it any other way.

“Songs which I wrote recently, I obviously was really worried about this specific thing,” he explained.

“I sat long and hard with it and thought, ‘If I change the setlist …’ and in my gut there was a unanimous jury that said, ‘No, this is the deal. The deal I’ve made with my audience is that I’m going to tell you honestly how I feel and I’m going to risk at any moment having to stand behind it for f—ing ever.’”

While the love songs have taken on a new meaning for the singer-songwriter, he says it’s been a “beautiful” feeling regardless of what the public knows about their split. He adds that anyone can relate to the “terrible sadness and pain” that comes with their new meaning, but there’s also a “great power” to it.

“I mean, for people to come together, to know what I write a song about, to know how that must feel for me now, to know what that song means to you as an audience member, to just hold it all and sort of celebrate,” he explained.

Related: Liev Schreiber Tears Into Reporter on Red Carpet for New Apple TV Series: ‘It’s Not a Soundbite’

Above all, Antonoff says he sees no reason to rewrite the past and “would rather live through something publicly than even escape it privately.” He adds that he’s made it a point in his life to take on every aspect of his life head-on. Whether it’s writing about the good times or the bad, he admits that in the bad times he “can’t look myself in the mirror and pretend that those times didn’t exist.”

Antonoff goes on to say that he would rather live through it “publicly” than “escape it privately.” As of now, Qualley has not commented on the reason for their split, and neither has Antonoff.

In July, the actor’s rep confirmed their breakup and stated that the narrative being spun about distrust and infidelity are untrue. They added that they still have a deep love for each other, and the people speaking out about their marriage are not people close to them.

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

Cordless lamps are a great option for any home and can be placed wherever you want. They’re especially great for small spaces with awkward layouts and limited access to outlets. Right now, Target is selling a beautiful option for just $25, and it’s classy, stylish and functional.

Threshold’s Double Metal Portable Table Lamp is a great addition to any space, bringing cozy mood lighting. It offers multiple light options, letting you toggle between low and bright settings with its touch-activated sensor for customized control over the vibe you want and how much light you need.

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Threshold Double Metal Portable Table Lamp, Brass, $25 at Target

Target

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Measuring 13 inches tall, this cordless lamp has a portable design you can place wherever you like, no outlet required. Just recharge it as needed. Finally, its sleek metal pole body on a raised metal circular base, coupled with the mushroom-shaped, fluted shade, gives this a modern, chic look that will look good in any home. It also comes in two finishes, either brass (pictured above) or brushed silver.

Related: Target’s ‘Fresh and Modern’ 8-Piece Glass Mixing Bowl Set Rivals Pyrex

What the Reviews Say

Shoppers love this cordless table lamp, giving it an average rating of 4.4 stars on Target.com.

“Unique and classy!” raved one fan in a five-star review on Target.com. “Like the soft, three-way lighting, no electric cord. Looks like it costs more! Might have to arrange with other items as it is very small.”

“Love this little lamp. It’s rechargeable and has no cord, which I love. It has three light brightness settings. The gold is super pretty and goes perfect with my decor and new updated kitchen. It turns on super easy by just touching the little circle on the base of the lamp. It’s really lightweight and has plastic covering where the bulb would be which makes the light more moody. Super easy to use. Would recommend,” said another happy Target shopper in a five-star review on Target.com.

You can find this pretty cordless table lamp at select Target stores or on Target.com for $25.

Related: Target’s Stunning Antique-Style Candle Warmer Doubles as Gorgeous Decor

Miranda Lambert is returning to her home state of Texas to perform and raise money for the Salvation Army at the Dallas Cowboys’ annual Thanksgiving game.

“There’s something special about how music brings people together, especially when it’s to spread joy and hope to families who need it most,” the country superstar from Longview, Texas, said.

Lambert will perform at halftime of the Cowboys’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium to raise awareness of the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign, which helps people in need during the holidays. 

“The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys have built an incredible tradition with the Red Kettle Kickoff, and I can’t wait to be back home in Texas this Thanksgiving to help carry it forward,” she continued.

This year marks The Salvation Army’s 136th Red Kettle Campaign. The Cowboys will host the 30th consecutive Red Kettle Kickoff halftime show on Thanksgiving. The campaign has raised over $3 billion, providing food, shelter, and support to millions of people nationwide.

In a comical video teaser, Lambert arrives at AT&T Stadium for a rehearsal with the Dallas Cowboys’ cheerleaders riding a steer with mini red kettles on each side, and comments, “What, it’s the 30th anniversary. You gotta take the bull by the horns.”

Reba McEntire headlined the inaugural show in 1997, followed annually by numerous stars including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, and the late Dolly Parton.

This year, Lambert is celebrating her 25th anniversary as a recording artist. “The House That Built Me” singer is the most awarded artist in Academy of Country Music Awards history, with 40 ACM honors. This year, she won Song of the Year and Single of the Year as co-writer and co-producer of Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas.”

The Ton has officially welcomed a fresh round of high-society drama, and Bridgerton Season 4 brings one of the series’ most intriguing new figures straight to center stage. As Benedict Bridgerton’s Cinderella-inspired love story takes flight, all eyes are on the formidable matriarch stirring up conflict in the Penwood household: Lady Araminta Gun.

Played with sharp nuance by Scottish actress Katie Leung, Lady Araminta is making waves as a complex, sharp-tongued antagonist. If the actress behind this latest socialite looks strikingly familiar, it’s because Leung has been a key fixture in major film and television franchises for two decades.

Here’s everything you need to know about Katie Leung, her role in Bridgerton Season 4 and where you’ve seen her before.

WARNING: Potential spoilers ahead!

Related: The Complete Bridgerton Family Tree: Every Sibling, Spouse and Love Interest Explained

Who is Katie Leung? British actress Katie Leung arrives for the world premiere of Bridgerton Season 4 on Jan. 14, 2026.

JULIEN DE ROSA / Getty Images

Katie Leung is a Scottish actress best known for playing Cho Chang in the Harry Potter film series and voicing Caitlyn Kiramman in Netflix’s animated series Arcane.

Leung grew up in Scotland and auditioned for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as a teenager, landing her first major screen role at 16. The film premiered in 2005, introducing her to a global audience as Harry Potter’s first love interest.

After her early success in film, Leung pursued further studies in photography and drama. She studied at Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, developing a career spanning television, film, voice acting and theater.

How old is Katie Leung?

Born on Aug. 8, 1987, Katie Leung is 39 years old as of October 2026.

Related: How Bridgerton Season 4 Differs From the Julia Quinn Novel

What is Katie Leung’s role in Bridgerton Season 4?

In Bridgerton Season 4, Katie Leung plays Lady Araminta Gun, a twice-widowed mother determined to secure advantageous matches for her daughters, Rosamund and Posy. She’s also the stepmother of Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), whose romance with Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) drives the season’s Cinderella-inspired storyline.

Although Araminta often fills the role of the classic fairy-tale villain, Leung has emphasized the character’s complexity. In an interview with The Guardian, she explained that “the show runners wanted to find the humanity in Araminta,” including understanding her background and struggles.

Leung also drew on her own experience as a mother to understand Araminta’s motivations. Speaking to Shondaland, she said, “For me…the main thing was seeing her as a mother who’s just very overprotective and wants the best for her children.”

The actress’s perspective helps give Araminta’s character more depth, even if it doesn’t make her treatment of Sophie any less cruel.

Where have you seen Katie Leung before? Katie Leung as Cho Chang

Warner Bros.

If Leung’s face looks instantly recognizable, you likely know her from a few massive global hits:

• Harry Potter: Leung made her screen debut as Cho Chang in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). She returned for three more films in the franchise: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
• Arcane: She voices Caitlyn Kiramman in Netflix’s animated series based on the League of Legends universe.
• The Wheel of Time: She appears as Yasicca in the Amazon Prime fantasy series.
• Annika: She plays DC Blair Ferguson in the British crime drama starring Nicola Walker.
• The Peripheral: She plays Ash in the science-fiction drama starring Chloë Grace Moretz.

What’s next for Katie Leung?

Following her role as Lady Araminta Gun in Bridgerton Season 4, Katie Leung has several projects to look forward to. She’s set to star as Zoey in Expecting, a comedic play making its world premiere in London in early 2027, alongside Game of Thrones actors John Bradley and Joe Dempsie. She’ll also be in the upcoming Australian-British drama series Careless.

Leung has expressed interest in challenging herself and choosing projects that allow for creative collaboration, telling Tatler Asia, “I have done a lot of different genres, and I still want to work on my craft and do something very raw, basic and that’s going to teach me a lot about how I can become a better actor.”

Related: Bridgerton Star Nicola Coughlan Reveals Decision To Step Back in Season 5: ‘It’s Bittersweet’

When did Bridgerton Season 4 come out?

Bridgerton Season 4 premiered on Netflix in two parts in 2026. Part 1 debuted on Jan. 29, followed by Part 2 on Feb. 26.

The fourth season consists of eight episodes and centers on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and his romance with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a love story that introduces Lady Araminta Gun, played by Katie Leung.

Where can you watch Bridgerton?

All four seasons of Bridgerton are available to stream exclusively on Netflix. A subscription is required, and availability may vary by region.

Related: Bridgerton Season 5 Announces Francesca and Michaela As Leads, Production Underway

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.

Out with the old, in with the new. That’s what Procter & Gamble banked on in 1990s with Swiffer — and boy, did it work.

Sure, sweeping with dustpans will never go away. But what did you do for mopping back in the day? And then storing all those dirty tools away afterwards? Yeesh.

There are plenty of alternatives for these kinds of old-school household cleaning methods at the present, but Swiffer is still very much going strong with a quarter of the 21st century now behind us.

That success dates back to the turn of millennium, when the “household” name raked in $100 million in sales just four months after launching 1999, per EPAM.

It all started with Swiffer’s so-called Trap & Lock Technology, as seen in the brand’s signature cloths that attract dirt, dust and hair off the floors. In 2001, Swiffer Sweepers were released, and millions of consumers were introduced to a new, more convenient way to clean, according the company’s website.

Then there’s the Swiffer Wet system, which fans can agree is easy to use and uses less water than the typical mop and bucket. Two years after P&G launched the Original Swiffer, they released the Swiffer WetJet, whose cleaning pads suck up spills and lock the liquid away in the fibers of the pad.

Households went from using gallons of water to ounces of solution to clean their floors. Every residence that uses Swiffer Wet could save over 70 gallons of water per year vs. mop-and-bucket cleaners, according to the brand, and 50 million people in the U.S. currently have access to Swiffer Wet pads.

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly? An Appliance Expert Explains What to Check

In other cleaning news, earlier this month Parade learned from Glenn Lewis, president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company that offers professional repair and maintenance services, about how to properly maintain your dishwasher.

According to Lewis, there’s actually one hidden spot in most modern-day dishwashers that, when left uncleaned, can cause the machine to clean less effectively. Find out more here.

Actor Paul Linke famously played Officer Arthur “Artie” Grossman throughout CHiPs‘ six-season run, which ended in 1983.

In an October 2026 interview on That’s Classic, Linke revealed that he had once stepped away from the NBC series, which centers on California Highway Patrol officers, Francis “Frank Ponch” Poncherello (Erik Estrada) and Jonathan “Jon” Andrew Baker (Larry Wilcox).

According to Linke, he “didn’t have a contract for the first three years” while working on CHiPs.

“I basically worked episode to episode. So, I had to hustle,” explained the actor, now 78.

Linke also said he came to blows with the show’s higher-ups over pay before filming a two-part episode during season 3.

“This show is about, I mean, this was said to me, ‘This show is Larry, Erik, and the bikes.’ Everything else is, you know, disposable, so to speak. So, the third year comes, and we got this two-part episode, and I’m being really candid now, it doesn’t matter, I was going to get $2,500 for the two episodes,” said Linke.

He said he refused the offer and wanted $2,500 per episode. He said after going “back and forth” on a phone call, he was told, “F you basically.” The actor recalled that after hanging up the phone, he let his late wife, Francesca Draper, know that he had “just walked away from the show.”

He went on to say that he was going to be replaced by Leon Isaac Kennedy, who played Officer Lenny Powell, during the said two-part episodes, titled “Drive, Lady, Drive (Parts 1 and 2).”

According to Linke, Kennedy’s inability to control his character’s motorcycle got him his job back.

“The first thing that Leon Isaac Kennedy had to do, the first shot, he had to pull a motorcycle up to and park it by this garage. Well, you see, he wasn’t so good with the bike, right?” said the Quantum Leap actor during the That’s Classic episode. “And he ran into the garage and did $5,000 worth of damage to the motorcycle. My phone rang by noon that day. They wanted me back. I did get the raise. I didn’t get to be in that episode, but I did get the raise.”

He clarified that he “didn’t have a contract ’til the sixth year” starring on the show.

Paul Linke Shared His Appreciation For ‘CHiPs’

In a 2022 interview on The Quantum Leap Podcast, Linke shared his appreciation for CHiPs and its dedicated fan base.

“I feel so proud to have been a part of that show,” said Linke in the 2022 interview.

He also said he was particularly pleased with the show’s lack of gun violence.

“We really were about solving problems with your heads and your hearts and your words. And I felt really very positive about that. I’m very grateful about that,” said Linke while recording the podcast episode.

Susan Sarandon is proving that 80 looks good on her.

The Oscar winner, who turned 80 on October 4, is the cover star of the new issue of S Moda, the fashion and lifestyle magazine from Spanish newspaper El País. The issue hit newsstands on Saturday, October 24, and Sarandon shared the cover with her followers on Instagram.

The black-and-white shot shows her leaning against a weathered wall in a houndstooth blazer, a crisp white shirt with oversized cuffs and wide-leg trousers, her signature curls framing her face. It’s a look that feels effortless and timeless at once — and fans flooded the comments to say so.

View this post on Instagram

The magazine’s caption noted that after more than 100 films, she still has plenty of curiosity and energy, and says she wants to “give it all on the field.” The team met her in New York for the interview.

In the conversation, Sarandon looks back on her career, including Thelma & Louise, talks about her relationship with director Pedro Almodóvar, and makes clear she has no plans to slow down.

Her schedule backs that up. Earlier this year, she received the International Goya Award from the Spanish Film Academy, honoring her career, at a ceremony in Barcelona in February. In June, she premiered The Accompanist at the Tribeca Festival, playing Sylvia, a 70-year-old woman who unexpectedly becomes a foster parent to an 8-year-old girl, alongside Aubrey Plaza. And in September, she brought The Echo Chamber to the Venice Film Festival, with her sons standing proudly beside her on the red carpet.

It’s all a long way from the role that made her a cult favorite. In 1975, Sarandon played the naive-turned-not-so-naive Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a risky lead in what became the ultimate cult musical. The film went on to become a midnight-movie tradition, and every Halloween season, fans still turn up in costume to shout along with Janet, Brad and Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

I’ve said this before, but life is so much better with a little intrigue. Never mind that I absolutely need a finite answer to how soon I can expect to become a millionaire; there’s something to be said for the thrill of the unknown. It’s what makes us feel alive—like when we’re presented with a mystery dish tucked under a cloche or when we, meddling kids, piece together clues to figure out who in the world the Tar Monster could actually be. 

A good caper is captivating, and there’s nothing more exciting than a well-thought-out whodunit. But suspense isn’t always something we happen to stumble upon. Sometimes we actively seek out things that pique our curiosity, like Trader Joe’s beloved Mystery Bags. Granted, these cult-favorite tote bags are so viral that you likely already know everything you need to know about them, but if, by some odd chance, you don’t, let me bring you up to speed. 

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This coveted seasonal TJ’s find is perhaps the culmination of all things intriguing. Each aptly labeled, question-marked bag hides three reusable mystery tote bags with graphics representing different cities across the United States. You never know which totes you’ll get, which gamifies the whole experience a little bit, and you might even “unbag” a set and get three of a kind. It’s riveting! The “game” gets even more enticing because they tend to sell out within days (if not hours), adding an element of urgency that makes the whole thing even more deliciously devious. 

Trader Joe’s Mystery Bags Make Their Highly Anticipated Return View this post on Instagram

At just $2.99 per mystery bag, it’s easy to see why people buy multiple at a time. If this sounds like the kind of mystery you can really sink your teeth into, word on the street is the TJ’s mystery totes are returning the first week of November. That’s right, Nancy Drew, Trader Joe’s mystery totes are on their way to a store near you. That said, these tote bags are a hot commodity, and if you’re not quick, you might end up investigating their disappearance instead. 

Related: The 7 Best French Groceries To Buy at Trader Joe’s (And 3 To Skip)

Blind Bags Worth the Hype

News of the mystery bags’ imminent return sent fans into a tizzy, with several saying, “I can’t wait!!!” One dedicated sleuth even admitted, “I have them all.” As impressive as that is, several other shoppers suggested giving them away as Christmas gifts. “I got a whole bunch and gave them as Christmas gifts. Everyone loved them and I do too.” You could also use any surplus or duplicate bags you end up with as personalized packaging based on where your friends and family might be from.

Of course, despite how much we love the mystery bags as is, someone else offered an idea for an alternative mystery unbagging that sounds positively fascinating. “Silly that the mystery bags have mystery bags inside when they could have mystery snacks 👀 👀 👀,” they said. Now that sounds like the kind of case we’d be happy to investigate. Happy hunting!

Related: Trader Joe’s Frozen Pasta Dish Is a Tasty Twist on an Italian Classic

Etsy is making major changes when it comes to the use of AI for sellers, and the new policies can impact buyers as well.

The company announced on Wednesday, October 22, that it was aiming “to set clearer restrictions on AI use and introducing new features that help build trust on Etsy.”

In a message to sellers, the company announced that it was “committed to protecting what makes Etsy special.”

As such, buyers will now be required to “include at least one unedited photo of the actual item against a real background.” The image cannot be edited using artificial intelligence and must accurately represent the item a buyer can expect to receive. Etsy did acknowledge that some exceptions would be made depending on the item.

AI-generated listings will also be restricted, the company announced, specifically calling out items like recipes, functional guides, or sewing patterns.

“Etsy has always been a marketplace that stands for creativity and craftsmanship. On Etsy, unlike anywhere else, buyers can connect with the real people and stories behind the items they buy,” the message to sellers read. “As a seller, you’re what makes that possible. The care and personal touch you bring to your shop helps create the sense of connection buyers expect when they shop on Etsy.”

How Etsy’s AI Policies Impact Buyers

While most of the new guidelines directly affect sellers and are put in place to protect buyers, shoppers will now have the opportunity to “flag listings they believe use AI imagery in a misleading way.”

“At first, reports will help us understand members’ concerns and won’t trigger immediate enforcement. We’ll also explore more ways to give buyers context about AI use on Etsy,” the company shared, warning that sellers could be responsible for refunding buyers if the listing doesn’t meet the new requirements.

Fifty years together is quite an achievement for any couple, let alone a rock band. But for U2, whose four original members are still making music together after five decades, there’s something even more remarkable: a promise they made as teenagers that they say they’ve never broken. And apparently, not even a few fistfights could change that.

In a new interview with The New York Times, reported by Louder on October 25, Bono and The Edge reflected on the band’s extraordinary longevity and the commitment they made to each other when they were still schoolboys in Dublin.

Bono recalled the promise they made to one another as teenagers: “We pledged to each other when we were 18, 17, 16, whatever, that we would never, ever walk onto a stage without it being everything.” And despite five decades of success, disagreements and even physical fights, he insists they’ve stayed true to that commitment. “And we haven’t betrayed that yet,” he added.

That doesn’t mean the journey has always been easy. “We’ve had physical fistfights on stage,” Bono admitted, adding that the band has also experienced backstage confrontations and plenty of madness over the years.

Lex van Rossen/MAI / Getty Images

Still, the four musicians have managed to stay together through changing musical trends, enormous success and the inevitable disagreements that come with spending half a century in a band.

For The Edge, the explanation goes beyond friendship or commercial success. “It never was entertainment to us, ever,” the guitarist said. “It was always something with a lot more importance and meaning.”

That philosophy goes all the way back to 1976, when drummer Larry Mullen Jr. posted a notice at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin looking for musicians.

The teenagers who answered that invitation eventually became U2: Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Mullen himself. Five decades later, the band is still looking ahead, with its 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz, set for release on November 13, 2026, as confirmed by U2’s official website.

And despite everything they’ve already achieved, The Edge insists the band’s creative ambition hasn’t disappeared. “We genuinely think that we might just write the best song we’ve ever written next week,” he said in the interview.

For a group that has spent 50 years together, that may be the most surprising part of all. At the end of the day, they aren’t simply looking back at what they’ve accomplished. They’re still convinced their best work could be ahead of them.

The first bridge ever built to cross the Tacoma Narrows Strait of Puget Sound became famous just four months after opening as “the most dramatic failure in bridge engineering history.”

The 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge connected the town of Tacoma, Washington, to the Kitsap Peninsula. At the time, it was built mostly out of military necessity to link McChord Air Field south of Tacoma and the Puget Sound Navy Shipyard in Bremerton.

Because it was tied to the country’s defense strategy during this period, the Public Works Administration approved $6.4 million (about $153 million today) for construction on June 23, 1938. Construction began that same year.

Tacoma Narrows suspension bridge, in Puget Sound, Washington, vibrating violently just prior to its collapse due to hurricane winds causing a violent oscillating motion known as ‘flutter’.

Keystone / Getty Images

From the time the deck was first built, the bridge moved vertically in windy conditions, earning it the nickname “Galloping Gertie.”

The bridge opened on July 1, 1940, and had the third-longest suspension span in the entire world, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. It was third only to the Golden Gate Bridge and the George Washington Bridge. This vertical movement continued even after the bridge was open to the public. 

Only four months later, on the morning of November 7, 1940, it collapsed amid wind gusts of 40 miles (64 km) per hour.

An investigation into this colossal failure found that two design aspects weakened the bridge. First, the bridge’s two-lane roadway was narrow, giving the span a lot of flexibility to move in the wind. Second, the roadway design (using stiffening plate girders instead of web trusses) meant it did not absorb turbulence from wind gusts.

Galloping Gertie’s collapse led to safer suspension-bridge designs today, including the 1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge built in its place, which is much safer (it was modified in 2007 to include a parallel bridge).

To protect its remains from salvagers, the National Register of Historic Places listed what’s left of Galloping Gertie in Puget Sound in 1992. These parts have turned into one of the world’s largest artificial reefs.

Despite its collapse just a few months after its public opening, the failures of the 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge taught designers how to build suspension bridges more safely, and its remains have a second life as a refuge for marine animals.

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

One of the most famous puppets in the world has some surprisingly humble origins.

In 1955, then-unknown 18-year-old Jim Henson took his mother’s old spring coat and a pair of Jim’s blue jeans. He did some sewing and cutting around, and that alone gave him most of Kermit the Frog. The last detail was the pair of eyes; to create that, Henson used two painted ping-pong balls.

The result was a Kermit that was grayer than the one viewers know today, but that wasn’t necessarily a problem: TV was still in black-and-white in the ’50s, and when Kermit made his first appearance nobody would be able to see how gray he was anyway.

Kermit’s first TV appearance was on the kids’ variety puppet show Sam and Friends. He immediately stood out on the low-budget series for being one of the few characters to not look too much like just a hand up a sock, and the rest was history.

The big difference with early Kermit is that he wasn’t really a frog at all; he looked more like a lizard. It wouldn’t be until the late ’60s that he’d be officially named Kermit the Frog, and given a costume redesign along with it.

Kermit’s popularity throughout the ’60s rose slowly and surely until the premiere of Sesame Street in 1969 turned him into a household name. Soon Kermit and the other Muppets were starring in movies, appearing on Saturday Night Live, and even getting their own stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Kermit got his star in 2002.)

“He’s the closest character to me I suppose,” Henson said about Kermit in a 1977 interview. “We originally were not going to use him on Sesame Street, but people there, putting the show together, really wanted him as part of the show.”

By 2004, Kermit and the other Muppets were so famous that it cost Disney about $75 million to buy them. Not bad for a franchise that started with one puppet built of everyday objects. Henson built Kermit for practically nothing, and turned that invention into a multi-million dollar project.

For Henson, who died in 1990 of severe complications from Strep, the Muppets were never about the money but the sense of meaning and accomplishment he felt from them.

“I think much of the world has the wrong idea of working,” Henson is quoted as saying in the 2005 book It’s Not Easy Being Green. “It’s one of the good things in life. The feeling of accomplishment is more real and satisfying than finishing a good meal—or looking at one’s accumulated wealth.”

Taylor Swift’s music helped an unlikely fan find hope while serving 21 years in prison for murder, and now his remarkable story is the subject of a new documentary. Daylight, newly available online from The New Yorker, follows Joe Garcia, who became a devoted Swiftie behind bars and found an unexpected connection to the woman he’d loved before his incarceration. After his release in 2024, Garcia reunited with her and even attended Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. Now, the film reveals how the pop superstar’s music became part of his journey toward love, freedom and a second chance.

Daylight Documentary Explores Hope, Redemption and the Power of Music

In September 2023, Joe Garcia published an essay in The New Yorker titled “Listening to Taylor Swift in Prison.” At the time, he was still incarcerated following a murder conviction. During his years behind bars, Garcia had become a Taylor Swift fan. Actually, he was more than a fan. He was a full-fledged Swiftie.

Swift’s music, with its themes of lost love, heartbreak and hope, helped Garcia feel connected to the outside world and to memories of Ambere, with whom he’d shared a romantic relationship before going to prison. Swift’s 2019 song “Daylight” became especially meaningful to him because of its message about wanting to be defined by love rather than fear and past mistakes.

Following the attention Garcia’s original essay received, The New Yorker commissioned a documentary crew to follow his journey from incarceration to freedom. His experience attending Swift’s Eras Tour also became the subject of a follow-up essay, “From Life in Prison to the Eras Tour.”

Related: Janet Jackson, 60, Has Fans Convinced She’s Aging in Reverse After Stunning Red Carpet Appearance at Missy Elliott Tribute

The Documentary Daylight: What Happened Next? View this post on Instagram

Directed by Jon Kasbe, the short documentary follows Garcia as he prepares for parole, reflects on the life he took and hopes to reconnect with Ambere.

The film captures his final days behind bars, conversations about remorse and rehabilitation, and his eventual release on September 13, 2024.

One particularly emotional part of the story involves Ambere discovering Garcia’s essay. Although the two had been separated for decades, reading his words helped reopen communication between them.

Their reunion offers one of the documentary’s most moving moments, but there’s another chapter that feels especially fitting for a devoted Swiftie: Garcia finally gets to experience Taylor Swift’s music live at the Eras Tour.

Although Daylight premiered in New York in July 2026, it became available to a wider audience on October 12, when The New Yorker released it for free on its YouTube channel.

More than a story about an unlikely Taylor Swift fan, Daylight explores what it means to take responsibility for the past while holding on to the possibility of a different future. For Garcia, Swift’s music couldn’t change what happened or erase the harm he caused, but it helped him find hope for what might come next.

Related: Trisha Yearwood, 62, Shows Off Chic New Hairstyle and Slim Figure During Rare New York Red Carpet Appearance

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If your Christmas decorating style leans more toward colorful, whimsical holiday decor than traditional red and green, Michaels has some new decorations you’ll want to see.

The arts and crafts retailer recently unveiled its 2026 holiday decor collections, including Merry Kitschmas, a playful assortment of Christmas decorations filled with bright colors, nostalgic details and unexpected designs. And one particularly charming addition to the collection is already getting attention on social media: a series of light-up Christmas village houses that cost less than $10 each.

The 8.5-inch Floral LED Tabletop Houses come in five colorful designs. One features a red floral pattern, a mint-green roof and matching door. Another has a lavender floral design with pink accents. The houses are decorated with tiny holiday wreaths, garlands and bows, and their windows light up to give them a cozy Christmas glow.

The houses are regularly priced at $9.99 each, although they’re currently on sale for $8.99.

View this post on Instagram

Instagram creator Aurelie Erikson recently shared a look at the decorations, and it’s easy to see why they’re catching shoppers’ attention.

“A little Christmas whimsy never hurt anybody,” Erikson wrote in her post. “Michaels quietly released the cutest little Christmas houses and I cannot get over the details!”

Related: Michaels Is Hosting Free Holiday Craft Events at Stores Nationwide With a Little Help From Hallmark

Erikson also pointed out that the houses light up, adding that they’re even prettier when illuminated.

The post prompted enthusiastic reactions from other Instagram users, including one who compared the whimsical decorations to something you’d find at Anthropologie. “It’s giving Anthro,” they wrote.

“The way I gasped,” said another. “Whimsy.”

“Oh so cute,” said one. “I need to go visit Michaels now.”

The light-up houses are just one part of Michaels’ new Merry Kitschmas collection, which puts a colorful, playful spin on traditional Christmas decorating. Other vintage-inspired decorations in the assortment include 12-count boxes of glass Christmas ornaments by Ashland, featuring colorful designs reminiscent of classic Shiny Brite ornaments.

Related: Sam’s Club Shoppers Are Obsessed With a New $7.98 Holiday Snack Mix: ‘All the Best Parts of Christmas’

There’s also a 15.5-inch pink house tabletop advent calendar for anyone who wants to add a little extra whimsy to their Christmas countdown.

Whether you’re creating a colorful Christmas village or simply looking for a cheerful decoration to brighten up a mantel, shelf or tabletop, Michaels’ new light-up houses offer a festive option without a hefty price tag.

Vanessa Trump is cancer-free and sharing a rare pic of herself with boyfriend, Tiger Woods, following treatment at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 

The former Mrs. Donald Trump Jr. took to Instagram on Sunday, October 25, posting photos from a YouTube video she made with her daughter, Kai Trump, along with a sweet snapshot featuring Woods. 

While Trump almost never posts photos of herself with the pro golfer, this one was for a very good reason. Not only was the post in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the mom of five was also celebrating what is hopefully the end of her recent health scare. A “Congratulations” sign hangs above a bell (presumably to ring after finishing her cancer treatment) as Vanessa stands with her arm around Woods, next to her two eldest children, 19-year-old Kai and 17-year-old Donald John Trump III. 

Vanessa recently detailed her breast cancer story in Kai’s latest YouTube vlog, revealing her first symptoms: “I know for myself, I had pain in my arm for about four to six months. And then finally, it’s, you know, after those four to six months, I’m like, ‘I don’t know, that Amazon package, I don’t think was that heavy’ to have this pain in my arm that long.” 

She continued, explaining that everyone thought she had pulled a biceps tendon. “After some time, and then feeling something in my left breast, which freaked me out, because growing up I always heard if you feel something that’s like a pea size in your breast, you should run right away. And I did run…But it’s a lot of fear that you have when you hear that you have cancer.”

Later, in her conversation with Kai, Vanessa shared that she ignored the pain, but it would wake her up at night. At the time, she chalked it up to being a busy mom. After feeling the lump, she had an immediate mammogram and an ultrasound. And that’s when the doctor suggested a biopsy. 

Following the test, she did what just about everyone does now: Vanessa constantly checked her doctor’s patient portal, looking for the results. “A few days later, about Wednesday, I got a phone call from my radiologist who did the biopsy, and she said that, you know, first she started the conversation, ‘How are you?’ I said, ‘I’m okay. Been a little nervous really since Friday when I had the mammogram.’ And she said, ‘I’m sorry to say, but you’ll be okay.” And that was what she used; she reassured me, ‘But you have cancer. You have breast cancer.’” 

She continued, “I was in complete shock.” For the first time, Vanessa publicly went into detail about her treatment: “So I decided to have a lumpectomy. And they took out four lymph nodes as well, on my left side.” As it turns out, her lymph nodes were clear. “I was very lucky to catch it early. I listened to myself. I did take a few months because it was my arm. But as soon as I felt something, I went right away to have that mammogram,” she said.

But her treatment didn’t end there. She also had three courses of radiation at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Florida. She now has to take medication for the next five to 10 years and follow up with monthly checkups as well as periodic scans. “Just recently I had a breast MRI, and it came back clear. So I’m finally cancer-free.” 

Late actor Andy Griffith famously played Mayberry’s kind sheriff, Andy Taylor, in the beloved series The Andy Griffith Show, which had an eight-season run until 1968.

MeTV.com reported that Griffith shared that his moral character’s lack of faults made it a bit difficult to write episodes centered around Sheriff Taylor.

“Andy Taylor was such a good man. But you know, until about the last year, we could not write shows that were about Andy. Because Andy was too good,” said Griffith during a Knight-Ridder interview, per MeTV.com. “You have to have a weakness somewhere in order to write a show for you. There has to be a flaw. And Andy was a good man. If you look back on all those shows, they were never about Andy. While I was in every show, in almost every scene, it wasn’t about me. It was always about one of the other characters.”

Andy Griffith Explained He Immediately Knew Don Knotts’ Deputy Barney Fife Needed to Be The Show’s Main Comedic Character

Griffith, who died in 2012 at the age of 86, made similar comments about Sheriff Taylor in an interview for Pioneers of Television. He said that his character was originally “supposed to be funny and tell little funny stories about the people in Mayberry.” However, he said after Don Knotts joined the cast, Griffith knew his character, Deputy Barney Fife, needed to be the show’s main comedic character.

“I remember thinking somewhere in my mind, ‘This man should play comedy. And I should play straight for him.’ I knew that the second episode, and so I kept saying after that, ‘Let’s give more to Don,'” said Griffith during the interview.

He then noted that Sheriff Taylor eventually “became the center [of the show] because [he] became the straight man for everybody.”

“Also we could do shows that didn’t have comedy in them. We could do shows that were just straight stories,” added the late actor.

What do you think of when you hear the term “old souls”? Odds are, you think of buttoned-up, overly mature children or younger people who dress like they’re from a previous decade. And that would make sense, since old souls are typically associated with being wise beyond their years, or having taste in music and movies that reflects previous generations. However, the label can actually refer to so much more than that.

That’s not all; people who identify as old souls tend to have a slew of wonderful characteristics and habits that make them who they are. But what does having an old soul even mean?

To learn more, we spoke with two psychologists: Dr. Cathryn Goldman, PsyD—a licensed clinical psychologist and an adjunct clinical supervisor at Yeshiva University—and Dr. Carol M. Panetta, PsyD, a psychologist and the President of the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis.

According to Dr. Goldman and Dr. Panetta, there are eight habits that are pretty common among old souls. Curious to learn more? Keep reading for their insights—and make sure to let us know in the comments which habit you identify with the most.

Related: 5 ‘Exhausting’ Habits of Eldest Daughters, a Researcher Warns

What Makes Someone an Old Soul, According to Psychologists

“An ‘old soul’ is someone who, even if they are extremely young, understands that everything in life is more than it seems,” Dr. Panetta tells Parade. “They recognize that every situation has layers of history and even contradictions beneath it. They understand that these layers are reflected by, but not obvious in, the present circumstances.”

Dr. Goldman defines an old soul as “someone whose wisdom extends beyond their years of life.” Older people are, obviously, typically associated with having had more life experiences and being wiser. However, old souls often “demonstrate this wisdom well before the psychosocial developmental stage of ego integrity versus despair,” she points out.

“One contributing factor to the old soul personality may be found in Laura Carstensen’s socioemotional selectivity theory, which states that limited time horizon rather than chronological age impacts our values, motivation and choices,” she adds. “Therefore, younger adults who have experienced loss, terminal illness diagnosis or another ‘off-time’ life event may approach situations from a perspective of wisdom that results in decision-making more aligned with the wisdom we typically associate with older adults.”

Related: This ‘Often Invisible’ Parenting Behavior Is Detrimental to Children Long-Term, According to a Trauma Therapist

These 8 Habits Are Common Among ‘Old Souls,’ According to Psychologists 1. They wait to be contacted rather than reach out

“Old souls often wait to be contacted because they are careful not to intrude on others,” Dr. Panetta explains. “Since old souls are listening and receptive, though, people contact them. When they do, old souls don’t take what they hear at face value but continue listening for more information.”

2. They prioritize meaningful connections over surface-level connections

Gratsias Adhi Hermawan / Getty Images

According to Dr. Goldman, old souls tend to prioritize the quality of a connection over the quantity of connections, meaning they prefer meaningful, deep relationships with a few close friends rather than surface-level friendships with many.

“Old souls may prioritize close relationships due to wisdom of recognizing limited time horizon,” she explains, linking back to socioemotional selectivity theory (SST).

3. They “let sleeping dogs lie”

Old souls “don’t immediately challenge people’s perceptions,” per Dr. Panetta.

“As children, for example, they might refrain from arguing with other children about Santa Claus. As adults, they don’t provoke conflict just to show they’re right,” she explains. “They tend to recognize that people need to believe what they believe.”

4. They’re optimistic

Olga Pankova / Getty Images

Dr. Goldman has observed old souls “championing the glass half full or optimistic outlook.”

“Research shows that agreeableness increases and neuroticism decreases in older adulthood,” she says.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Personality had similar findings, concluding that personality changes like this are common in adults across all different cultures.

“In turn, old souls mirroring this life stage may demonstrate similar patterns,” says Dr. Goldman.

Related: The 1990s Classroom Halloween Party Snacks We Desperately Need Back

5. They consider other people’s perspectives

“Old souls frequently put themselves in another’s shoes,” states Dr. Panetta. “This helps them see multiple sides of the same story and understand where other people are coming from. It also helps them receive feedback.”

If an old soul’s friend tells them, “You hurt my feelings,” the old soul “doesn’t become defensive, but instead [tries] to learn how it happened,” she explains.

6. They practice mindfulness

Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images

According to Dr. Goldman, old souls are likely to practice mindfulness, as well as “experience gratitude for both positive and negative events.”

Similarly, she says that mindful old souls tend to look at experiences as teachable moments, which “lends itself toward remaining present in the here-and-now.”

7. They ask a lot of “why” questions—and they listen to the answers

As children, old souls tend to ask a lot of why questions, such as “Why are there trees?” says Dr. Panetta.

But as adults, old souls are curious in new ways, often seeking “to understand why people repeat the same mistakes again and again.” And from there, they tend to really listen to the answers.

“Old souls listen longer and more deeply,” she adds. “Because they sense there is more to every story, they wait before responding. They convey wisdom by speaking only when there is a window for something important to be heard.”

8. They put others’ needs ahead of their own

miodrag ignjatovic / Getty Images

“Because they are so aware of other people’s needs, it can be difficult for old souls to recognize and pursue their own desires,” explains Dr. Panetta.

This can be a double-edged sword.

“As children, they may become lonely, anxious or depressed about the complications of the world. As adolescents or young adults, they may become enmeshed in other people’s problems,” she adds. “By learning to recognize a wide variety of emotions in themselves and others without acting on them right away, they can learn to tolerate strong feelings more comfortably and then use those feelings to make positive choices.”

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

Final Takeaways:

Being an old soul is associated with a number of emotionally intelligent and mindful habits.

• Old souls are all about connection. They’d prefer a few deep connections rather than many shallow ones.
• Old souls are good listeners. They’re inquisitive and really listen when other people talk.
• Old souls consider other people’s feelings. They’re good at putting themselves in other people’s shoes and often put others’ desires ahead of their own.

Up Next:

Related: Psychiatrist Says People Who Peak Emotionally After 50 Share These 4 ‘Quiet’ Habits

Sources:

• Dr. Cathryn Goldman, PsyD, is a a licensed clinical psychologist and an adjunct clinical supervisor at Yeshiva University.
• Dr. Carol M. Panetta, PsyD, is a psychologist and the President of the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis.
• Carstensen, Laura. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory. ScienceDirect.
• Personality change across the lifespan: Insights from a cross-cultural longitudinal study (2018). Journal of Personality.

Back in 2003, future Golden Globe winner Chadwick Boseman began his professional television acting career on the ABC soap opera All My Children; however, after just one week in the role, he was let go. Now, in a resurfaced interview, Boseman revealed the true reason he left the Agnes Nixon-created daytime drama.

Boseman originated the role of Reggie Montgomery on the ABC series. In a 2019 interview with The Wrap, Boseman revealed that working on a soap isn’t easy when trying to grasp the true intentions of your character. “Because with a soap opera, you don’t know the full scope of what’s gonna happen,” he shared. “You don’t know where they’re gonna take the character, because they don’t always know where the character is going.”

In some ways, this excited the future Black Panther star because it meant there was room for him to “adjust this and change it and make it so it’s stereotypical on the page but not on the screen.”

But once Boseman learned the disappointing backstory that his character was going to have, enough was enough, and he had to speak up.

Boseman’s former agent Michael Greene explained to The Hollywood Reporter in 2020, following the actor’s death, that it happened pretty suddenly; Boseman was given his next script and explained: “your mother’s a crackhead, and your father left.” And immediately the actor explained, “I’m not playing those images,” and he went into the writers’ room.”

Recalling his frame of mind, Boseman explained to The Wrap that “I remember going home and thinking, ‘Do I say something to them about this? Do I do it?’ And I couldn’t just do it. I had to voice my opinions and put my stamp on it. And the good thing about it was, it changed it a little bit for him.”

Unfortunately for Boseman, he wouldn’t get to play any of those adjustments, as his agent explained the future Marvel star was let go on the spot, with then-up-and-comer Michael B. Jordan assuming the role after a successful run on HBO’s The Wire.

Jordan would continue to play the part until 2006, when the character was written out of Pine Valley to attend college on a basketball scholarship.

Years later, both Jordan and Boseman would work together on Marvel’s Black Panther.

Like many people who chase a dream, Martin Short had kept had a backup plan, but his was linked to a countdown. Long before he became a comedy fixture, he gave himself exactly one year to make it in show business. If he failed, he planned to become a social worker.

Short shared the deadline on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend after O’Brien asked whether he would have found another path without his big break. “It was very difficult for me to leave the stepping stones of school … I’d now done four years of university. I was now going to do a master’s in social work,” Short said.

Short, who earned a social work degree from McMaster University, lost his eldest brother, David, in a car accident when he was 12. His mother died of cancer in 1968, and his father died two years later. “I definitely gave myself a one-year contract to be in show business because my parents weren’t living at this point. I was 20 and my father had just died,” he said.

His father’s wishes still guided him. “I had an inheritance, but I knew that he wouldn’t support me being an actor … he’d support education,” Short explained. “So I thought I will do this for a year, but … I don’t want to be a waiter at 37.”

He was serious about the deadline. “Had I not worked in that year, I definitely would have gone back to school,” he said. The goal was to avoid lifelong regret, not to guarantee success. “I wanted to be able to say, ‘No, you did. Remember, no one hired you’,” he said of the conversation he imagined having with himself decades later.

Related: Bruce Willis Is ‘Not Aware There’s an Issue,’ Says Kevin Pollak

Someone did hire him. In 1972, Stephen Schwartz cast Short in a new Toronto production of Godspell. The show opened at the Royal Alexandra Theatre and ran for 488 performances. Short said hundreds of hopefuls showed up for callbacks, and the final choice for his role came down to him and “this other very talented guy named Andrew.” He remembered Schwartz settling it from the stage: “You are fabulous. I think we’re going to go with Martin.”

The cast also included Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin and Victor Garber. That group is now the subject of the documentary You Had to Be There, which reached U.S. theaters on Sept. 18. Short credits timing as much as talent. “I was just lucky that that show was happening. Was lucky that I got it,” he said.

Short went on to SCTV and Saturday Night Live. Decades later, he has taken Only Murders in the Building with Steve Martin to London for its sixth season. O’Brien summed up what that one-year bet produced. “I can’t think of another name of someone who’s brought me as much joy as you have,” he told his friend.

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