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The forthcoming sequel to Dirty Dancing will pay tribute to Patrick Swayze’s legacy without using artificial intelligence to bring the late actor back to the screen. 

Nina Jacobson, the producer of the upcoming movie, has confirmed that the film will give viewers a chance to remember Swayze, since Jennifer Grey is preparing to take on the role of Frances “Baby” Houseman again.

At the Future of Filmmaking Summit in Los Angeles on October 17, Jacobson spoke about the problem of going on with the story without its first leading actor, and stated that they would not bring him back using AI. Moreover, she noted that the film would recognize his absence instead of trying to reproduce his performance.

“That’s one of the things that you really have to focus on: how to let people mourn him in a movie. And don’t worry, we won’t be bringing him back with AI,” Jacobson told IndieWire.

Vestron Pictures

The new sequel will differ from the technology employed to bring Val Kilmer back for the posthumous movie As Deep as the Grave, and the decision to restore the legendary actor had attracted considerable criticism.

While the story is set in the 1990s, more details regarding the plot and further announcements about the casting have not yet been made.

Apart from acting, Grey is also serving as a producer on the film, which is still in the development stage. No director has yet been announced.

Talking further about the sequel, Jacobson also wishes that the sequel would retain the features which had made the original film special. She remarked that Dirty Dancing combined romance with topics which were not usually dealt with in mainstream entertainment, such as abortion.

In order to find out why Baby’s story still strikes a chord with audiences, the producer has been working with Grey, and instead of just reproducing the original, the filmmakers want to achieve the same emotional effect while presenting a different tale of young love.

Why Patrick Swayze’s Legacy Matters

Dirty Dancing was released in 1987 and centered on a young woman who is on vacation with her family at a resort in the Catskills, where she falls in love with Johnny Castle, the dance instructor portrayed by Swayze. Swayze went on to earn positive reviews for his acting skills and became a sensation.

The film originally served as a defining breakthrough for Swayze, since his dancing ability, screen presence and romantic appeal were the factors that transformed him into a Hollywood star, and at the same time it established Grey as a leading actress.

In 2009, Swayze died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 57.

How the Original ‘Dirty Dancing’ Became a Hit

Although it was made on a modest budget, Dirty Dancing became a huge success at the box office and earned over $214 million worldwide; the soundtrack also produced lasting hits, one of which was (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, a song that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Swayze also co-wrote and performed ‘She’s Like the Wind‘, thus highlighting his musical abilities. His success went on with movies like Ghost and Point Break, although Johnny Castle is still one of his most well-known roles.

As of now, there is no stated release date for the sequel, and the final cast and production timetable are still unconfirmed.

Related: Controversial Thriller Starring Zoe Saldana Named ‘Worst Oscar Winner Ever’ Despite 70% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle covers everything from popular items at a fast food restaurant to people who talk a good game as well as words for simmering anger and birds that are the word.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1226 on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, October 19, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

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

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

Hints About Today’s NYT Connections Categories on Monday, October 19

1. Stewing.
2. All bark, not bite.
3. I’m lovin’ it!
4. Caw-caw!

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

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

iStock

Today’s Connections Game Answers for Monday, October 19:

1. SEETHE: BOIL, FUME, RAVE, STEAM
2. ALL TALK: BLATHER, GAS, HOT AIR, WIND
3. “MC” THINGS AT MCDONALD’S: FLURRY, MUFFIN, NUGGETS, RIB
4. ENDING IN BIRDS: ALIBIS, BALLOON, ESCROW, MOHAWK

How’d you do?

Up Next:

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

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

Related: Fans Are ‘Crying’ Over Salt & Straw’s New Take on This Nostalgic Ice Cream Treat—and It’s Even Better Than You Can Imagine

Ronald Read, a former gas station attendant and janitor from Vermont, surprised his hometown after his death in 2014 when people learned he had quietly built a fortune worth nearly $8 million. 

The 92-year-old left $4.8 million to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and $1.2 million to Brooks Memorial Library, giving the two local institutions their largest donations at the time.

Read died on June 2, 2014, at the hospital in Brattleboro, where he had lived for most of his life. Although he worked ordinary jobs and lived on modest means, he built his wealth through careful spending and long-term stock investments.

According to NBC News, his fortune shocked relatives, friends and neighbors who had no idea he had become a millionaire. His story later drew widespread attention because he showed how years of saving, patience and investing could build wealth without a high-paying job.

Read’s estate also provided $2 million to his stepchildren, caregivers and friends. His donations to the hospital and library helped support services that mattered to the community where he had spent his life.

Ronald Read spent most of his life looking like a man who had very little.

He grew up in a poor farming family in Vermont, became the first person in his family to graduate from high school, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then returned home to pump gas for about 25… pic.twitter.com/r1gTwyqJHQ

— Wolf of X (@WolfofX) August 4, 2026

Read was born on Oct. 23, 1921, and grew up in a poor farming family in Dummerston, Vermont. He faced financial challenges from an early age but continued his education. He walked or hitchhiked about four miles to attend high school in Brattleboro and became the first person in his family to graduate.

During World War II, Read served in the United States Army. He was sent to North Africa, Italy and the Pacific region. In Italy, he worked as a military policeman before receiving an honorable discharge in 1945.

After returning home, Read worked as a gas station attendant and mechanic for about 25 years. He later took a part-time job doing cleaning and maintenance work at J.C. Penney, where he stayed for 17 years before retiring in 1997.

Despite his modest earnings, Read steadily built his investment portfolio. He bought shares in companies he understood and held many of them for years or even decades.

He favored established businesses that paid dividends, which are payments companies make to shareholders. Rather than spending much of that extra income, he reinvested it to buy more shares.

After his death, Read owned at least 95 stocks across different industries, per the Wall Street Journal. His holdings included well-known companies such as Procter & Gamble, JPMorgan Chase, General Electric, Dow Chemical, CVS Health, Johnson & Johnson and J.M. Smucker.

Read’s success did not come from a large salary or a flashy lifestyle. It grew from years of making careful choices, buying stocks and allowing his investments to increase in value over time.

Even as his investments grew, Read continued to live simply. He drove a used Toyota Yaris, wore old flannel shirts and used a safety pin to hold together his worn jacket.

He also spent time collecting stamps and coins and cutting firewood. Friends and neighbors often saw him doing ordinary tasks and had little reason to suspect that he had millions of dollars in investments.

His lawyer, Laurie Rowell, described how Read even tried to save money on parking when visiting her office. He would choose a space without a parking meter to avoid paying for parking.

Read’s stepson, Phillip Brown, said the family was surprised when they learned about his wealth.

“He was a hard worker, but I don’t think anybody had an idea that he was a multimillionaire,” Brown told the Brattleboro Reformer in 2015.

His friend and neighbor Mark Richards also described Read’s habit of putting much of his earnings into investments.

“I’m sure if he earned $50 in a week, he probably invested $40 of it,” Richards said, according to CNBC.

Read’s gift to the hospital had a personal connection. He regularly visited its cafe for breakfast, usually ordering coffee and an English muffin with peanut butter. He was known for sitting at the same stool at the counter.

His visits were not mainly for medical treatment. The cafe was part of his everyday routine, making the hospital a familiar place in his hometown.

Hospital officials said the donation would help pay for building improvements, updated facilities and modernization projects. The money gave the hospital greater support for work that would otherwise require additional funding.

The donation also became part of the hospital’s longer-term development. In 2022, the hospital opened a $22.7 million expansion called the Ronald Read Pavilion. The project was partly funded by his gift and recognized his contribution to local health care.

While he kept his personal spending low and his wealth private, Read left much of his fortune to institutions that served his neighbors.

Related: In 2015, Pike Place Market removed over 2,350 pounds of gum from its Gum Wall in 130 hours; people began sticking more on almost immediately

Today’s NYT Wordle puzzle answer might remind you to take out the trash.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1948 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There is one vowel in today’s Wordle.

What kind of letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today’s Wordle?

Pee-yew!

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

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

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle Answer for #1948 on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Monday, October 19, 2026, is STINK.

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

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

Megan Moroney was a special guest performer at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif, on Sunday, Oct. 18. 

The country music superstar, 29, kicked off her three-song set with a rendition of “Six Months Later” before moving into“Wish I Didn’t” and “Sorry…I Meant Tonight.” All three songs appear on the singer/songwriter’s 2026 album Cloud 9, with the latter featured as a bonus track. 

Moroney commanded the stage as models strutted down the runway, delivering a performance in an eye-catching pink ensemble. She wore a studded corset, a silk mini skirt, and heels, completing the glamorous look with fuzzy pink angel wings and a lacy garter around her thigh, as seen in the TikTok clip below. 

@littleemocowgirl

#victoriassecret #meganmoroney #performance #vsfashionshow #fashion @MoroneyHQ @Megan Moroney @Victoria’s Secret

♬ original sound – EMOCOWGIRLAMBER🫶🏻

“A dream came true. Thank you,” Moroney captioned her look on Instagram, sharing her excitement for the moment and opportunity. 

View this post on Instagram

Ahead of her performance, Moroney spoke with E! Online on the pink carpet, teasing what fans could expect from her set. 

“It is a medley. I’m performing a medley of three of my songs, and two of them I’ve never performed on TV before, so I’m excited,” she told the outlet.

She added, “I got to choose which songs I thought would be good for this runway. They’re very confident, girl power anthems that I’ve got. You know, I’m an emo cowgirl, but there will be no, like, ‘No Caller ID’ tonight. We’re not crying.”   

Moroney also opened up about her most “outrageous” fashion moment, when asked by the outlet, recalling an unexpected mishap at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards a few years ago. 

“I’ll tell you what my brain immediately went to,” she began. “At the ACM Awards a few years ago, I had these sticky underwear on, and they fell off on the carpet. So then I just took them off and gave them to my publicist.” 

She continued, “So yeah, I didn’t have underwear on the carpet.”

Moroney was among four musical acts featured in this year’s show, joining Tate McRae, KATSEYE, and Megan Thee Stallion for the all-female lineup.

Related: Luke Bryan’s Son Suffers Serious Injury During High School Football Game

Jesse Eisenberg is sharing how an unexpected award-ceremony win turned him into a Hollywood pariah among big-studio execs.

During the 2017 Golden Raspberry Awards (a satirical parody award show that celebrates he worst cinematic achievements of the year), Eisenberg won Worst Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He then reprised the role the following year for Justice League.

While attending the 2026 BFI London Film Festival this weekend, the 43-year-old actor spoke at a Screen Talk where he opened up about the backlash that followed the award, and how it opened him up to more outlets for creativity.

Jesse Eisenberg at “The Debut” Closing Night Gala during the BFI London Film Festival held at The Royal Festival Hall on October 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Zak Hussein/Variety via Getty Images)

“Listen, a lot of it just came from fear,” he said at the film festival, via Variety. “I couldn’t get into movie studio parts anymore because I had won a Raspberry Award from [being in the] Batman movie … and I saw the trajectory.”

“If you’re an actor, you’re constantly panicked about ‘Am I on an upslope or a downslope?’” Eisenberg added. “Because there’s no plateau. Acting is just this unstable, awful industry where you are either on the treadmill and you’re doing okay, and you’re running up, or you are yesterday’s news, and it’s awful. And if you’re a paranoid person like me, you see it way in advance.”

So, he decided to venture off and create a future for himself: “So I was like, I’ve got to direct movies,” Eisenberg said. “That’s why I started writing them, just to kind of keep my career afloat, really.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Jesse Eisenberg speaks onstage during the Screen Talk with Jesse Eisenberg during the 70th BFI London Film Festival at BFI Southbank on October 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for BFI)

He revealed that the entire situation taught him one valuable lesson: no more superhero movies for the near future.

“The industry tells you what they want from you,” he shared. “The industry did not want me to be in a superhero movie, and if you’re smart and self-aware, you learn that quickly. And you know, it’s the unsuccessful actor that goes ‘No, I want to be in more of those.’

“It’s not going to happen, and they don’t want you there, and they wouldn’t have given you a Raspberry Award if they wanted you there. That’s an award for bad acting. And so the industry tells you what it wants, and if you want a career in the arts, you have to follow the things that you’re being told are liked.”

MILL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 11: Jesse Eisenberg attends the Closing Night Premiere of “The Debut” during the 49th Mill Valley Film Festival at The Outdoor Art Club on October 11, 2026 in Mill Valley, California. (Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images)

But the block from movie studios didn’t completely stop Eisenberg’s career. The Now You See Me: Now You Don’t star has gone on to direct three feature films and secure a long list of acting roles.

2025 and 2026 have been great years for horror. Between films like Sinners, Obsession and Backrooms breaking box office records and the release of horror television shows like Stranger Things Season 5 and IT: Welcome to Derry, horror fans are truly living the dream. Last year, Andy Muschietti’s IT: Welcome to Derry released on HBO Max with Bill Skarsgård returning as Pennywise. The television series follows Stephen King’s IT, with season one set in the 1960s and leading up to the first film. 

Season one follows a new group of kids, starring Clara Stack (Lily Bainbridge), Amanda Christine (Ronnie Grogan), Matilda Lawler (Marge Truman), Blake Cameron James (Will Hanlon) and Arian S. Cartaya (Rich Santos). Taylour Paige (Charlotte Hanlon), Chris Chalk (Dick Hallorann), Rudy Mancuso (Captain Pauly Russo) and Jovan Adepo (Leroy Hanlon) also starred in season one. 

Following the first episode of the season, fans were hooked. Social media platforms like X and TikTok exploded with fan theories, edits and posts after weekly Sunday episodes. And although there were only eight episodes last season, fans were excited to see more. In August, HBO announced the renewal of the show for season two. It’s currently in pre-production. 

Related: Netflix’s ‘Scooby-Doo: Origins’ Wraps Production, Confirms 2027 Release

Fans are already getting a glimpse of season two via teasers. “We’re writing the scripts. We’re about halfway through the writing of the scripts. We have a production schedule, we’re greenlit for a Season 2, and Andy Muschietti’s out there casting. You’re going to see a different kind of Pennywise, the way you’ve never seen that character before,” Brad Caleb Kane, showrunner and executive producer, told Deadline. Kane is also the producer of Crystal Lake, which tells the origin story of Friday the 13th killer Jason Voorhees. Starring horror icon Linda Cardellini, the show premiered on Peacock on October 15, 2026.

‘IT: WELCOME TO DERRY’ Season 2 is in pre-production.

“We’re about halfway through the writing of the scripts. We have a production schedule, we’re greenlit for a Season 2, and Andy Muschietti’s out there casting.”

(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/xYt9Exyp3C

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 17, 2026

IT: Welcome to Derry isn’t the only Stephen King television adaptation dominating the horror TV space. Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of King’s novel Carrie premiered on Amazon Prime Video on October 7, 2026, just in time for Halloween. The show is a modern take on the classic horror novel, starring Summer H. Howell as Carrie. Of course, horror fans have been binge-watching the season, reacting to storylines on social media and making comparisons to the Carrie films, notably the 1976 version starring Sissy Spacek. Flanagan recently teased season two in an interview with PEOPLE. “In a dream scenario, I think it’d be really cool to continue the story,” he says. “I’ve never gotten to do that. And we certainly tried to leave the ingredients there for that to be the case,” he told the outlet. 

Each season of IT: Welcome to Derry will be set 27 years earlier. Season one is set in 1962, 27 years prior to IT (2017). Season two will be set in 1935 during the Great Depression and will follow the Bradley Gang massacre, while season three will be set in 1908. While a release date for season two hasn’t been announced, we can expect its release sometime in 2027. Stream season one of IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO Max. 

Related: Curry Barker’s ‘Obsession’ to Release on Peacock After Earning $427 Million at the Box Office

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle covers a variety of topics, including popular animated Disney characters, jobs that require a face shield, Wile E. Coyote’s antics, and the process of making a rug.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Monday, October 19, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, October 19, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Move through the air, as a smell — HINT: Starts with the letter “W”

5 Across: “Aladdin” character with the line “Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty-bitty living space” — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

6 Across: Baltimore N.F.L. player — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

7 Across: Wicked — HINT: Starts with the letter “E”

8 Across: Fuse, as pieces of metal — HINT: Ends with the letter “D”

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Use a loom — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

2 Down: Metal block falling on Wile E. Coyote’s head — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”

3 Down: Scientist’s area of study — HINT: Starts with the letter “F”

4 Down: Number of clues in this puzzle — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”

5 Down: Sprouted — HINT: Starts with the letter “G”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, October 19, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Move through the air, as a smell — WAFT

5 Across: “Aladdin” character with the line “Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty-bitty living space” — GENIE

6 Across: Baltimore N.F.L. player — RAVEN

7 Across: Wicked — EVIL

8 Across: Fuse, as pieces of metal — WELD

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Use a loom — WEAVE

2 Down: Metal block falling on Wile E. Coyote’s head — ANVIL

3 Down: Scientist’s area of study — FIELD

4 Down: Number of clues in this puzzle — TEN

5 Down: Sprouted — GREW

Related: Fans Are ‘Crying’ Over Salt & Straw’s New Take on This Nostalgic Ice Cream Treat—and It’s Even Better Than You Can Imagine

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Investing in new furniture doesn’t have to rack up a large credit card bill. Thanks to Drew Barrymore’s incredible collection at Walmart, you can add budget-friendly pieces to your cart that are modern, functional, and durable. Some of our favorites include this comfortable sofa, this two-door cabinet, and now, we’re eyeing the Beautiful Fluted Vanity Storage Cabinet while it’s $15 off.

The cabinet originally cost $129 for the black version, but has been reduced to $114 during a limited-time rollback deal. You can also get the honey color for a flat price of $114. The black hue is perfect for mid-century and modern style homes, while the warm honey is ideal for cottagecore, bohemian, or farmhouse-style decor. The cabinet is 23.5 inches wide, 12.6 inches long, and 32.25 inches tall, so it’s perfect for small spaces. 

Beautiful Fluted Vanity Storage Cabinet, $114 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The cabinet weighs 54.8 pounds, so you will need another set of hands to maneuver it. The design features an open upper shelf that you can use to display decorative items (like frames and books), one tall cabinet, and three smooth-gliding drawers. The fluted drawer fronts are what really make the cabinet unique, because it adds texture to a space without being the statement piece. 

The cabinet is made of engineered wood that you can wipe with a damp cloth to ensure it stays clean. This piece is ideal for those who need hidden storage space but still want their living area to look chic and cohesive. You can put it in bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and virtually any area you see fit. Shoppers described the “stylish” piece as “beautiful,” “pretty,” “functional,” and “well-designed.”

One reviewer said that this style “would be the perfect piece for a small corner of your room that you’re looking to fill.” With back-to-school season currently underway, this offering is also a “very high-quality” yet affordable option for dorms. “It could hold anything,” another customer wrote. You could even use it to store extra clothes if needed. 

Related: Drew Barrymore’s ‘Soft’ and ‘Beautiful’ Geometric Jute Rug ‘Instantly Brightens’ Any Room

The reason we go back to Drew Barrymore’s collection over and over again is because it will make your home look sleek without breaking the bank. However, a deal on her already budget-friendly furniture doesn’t come around often. Shop this gorgeous vanity storage cabinet while it’s $15 off at Walmart! 

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

There’s a special kind of Christmas nostalgia that brings us right back to the living rooms of the ‘90s, when the tree was covered in colorful ornaments, the shelves were dotted with ceramic Christmas figurines and every couch seemed to have a cozy holiday blanket draped over it. Before minimalist holiday decor took over our feeds, Christmas decorating was all about warmth, personality and the kind of collected-over-time charm that made Grandma’s house feel extra magical. And if you’re ready to bring a little of that old-fashioned spirit back, T.J. Maxx has a festive find to fit right in.

The Quilted Vintage Look Tree Throw feels right at home in that nostalgic decorating aesthetic, blending the cozy appeal of traditional quilting with a classic Christmas tree motif. It looks like it could have been tucked into a family linen closet for decades, ready to make its annual appearance when the season rolls around.

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Made in India Quilted Vintage Look Tree Throw, $39.99 at T.J. Maxx Made in India Quilted Vintage Look Tree Throw

T.J. Maxx

Shop It!

Grandma-style Christmas decor has been having a moment, and this is just one example. Think vintage ornaments, needlepoint stockings, embroidered linens, handmade decorations and plenty of cheerful red and green. Rather than making everything match perfectly, the goal is to create a home that feels personal, welcoming and full of holiday memories. A quilted tree throw fits that mood beautifully.

Draped over the arm of a sofa, folded at the foot of a bed or tossed across a cozy chair, the throw can add a festive layer without requiring a complete living room makeover. It also brings a softer, more lived-in feel to holiday decorating, especially when paired with plaid pillows, traditional tree ornaments or a collection of vintage Christmas decorations.

Related: Aldi Is Bringing Back $20 Nostalgic Ceramic Christmas Trees for Just $20, and They’ll Sell Out Fast

It doesn’t have to look brand new or overly polished to feel special. In fact, the slightly old-fashioned look is precisely the point. This feels like it belongs right alongside a glowing ceramic Christmas tree, a bowl of vintage glass ornaments and the family decorations that come out of storage every December.

And while the ‘90s are a fun reference point, you don’t have to recreate your childhood living room to make this look work. Mix the throw with neutral furniture for a subtle seasonal touch or lean into the nostalgia with layers of traditional holiday colors and playful Christmas accents.

If your ideal holiday home feels cozy, cheerful and a little bit like Christmas at Grandma’s, this piece could be just the finishing touch your holiday decorating needs.

Related: Target’s $16 Green Toile Stoneware Appetizer Plates Will Make Your Holiday Table Feel Extra Special

When Evermore Park first opened its gates in Pleasant Grove, Utah, back in 2018, it promised a live-action, choose-your-own-adventure fantasy world unlike anything the theme park industry had seen. Instead of roller coasters, guests wandered through medieval taverns, gothic ruins, and winding cobblestone paths, interacting with costumed actors and solving quests. But after navigating years of pandemic shutdowns, high-profile trademark legal battles, and a permanent closure in 2024, the quirky 14-acre fantasy village was left to sit quietly abandoned.

Now, the shuttered park has officially found a buyer with serious storytelling credentials: bestselling fantasy author Brandon Sanderson.

Sanderson, the acclaimed writer behind massive literary juggernauts like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, teamed up with real estate partners to purchase the former attraction. But for passionate fans hoping the author might wave a magic wand and revive the immersive roleplay village, Sanderson shared an honest, bittersweet reality check. Rather than resurrecting the attraction, the entire property is slated for the wrecking ball to make way for the new headquarters of his publishing company, Dragonsteel.

Related: Brandon Sanderson’s Novel Named Greatest Fantasy Book Since 2004

The author originally passed on buying the land multiple times, holding out hope that someone else might step in to save the fantasy concept. “One of the reasons I did pass multiple times is I wanted someone to come in who could bring Evermore back the way it had been,” Sanderson told People.com. “Because I knew I couldn’t do that—the business side of it didn’t make any sense to me”.

Once potential deals fell apart and the site sat vacant, Sanderson reconsidered. Dragonsteel already owned neighboring land and needed room to develop an ambitious campus featuring an independent bookstore, an event venue, and a community plaza. However, an on-site structural inspection quickly revealed that years of neglect had rendered the park’s medieval facades and cottage structures unsafe.

“This is why it’s bittersweet. None of the buildings are usable, nothing on Evermore really works,” Sanderson told the outlet. “Our architects and people said you can’t have people go in these buildings. They have degraded too far”.

Related: Europe’s Biggest Independent Theme Park Just Announced Three New Rides

The discovery made the purchase a melancholy milestone for the fantasy novelist, who confirmed that extensive demolition will begin shortly. “We looked at expanding Dragonsteel Plaza into this extra land and it was really exciting for us but also sad for us because it meant no one was going to be able to make Evermore work … So I am buying the land that Evermore sits on with some partners, but we are not going to be able to keep any of Evermore,” he noted.

While it marks the final curtain call for a one-of-a-kind fantasy experiment, Sanderson views it as turning the page to a fresh chapter for the local arts community. As he reflected: “Every story needs to have an ending … This is an ending, but every ending is also, as we know, a new beginning”.

Related: A Major Universal Orlando Attraction Is About to Go Dark for Over 5 Months

There’s a particular stage of life explored in new adult fiction when you’re technically an adult but still figuring out what that means. College may be underway or already behind you, your first serious job might be on the horizon, and relationships can suddenly feel a lot more complicated. It’s a period filled with big decisions, unexpected freedom and the occasional spectacular mistake.

It’s also the territory explored by new adult fiction, a publishing category that sits somewhere between young adult (YA) and adult fiction. While YA novels generally focus on teenagers, new adult books tend to follow characters navigating the early years of adulthood, often with a little more romantic and emotional intensity.

The label has gained attention alongside the popularity of romance and romantasy, but new adult fiction isn’t limited to love stories. It can include contemporary fiction, fantasy, suspense and other genres, provided the characters and themes reflect that transition into adult life.

So, what exactly makes a book new adult, and how is it different from YA or traditional adult fiction? The distinction has as much to do with life experience as it does with age.

Related: What Is Dark Romance? Why the Controversial Book Genre Is So Popular

What is new adult fiction?

New adult fiction, often abbreviated NA, is a category of books that typically follows protagonists between the ages of 18 and 25 as they navigate the transition from adolescence to independent adulthood. Some definitions extend that range into the late 20s.

The category focuses on experiences that become especially important during those years: leaving home, attending college, beginning a career, building serious relationships and establishing an identity separate from family expectations.

Unlike a genre, which describes the kind of story being told, new adult identifies a particular audience and stage of life. A new adult novel might be a contemporary romance, an epic fantasy or a suspenseful mystery.

The term emerged as a publishing label in 2009, when St. Martin’s Press launched a writing contest seeking fiction that would appeal to readers who had outgrown traditional YA but weren’t necessarily looking for stories about more established adults.

New adult subsequently developed a particularly strong following among romance readers, especially as self-published authors found audiences for stories about college students and young professionals.

Related: The 32 Best Romantasy Books of All Time

What is the difference between young adult and new adult fiction?

The biggest distinction between YA and new adult fiction is the life stage of the central characters, although themes, tone and romantic content also play a role.

Young Adult (YA)

New Adult (NA)

Typical protagonist age

13–18

18–25, sometimes older

Common settings

High school, family home

College, first apartments, workplaces

Central themes

Identity, belonging, growing independence

Adult identity, relationships, independence

Romance

Varies from none to prominent

Often prominent, but not required

Sexual content

Varies; generally marketed for teens

May be more explicit

Intended readership

Primarily teens, with many adult readers

Primarily adults

These are general tendencies, not strict rules. YA novels can explore serious subjects, including trauma, sexuality and difficult family relationships. New adult books can be relatively lighthearted or contain little romance.

Is new adult fiction the same as adult fiction?

Not quite. New adult fiction is generally considered a category within the broader adult market, but it concentrates on a more specific period of life.

Adult fiction can feature protagonists of virtually any age and explore everything from marriage and parenthood to retirement and later-life reinvention. New adult fiction usually centers on characters experiencing the first major responsibilities and freedoms of adulthood.

Some publishers market books with new adult themes simply as adult romance or fantasy, while readers and online communities may describe those same books as NA. That’s one reason the label can be confusing: A book may fit the common definition of new adult fiction without officially being marketed that way.

Related: What Is Cozy Fantasy? The Comfort-Read Genre That’s Everywhere Right Now

Does new adult fiction always include romance?

Alfonso Soler / Getty Images

No, although romance has played a major role in the category’s popularity.

Many early new adult bestsellers were contemporary romances featuring college students, first loves and complicated relationships. The success of those books helped establish an association between NA and emotionally intense romantic storytelling.

However, romance isn’t a requirement. A new adult novel can focus on friendships, family conflicts, professional ambitions, mental health or personal identity.

Fantasy has also become an important part of the conversation. Some books marketed as romantasy feature young adult protagonists facing life-changing responsibilities, even when their fictional worlds bear little resemblance to contemporary college life.

It’s worth remembering that new adult describes the characters’ stage of life, not the amount of romance or sexual content in a book.

What are some popular examples of new adult books?

New adult fiction has expanded considerably in recent years, with contemporary romance, college-set stories and fantasy all finding enthusiastic audiences. These books, published in 2025 and 2026, illustrate the category’s range.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (2025)

Set in the world of competitive college athletics, Deep End follows Stanford diver Scarlett Vandermeer and champion swimmer Lukas Blomqvist as they navigate a complicated attraction. The novel explores ambition, vulnerability and the pressures of balancing personal relationships with demanding athletic careers.

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood (2025)

Twenty-three-year-old graduate student Maya Killgore finds herself falling for an older man, Conor Harkness, during a destination wedding in Sicily. Their age difference and personal connections complicate the relationship, while Maya’s uncertainty about her future gives the story a distinctly new adult perspective.

Extracurricular by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2026)

A former pop star returns to college hoping for a fresh start, only to develop an unexpected attraction to her psychology professor. The romance explores second chances, changing identities and the challenges of beginning a new chapter of adulthood.

Empire of Flame and Thorns by Marion Blackwood (2024)

This romantasy follows a fae rebel fighting for freedom in a world where dragon shifters hold power. Deadly trials and a dangerous attraction to a dragon shifter commander complicate her struggle. This novel is a good example of how the category has expanded into fantasy.

Smoke and Scar by Gretchen Powell Fox (2025)

Smoke and Scar follows a fae warrior and a human knight forced to cooperate during a deadly competition. Their uneasy alliance develops against the backdrop of a longstanding conflict between humans and fae, combining romantic tension with high-stakes fantasy adventure.

Why is new adult fiction so popular?

Part of the appeal is recognition. The years immediately after high school can be exhilarating, confusing and emotionally intense, and new adult fiction gives those experiences room to unfold.

For readers in their late teens and 20s, the stories may reflect situations they’re currently navigating. Older readers may enjoy revisiting a period when seemingly ordinary decisions carried enormous personal significance.

The category has also benefited from online reading communities, particularly BookTok, where romance recommendations and discussions of character relationships can introduce older titles to new audiences.

Its popularity doesn’t necessarily mean that every book featuring a 20-year-old protagonist should be classified as new adult. The category works best when that transitional stage of life is central to the story rather than incidental.

Related: 35 Best Spicy Books of All Time, According to Librarians

How can you tell if a book is new adult?

There isn’t a single official checklist, but a few questions can help.

• How old are the main characters? Protagonists in their late teens or 20s are common, particularly those entering independent adulthood.
• What challenges drive the story? College, early careers, serious relationships and financial independence are frequent themes.
• Who is the intended audience? New adult fiction is generally marketed toward adult readers, even when the protagonists are relatively young.
• How does the publisher describe it? Some books are explicitly labeled new adult, while others are categorized as adult romance, fantasy or contemporary fiction.

No single characteristic determines the category. A college setting alone doesn’t automatically make a book new adult, just as an explicit romantic scene doesn’t necessarily distinguish it from other adult fiction.

Is new adult fiction a genre or an age category?

Technically, new adult is better understood as an audience or age-based publishing category, much like young adult, rather than a literary genre.

Genres describe the type of story: romance, fantasy, mystery, horror or science fiction. Categories help identify the readership and, often, the age or life stage of the central characters.

That distinction explains why a new adult romance and a new adult fantasy can have very different plots while still appealing to readers interested in the same transitional period of life.

For anyone who’s moved beyond teenage coming-of-age stories but still enjoys characters experiencing adulthood for the first time, new adult fiction offers plenty to explore.

Related: What Is Dark Academia? The Moody Book Genre Explained

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

Tracker’s third season is introducing a new character that has a personal connection to Reenie (Fiona Rene).

When Adam makes his debut appearance on Tracker Season 4 Episode 3, after he was briefly brought up in the Tracker premiere episode, fans are finally able to put a face to the name.

And for Reenie—and many avid TV watchers—it’s a very familiar face.

Who Plays Adam on Tracker Season 4 Episode 3?

Michael Malarkey has been cast in a recurring guest role on Tracker as Adam Shevlin, who made his first appearance on Tracker Season 4 Episode 3 titled “Original Parts.”

Adam was previously described as “disarmingly handsome, intelligent and sophisticated, but with a bit of a bad-boy undercurrent,” who has a “history” with Reenie.

“Adam works as a private investigator for high-end law firms. He runs into Reenie, an old friend he hasn’t seen in years, and their familiar banter brings questions about their history and possible future,” the character description continues, possibly teasing a romance between the former acquaintances. 

He was first brought up in the pilot episode, when Maxine (Katheleen Robertson) informs Reenie that someone from her past has been asking about her.

In the most recent episode, it seems the duo’s history is extremely personal, and maybe even romantic. During their run-in, Adam is far more excited to see Reenie and enthusiastically asks her to catch up over a drink, asking if she still likes martinis. Clearly, he knows her well.

“I know I was a jerk,” he confesses, admitting he made a “mess of things” and that it’s all on him, but he suggests it “wasn’t all bad.”

Reenie shuts down his offer, despite Adam underscoring that he has no agenda, as she knows he’s going to try to convince her he’s changed, though she won’t be surprised to learn that he hasn’t.

The extent of their relationship or what transpired remains unclear for now, but it’s enough for Reenie to suggest that it’s “best they keep things professional” since they are all grown up now.

Adam, however, remains persistent, as he notes that it’s “not a no by the way.”

There’s evidently plenty of chemistry between these two, but also a lot of hurt to be reconciled, which will give the series and the actors plenty of material to work with.

Can Reenie resist his charms? Can people really change?

Why Does Michael Malarkey Look So Familiar?

Fans will recognize Malarkey from The CW’s The Vampire Diaries, where he played Enzo, the best friend of Ian Somerhalder’s Damon Salvatore.

Malarkey has also appeared in Westworld as Emmet, Big Sky as Deputy Harvey, Project Blue Book as Captain Michael Quinn, and The Night Agent as Markus.

Kylie Jenner stunned fans during a surprise appearance on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show catwalk. 

Not only did the KUWTK star dazzle, but she did it in the $50 million Fantasy Bra. According to Vogue, it took 15 craftspeople over 1,000 hours to make the almost-four-pound super-sparkler. The jaw-dropping lingerie look featured a whopping 4,410 diamonds and a 75.54-carat Fancy Vivid yellow diamond. 

Created in partnership with Jacob & Co., Victoria’s Secret confirmed the bra’s return for the first time since 2018. While the brand teased the bra earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret still left some mystique surrounding the item’s appearance.

Kylie Jenner. Photo: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Designer Jacob Arabo said, “I wanted to create the most expensive Fantasy Bra ever made, but value alone was never enough.” 

Arabo continued, “For me, it had to be about the diamonds, the light, and the movement. We brought together exceptional diamonds in different shapes and sizes, including our proprietary Angel-Cut, and designed the piece so that it catches light with every step. The craft is extraordinary, and what matters most is the emotion it creates when you see it come to life on the runway. 

Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer of Victoria’s Secret, Adam Selman, said, “When we decided to bring back the Fantasy Bra this year, I couldn’t think of a more perfect person to design it than Jacob. I have been a huge fan of his work for a very long time, and he has played a big role in pop culture. I love his artistry, his craft, and his fearlessness.”

The first Fantasy Bra debuted back in 1996 and was worn by supermodel Claudia Schiffer. Elsa Hosk wore the last Fantasy Bra. That is, until right now. 

Kylie Jenner. Photo: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Kevin Mazur / Getty Images

Jenner appeared in almost total silhouette — except for her ethereal bright “wings.” As the lights came up on the reality star/makeup mogul, she shimmered in the absolutely unbelievable bra. While her sister, Kendall Jenner, might be the professional catwalker, Kylie strutted down the stage with unwavering confidence and poise. And of course, her mom, Kris Jenner, and beau, Timothée Chalamet, sat in the audience applauding the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bra model. 

Fans went wild for Jenner, writing on X, “I don’t care what anyone says, she ate that up, her walk, the aura, the fantasy bra, she is that girl”, “Oh she’s the angel. The prettiest angel ever”, “My jaw dropped!” and “She looks stunning, hello?” 

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The comments continued when Vogue posted a clip on Instagram of Jenner’s Fantasy Bra moment. “Absolutely gorgeous,” wrote one fan, as others added, “I was so shocked over this,” and “Kylie put the fantasy back in Fantasy Bra.” 

For fans of The Simpsons’ only prominent Indian character (and its only character to be regularly robbed by the town criminal), there’s finally some good news: Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has returned to the show, and he’s not leaving anytime soon.

The character appeared by surprise in Sunday’s episode, “The Revengening,” for the first time since the 2017 episode “The Serfsons” in Season 29. The current showrunner Matt Selman revealed to Variety that the show plans on keeping Apu and his family around full-time from now on.

“We love this character, and wanted to bring him back in a smart, Simpsons-y way that allowed him to evolve,” Selman said.

Apu’s return is filled with references to his disappearance. “The whole town forgot about me,” he says to Homer at one point, under the guise of talking about a dream he had. Homer responds, “Come on, that could never happen. Springfield loves you.”

Apu is officially back!!!! pic.twitter.com/25FBva9J9i

— Out of Context Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 🎃 (@OOCCouchGags) October 19, 2026

The character will now be voiced by Sunil Malhotra, an actor whose best-known voice work comes from his role as Prince Wu in The Legend of Korra, or as Shaun Gilmore in The Legend of Vox Machina.

The Indian-American actor is replacing Apu’s previous voice actor Hank Azaria, who faced some backlash after a controversial 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu explored his character’s impact on South Asian Americans in the United States.

“I apologize for my part in creating that and participating in that,” Azaria said in a 2021 podcast interview. “Part of me feels like I need to go to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize. And sometimes I do.”

Although Azaria may have felt guilty over the role, most fans of The Simpsons have been vocally opposed to writing out the character. Apu may occasionally lean into some negative stereotypes (like his willingness to ignore sanitary guidelines for his business’ profit), but Apu is still a well-rounded, lovable character with more than enough depth to make up for it.

For years it seemed like The Simpsons didn’t really know what to do with Apu and all the cultural baggage attached to him. By the current season 38 it seemed like the show was content to forget him entirely; instead, Matt Selman confirmed, the show’s built up the courage to try to make Apu still work in the 2020s and beyond.

“We’re excited by what Sunil has already brought to the role, and look forward to seeing more of Apu in the future,” Selman said.

“The Revengening” features Apu taking off a helmet to reveal himself after his 9-year absence, declaring his presence defiantly to the town.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the sweetest part of all was unleashing that righteously rage-fueled ‘I AM APU!’ — on behalf of so many of us — over and over in the studio until we got it just right,” Malhotra revealed. “I really feel like we did and I can’t wait for fans to see more Apu.”

After years of speculation, Selena Gomez is finally giving fans some clarity when it comes to her noticeably different voice.

In a video shared to her Instagram Stories, Gomez, 34, revealed that her addiction to vaping caused her voice to change.

“I’m not going to be able to change my voice. I vaped nicotine a lot… nicotine is so hard to quit, and I think I just wanted to say if you’re going through it or if you’re even trying to vape, it’s just not worth it,” she said. “It’s so stupid.”

She continued, “It’s changed my voice, so if you guys don’t like listening to my voice, that’s totally understandable. I don’t mind. Just don’t listen. But I am really excited because I stopped, and I just hope I can keep it up. If you are going through something, then you can get through it too.”

🚨 Selena Gomez has cleared up the “change” in her voice. pic.twitter.com/8UqoLwEIxg

— Selena Gomez Updates (@SGchartupdate) October 18, 2026

According to VocaLab, vaping can lead to significant conditions that can impact a singer’s voice, including voice strain, risk of vocal nodules, polyps, or cysts, and vocal fold swelling.

Previously, Gomez opened up about her voice change, but did not name vaping directly.

“I think my point is that sometimes things happen,” she said in December 2025. “I get weird. My throat kind of swells inside sometimes. That’s all.”

Gomez famously underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 due to her lupus, and smoking is strongly discouraged following the procedure. Many fans called out the Rare Beauty founder following her confession.

“So it isn’t lupus? It’s the very thing you aren’t supposed to do after a kidney transplant,” one person tweeted before another added, “She’s finally telling the truth lol good for her.”

The former Disney Channel star was diagnosed with lupus in 2015, and she recently revealed she has arthritis in her fingers due to the autoimmune disease.

Luke Bryan’s eldest son, Boyer “Bo” Bryan, is a high school quarterback who plays for the Battle Ground Academy Wildcats in Franklin, Tenn. Bo, whom he shares with his wife, Caroline Bryan, suffered a serious injury during a football game against Pope John Paul II on Friday, Oct. 16. 

According to The Tennessean, via USA Today, the high school athlete was sacked and fell on his right shoulder during the opening series, when his team had possession of the ball. Bo exited the game and wore a sling and shoulder wrap for the remainder of the matchup, cheering his team on from the sidelines.  

Hours after the injury, on Saturday, Oct. 17, Bo reportedly took to his Instagram Stories to share an update with followers. 

“[I] broke my collarbone last night. Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. We will be back,” he wrote. 

“I don’t know what we’re looking at yet,” BGA coach Bobby Bentley told The Tennessean after the game. “We’ll have to figure this thing out. That’s the challenge for us as a team and as coaches. What do we do? How do we do it? We’re going to figure it out.”

At this point, it’s unclear how long Bo will be off the field while focusing on healing and recovery. 

Bryan, 50, is also the father of his son, Tatum “Tate” Christopher Bryan. In addition to raising his own children, the singer stepped up to raise his nephew Til, and supports his nieces Jordan and Kris, following the loss of their parents. 

The country superstar and American Idol judge has been vocal about his excitement for Bo’s football journey and frequently attends his games. During a previous appearance on Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast, Bryan opened up about attending quarterback camps with his son. 

He said, “I didn’t want to put my son in camps before he was ready…this past spring, we did a couple of them, and man, let me tell you something, we went to Atlanta, and he threw well there, but we went to Louisiana, and when you see them boys getting after it in Louisiana, it’s a different deal… I’m learning this as I go.”

Related: Luke Bryan Forced to Cancel Another Farm Tour Stop: ‘Call Was Made for Everyone’s Safety’

Beloved daytime television icon Grant Aleksander, best known for his portrayal of Philip Spaulding on the CBS daytime soap opera Guiding Light, has broken his silence on whether he and his fellow cast members would be interested in returning to Springfield if the soap were to return.

Earlier this year, Aleksander reflected on his time on the groundbreaking Irna Phillips soap opera in an interview with TV Weekly.

With renewed interest in the genre, thanks to CBS’s Beyond the Gates, Peacock airing Days of our Lives, and a potential revival of the Agnes Nixon soap opera All My Children being developed for Lifetime as a movie series, Aleksander was asked his opinion on a potential return to Springfield for a Guiding Light return.

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The fan-favorite actor cut right to the chase, “If they were to bring back Guiding Light, I can assure you there would be a lot of actors that are still around who would very much want to participate in some fashion.”

Aleksander joined the cast of Guiding Light in 1982 as the adoptive son of Alan Spaulding and Elizabeth Granville. As a more mature version of the character, Aleksander was able to navigate the young-adult storylines, echoing the craze started by Luke (Anthony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis) on the ABC soap opera General Hospital.

Philip’s friendship with Rick Bauer (Michael O’Leary), Beth Raines (Judi Evans) and Mindy Lewis (Krista Tesreau), affectionately known as the four musketeers, kept viewers hooked and wanting to see more.

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Aleksander would portray the part on and off throughout the years until the series’ cancellation, appearing in the final episode on September 18, 2009.

Since leaving Guiding Light, Aleksander has appeared in the 2014 web series Tainted Dreams and in numerous Off-Broadway productions, including the Warren Manzi thriller Perfect Crime.

While no current plans for a Guiding Light revival have been publicly discussed, viewers are hopeful with production company Procter & Gamble returning to the world of soaps with Beyond the Gates that the possibility of a return may be closer than previously believed.

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A ground-floor window can have a security system watching it and still have an important gap in protection. A standard window contact sensor detects when the window opens, but it does not respond simply because the glass has shattered.

That distinction is why homeowners comparing a wireless security system may encounter both window contact sensors and glass break sensors. They monitor different events, and in some homes, using both provides broader coverage.

Protect what matters most! If you’re unsure which sensors your home needs, ADT can provide a free quote and help assess your property’s entry points and security needs.

Do I need glass break sensors or entry sensors?

Window contact sensors and glass break sensors detect different types of intrusion. A contact sensor typically alerts when a protected window opens, while a glass break sensor detects the sound pattern associated with shattered glass. Homes with accessible ground-floor windows may benefit from using both as part of a layered security system.

How do window contact sensors work?

Window contact sensors are designed to detect when a window is opened. A typical contact sensor uses two pieces positioned together when the window is closed. When the window opens, the separation triggers an alert.

ADT’s Premium Door/Window Sensor is a wireless sensor that sends mobile alerts when a protected door or window opens. It also includes shock-sensing technology designed to detect abrupt or forcible attempts at entry.

Related: Are Home Security Systems Worth It for Townhomes and Condos With Shared Walls?

What a Contact Sensor Detects

A contact sensor is well-suited to scenarios where an intruder opens the window to enter.

For example, if someone raises an unlocked window from the outside, the sensor can detect that change and trigger the security system. But a contact sensor isn’t specifically designed to detect shattered glass while the window remains closed.

That distinction becomes significant with large panes, fixed windows or glass doors that could potentially be broken rather than opened.

How do glass break sensors work?

Glass break sensors listen for the characteristic sound associated with breaking glass. Instead of monitoring whether a window has physically opened, they monitor the surrounding room for an acoustic signal associated with shattered glass.

ADT says its Glass Break Sensor identifies the unique audio pattern of a shattered window or glass door. The sensor uses machine-learning algorithms to distinguish that sound from noises such as slamming doors, dropped objects and clinking dishes.

What a Glass Break Sensor Detects

The primary advantage is that the sensor is designed to recognize glass breakage itself.

ADT’s current Glass Break Sensor has a detection range of 2 to 25 feet and can cover multiple windows in the same room when positioned appropriately. ADT recommends mounting the sensor on a wall or ceiling within the specified range and maintaining a clear line of sight to the protected glass.

That makes a glass break sensor useful in rooms with several windows or a large sliding glass door.

Glass break sensors vs. window contact sensors: What’s the difference?

Feature

Window Contact Sensor

Glass Break Sensor

Primary detection

Window opening

Sound of shattered glass

Detects broken glass

No

Yes

Detects an opened window

Yes

Not its primary function

Typical placement

Directly on window

Wall or ceiling

Multiple windows

Generally one sensor per protected opening

Can cover multiple windows within range

Best suited for

Doors and operable windows

Rooms with multiple or large glass surfaces

Wireless options

Yes

Yes

The two sensor types, therefore, shouldn’t necessarily be viewed as competing products. They monitor different events.

Which sensor is better for ground-floor windows?

For an operable ground-floor window, a contact sensor provides direct detection when the window is opened. A glass break sensor provides a different layer of detection if glass is shattered.

The right configuration depends on the window and the room rather than simply choosing one sensor for the entire house.

Use Window Contact Sensors for Accessible Openings

Contact sensors make sense on windows that can be opened from the outside. They directly monitor the opening itself.

ADT’s Premium Door/Window Sensor is also designed with shock sensing, which ADT says detects abrupt or forcible attempts at entry. That provides another form of detection beyond simply knowing that the window has opened.

Consider Glass Break Sensors for Rooms With Multiple Windows

A glass break sensor can monitor multiple glass surfaces within its coverage area. ADT specifically identifies rooms with large windows, sliding glass doors and multiple window panes as suitable applications for its Glass Break Sensor.

This can reduce the need to place an individual glass-break device at every window.

If you’re dealing with several vulnerable ground-floor windows, ADT can assess the layout and recommend sensor placement as part of a professionally configured wireless security system.

Can you use glass break and window sensors together?

Yes. Using both types creates complementary detection.

A contact sensor monitors the opening. A glass break sensor monitors for the sound of shattered glass. ADT describes its Glass Break Sensor as perimeter protection and notes that it can complement motion sensors and cameras in a layered security system.

For a home with several accessible windows, a combination can be useful because the sensors are watching for different events.

A security camera adds another function: visual information about what happened. It doesn’t replace either sensor because a camera and an alarm sensor serve different purposes.

Where should you put glass break sensors?

Placement affects the area a glass break sensor can monitor.

ADT says its current Glass Break Sensor should be mounted on a wall or ceiling within 25 feet of the windows or glass doors being monitored, with a clear line of sight. Its product information also says the sensor should be mounted at least 6.5 feet above the floor.

When planning a wireless security system, consider:

• Large windows: A room with a broad expanse of glass may benefit from glass-break detection.
• Sliding glass doors: These provide a large glass surface and are specifically listed by ADT as an application for its sensor.
• Multiple windows: One glass break sensor can cover multiple windows within its stated detection range.

Avoid assuming that one sensor will cover an entire floor. Walls, room layout and sensor placement affect coverage.

Related: 7 DIY Home Security Mistakes That Could Leave Your House Vulnerable

What should you choose for your home?

There isn’t a universal substitute for one sensor type.

• Choose window contact sensors when your priority is detecting an open window or door.
• Consider glass break sensors when your home has rooms with large or multiple glass surfaces where detecting shattered glass is important.
• Consider both when you want the security system to monitor both window openings and potential glass breakage.

ADT currently offers both wireless window/door sensors and wireless glass break sensors. Its Glass Break Sensor communicates with the ADT Base and sends notifications through the ADT+ app when glass breakage is detected.

The best configuration depends on your home’s window types, room layout and entry points.

Get a Free Quote for a Wireless Security System

If you’re unsure whether your ground-floor windows need contact sensors, glass break detection or both, ADT can evaluate your home’s entry points and available security options.

Request a free quote from ADT to discuss a wireless security system designed around your home’s windows, doors and other potential entry points.

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.

Turning 50 is a milestone. You can reflect and look ahead—because there’s a lot to look forward to after the half-century mark, like more time with family, retirement, travel and whatever happiness looks like for you. This era of your life can be a time to step into your confidence if you haven’t already. Believe it or not, you don’t need to excel at something to feel confidence.

“Confidence is being comfortable with yourself,” Dr. Gayle MacBride, PhD, LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology, tells Parade. “It does not always mean that you feel good at something. Those two may overlap, but they are not the same.” 

She says that signs of a confident woman include expressing an opinion, even if it’s uncomfortable, and knowing that disagreements can happen and they don’t require fixing.

Confident women over 50 don’t over-apologize, which Dr. MacBride explains means using “sorry” even when you haven’t done anything that needs fixing.

Why do women apologize so much? It’s psychology, brought to you by the patriarchy.

“Especially girls are socialized to take care of everyone else and make sure that everyone else is OK before meeting their own needs,” she states. “This might mean that she learns early on that she needs to soften any requests she might make or tone down any disagreement she might have with another person, just to keep peace.”

It’s not inherently bad, but Dr. MacBride says reflexive apologizing is worth working on. Here, she reveals five things confident women over 50 stop apologizing for. Plus, the psychologist gives advice on how to stop over-apologizing in your daily life.

Related: This Is the Best ‘Slow Living’ Hobby for Women Over 50, Psychologists Say

The Psychology Behind ‘Sorry Syndrome’

Dr. MacBride describes “sorry syndrome” as a catchy phrase for a behavioral pattern. It’s not a clinical term, but it can help us answer the question, “Why do women apologize so much?” with psychology.

“Women in particular have learned to use apologies as a way to manage their own discomfort,” she explains. “Without even realizing it, they very often soften what they’re saying before someone’s even hurt or angry. It may even be a result of a longstanding pattern of social reward.”

For instance, she shares that girls are often given praise for being “good girls”—AKA considerate, cooperative and, yep, nice.

“This reinforces that girls should be very attuned to how other people feel and to act at the slightest hint that someone might be upset or withdraw that social reward,” Dr. MacBride tells Parade.

Psychological Science research suggests that women generally apologize more often than men. However, men aren’t less willing to apologize. Instead, researchers point out that women were more inclined to label their own behavior “potentially problematic.” Men were less likely to do the same for the same behavior.

“In other words, part of the difference may come down to where we set the threshold for thinking, ‘I did something wrong,'” Dr. MacBride notes.

Now, to be clear, she doesn’t tell her clients to stop apologizing. Accountability matters. Instead, she recommends that her clients pause and ask themselves:

• Did I truly cause harm, or is the other person uncomfortable because they don’t like my choice?
• Was everything in this situation totally out of everyone’s control, and am I somehow taking social responsibility for it?

Related: 12 Genius Phrases To Shut Down ‘Mansplainers,’ According to Psychologists

5 Things Confident Women Over 50 Stop Apologizing For

Want to know how to be confident after 50 as a woman? These are the five things to stop apologizing for, according to a psychologist.

1. Saying no

No is a full sentence, and you don’t have to follow it with an apology. Dr. MacBride shares that confident women over 50 know that it’s not unkind to decline an invite or request with warmth and compassion.

“We’re often tempted to apologize because we know that our response might disappoint someone,” she says. “We need to remember that disappointment isn’t the same thing as harm.”

Related: 9 Phrases To Use Instead of Automatically Saying Yes, According to Psychologists

2. Having needs

Dr. MacBride knows that many women spend decades anticipating what everyone else needs and prioritizing it, even at their own expense. She says many of her women clients over 50 (and, frankly, under it) struggle with feeling “selfish” just for considering their own needs.

“Confident women realize that recognizing their own needs doesn’t make them needy,” she notes. “She also realizes that meeting her own needs first is much like that proverbial oxygen mask. It doesn’t limit her capacity to help others—it expands it.”

Related: 35 Phrases To Set Boundaries Firmly and Fairly, According to Mental Health Pros

3. Taking up space

This one can be physical and emotional. It can also mean owning expertise and accomplishments. Dr. MacBride says it can take women time to learn to tell the difference between arrogance and confidence. There’s science to that; studies suggest women who openly tout their accomplishments get seen as more competent but less likable.

“In other words, we can be good at what we do, but we may feel pressure to soften how we talk about it so that we don’t make anyone uncomfortable,” Dr. MacBride shares.

Admittedly, taking up space asks women to engage in a balancing act and ask themselves, “How can I put my best foot forward in a room full of people without leaving a very negative impression of myself?”

“No wonder it takes half a century to figure this out!” she exclaims. “But by 50, many women have accumulated enough experience to recognize that acknowledging their expertise isn’t arrogance. It’s simply telling the truth about what they bring to the table.”

4. Their changing bodies

The messaging is long, loud and clear to women: Stay young (or at least look like you’re trying). But Dr. MacBride says our bodies can start changing in ways society opposes, just as we start to grow into our confidence. Isn’t it ironic?

“That pressure can leave women feeling as though wrinkles, gray hair or changing bodies are something to apologize for,” Dr. MacBride tells Parade. “But by 50, many of us are learning to appreciate what our bodies have carried us through rather than focusing exclusively on how they look.”

To be clear, you don’t have to love every line or decide your appearance no longer matters (unless you want to).

“It means we get to decide what makes us feel good without worrying about meeting someone else’s expectations,” she clarifies. “We’ve spent decades learning to be comfortable in our own skin. Many women are so over the idea of apologizing for the skin we’re in now.”

5. Their growth

Dr. MacBride says this one isn’t about clothes. Rather, we start to develop roles, friendships, communities and traditions that no longer fit.

“These changes can naturally come with some grief,” she states. “This is another instance when a difficult-to-hold feeling does not necessarily mean you’ve done something wrong, and certainly does not mean that it requires an apology.”

Related: 12 Things Emotionally Intelligent Women Do That the Average Person Avoids, Psychologists Say

Why Does Confidence Often Peak After 50?

Dr. MacBride is here for this question. She feels that by 50, women have gathered evidence, survived losses and made mistakes. And? They lived to tell the tale.

“We have invented and reinvented ourselves a number of times over and been able to find the core or common thread of who we are in each of those identities,” she says. “When we know who we are, we can align our lives more consistently with what matters.”

At 50, the psychologist explains that confident women know they don’t have to be great at everything to trust themselves and know their needs. So, it’s unsurprising that they start shedding people-pleasing habits. Plus, she points out that women 50+ have made so many attempts to make everyone happy and may finally be realizing it’s an impossible, thankless gig.

“Eventually, with enough experience and loss, we start to understand that everything is finite and we have to make careful choices.” Dr. MacBride states. “I also think that many of us who have had children and watch them become independent also find the need or desire to have that independence ourselves.”

She says it doesn’t hurt that women in this age group are often more financially secure, which takes the pressure off constantly having to prove themselves.

Related: 7 Things Emotionally Strong People Stop Doing After 50, According to a Psychologist

How To Stop Over-Apologizing in Your Daily Life: 3 Tactics

Shedding people-pleasing habits and the “sorry syndrome” are two secrets to building confidence in your 50s. But it’s hard. To help, here’s some psychologist advice for women over 50 on how to stop over-apologizing.

1. Ask yourself: “Did I do something wrong?”

It’s a tough question, but you can answer it. Dr. MacBride advises people to apologize when they’ve hurt or truly disappointed someone. However, what do you do when the answer to this question is, “I have a need” or “I’m going to say no to someone”?

“This is now a response related to your own discomfort rather than wrongdoing. I’m a big advocate for taking a little pause,” she says. “That brief moment gives you an opportunity to separate guilt from anxiety. “

She explains that guilt is, “I did something wrong that needs repair.” She clarifies that anxiety is “someone else might not like what I’m about to do or say.”

“You only need to apologize for one of them,” Dr. MacBride emphasizes.

Related: ‘Am I the Problem?’ A Relationship Therapist Shares 7 Warning Signs

2. Replace “sorry”

Dr. MacBride says simple swaps can help us avoid some awkwardness. For instance, instead of “I’m sorry I’m late,” she recommends trying “Thanks for waiting.” “I’m sorry I can’t make it” can become “Thanks for inviting me, but I can’t make it.”

“These might feel like small swaps, but the results are pretty profound,” she shares. “Suddenly, we’re not apologizing for having needs or saying no, but we still recognize that these things affect others.”

3. Watch what happens after the boundary

Dr. MacBride knows that the moments after saying “No” can induce panic. The silence can begin to feel heavy. It’s perhaps the hardest part of setting boundaries and shedding people-pleasing habits, and it’s tempting to try to fill the silence with explanations and justifications.

“What’s really going on is a social tug to get the other person to approve of our response,” she points out. “Instead of filling the silence by explaining or justifying, practice letting your response stand for itself. Remind yourself that someone can be disappointed by your decision without it meaning that the decision was wrong.”

Up Next:

Related: These 7 ‘Bad’ Habits Actually Signal Strong Intuition, Psychologist Says

Sources:

• Dr. Gayle MacBride, PhD, LP, is a psychologist with Veritas Psychology.
• Why women apologize more than men: gender differences in thresholds for perceiving offensive behavior (2010). Psychological Science.
• Self-promotion as a risk factor for women: The costs and benefits of counterstereotypical impression management (1998). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.