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Actress Lynda Goodfriend, 72, who portrayed Richie Cunningham’s (Ron Howard) wife, Lori Beth Cunningham, in the hit ’70s sitcom Happy Days, was paparazzied while taking a stroll in September 2026.

The pictures, taken in Burbank, California, were released by The Daily Mail. The candid images showed Goodfriend wearing a white button-down tucked into blue jeans. She finished off her outfit with a white statement necklace, a black belt, and black sneakers. Her signature short hair was styled in a side part.

Goodfriend, who began starring in Happy Days during its fifth season, has stepped away from being an actress and is now a well-known acting teacher. In a 2024 interview with Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz, Goodfriend explained that following “Happy Days and a couple other series” she appeared in, she “decided [she] really wanted to teach.”

She said that after she “opened up [her] own acting school,” some of her students urged her to be their manager. While she was initially hesitant about being a manager, she “became very successful” and enjoyed the work.

“I loved doing that. I loved helping actors and coaching actors, and I did that for about 22 years,” said Goodfriend, who appeared on Happy Days until its 11th and final season, which ended in 1984.

She then explained that she began feeling “a little burned out” as a manager, so she decided to teach classes at the New York Film Academy.

“I missed teaching because I closed my school when I really started managing, so somebody said, ‘New York Film Academy,’ I said ‘I’ll go and teach a class. How fun, just one class.’ And I just loved it,” said the actress during the 2024 podcast interview. “And I love teaching. There’s something exciting always, in all these years of teaching. I love the lightbulb going off in somebody that’s just on the beginning of their path. I started teaching there a couple classes, maybe three classes.”

Eventually, she became the “chair of the acting department for 11 years,” before changing her position to “creative director.”

Michael J. Fox received one of Canada’s highest civilian honors Friday, earning a standing ovation as he was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada for his decades of advocacy for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

CBC reported on Friday, October 2, that the celebrated actor was honored at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, where Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour formally promoted him to Companion. 

Rideau Hall cited Fox’s “powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s” in recognizing his work, CBC reported.

What Did Michael J. Fox Say About the Honor? View this post on Instagram

The Back to the Future actor said the moment left him feeling both pride and humility as he reflected on growing up in Canada.

“It’s so many things. But mostly it’s just growing up in Canada, loving this country, loving what it stands for and how it’s progressed and corrected course when it needed to, and stayed the course when it needed to,” he told The Canadian Press after the ceremony, as reported by iPolitics.

View this post on Instagram

Fox added, “At the end, you have a 65-year-old guy who’s uniquely Canadian because of all those things.”

Why Was Michael J. Fox Promoted in the Order of Canada?

The honor recognized Fox’s work raising awareness and funding research into Parkinson’s, the progressive neurological disorder he publicly revealed he had in 1998.

Fox founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000 and has spent years using his public platform to push for new treatments and a cure.

“I’m privileged to commit my time and energy to bringing everything I’ve got to help cure this disease,” he recently told People.

How Has Parkinson’s Changed Michael J. Fox’s Life?

Fox has spoken candidly about the increasing challenges he faces. “Of course, things have gotten harder over the years,” he told the outlet.

He has also said the diagnosis changed how he thought about fame and success.

“You think about a 19-year-old, 17-year-old kid, you want to be rich and famous and change the world, and you want to be the big ‘it’ thing,” Fox told USA Today in July. “And when you start to search for a cure for a disease, that stuff is just so silly.”

Ryan Anderson is speaking publicly about Ken Urker’s death, putting aside their difficult history as he expressed concern for ex-wife Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her daughter, Aurora.

Anderson, a special education teacher, was previously married to Blanchard. Urker later became her partner and the father of her daughter, who was born in December 2024.

Anderson broke his silence during an appearance on The Sarah Fraser Show on Friday, October 2, where he opened up about how he learned of Urker’s death, his complicated feelings about their past, and why his thoughts quickly turned to Blanchard and Aurora.

He said he first learned the news from a friend who contacted him after seeing reports online. His initial reaction was disbelief.

“I didn’t believe it at first. I was like no,” he said, adding that his “initial thought was shocked, of course.”

How Did Ryan Anderson React to Ken Urker’s Death?

Anderson acknowledged that he and Urker had a strained relationship.

“Me and Ken never really saw eye to eye,” he said. Although the two never met in person, Anderson said they had “exchanges on the phone” and text messages that “were never good.”

Still, he made clear that their past did not lessen the shock of Urker’s death. “But you still hate to hear that somebody passed away, you know what I mean?” he said. “I didn’t like him as a person,” Anderson added, while stressing that he still hated hearing what happened.

What Did Ryan Say About Gypsy Rose Blanchard?

Anderson said his thoughts quickly turned to Blanchard and Aurora. “My immediate thought went to, ‘How’s Gypsy?’” he said before adding, “And what about their kid?”

The former couple has not been in regular contact. “Actually, I haven’t talked to Gypsy in almost a year,” Anderson revealed, calling it “the longest stretch we’ve ever gone without talking.”

Did Ryan Anderson Reach Out to Gypsy’s Family?

After hearing the news, Anderson contacted Blanchard’s father, Rod. “I texted Rod, her dad,” he said. “I said, ‘Hey, man, I’m hearing this news. If it’s true tell Gypsy I’m sorry.’”

He also asked Rod to tell her, “I’m here if she needs me.” Anderson explained, “I was always somebody who could make her laugh when she was sad or give her comfort.”

Would Ryan Speak to Gypsy Again?

Anderson said he would be willing to support Blanchard if she contacted him. “If she does I would be there for her strictly as just being there for her because I always was,” he said.

Despite the complicated history surrounding all three, Anderson said his priorities were clear. “My main concern is Aurora and Gypsy and his family,” he said. “I care. I wish her the best.”

People reported that Urker died on Thursday, October 1, at age 34. His death remains under investigation, and Blanchard has said she believes he died from an overdose, though the official cause has not yet been confirmed, according to NBC News.

Authorities have said they found no evidence of foul play so far, while toxicology results are still pending.

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Some of the best deals you can find on top brands come at the very end of a season and even into the start of the next one. With summer firmly in the rearview, Nordstrom has slashed prices on its selection of warm-weather attire, including several popular shoe styles. Fall may be all about boots and loafers, but cashing in on an end-of-season sandal sale can mean saving big on shoes you’ll still wear all the time when the weather warms back up. Plus, a supportive pair of slides is something you can actually slip on any time of year to keep your feet comfy as you work around your house or on a quick walk out to the mailbox. That’s why we’re so excited to see the Vionic Evie Slide Sandals on sale for a whopping 60% off at Nordstrom right now. 

Fans of Vionic shoes love how they pair chic designs with orthotic support that cushions every step, but they often come with a price tag that can put a strain on your budget. Normally $125, the Evie Slide Sandals are now available for as low as $50 at Nordstrom, saving savvy shoppers $75 on a versatile shoe that’ll hold up season after season. The best deal currently is on the rose violet color at a full 60% off, but five additional colors are on sale at various price points as well. You can also shop them on Amazon, where certain sizes and colorways are up to 56% off right now.

Vionic Evie Slide Sandals, From $50 (were $125) at Nordstrom and Amazon

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Shop at Nordstrom Shop at Amazon

These sandals have a classic slide look with a flexible ribbed fabric upper and top-notch support that won’t leave your feet aching, even after a full day of walking. While they’re a great pair to keep by your door and slip on for quick errands, the elevated, textured look means they’re also a solid pick to wear with everything from flowy skirts and dresses to casual workwear.

Designed with Vionic’s signature suede-lined contoured footbed, these slides have “great arch support” and shock-absorbing cushioning that helps keep your legs and feet from feeling fatigued. Reviewers consistently raved about how these slides provide real relief from foot woes like plantar fasciitis and heel pain without sacrificing an ounce of aesthetic appeal. Multiple Nordstrom customers compared wearing these cushy sandals to “walking on clouds,” adding that they feel that way right out of the box. “These slides need no break-in period,” a shopper said. 

Available in women’s sizes 5 through 13, select colors also come in narrow and wide widths. Several shoppers mentioned that this style runs slightly large, and Nordstrom’s product page also suggests purchasing a half size smaller than your usual size. 

Shop More Deals

• Vionic Etna Crossover Slide Sandals, $70 (were $130) at Nordstrom
• Olukai Hila Water Resistant Slide Sandals, $44 (were $85) at Nordstrom
• Tory Burch Miller Jelly Thong Sandal, $96 (were $200) at Nordstrom

Related: Clarks’ Bow Sandals Let Shoppers Walk ‘10,000 Steps’ With No Foot Pain, Now 46% Off Pre-Prime Day

Whether you need to replace a worn-out pair or want to update your sandal collection with an off-season steal, you won’t want to miss the chance to snag the Vionic Evie Slide Sandals while they’re up to 60% off at Nordstrom.

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. 

Although my favorite vampire may belong to another supernatural franchise (*cough, Eric Northman, *cough), there’s something especially satisfying about discovering that actors who played an onscreen family actually enjoy spending time together off camera.

Nearly 20 years after Twilight first premiered, Kellan Lutz and Peter Facinelli are proving that their fictional Cullen family bond has become something of a reality. The former co-stars recently reunited for a vacation with their families in Turks and Caicos, and their conversations about the Twilight cast revealed just how much their friendships have endured.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lutz, who played Emmett Cullen, and Facinelli, who portrayed family patriarch Carlisle, opened up about the multiple group chats that keep their former castmates connected.

One is called “Vamily,” a combination of vampire and family. Another, simply called “The Cullens,” includes a larger circle of their former costars, including Nikki Reed, who played Rosalie.

And apparently, the supernatural guest list doesn’t end there. “We have a larger one that has some werewolves in it, some Volturi,” Lutz explained, referencing the rival supernatural groups from the franchise.

Facinelli also joked that Robert Pattinson, who played Edward Cullen, has his own special line of communication. “Rob has his own bat phone, so we just call him on that,” he quipped.

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The group chats are only part of the friendship. Lutz and Facinelli have vacationed together with Jackson Rathbone, who played Jasper, and are hoping Ashley Greene, who portrayed Alice, can join a future getaway.

Their recent tropical vacation also gave Lutz, now a father of two, an opportunity to reflect on how his relationship with Facinelli has evolved. During filming, he looked up to his older costar for the way he balanced acting, marriage and fatherhood. Now, Lutz is experiencing that chapter himself. “It’s just magical watching our kids play together,” he said of the trip.

The vampires may have been immortal on screen, but the friendships they formed have managed to last through marriages, parenthood and nearly two decades of life beyond Forks.

Halloween is taking over Turner Classic Movies this October, with a month packed with horror legends, creepy classics and plenty of beloved movies for viewers who aren’t looking for a scare.

TCM’s October 2026 schedule builds toward an all-day Halloween marathon on Saturday, Oct. 31, featuring Dracula, The Mummy, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Bride of Frankenstein and more.

But viewers won’t have to wait until Halloween for spooky season to arrive.

Throughout October, TCM is spotlighting horror icons including Vincent Price and Lon Chaney, showing several Alfred Hitchcock favorites and filling late-night hours with monster movies, psychological thrillers and cult favorites.

There are also plenty of major movies outside the horror genre, including All the President’s Men, The Manchurian Candidate, The ’Burbs, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Paper Moon and The Thin Man.

Here are some of the biggest movies and Halloween highlights airing on TCM in October 2026. All times are Eastern.

TCM October 2026 Schedule Highlights Friday, Oct. 2

TCM begins the first Friday night of October with a celebration of silent-film legend Lon Chaney.

8 p.m. — Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces (2000)
9:30 p.m. — Man of a Thousand Faces (1957)
11:45 p.m. — The Phantom of the Opera (1925)

Sunday, Oct. 4

Political thrillers take over Sunday night, beginning with Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in the Oscar-winning All the President’s Men.

8 p.m. — All the President’s Men (1976)
10:30 p.m. — The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Mysteries dominate the evening, including the Agatha Christie adaptation And Then There Were None and Alfred Hitchcock’s Suspicion, starring Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine.

8 p.m. — And Then There Were None (1945)
9:45 p.m. — Murder She Said (1961)
11:30 p.m. — The Kennel Murder Case (1933)
1 a.m. — Suspicion (1941)

Wednesday, Oct. 7

Director Joe Dante gets the spotlight with a three-film primetime lineup. Matinee kicks things off before Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher and Bruce Dern star in the dark comedy The ’Burbs. The Howling follows at midnight.

8 p.m. — Matinee (1993)
10 p.m. — The ’Burbs (1989)
12 a.m. — The Howling (1981)

Thursday, Oct. 8

The night begins with Jane Fonda in They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? before Hitchcock’s Lifeboat. Then TCM turns decidedly spooky with a string of 1950s science-fiction and monster movies.

8 p.m. — They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969)
10:15 p.m. — Lifeboat (1944)
12:15 a.m. — The Blob (1958)
1:45 a.m. — Fiend Without a Face (1958)
3:15 a.m. — The Thing From Another World (1951)
4:45 a.m. — Them! (1954)

Monday, Oct. 12

William Powell and Myrna Loy take over primetime with The Thin Man and three of its sequels.

8 p.m. — The Thin Man (1934)
9:45 p.m. — After the Thin Man (1936)
11:45 p.m. — Another Thin Man (1939)
1:45 a.m. — Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Fans of Monty Python get an entire evening devoted to the comedy troupe, beginning with Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

8 p.m. — Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
10 p.m. — Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
12 a.m. — Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life (1983)

Thursday, Oct. 15

October gets significantly spookier in the middle of the month. Gaslight begins the evening before Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street leads into a late-night marathon of Dracula and Frankenstein movies.

8 p.m. — Gaslight (1944)
10:15 p.m. — Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1982)
12:45 a.m. — Brides of Dracula (1960)
2:30 a.m. — The Blood From the Mummy’s Tomb (1971)
4:15 a.m. — Dracula Has Risen From the Grave (1968)

The monster marathon continues into Friday morning with Dracula A.D. 1972, The Curse of Frankenstein, The Horror of Dracula and The Mummy.

Friday, Oct. 16

Hitchcock takes center stage Friday night, including several of the director’s most celebrated movies.

The evening includes Blackmail and The 39 Steps before Grace Kelly stars in Dial M for Murder and Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint close out the night in North by Northwest.

9:15 p.m. — Blackmail (1929)
10:45 p.m. — The 39 Steps (1935)
12:30 a.m. — Dial M for Murder (1954)
2:30 a.m. — North by Northwest (1959)

Saturday, Oct. 17

Another Hitchcock favorite gets a much earlier timeslot Saturday night, with James Stewart and Grace Kelly starring in Rear Window.

8 p.m. — Rear Window (1954)
10 p.m. — Paper Moon (1973)

Tuesday, Oct. 20

It’s a great night for anyone looking for some spooky comedy rather than outright horror.

8 p.m. — Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
10:15 p.m. — I Married a Witch (1942)
1:45 a.m. — The Stranger (1946)
3:30 a.m. — Deathtrap (1982)

Friday, Oct. 23

Universal Monsters get their turn in the spotlight, with Frankenstein and The Invisible Man airing back-to-back.

8 p.m. — Carl Laemmle (2019)
9:45 p.m. — Frankenstein (1931)
11 p.m. — The Invisible Man (1933)
12:15 a.m. — The Black Cat (1934)
1:30 a.m. — The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

Thursday, Oct. 29

Clint Eastwood’s The Beguiled kicks off another night of unsettling movies before The Sentinel and the Val Lewton horror favorite I Walked With a Zombie.

8 p.m. — The Beguiled (1971)
10 p.m. — The Sentinel (1977)
11:45 p.m. — I Walked With a Zombie (1943)
1 a.m. — Bedlam (1946)

Friday, Oct. 30

Vincent Price takes over the night before Halloween.

TCM will premiere the new documentary Vincent Price: What Keeps Us Alive at 8 p.m., followed by several of Price’s best-known horror movies, including The Fly, House of Wax and House on Haunted Hill.

8 p.m. — Vincent Price: What Keeps Us Alive (2026)
9:45 p.m. — The Fly (1958)
11:30 p.m. — House of Wax (1953)
1:15 a.m. — House on Haunted Hill (1958)

What’s on TCM on Halloween 2026?

TCM is devoting much of Saturday, Oct. 31, to monsters, horror movies and other Halloween-friendly fare.

The fun begins at 7 a.m., but the lineup really gets going in the afternoon with Bela Lugosi’s Dracula, followed by The Mummy, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Bride of Frankenstein.

Frank Langella’s 1979 version of Dracula takes over primetime, followed by Brian De Palma’s Phantom of the Paradise and the 1942 horror favorite Cat People.

7 a.m. — The Hypnotic Eye (1960)
8:30 a.m. — Dr. X (1932)
10 a.m. — The Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933)
11:30 a.m. — Transylvania 6-5000 (1963)
12 p.m. — Pufnstuf (1970)
1:45 p.m. — Dracula (1931)
3:15 p.m. — The Mummy (1932)
4:45 p.m. — Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932)
6:30 p.m. — Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
8 p.m. — Dracula (1979)
10:15 p.m. — Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
12 a.m. — Cat People (1942)

Related: Huluween 2026 Schedule: Every Halloween Movie and Show Streaming on Hulu This October

Pedro Pascal can now add playing the cello to his resume. At the world premiere of his drama, Behemoth!, at the New York Film Festival, Pascal sat with writer-director Tony Gilroy (Andor) and co-stars Eva Victor and Will Arnett to discuss the film. According to PEOPLE, during the press conference on Friday, Pascal opened up about how difficult it was to learn the cello.

“Remembering that there was an actual character to play that was in a story other than just the cello,” Pascal said. “The cello was the main character of my life for several weeks leading up to shooting. I took it with me everywhere I went.”

Pascal said learning the cello normally takes a year, but he had to “fast-track” training for the production and cram it all into a week. He described this as “the hardest thing that I’ve ever done creatively for a part.”

“Everything surprised me; it was hell…and heaven,” he added. “It was incredible to be sort of in lessons again with another artist, number one, and to kind of stimulate the physical challenge of it and the meticulousness around it.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 02: (L-R) Tony Gilroy and Pedro Pascal speak onstage at the “Behemoth!” press conference during the 64th New York Film Festival at Walter Reade Theater on October 02, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for FLC)

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

At the panel, Pascal revealed he was nervous about his role in Behemoth!. Though he told Gilroy he was unsure he could play the role after reading the script, Pascal said the film’s story pulled him in, describing it as a “challenge in a good way.”

“I was so taken by what the story was and the kind of intimacy of all of it, in the way [of] how intimate it can feel to listen to music and to be guided by music,” Pascal said.

Behemoth! will arrive in theaters on Dec. 4.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ken Urker were taking some time apart before his death at 33, but the two were still together, and they were even planning to move into a new apartment, TMZ reports.

Sources told the outlet that Urker asked Blanchard for some space, and she had been staying with her parents for the past couple of weeks. But during that time, they had been moving their belongings out of their old apartment and into a new place. The sources further “stressed” that they had not broken up and weren’t even on a break. Instead, it was just some time apart.

And the reason for that was because of Urker’s drinking, with sources telling TMZ that he had been “privately battling an alcohol problem for the past few months, knew he had an issue, and attended at least one Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.” It had created a strain on his relationship with Blanchard.

The sources added that when Blanchard and her parents were moving things out of the old apartment, they discovered an empty Crown Royal box.

Urker was found dead at his home in Raceland, Louisiana, on Thursday, Oct. 1, the same day as his 34th birthday. TMZ reports that syringes and a spoon near a brown, powdery substance were found near Urker’s body, as well as another syringe on the nightstand. According to law enforcement records, a caller warned the police that Urker had threatened suicide, owned a gun, and was “dark place.” The police report obtained by TMZ classified his death as an overdose, with an autopsy being conducted on Friday morning.

No official cause of death has been released.

These days, there are an endless number of parenting resources at our fingertips. Different books, Substacks, podcasts and social media accounts provide plenty of advice and suggestions to help us navigate super specific scenarios. When we find tactics that work for us and our kids, nothing feels better.

That being said, some of the strategies that might work best for your family could lead to some tricky dynamics with the grandparents in your life, especially if they disagree with any of your approaches or if they themselves listen to unhealthy child-rearing advice.

Big Little Feelings founders Deena Margolin and Kristin Gallant, parenting experts with over 3.5 million followers on Instagram, understand the challenge of holding to your chosen parenting style in front of your own parents—especially when facing tantrums, whining, bedtime stalling and other difficult moments.

Here, they reveal what they call the “number one” piece of parenting advice many grandparents swear by that they believe is outdated, and what philosophy they stand by instead. Plus, Gallant tells Parade how this all ties in with her “biggest learning in nine years of mothering”—which I believe is a much-needed lesson (or reminder) for us all.

Related: The #1 Hack To Get Your Child or Grandchild’s Attention Without Yelling

The #1 Piece of Outdated Parenting Advice That Grandparents Swear By, According to Big Little Feelings

“I instantly know,” Gallant tells Parade. “It’s that your child is out of control and you need to toughen them up. You need to send them to the room or spank them or whatever disciplinary measure that they did—that would be the number one.”

“Agreed,” Margolin says. “That’s what came to my mind—that big feelings and letting your kid express their healthy feelings is ‘letting them get away with it.'”

That’s not the case at all, Margolin explains.

“All feelings are OK, certain behaviors are not,” she tells Parade about their philosophy, and what to communicate to your children in those hard moments. “That’s my job to teach you how to handle those feelings in those situations and those problems in healthier, better ways over time.”

Related: The Surprising Phrase You Should Stop Saying to Your Child or Grandchild—and What To Say Instead

PixelsEffect/Getty Images

The Challenge of Communicating About Different Parenting Styles With Your Own Parents

If a family member or close friend doesn’t understand why you’re choosing to parent in a certain way, it can feel isolating and frustrating, to say the least. It’s almost like we need a way to send someone a parenting article without the link screaming, “This is about you.”

Gallant jokes, “No, we should, I think, take their phone because you know that AI and everybody in the world is always listening. So the way that I take my husband’s phone and I’m like, ‘Therapy, diamonds, puppies, kittens,’ take your mom’s phone or your dad’s phone and just be like, ‘Feelings, therapy, emotional regulation,’ you know, and then [the] algorithm will start.”

Related: 4 Phrases Parents and Grandparents Should Avoid Using Right After School—and Why

But in all seriousness, it can be incredibly challenging to navigate conversations and visits when individuals you love disagree with your parenting style.

Gallant stresses that the most important thing is to trust yourself—and also to not feel like you have to convince anyone else that what you’re doing is right for your family.

“My biggest learning in nine years of mothering is that my boundary when it comes to parenting my kids (now that I’m nine years in, it wasn’t so much at the beginning) is that I do know how to parent my kid, and I know how I like to parent my kid,” she tells Parade. “And I’m not saying it’s right for everybody’s kids, but I know it’s right for my house [and] my kids, and my job is not to convince you—whether it’s [a] grandparent, whether it’s [a] stranger at the mall, whether it’s my sister-in-law [or] mother-in-law—it’s actually not my job to convince you [of] anything at all.”

However, that doesn’t mean you never have to have hard conversations.

“Now, if you cross a line and you personally do something that does not fall within something that’s OK with us, I’m going to have to have a talk and tell you why that boundary is not OK,” Gallant clarifies. “However, outside of that, it’s not my job to convince you that this is the right way to do anything because what happens is you get really exhausted and fired up and it’s emotional and you’re sending all these things, and then they’re still saying it and it becomes so frustrating.”

“They can think whatever they want to think, as long as they don’t act upon something that crosses my boundary,” she says. “You can think whatever you want to think. [It’s] not my job to convince you.”

Self-trust, for the win.

Up Next:

Related: The Genius Trick for Easier Mornings With Kids: ‘It Changes Everything’

Sources:

Courtesy Alex Stone Photography

• Parent coach Kristin Gallant and licensed marriage and family therapist Deena Margolin are best friends and busy moms behind “Big Little Feelings.” Margolin studied under Dr. Dan Siegel, and brings clinical experience specializing in interpersonal neurobiology and the connection between parent-child relationship, brain growth and emotional development. Gallant has a background in international affairs, a concentration in maternal and child education, and she’s a vocal mental health advocate. They have 3.5 million followers on Instagram.

Tony Romo will not be returning to CBS Sports as an NFL game analyst, the network announced on Friday, October 2. This comes after he was arrested in July on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” the network said in a statement. “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”

Romo was arrested after a traffic stop in Milwaukee on July 23, with court records showing that one of the arresting officers said he detected a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” on Romo’s breath. The former NFL quarterback performed poorly on the field sobriety tests and was taken into custody. He was later released. On Sept. 1, Romo pleaded no contest.

Romo was placed on indefinite leave shortly after the arrest, with J.J. Watt taking over his role on CBS’ No. 1 NFL broadcast team. He still had  four years and $72 million remaining on the 10-year, $180 million contract he signed with CBS in 2020, with The Athletic reporting that the two sides reached a financial settlement.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished at CBS Sports over the last nine years. I approached my role as a game analyst the way I’ve approached everything in my life – with a desire to win and be the best that I can be,” Romo, said in a statement released after CBS’ announcement.

“I’m going to use this time to take a break, something I’ve never done before, and focus on my health and my family before moving on to my next opportunity,” he continued. “I am grateful for my time with CBS Sports and for the continued support of my family and friends, as well as the NFL community and fans.”

If there is one children’s book that has stood strong throughout the test of time, it’s The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler. The story of the monster in the forest and the mouse willing to trick it is beloved by millions, with adults passing the story down to their children.

It’s always hard to follow up with a sequel, but the pair managed it with The Gruffalo’s Child, and now it’s time for a third in the series, Gruffalo Granny. The children’s book is already available to buy, but is it worth it?

Simply put, yes! If you adored the rhyming and the heartfelt tale of the original story, you’ll adore this one. My favorite part is that there are mentions of Donaldson and Scheffler’s other books, Room on the Broom, Charlie Cook’s Favorite Book, The Spiffiest Giant in Town, and The SNail and the Whale throughout the story, bringing the universes together in a fun way.

The artwork is vivid, as you would expect from this series. Each page has been developed with care, bringing reminders of the original story through the use of the fox, owl, snake, and mouse. The coloring matches previous tales, and there’s the added fun of showing how Gruffalos look as they grow old with age. It’s not just about the future, but about the prickles as well.

Courtesy of Penguin Young Readers

My favorite part was seeing how even the Gruffalo has started to change with age. His fur is a little messier, and he doesn’t look as menacing as he once did. Part of that comes with him now raising his child, who still carries Stickman everywhere she goes.

Of course, there is always a sweet twist at the end. The idea of the main character going out to kill another animal seems absurd for a children’s story. Would the Gruffalo Granny be all that mad that she didn’t get mouse in her stew? Well, I’ll leave you to read what the twist is, but it made me chuckle as we learn that her son temporarily forgot something about her.

Part of me wishes that Granny was in a bit more of the book. The story is more about the Gruffalo’s child getting ready for Granny’s visit for the first time, so she’s excited, and the story moves onto the inclusion of the universe as a whole. However, I get a sense that there could be more now that Granny has arrived. Maybe we can see Granny and Child heading out on an adventure in the forest.

Gruffalo Granny is a must-have addition to the entire collection. It’s one of those to read over and over again to the children, and yes, I gathered my tween and teen to read this to them as we did with the original stories when they were babies.

If you’re a fan of The Outset‘s Firming Vegan Collagen Prep Serum, or my personal favorite, the Lip Oasis (shade Dune is my go-to for the perfect pinky-nude lip), it may be time to say goodbye.

Scarlett Johansson’s skincare brand announced on its website Monday, Sept. 28, that it is winding down operations after four years in business. Online shopping at theoutset.com has ended, though existing orders will still be processed. If you’re hoping to snag a last bottle, it may be worth checking retailers that carried the line, including Sephora, Nordstrom and Goop, while any remaining stock lasts.

“After an incredible journey, The Outset has made the decision to wind down operations,” the brand shared in a statement. “We’re so grateful to everyone who welcomed us into their routines and supported us along the way.”

Johansson, 41, co-founded The Outset in 2022 with beauty and fashion executive Kate Foster. The actress said at the time that her mother sparked her love of self-care when she was a teenager, and that she had stepped back from previous beauty deals to create something that felt true to her.

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The brand also experienced changes behind the scenes in recent years. Foster stepped down in April 2025, according to Business of Fashion.

The Outset joins a growing list of star-backed beauty brands that have closed, including Kim Kardashian’s KKW Beauty, Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty and, more recently, Gwen Stefani’s GXVE Beauty. Flower Beauty closed in 2025 after 13 years, while GXVE reportedly stopped selling through Sephora earlier this year.

A famous founder can generate immediate attention, but turning that recognition into lasting customer loyalty is another challenge. In an increasingly crowded beauty market, celebrity recognition alone doesn’t guarantee that shoppers will keep coming back. The Outset has not publicly provided a reason for its decision to close.

For longtime customers who loved the brand’s streamlined skincare approach, the immediate question is where to find their favorite products. Although shopping directly through The Outset has ended, some products may remain available through third-party retailers while supplies last. I’d stock up now before finding them marked up on reseller sites.

Warning: This article contains graphic details.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is speaking out about the pressure she says Ken Urker faced before his sudden death, describing years of online attention as deeply damaging.

One day after Urker died on Thursday, October 1, Blanchard shared a statement on Instagram about the scrutiny surrounding his life with her.

What Did Gypsy Rose Blanchard Say About Ken Urker?

“Ken endured an unimaginable level of public scrutiny and relentless cyberbullying across social media platforms,” Blanchard wrote on Instagram in a statement reviewed by Parade on Friday, October 2. 

“The cruelty toward him was something no human should have to endure. I believe the tremendous weight of that scrutiny and harassment had a profound impact on him.”

Blanchard, 35, urged people to remember the human cost behind online commentary. “I hope his passing serves as a reminder,” she continued, “that there is a real person behind every screen, every headline and every comment.”

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Instagram Story

What Has Blanchard Said About His Death?

Authorities have not announced an official cause of death. Blanchard previously told People that she believes Urker died from an overdose, though she did not know whether it was intentional.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies found Urker dead after responding to an emergency call around 6:15 p.m. Thursday. The investigation remains ongoing.

What Did Police Find Inside the Home?

Page Six reported Friday that an incident report documented drug paraphernalia, a handgun and a brown powdery substance inside the Louisiana home.

“Deputies entered the residence through the front door and were able to see Mr. Urker from the living room area lying on his back in the bed. Deputies walked in the direction of the room and located paraphernalia (syringes and spoon) in the bathroom next to a brown powdery substance,” the report stated.

Authorities also documented a syringe and handgun on a nightstand. An autopsy and toxicology testing are expected to help determine Urker’s cause of death.

How Is Gypsy Rose Remembering Ken Urker?

Blanchard also focused on Urker’s relationship with their 21-month-old daughter, Aurora.

She called Aurora a “beautiful reflection of his enduring spirit.”

“Through her, a part of him will always remain with us,” Blanchard told People. “I will make sure she grows up knowing how deeply her father loved her and who he was beyond what strangers on the internet chose to say about him.”

Blanchard and Urker first connected in 2017 while she was incarcerated for her role in the killing of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. They rekindled their relationship in 2024. She said Urker will be “deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten.”

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

Jennifer Beals is heading to network TV to star on NCIS: New York 43 years after she danced her heart out in Flashdance.

Beals, 62, skyrocketed to fame as an aspiring dancer who spends her days working as a welder in a steel mill in Flashdance, an iconic ’80s movie with an amazing soundtrack to boot. The synth-pop classic “Maniac,” which is featured in the movie during a scene when Beals dances around the room, also went down in history. 43 years later, Beals has barely aged a day as she prepares to hit network television on NCIS: New York. In a new Instagram reel promoting the new series, Beals gallivants around a New York rooftop in a sheer dress, looking more stunning than ever.

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What is NCIS: New York About?

Also starring Scott Caan and LL Cool J, NCIS: New York features LL Cool J reprising his NCIS: Los Angeles role as NCIS Special Agent Sam Hanna. The show’s premise focuses on his return to his hometown of New York City to the NCIS field office, where he partners with a roguish agent, Nick Schaeffer (Caan), and helps lead a new team as they are tasked with high-stakes missions to defend one of the most vital cities and ports in the world, Deadline reported in July.

Check out LL Cool J, Caan, and Beals in the trailer for the series below. It hits airwaves on Tuesdays at 9 pm ET on CBS starting October 6.

What Has Jennifer Beals Done Since Flashdance?

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Beals may be best known for her role in Flashdance, but she’s had a significant career in the last four decades. After her role in Flashdance, she returned to college at Yale and allowed herself to live a normal life away from the spotlight for several years. She later became a staple of indie films and resurfaced as a cult favorite character on Showtime’s The L Word, which ran from 2004 to 2009. She reprised that role on the series reboot, The L Word: Generation Q, which ran from 2019 to 2023. Now, she’s ready for network TV!

Related: Jennifer Beals, 62, Brings Back Her Famous ‘Flashdance’ Curls 43 Years Later—See the Look

People born in the following two birth months are the most likely to carry a resilient, independent personality. When things get tough, they tend to look within for answers. Although they can lean on others, they find a strong sense of purpose in their autonomy and leadership. According to astrology, these birth months stand out for their fierce strength above all else.

People born in January are known for their unwavering strength.

Ekaterina Goncharova / Getty Images

January

People born in January are often the strongest individual in the room. Either a disciplined Capricorn or innovative Aquarius, this birth month doesn’t back down from challenges. In fact, they often find their greatest wins by staying consistent while others get stressed and give up. This streak of passionate stubbornness is hard not to love. While it can certainly lead to power struggles when loved ones want to help, all in all, they know that if they want to do something the way they like, they ought to do it themselves.

If you know someone with a birthday during this time of year, you’re sure to also be well acquainted with their integrity. Above all else, these individuals carry a strong sense of right versus wrong. While the tempting option can be convincing, they always return to their sense of justice. At the end of the day, just because everyone is doing something doesn’t make it okay. January-borns firm moral compass keeps them in check, pointing towards a true north of intentional growth.

November-borns carry a potent intuition that allows them unparalleled independence from outside noise.

nicoletaionescu / Getty Images

November

Those with November birthdays are certainly not faint of heart. They hold fire in their eyes and passion in their soul. November-borns are either born under intense Scorpio or philosophical Sagittarius, destined to transmute darkness to light. The taboos that send most into aversion light up their intellectual curiosity. When confronted with life’s mysteries, they rarely want to look away. Rather, they’d rather dive deep and explore their endless array of questions.

When you get to know someone born during this month, don’t be surprised to find infinite strength of willpower. They know what they want, and they’re unwavering once they set their sights on it. Independence is their natural state. Asking for outside approval, direction, or strategy rarely crosses their mind. With magnetic intuition, this birth month instinctively knows they walk a rare path that, in most cases, requires introspection over public acknowledgment.

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Sometimes, the subtle details truly make home decor pop. For holiday decor, that could mean elements like a realistic tree shape, a soft texture, and (of course) easy assembly, which can take holiday decorations from ordinary to surprisingly satisfying. These small touches often make the biggest difference, quietly elevating a room’s atmosphere without overwhelming it.

Crafted with plush cashmere needles, Walmart’s Best Choice Pre-Lit Color-Changing Cashmere Christmas Tree focuses on essentials like full branches, gentle cashmere tips, and a setup process that doesn’t take much time or effort. For those seeking a holiday upgrade that is both approachable and refined, this tree offers an accessible solution.

Best Choice Pre-Lit Color-Changing Cashmere Christmas Tree, From $170 (was $286) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

This tree features dense, evergreen branches accented with soft, luxurious cashmere tips for a noticeable touch of luxury. The result is an elegant centerpiece with a refined texture, further elevated by its subtle, partially flocked finish.

Available in 6-foot, 7.5-foot, and 9-foot versions, this tree leans into understated elegance. The cashmere-tipped needles have a soft, almost feathery look and feel, while the PVC branches create that classic pine fullness. The design has plush branch tips, offering enough density to display ornaments and garland without awkward gaps. The partially flocked branches nod to a dusting of snow, but the effect is subtle rather than dramatic.

The tree arrives with hundreds of pre-strung LEDs, with both white and multicolor settings. A foot switch lets you cycle through nine different light sequences, from steady white to blinking multicolor, so that you can match the mood or the crowd with minimal effort, no wrestling with tangled cords. The tree assembles in three steps, and the cordless connection keeps things tidy.

“Love the soft cashmere tips,” one shopper stated. “The fact that it could be clear lights or color is a game changer! Try to find another cashmere tree with these options. It will be extremely hard to find and at least four times more!”

“Beautiful and easy,” another shopper wrote. “So easy to put together. The way the lights change is so pretty, and they go from white to colors, so I don’t have to choose one or the other. Beautiful classic-looking tree.”

Related: Dolly Parton’s $28 Holiday Stoneware Platter Brings Country Charm to Christmas Cookie Spreads

Assembly requires some patience, as fluffing the branches can take about half an hour, but the reward is a tree that looks full from every angle. The sturdy base and generous diameter mean you do not have to worry about crowding your ornaments. When the season is over, the tree comes apart just as easily and is ready to store until next year.

The real draw is the look and feel. The cashmere tips are softer than standard PVC and lend a welcoming texture that stands out against more plastic versions. The tree’s proportions are balanced, and the design is neutral enough to work with any decorating scheme, whether you lean traditional or minimalist.

Shop More Deals

• Best Choice Products 2-Piece LED Penguin Outdoor Christmas Decoration, $80 (was $120) at Walmart
• Best Choice Products Wooden Christmas Advent Calendar, $65 (was $100) at Walmart
• Best Choice Products 3-Piece Ceramic Casserole Dish Set, $35 (was $80) at Walmart

Walmart’s Cashmere Christmas Tree is a practical, attractive way to upgrade your holiday setup.  If you want a tree that is soft to the touch, full in appearance, and takes the stress out of setup, this one checks all the boxes without making a fuss.

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Jimmy Kimmel has faced a lot of heat from President Donald Trump, and two fellow comedians may know why. On Thursday, during their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, John Oliver and Seth Meyers shared their theories on why the POTUS hates Kimmel so much.

Saying Kimmel draws “all the ire,” Meyers suggested Trump has a love-hate relationship with the late-night comedian.

“Other than the fact of you don’t like him, we think he would want to hang out with you,” said Meyers. “I think he sees us as a couple of dorks, and even if we were fans of his, he would have no respect for us.”

Both Meyers and Oliver acknowledged that they have also received criticism from the president. In response, Kimmel theorized that he draws the most heat, while Trump “occasionally will get upset with” Meyers because the latter’s show is on too late and that he only watches network TV and Fox News.

“I also think just as late as he stays up raging and tweeting and whatever it is he does, you’re on too late for him,” Kimmel said to Meyers. “You’re past his bedtime.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 27: Jimmy Kimmel attends the ceremony to honor Adam Carolla with a Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame on May 27, 2026 in Hollywood, California.

(Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images)

Kimmel faced especially severe backlash from Trump for criticizing Charlie Kirk on the air after his death. FCC Chair Brendan Carr thus threatened to take action against broadcasters who air Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Though ABC subsequently suspended Kimmel’s show, he returned after five days. However, Trump has continued to criticize Kimmel and demand his show’s cancellation.

“When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel, who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television?” Trump wrote on Truth Social last April.

Oliver joked that he and Meyers “are fine” as long as Kimmel is on the air. “We are fully supportive,” Oliver added. “We are fully behind you, the way that we’re fully behind a bulletproof vest.”

Even the greats have an occasional rough night, with many of our favorite late night talk show hosts admitting they certainly aren’t any exception.

In fact, during a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, late night veterans Seth Meyers and John Oliver both revealed the hilarious backstories behind some of their worst comedic performances on stage.

With Kimmel temporarily hosting his series in New York City, Oliver and Meyers began discussing the various types of crowds they can expect to perform in front of in New York, leading Kimmel to ask whether they have any memorable experiences bombing in front of an audience.

“Have you had situations where you’ve had a horrible audience? Or maybe you have been horrible?” Kimmel asked his guests.

Meyers immediately responded with a story about a charity event for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. In said event, he reprised his role as a “Weekend Update” anchor from Saturday Night Live, interviewing Bobby Moynihan’s recurring character, Drunk Uncle.

“So we were backstage, I was in my Update suit and [Moynihan] was dressed as Drunk Uncle, and Chris Rock walked over, and he just saw us and went, ‘Sketches? You’re going to walk out there and do sketches?” Meyers recalled with a laugh. “And he was just so delighted. He was in the future knowing how bad [we were going to do].”

“You know how crazy it is to get booed when you’re giving your time to a good cause?” Meyers continued.

“You got booed?!” an incredulous Kimmel asked.

“People were genuinely like, ‘Get out of here!'” Meyers responded. “And I’m like, ‘It’s for charity.’ It was rough.”

For his part, Oliver recounted a disastrous performance at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom which saw him perform along such colorful acts as Mr. Methane, a comedian who specialized in farting on command, and Stevie Starr, a professional regurgitator.

“I was used to bombing, that was not an uncommon experience. But the problem that night was a middle act between two guys,” Oliver said, explaining his colleagues’ physical comedy routines. “And I remember being backstage with the two of them and they looked at me with pity.”

Beloved TikTok star and ALS advocate Brooke Eby has died at 37, four years after she was diagnosed with the terminal disease.

The ALS Network announced Eby’s death on Thursday, October 1, remembering her as an “extraordinary advocate, storyteller, community builder, and friend” whose humor and honesty helped change the way people understood amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Eby was diagnosed with ALS at 33 in March 2022, four years after she first began experiencing symptoms. Shortly after receiving her diagnosis, she began documenting her life with the disease online under the fitting username “Limpbroozkit.” Her self-deprecating approach to discussing a devastating diagnosis helped her build an audience of hundreds of thousands across TikTok and Instagram.

Rather than shy away from the realities of ALS, Eby frequently used humor to explain how the progressive disease was changing her life, at one point referring to the diagnosis as her “death sentence.”

Fans were extremely emotional learning about Eby’s passing.

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“Brooke had ALS but ALS did not have her. It did not dim her light, her creativity, her humor, or her charisma. I will miss her amazing stories,” one wrote in the comments of the ALS Network’s announcement on Instagram.

“I only “knew” Brooke via the snippets she generously shared on social media but I’m in tears right now,” said another.

A third replied, “This feels soul crushing and utterly heartbreaking. I hate this disease so much. Thank you @limpbroozkit for sharing your life with us and making us laugh a long a journey that can feel hopeless.”

Eby’s impact stretched far beyond social media. She founded ALStogether, an online peer community that gave people living with ALS and their caregivers a place to connect and share their experiences. In 2026, the community was integrated into the ALS Network in an effort to expand the resources available to its members.

That June, Eby received the organization’s Dean and Kathleen Rasmussen Advocate of the Year Award. “I didn’t choose ALS, but I did choose to get loud, and be irreverent about it, so don’t worry, I’m not getting quiet anytime soon!” Eby said after learning she would receive the honor. “I’m so grateful for this award because it tells me I’m helping in my own weird way.”

In its tribute, the ALS Network vowed to continue the community Eby created. “Brooke changed the way people see ALS, but she also changed the way people living with ALS find and support one another,” ALS Network President and CEO Sheri Strahl said. “She brought humor into incredibly difficult moments, spoke with fearless honesty, and created connection where it was desperately needed.”

Rest in peace, Brooke.

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Travel insurance is one purchase that can become less useful the longer you wait. You don’t necessarily need to buy a policy the same minute you book a flight or hotel. But once money starts becoming nonrefundable, the timing deserves more attention.

Some benefits are available only when insurance is purchased within a set period after your initial trip payment or deposit. Waiting can also create another problem: insurance generally won’t protect you from an event that was already known or foreseeable before you purchased coverage.

So, when should you actually buy travel insurance? Here’s how timing can affect what coverage is available.

TravelInsurance.com lets travelers compare participating policies from multiple insurers once they know their trip dates, destination and prepaid expenses.

When Is the Best Time To Buy Travel Insurance?

For many travelers, the best time to buy travel insurance is soon after making the first payment toward the trip. That gives you the opportunity to compare plans once you know your basic trip details while also preserving eligibility for benefits that must be purchased shortly after the initial deposit.

TravelInsurance.com says the ideal window generally begins when you make the first trip payment and extends through roughly the following few weeks, although exact deadlines vary by policy.

When You Buy

What To Consider

Soon after first deposit

Broadest access to time-sensitive benefits

Weeks or months later

Standard coverage may still be available

Near departure

Fewer pre-departure options may remain

After a disruption is known

That event generally won’t be insurable

Why Does Your First Trip Payment Matter?

Many travel insurance deadlines are measured from the initial trip payment date, not the departure date. TravelInsurance.com’s quote process asks travelers for the date they first made a partial or full payment toward their trip. If no money changed hands because the trip was booked with points, the site instructs travelers to use the booking date instead.

That first payment might be a cruise deposit, airline ticket, tour deposit or another prepaid reservation. The date becomes important if you’re considering ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ coverage or a waiver of a pre-existing-condition exclusion.

When Do You Have To Buy ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ Coverage?

Cancel For Any Reason coverage, or CFAR, is one of the clearest examples of why waiting matters. CFAR expands standard trip cancellation coverage by allowing cancellation for reasons not otherwise covered by the base policy, provided all requirements are met.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says CFAR usually requires travelers to purchase coverage within a specified period, insure the full trip cost and cancel before a specified deadline. CFAR generally reimburses only 50-75% of eligible trip costs, not 100%.

TravelInsurance.com says CFAR commonly must be purchased within roughly 10 to 21 days after the initial trip payment, although individual policies differ. Some plans currently available through the site require purchase within 15 days, showing why checking the specific policy deadline matters.

Don’t wait until time-sensitive benefits like “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage expire. Head to TravelInsurance.com to compare prices, benefit limits and top-rated policies side-by-side in minutes.

Pre-Existing Condition Waivers Can Also Have Deadlines

Standard travel insurance may exclude losses related to certain pre-existing medical conditions. Some policies offer a waiver of the pre-existing-condition exclusion when travelers meet specific conditions.

One common requirement is purchasing insurance within a limited period after the initial trip payment. TravelInsurance.com says this window is often around 14 to 21 days, depending on the policy. Travelers may also need to insure all prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs and meet medical eligibility requirements.

NAIC also emphasizes that consumers should be told whether a pre-existing-condition exclusion can be waived and under what circumstances before purchasing a policy. Never assume a waiver applies automatically. Check the policy’s exact eligibility rules.

Related: The Best 36-Hour Vacation Hacks Travel Pros Taught Me When You’re Out of PTO

Can You Buy Travel Insurance Right Before Your Trip?

Often, yes. TravelInsurance.com says many policies can be purchased up until the day before departure, although buying late can mean giving up access to certain time-sensitive benefits.

You also lose much of the value of pre-departure cancellation protection by waiting. If you insure a trip six months before departure, qualifying events occurring during those six months may potentially trigger covered cancellation benefits under the policy. Buying insurance the day before departure leaves almost no pre-trip period to protect.

Last-minute coverage can still provide useful post-departure benefits, such as eligible emergency medical expenses, trip interruption or baggage protection, depending on the policy.

Can You Buy Insurance After a Hurricane or Other Problem Starts?

You may still be able to buy a policy, but the event already underway may no longer be covered. Travel insurance is designed primarily for unexpected events.

For example, TravelInsurance.com notes that hurricane-related cancellation benefits may apply only when the policy was purchased before the storm became a known event, depending on the plan and covered reason. The same principle can apply to other disruptions. Buying insurance after you already know about a strike, illness or major weather event generally doesn’t turn that known problem into a covered event.

Related: 8 Carry-On Essentials Every Over-40 Traveler Needs

Should You Buy Travel Insurance Before or After Booking?

Typically, purchases should be made after you have made your initial booking or deposit. At that point, you know enough about the destination, travel dates and trip cost to compare meaningful quotes. You also start the clock for benefits that measure eligibility from your first payment.

There is little advantage to waiting months simply because departure still feels far away. The premium generally protects the specified trip, while waiting may narrow the available options.

How Long Should You Wait To Compare Travel Insurance?

Ideally, not long. You don’t need to rush into the first policy offered during checkout. Comparing several plans can help you evaluate cancellation benefits, medical limits, evacuation coverage and exclusions. But if you want CFAR or a pre-existing-condition waiver, your comparison period may be measured in days or weeks rather than months.

The safest approach is to record the date of your first trip payment and start shopping soon afterward.

TravelInsurance.com lets travelers compare participating policies, benefit limits and prices side by side. Check each policy’s time-sensitive requirements before purchasing, especially if CFAR or a pre-existing-condition waiver matters for your trip.