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As the battle against artificial colors and flavors ramps up, Aldi has announced that it will make necessary changes to its products. 

The discount grocer, which already boasts the Simply Nature line that's free of artificial colors and flavors, will remove an additional 44 artificial preservatives, colors, flavors and sweeteners from its store-brand products.

The announcement noted that the change will impact the private label, along with vitamin and supplement products.

The rollout is expected to be fully implemented by Dec. 2027, with the reformulated products rolling out across the year. 

The move will increase the restricted ingredients list from 13 to 57.

“At the heart of our private label products is a commitment to listening to our customers and continually improving the products they bring into their homes,” said Scott Patton, Chief Commercial Officer, in the statement.

“Based directly on customer feedback, we are proud to take meaningful steps to make it even easier for families to fill their carts with confidence by delivering simpler ingredients while continuing to provide the quality and value they expect from ALDI.”

The German retailer’s decision builds on the removal of 13 ingredients more than 10 years ago, when it became the first national grocery to eliminate certified synthetic colors from its exclusive products in 2015.

Building on that legacy, Aldi revealed a list of ingredients that will be phased out, including synthetic antioxidants used as preservatives like BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and Potassium nitrate, the oxidizing agent Bromated Flour, the whitening agent to make foods brighter, Titanium dioxide, and many more. See the full list here.

“These ingredients will no longer be permitted in any ALDI private label food product, either as a direct ingredient or as part of a composite ingredient,” the fast-growing grocer noted.

Earlier this year, Target announced it was making an “industry-leading move” as one of the first national retailers to carry only cereals made without certified synthetic colors.

Related: Target Just Became One of the First Retailers to Make This 'Industry-Leading' Change in the Cereal Aisle

Additionally, PepsiCo revealed the removal of artificial colors and flavors from its portfolio of brands, including Doritos, Cheetos and Tostitos with the “Simply NKD” line, while Mars Inc. officially removed the controversial additive titanium dioxide from its Skittles lineup in 2025.

Whenever I hear about a city or region where younger adults are struggling to succeed, I can't help but wonder whether the opposite is true: retirees are actually thriving. Take, for example, a new report from a major New England city that found that nearly half of the 20- to 30-year-olds surveyed plan to leave the city within the next five years.

But, their reasons leave me wondering if retirees in the region are doing well, since the complaints listed in the survey aren't something that seniors really have to worry about. Does that make this place a hidden gem for retirees? Keep reading to find out.

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@nbc10boston

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is warning that a “distressing number” of young people are planning to leave the Greater Boston area, citing a new survey conducted for the business interest group. #nbc10boston #boston #news #video #fyp

♬ original sound - NBC10 Boston Young Adults Say They Plan to Leave Boston

According to a 2026 Young Residents Survey, 26 percent of people in their 20s and 30s says they plan to leave the city of Boston in the next five years. The survey was commissioned by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and echoes the findings of a 2023 survey.

According to the new report, the people surveyed said that the most important factors influencing the mass exodus include:

• 79 percent cited job availability 
• 78 percent cited the cost of rent
• 79 percent cited safety
• 72 percent cited the ability to buy a home

Considering that the MIT Living Wage Calculator says that a single adult needs to make a minimum of $32.46 an hour to afford to live in Boston and the surrounding area, and Zip Recruiter says that the average hourly rate is just $23.08, it seems clear why younger people are finding it hard to build a life in Bean Town.

Related: Michigan, West Virginia, Florida, and Texas Have the Best Cities To Retire In— And None of Them Are the Typical Go-To Spots

Is Boston a Good Place for Retirees

So, while a lot of that is obviously negative for those just starting out, it seems like the opposite must be true. And according to 55 Places, Boston does have a lot going for it when it comes to senior living.

For example, the city offers plenty of activities every day, so retirees with a bit more time on their hands will never get bored. That includes a collection of some of the world's best universities, which would be great for retirees looking to further their education or simply learn something new.

Additionally, many neighborhoods in Boston are walkable, allowing those who want to ditch their cars to still get around with ease. Not only that, but the city has a pretty robust mass transit system that will make it easier to head outside of your neighborhood as well.

Related: The Worst State to Retire In Was Also Named the Best Place to Achieve the American Dream, and We're Confused

And some of those biggest pain points for younger people, like jobs and the ability to buy a home, aren't exactly priorities for retirees since many of them likely already own a home and are no longer part of the job market. With some of the best healthcare access you can find, Boston seems like the perfect place for retirees who don't mind the cold.

That said, 55 Places notes that the city is expensive, and the cost of living is high for those still looking for a home or renting, which means you'll need to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding to make a move.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Widows and divorced spouses may find their monthly Social Security payment a little higher than it used to be, after the Social Security Administration (SSA) quietly changed some of its rules.

According to some estimates, some people may see thousands of dollars more this year thanks to the change. Of course, it will only impact certain Social Security recipients. Keep reading to find out whether or not you qualify.

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The Social Security Administration Changed How Benefits Are Calculated

According to NJ.com, the SSA has changed the way it calculates Social Security benefits for widows and divorced spouses, specifically for those whose spouses worked in the public sector but didn't always pay Social Security taxes.

The publication says that this arrangement previously left a gap in the calculation for these specific couples, since one may have been paying into the agency's account while the other may not have been, specifically in cases where the spouse working in the public sector also received a pension.

Related: New Report Sounds the Alarm About the 'Catastrophic' Effects of Social Security Cuts

Before this change was implemented, these folks were often left out in the cold when it came time to determine their benefit amounts, and they either ended up with a reduced payment...or no benefits at all. Now, the SSA has done away with the restrictions on those whose spouses received a pension, resulting in either a higher monthly payout or a lump-sum payment.

What to do if You Think You Should See Money as a Result of This Change

Think you may be entitled to more money thanks to this rule change? Well, there's good news, the SSA says that most people will automatically see the funds hit their accounts or their monthly payments as the change is implemented. In fact, some have already likely received their money.

If you have not yet seen a change in your payment and you think you may be entitled to one, you'll need to contact your local Social Security office to find out. Of course, some local offices are currently closed or experiencing disruptions. So, you'll want to check the SSA's website first to see if your state is among those experiencing delays. If so, your second-best option will be to call the SSA's national number to speak with a remote agent, who can also answer your questions about this change to the pension calculation.

Related: 10 States Are Temporarily Closing Social Security Offices. Is Your State on the List?

Just be warned: if you do need to call in, you may face longer wait times, as several states have reported disruptions to in-person office hours, so more people than usual may be trying to reach the administration by phone. That being said, spending a little extra time on hold may be well worth it if you're among those who are expected to receive the higher end of this payout, which could dramatically impact your finances moving forward.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Since the start of cinema, audiences have been treated to several films that have continued to delight and astound. In February 2026, the publication Collidercompiled a list of the top 20 movie masterpieces released after 1926. The list featured acclaimed films, such as Metropolis from 1927, 1966's Persona, Citizen Kane from 1941, and 1994's Pulp Fiction. The top five ranking included Lawrence of Arabia from 1962, 1985's Ran, 2001: A Space Odyssey from 1968, and The Godfather from 1972.

Andrei Rublev, released in 1966, topped Collider's list. The publication explained that iconic director Andrei Tarkovsky's second film should be recognized as the top masterpiece because of the movie's striking aesthetic and transformative nature.

Andrei Rublev, which has a 2-hour and 45-minute runtime, has a score of 96 on Rotten Tomatoes.

Tarkovsky discussed Andrei Rublevin a 1967 interview with Russian film critic Aleksandr Lipkov. He noted that the film follows Russian artist Andrei Rublev, who lived in the medieval period. Tarkovsky explained he and his Andrei Rublev co-writer, Andrei Konchalovsky, "were able to construct our story freely to imagine Rublev's biography without fear of complicating our relationships with historians and art historians" because there is a "lack of any firm information about our protagonist."

"They can't prove to us their objections to our depiction of Andrei. And, by contrast, if the facts of his life were known in detail, no one would forgive us the violation of historical truth," said Tarkovsky.

During the interview, Lipkov asked Tarkovsky to comment on how future viewers, specifically from "the year 2200," should "approach the film." Tarkovsky replied that he and his crew attempted "in 1966 to make a picture as close as possible to history, as accurate as possible in terms of costumes and other such accessories of the age, with the sole exception of the dialogue."

"I hope that intelligent and educated people will live then, they will understand that this is a work of art, and will not make the kind of demands that we are subjected to today," said the director, who died in 1986 when he was 54.

Charlie Sheen's time in the Hollywood spotlight led to some career highs and lows that were addressed in his two-part Netflix documentary, aka Charlie Sheen. The actor comes clean on why his father, Martin Sheen, and his actor brother, Emilio Estevez, decided to reject appearing in the project.

The Two and a Half Men star's wild years were on full display with stories told from the perspective of fellow stars, friends, colleagues, and family members. Actors like Sean Penn and Denise Richards lent their time to tell stories of Sheen. The actor admitted at a panel, according to People, that both his father and brother watched the documentary before it officially aired and unanimously decided they didn't need to be included.

"[Martin] saw it and loved it and was just, he was laughing, he was crying, he was so engaged and he comes up to me afterwards and says, 'I'm already in it. I'd much rather be young, handsome in this thing than this guy right now, you don't need this old guy in your movie,'" explained Sheen.

While Sheen begged to differ about his father's sentiment, it was also the first time the family had gotten together to watch the documentary. When it came to Estevez, director Andrew Renzi explained that The Breakfast Club actor simply wanted the spotlight to be on his brother.

"He wanted Charlie to have the project," Renzi said. "...It was just Charlie's moment and we were in it."

Sheen chimed in, saying that his brother also felt they were his stories to tell and bring to light. Renzi also added that part of the reasoning why Estevez and his family decided not to appear was because Charlie's stories have been well documented. During the height of Sheen's infamy in Hollywood, there wasn't a news or media outlet that didn't report on the actor. Many would agree that he was on the cover of a tabloid magazine every week.

"If I'm putting myself in their shoes without them saying this directly to me, this is their life that they've lived for a long time and there was probably going to be a whole bunch of crap that they just didn't want to have to sit there and have to talk about," the director said.

In return, Martin also surprised Renzi by saying something that he will "always respect" in terms of "just him being a father." Martin warned Renzi that one of his reasons for staying out of the film was because, "'...If this goes sideways, I need to be able to stand beside my son because I always have. And if I'm in this thing, I can't, because I will have been complicit in this thing that you created.'"

Sheen has been sober for several years, with aka Charlie Sheen documenting his childhood in Hollywood, becoming a mega star, to the darkest moments of his drug addiction, and sobriety.

Related: Ex-New Order Bassist Won’t Reunite With Former Bandmates at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: ‘I’m Not Bothered’

When it comes to horror books, we know that we can turn to Stephen King. He is the master of the genre, and plenty of his work has been adapted into movies. However, not all have been well-received, and King isn’t afraid to share what he thinks.

That being said, when something is faithful and good, King is also not silent with his praise. It probably isn’t that surprising to find out that The Green Mile, which was released in 1999, is one of his favorite adaptations — and it is considered one of the best adaptations of his work by movie lovers, as well!

‘The Green Mile’ Is Faithful to the Source Material

King quickly praised the movie, sharing that it was “the single most faithful adaptation of his work.” The 1999 movie was based on the novel of the same name, released in 1996. It ranks as the No. 2 favorite on IMDb, with The Shawshank Redemption just ahead of it. Interestingly enough, the No. 1 pick is also a favorite of King, as another that was faithful to the book.

The success of the two movies shouldn’t be that surprising. They are both directed by Frank Darabont, and Tom Hanks joined The Green Mile as a favor for not being available to star in The Shawshank Redemption as Darabont wanted — he was a little busy with another movie-based-on-a-book!

King shared that the casting and tone of The Green Mile was everything the movie needed to be, capturing the heart of the novel. There’s no doubt that it captured the heart of fans, and like many of us, King adored Michael Clarke Duncan as John Coffey.

Michael Clarke Duncan is walked down a hall in a scene from the film 'The Green Mile', 1999. (Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images) King Understood the Need for Changes

When it comes to changes to his novels, King is usually against them. Most people will know that despite The Shining being one of horror movie fans’ favorite novels, it’s not a favorite of King’s due to the way the source material was reworked.

However, changes sometimes have to happen to condense the storyline into a movie. Darabont managed to effectively do that, keeping the soul of the story while cutting out elements of the tale. King even sat in “Old Sparky,” the electric chair, adding another layer of eeriness to his experience.

The source material is relatively long, as well, so it's not surprising that changes needed to be made. It was originally published as six volumes before it was repackaged as one novel. It's not easy to fit almost 600 pages into a two-hour movie.

There are three things guaranteed in the world today: Death, taxes, and Jeopardy! being on. Believe it or not, the iconic game show has been on the air for over 60 years (though the modern incarnation we know and love technically debuted in 1984). Under the watchful eye of Ken Jennings (who himself was a record-breaking champion), Jeopardy! puts three people's trivia skills and reflexes to the ultimate test. And so many of the greats to grace those podiums started by simply watching the show as it aired on weekdays, as millions have done for over half a century.

Here's a spoiler-filled recap of who won Jeopardy! today, plus the answer to Final Jeopardy.

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Who won Jeopardy today?Jamie Ding

Jamie Ding won his 31st consecutive game, earning $33,002 and bringing his total winnings to $882,605.

Who are the Jeopardy contestants today?Zach Pollock

Zach Pollock is a retired logistics executive from Media, Pennsylvania.

Nicco Martinez

Nicco Martinez is an accountant originally from Columbus, Ohio.

Jamie Ding

JamieDing continues his march up the all-time leaderboard, now just one win behind James Holzhauer's 32-game streak on the Leaderboard of Legends.

The bureaucrat and law student from Lawrenceville, New Jersey, is becoming one of the most compelling champions in the show's six-decade history. On Friday morning, he appeared live onGood Morning America, reflecting on his 30th win from the night before. "I mean, nobody goes in planning to win 30 games, only a complete egomaniac would do that," he joked, per Detroit News, adding, "I entertained the possibility, it's nice to dream big, but that it's actually happened is amazing."

Ding added $33,002 on Friday, for a total of $882,605 across 31 days of gameplay.

Related: Sam Heughan Surprises ‘Jeopardy!’ Fans With an ‘Outlander’ Category — Can You Answer the Clues?

What was Final Jeopardy today?

Final Jeopardy today was in the category "The Literary Year."

The clue: "In 1954, on the 50th anniversary of this day, a group went to a Martello tower before going on a bender."

The answer: What is Bloomsday?

Ding built himself a nice runway going into Final Jeopardy, and though he got the answer wrong, he only wagered $198, ending the week with a total of $33,002. Only Pollock answered correctly, wagering $1,000 to end in second place with $7,600, while Martinez ended in third place with $400.

Ding will return to the Alex Trebek Stage on Monday to go for win number 32, which would tie him with Holzhauer.

Did you get the answer? Sign off in the comments!

Related: Where Jamie Ding Ranks Among ‘Jeopardy!’s Top 10 All-Time Winners

When is Jeopardy on next?

Jeopardy! will come back on Monday, April 27, with a new episode. Check your local listings to find out when to watch

Where is Jeopardy streaming?

Jeopardy! is available on both Hulu and Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy watching new episodes the next day, as well as access a vault of many classic episodes to enjoy at a moment's notice.

Related: Ken Jennings Reveals If 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' Questions Are Easier

RyanGosling’s infectious laughter became contagious during his most recentSaturday Night Live episode.

The Project Hail Mary star joined SNL cast member AshleyPadilla in the “Passing Notes” sketch. The pair played a principal and a teacher who catch students passing notes. They scold the classroom by reading them out loud. The notes' contents had been changed for the live show, and the actors couldn’t hold back their laughter.

“I, of course, afterwards was terrified that I would lose my job entirely. But I think it was celebrated.” Padilla told Deadline on April 22.

LorneMichaels, the long-running series’ creator and current producer, is known to disapprove of cast members breaking character. But when Gosling is involved, the comedy show’s boss has different rules. 

“I did not get yelled [at] after that,” said Padilla. “Lorne said to me, ‘This show takes on Ryan’s spirit.’ Ryan shows up, and he goes, ‘This is mine in a way that’s enlightening,’ and it made me have fun and loosen up. I did not get in trouble; it was celebrated.”

Padilla wrote the sketch with StreeterSeidell, MikeyDay, and AlisonGates for Gosling’s March 7 episode. She told them, “You guys write the notes and see if you could make me break essentially.”

Her fellow writers took her request seriously. “They succeeded,” Padilla conceded.

“Passing Notes” wasn’t the only time the actress broke Michaels’ cardinal rule.

In the sketch “Cyclops,” Gosling played one of the three feebleminded cyclops attempting to access a hidden treasure that Padilla’s character protected.  

“I was trying very hard not to break in the show because I didn’t want to get in trouble. But then ‘Cyclops’ happened,” she said.

Padilla joined Saturday Night Live in 2024 and has become a breakout star. Before the late-night comedy show, she was a member of The Groundlings, a Los Angeles-based sketch and improv group, and the assistant to actress DianeKeaton.

Many music fans will agreed hits like "Take It Easy" by the Eagles, ABBA's "Dancing Queen," and "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin, are quintessential songs from the 1970s. However, there are plenty of other songs released in the decade that had a massive impact. For instance, American Songwriter recently released a list of three songs that "defined the 1970s without being the obvious picks."

The list, published on April 22, included overlooked songs like Bread's 1970 "Made It With You," "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out" by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1975, and 1972's "Cold, Cold, Cold" by Little Feat.

American Songwriter reported that Little Feat's "Cold, Cold, Cold," off the band's record Sailin' Shoes, deserved recognition as a key '70s song because it is artistic, innovative, and appreciated by other top musicians.

The Band's Drummer, Richie Hayward, Shared Information About 'Cold, Cold, Cold' in 1988

In a 1988 interview with Modern Drummer Magazine, the drummer of Little Feat, Richie Hayward, noted that "Cold, Cold, Cold" had a unique time signature. Hayward, who died in 2010 at the age of 64, explained that the band's guitarist, Lowell George, had been using a drum machine when first working on the song.

"The odd 2/4 bars in 'Cold, Cold, Cold' came about in a strange way. Lowell had been playing with his drum machine at home. At that time, drum machines were very primitive. It was just a little red box with two knobs on it. He had the basic pattern repeated over and over again, and he played it with just himself and a little amplifier on a cassette at home," recalled the late drummer in the interview.

According to Hayward, George, who died in 1979, "edited the cassette, put it on a 16-track tape," and requested him to "overdub drums."

"It’s funny because this drum part was turned around a couple of times due to the way he cut it together to fit. He wanted me to copy it and throw in fills. That’s on Sailin’ Shoes. On the first part you can hear the machine," said Hayward to Modern Drummer Magazine.

There is plenty of hype about Practical Magic 2. This is one of those sequels many fans have asked for, and it’s almost here. However, there’s another treat in store for the book fans. Yes, Practical Magic was a book first.

The 1995 novel is going to get a deluxe edition, and it’s coming out ahead of the movie sequel’s release. This is more than just another movie tie-in cover, and it’s a way to bring the nostalgia of the original story.

Head Back to the Original Story of ‘Practical Magic’

While we get ready for the sequel, it’s time to head back to the original story. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman told the story of the Owens family, who have always been blamed for anything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town for the last 200 years. Sisters Gillian and Sally have just had to deal with the gossiping and the taunting.

When they decide they’ve had enough, they find a way to escape it all. One marries, while the other runs away. However, they soon both find that they can’t run away from their destiny, which there’s something magical about.

There was a second novel, The Book of Magic, published in 2021, which brought another story of the Owens family. It’s more than just a continuation of Sally and Gillian’s story from the first novel. We get some familiar faces, but there are also new members of the Owens family, all dealing with their own journeys, curses, and more.

Penguin Random House

A Deluxe Edition of ‘Practical Magic’

With the sequel movie coming out in September 2026, you’ll want to get your hands on a special edition of the original novel. This isn’t a movie tie-in, but a deluxe print that includes a beautiful new cover with foil details. It brings the mesmerizing heart of the story while staying true to the original cover.

The stenciled edges are going to pull you in even more. This copy has a blue cover all the way around, with the words “Fall in love whenever you can,” printed on the side in the same gold as the front cover. This tradeback edition will be available on July 21, 2026, and it’s a must for all fantasy book fans as well as Practical Magic movie lovers.

If you’ve ever communicated with someone of a different generation—even someone as close as a grandparent—you know that communication styles and general habits often look dissimilar between different age groups. For example (and as we’ll explain more below) Gen Xers are more likely to be straightforward, while that’s not always the style for younger people. A more fun example is how generational differences show up in snacks: While a Gen Xer typically prefers a mix of sweet and salty, a Gen Zer is more likely to go for something spicy or sour.

But back to conversational differences, it's wild how easily miscommunication can happen between people of different generations. This can especially become problematic when you’re at work. For starters, you’re communicating with someone you may not know super well. Plus, you’re in a work setting, which can make effective, respectful communication even more nerve-racking, confusing and important. 

When you’re emailing a Gen X coworker, you may want to avoid these seven specific phrases, for example, ones that can potentially come across (at least to them) as passive-aggressive or like “therapy speak." An etiquette expert shares and explains the phrases of concern, alternative phrases you can use and tips for communicating with Gen Xers effectively. While it may seem small, who knows—maybe this insight will make going to work a little less dreadful.

Related: 9 Social Habits Boomers Have That Younger Generations Find Confusing, According to Psychologists

What Age Range Makes Up Gen X?

First, do you have an idea of whether Gen X is older or younger than you (or your age)? If not, no worries, we’ve got you covered: People who make up Gen X were born between 1965 and 1980, meaning they're roughly 46 to 61 years old.

Related: What Generation Am I? Find Your Generation’s Name and Years

How To Best Communicate With Gen X and Why, According to an Etiquette Expert

miodrag ignjatovic/Getty Images

While a group of people can have something in common, like their age, it doesn’t mean they're a monolith. At the same time, they may be more likely to share certain traits due to their stage of life, societal experiences and the like. When it comes to Gen X, what qualities might they share? What is your best bet for communicating with them?

“Gen X seems to respond to directness, trusting their autonomy and a little humor,” says Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen, the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry and a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert. “This is a generation that was often largely left to their own devices as kids and treated like little adults at a young age.” 

She recommends mindfully implementing those values when you communicate with someone in that generation.

“They know what they need and how they need it,” she explains. “Just speak clearly and directly to them, and throw in a little humor to really make it work.”

Related: 6 Things Successful People *Always* Do in a Conversation, According to a Neuropsychotherapist

7 Phrases To Avoid When Emailing Gen X Coworkers

Let’s get specific and talk about phrases that probably won’t work with Gen Xers, and why. Dreizen shares examples below.

1. “Just circling back!”

While this phrase is common, it can come across negatively to Gen Xers.

“Gen X often responds better to directness over a light touch and will sometimes perceive this sort of phrasing as passive aggression,” Dreizen says. “Just ask for what you need from Gen X. They’ll like it.”

2. “I want to make sure you felt heard.” 

Phrases like this can sound like “therapy speak,” which is the incorrect use of therapeutic and psychological terminology.

“While Gen X has embraced therapy, they're not the therapy speak generation,” Dreizen says. “They don’t respond well to an overuse of therapy speak in the workplace.”

Instead, she encourages saying something like, “Let me tell you what I heard, and let me know if I understood or not.”

3. “This is a safe space to share.”

This is another example of therapy speak, and it can also be taken the wrong way.

“This phrase often reads as performative rather than genuine, and can feel infantilizing to people who’ve navigated decades of professional environments without it,” Dreizen explains.

Related: 6 Ways We Sabotage Our Own Authenticity Without Realizing It

4. “We’re a family here.”

While meant to be comforting, it’s often not received that way.

“Gen X saw the rise of the [workplace] to ‘family’ pipeline, and they're weary of it,” Dreizen states. “Gen X will see your performative, manipulative workplace ‘family’ for what it is: boundary crossing.”

5. “As per my last email”

A phrase like this will make a Gen Xer “stretch their fingers and start furiously typing,” according to Dreizen.

“They value directness, and ‘as per my last email’ is anything but,” she explains.

Related: 10 Best Phrases To Begin an Email, Plus the #1 Way You *Don’t* Want To Start Your Message

6. “Just wanted to put this on your radar!”

While part of the problem here is minor (spoiler alert: it’s the word “just”), it can make a difference.

“The hedging of the word ‘just’ and passive-aggressive nature of this will drive the Gen Xer to a Diet Coke-related calm-down break,” Dreizen says. She encourages being more direct with a phrase like, “Want to confirm you saw this.”

7. “Quick question!” (when the question isn’t actually quick)

I'm sure many of us have been there: We need to ask someone a question, but we don’t want to bother them, so we say the question is quick when it’s not. With Gen X coworkers, skip that.

“They do not believe you,” Dreizen says. “Don’t hedge your question—just be direct.”

Alternative Phrases To Use With Gen X

The following phrases are better options for communicating with Gen X coworkers:

• “Can you give me an update on [situation /project]?”
• “Where do we stand on this?”
• “Outlining my questions below, would love to hear back from you by Wednesday EOD.”
• “Here are the details I have, and here are the details I need.” 

Phrases like these are direct, don’t add any unnecessary or passive-aggressive commentary and don’t delay the purpose of the ask.

Related: 7 Direct Phrases to Shut Down Passive-Aggressive Behavior, According to a Psychologist

Final Takeaways

When emailing Gen X coworkers, you might want to be mindful of phrases they won’t appreciate (even if they're well-intentioned), such as “We’re a family here,” “I want to make sure you felt heard” and “Just circling back.”

For people between the ages of 46 and 61, these phrases can come across as boundary-crossing, indirect or like “therapy speak.” Rather, be straightforward and to the point—and you’ll both be thankful for it.

Up Next:

Related: 9 ‘Old-School’ Habits Boomers Have That Can Make Them Seem Unlikable Today, Etiquette Experts Say

Source:

• Genevieve (Jenny) Dreizen is the COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry and a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert.

American Idol’s  Top 7 will celebrate Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits and defining eras as America votes live to reveal the Top 5 on Monday night. Before we find out who will put on an "Enchanted" performance, and who will have "Bad Blood" with the pop icon, here is everything you need know about Taylor Swift Night on American Idol 2026, including how to watch.

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Is American Idol new this week?

Yes, American Idol announced that this season’s Top 7 finalists will celebrate and perform 14-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift’s chart-topping hits.

Also, on Monday night’s episode Luke Bryan performs, Nikki Glaser joins as a guest judge, and the finalists perform songs from California’s biggest artists.

Is there a trailer for the Taylor Swift episode of American Idol?

Sorry, as American Idol is airing live, there’s no trailer.

Related: American Idol 2026 Results Last Night: Who Went Home and Who Made the Top 7?

What time does American Idol come on?

American Idol airs from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET/PT.

How to watch American Idol

American Idol airs on ABC and Disney+. All episodes are available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Related: ‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Taylor Swift Cover Draws Mixed Criticisms: ‘Really Wasn’t Made for a Guy to Sing’

Who are the American Idol Top 7? Brooks, Braden Rumfelt, Hannah Harper, Chris Tungseth, Keyla Richardson, Daniel Stallworth, Jordan McCullough

Disney/Eric McCandless

Braden Rumfelt
Brooks
Chris Tungseth
Daniel Stallworth
Hannah Harper
Jordan McCullough
Keyla RichardsonWhat Taylor Swift songs will be performed on American Idol?

Neither ABC nor American Idol has released an official list of songs that will be performed by the Top 7, but a Taylor Swift Facebook fan club, has suggested the following seven songs will be performed, although it’s obvious that there is no way a 10-minute version of any song could be performed as the TV performances as just over 2 minutes.

“White Horse”
“ Mean”
“Safe & Sound”
“Blank Space”
“Bad Blood”
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”
“Anti-Hero”

Will Taylor Swift appear on American Idol?

In Idol seasons past, oftentimes the artist whose songbooks are being performed would appear as a guest judge, or make a cameo in some capacity. Given the intensity of Swift's schedule — as well as an upcoming wedding — it would be a shock if she showed. But, like we saw during Taylor Swift Night on Dancing with the Stars, we'll be so lucky to get a video package from her to kcik off the evening!

Next,‘American Idol’ Returns in 2026 with Three Game-Changing Shake-Ups

All eyes are on The Beach Read, the next adaptation of an Emily Henry novel. With Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor cast as January, many romance fans immediately perked up. It seems we may not need to wait too long at all!

Brit + Coreveals that IMDb included a release date for the movie. However, that date has since been removed, and nothing has been confirmed by 20th Century. So, just how real could this April 14, 2027 release date be?

IMDb Has Been Wrong in the Past

Sadly for those of us waiting, IMDb has been wrong before. It often has actors included in episodes that don’t end up appearing, and there have been mentions of dates in the past. The site is somewhat similar to Wikipedia, in the sense that users are able to create an account and edit the content.

This is supposed to be a way to add goofs and trivia, but it can lead to incorrect edits on release dates. So, rather than the date being a leak, it could simply be a mistake.

However, it’s possible that someone with insider knowledge put that date up there, and then it had to be taken down. According to The Washington Post, filming is set to take place in 2026, which means a 2027 release date is possible.

April 14 Is Highly Unlikely

Now for some more disappointing news. April 14, 2027 is an unlikely date, and that’s due to the day of the week movies traditionally release. Movies come out on Fridays, with an early opportunity to go on Thursday nights in many locations. April 14 is a Wednesday, so it rules it out. If anything, it would be on April 16, 2027.

There are times when a Wednesday release happens. This is often around Easter and Thanksgiving, when the weekends are typically taken over by family events and the holiday festivities. However, Easter falls at the end of March in 2027, so that rules that one out.

As much as I would love to see The Beach Read out in spring 2027, it’s unlikely. Plus, this is a summer romance, and a summer date seems more likely. We can hope, though!

Retired FBI special agent Jim Clemente says blood evidence found on the front stoop of Nancy Guthrie’s Arizona home may help reconstruct what happened in the moments before she disappeared. In a recent breakdown of the scene, Clemente pointed to the placement and structure of the blood spatter as potentially revealing key details about her position and movements.

"This tells me a number of things, and it’s very specific. One is that … at this point, Nancy’s face was very close to the ground, within a foot of the ground. This could be she was either on her knees, hunched over, or actually lying on the ground," Clemente told NewsNation of the spatter pattern.

He explained that certain blood patterns can form when a person coughs or aspirates blood—which is what the spatter on Guthrie's front stoop shows.

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"Medium velocity can be created when somebody actually aspirates blood and then coughs it up,” he said. “You can see three circular blood spots, but they are hollow. You see mainly the rings. This definitely came from her. She coughed it out.”

Authorities have already run DNA tests on the blood spatter and have confirmed that is indeed Guthrie's.

Clemente explained that the pattern appears to shift further along the walkway, leading him to believe that Guthrie was carried "perhaps with her face up" as the blood drops didn't continue down the length of the walkway.

Back in February, forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden told Fox News Digital that he believes that Guthrie was bleeding from "the hands or the face." He also noted that the pattern could have come from Guthrie coughing.

"The nature of the blood spots with little pale centers or donut shapes are typical for drops that come from the nose or mouth, because they’re mixed with air," Baden told the outlet at the time, adding, "that means she’s coughing up blood or dripping from the nose. Otherwise, there would be a dripping from a cut from above, possibly from the hands or face."

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Sunday, Feb. 1.

READ NEXT: Former Detective Thinks There’s a Reason Nancy Guthrie 911 Calls Haven’t Been Released

It seems, when it comes to Dutton Ranch, all is not quiet on the Western front. Three weeks before its May 15 premiere, it was announced that Chad Feehan, who served as showrunner for the first season, would not be returning should the Yellowstone spinoff get renewed.

Feehan is also credited as the creator of the new series. Though, of course, the show itself primarily utilizes characters created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson on the iconic Wyoming drama that ran from 2018 to 2024. Specifically, the show centers on Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser), and the two actors also serve as executive producers.

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Per a report from Puck, Feehan's dismissal allegedly comes from major feelings of dissatisfaction behind-the-scenes. Apparently, myriad individuals, including Reilly, Hauser, Sheridan and 101 Studios boss David Glasser, were unsatisfied with how he had handled production over the course of Dutton Ranch's nine-episode season (of which he is credited with writing at least two of them).

This is just the latest shake-up when it comes to bosses in the Sheridan shared universe. In November 2025, Variety reported that Tulsa King would go into production on an upcoming Season 4 with no actual showrunner, having fired more than two dozen employees. Instead, Scott Stone, an executive in charge of production from 101 Studios, was put in charge to oversee the show day-to-day on set. And a spinoff of the Sylvester Stallone-led series, Frisco King (previously known as NOLA King), also dismissed former Tulsa King showrunnerDave Erickson back in July 2025.

Related: ‘Dutton Ranch’ Trailer: Paramount+ Unveils Release Date For Beth-Rip ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off

The official synopsis for Dutton Ranch, which is set to air on both Paramount Network and Paramount+, reads, "As Beth and Rip fight to build a future together – far from the ghosts of Yellowstone – they collide with brutal new realities and a ruthless rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire. In South Texas, blood runs deeper, forgiveness is fleeting, and the cost of survival might just be your soul."

Dutton Ranch additionally stars Finn Little, who reprises his Yellowstone role as Carter, a troubled orphan whom Beth takes in at the ranch. New actors to the universe include Annette Bening as Beulah Jackson, Ed Harris as Everett McKinney, Jai Courtney as Rob-Will, J. R. Villarreal as Azul, Juan Pablo Raba as Joaquin, Marc Menchaca as Zachariah and Natalie Alyn Lind as Oreana.

The first two episodes of Dutton Ranch are set to air on May 15 on Paramount+, followed by a broadcast airing that night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount Network. One episode per week will air thereafter, coming to a conclusion on July 3. The spinoff has yet to be renewed for a second season. But now we know, if it is, there will be a different person getting in the saddle to herd the proverbial cattle.

Related: Beth and Rip Return! Your Complete Guide to 'Dutton Ranch' Season 1: Cast, Release Date, Trailer and More

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A compact, practical crossbody purse is a must when you’re traveling. Wearing your bag crossed over your torso helps keep your personal items safe, while giving you easy access to things you need. Fortunately, this chic Michael Kors Jet Set Charm Envelope Phone Crossbody is the perfect bag to bring on your next vacation, and it’s on sale for 58% off at ShopHQ. 

Michael Kors Soft Pink Jet Set Charm Envelope Phone Crossbody, $84 (was $198) at ShopHQ

Courtesy of ShopHQ

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Now just $84, this purse is down from its $198 price tag. Plus, you can snag it with $5 shipping when you use the code FREERETURN. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s an awesome opportunity to score a luxe-looking bag for a gift for a fraction of the price. 

Crafted from high-quality cow leather, the crossbody comes in a soft pink hue that’s perfect for spring, and a cross-grain leather lining. It also has an elegant flap closure that keeps your essentials secure. We love the chain link detail on the strap of the bag and the chic gold Michael Kors logo that ties it all together.

Use Code FREERETURN on Shop HQ to unlock $5 off shipping for a limited time.

Measuring 7.25 inches wide and 4.5 inches long, it's compact, yet still has plenty of room for your phone, credit cards, and essentials. The included shoulder strap is also adjustable, which makes it easy to transition the bag from a crossbody length to a shoulder bag.

We love its convenient organizational features, like multiple pockets, built-in card slots, zip compartments for secure storage, and slip pockets. These make it easy to keep all of your belongings organized.

Pair it with a monochromatic pink ensemble and sandals, or wear it with a white or ivory top and denim shorts or jeans. It's a wardrobe staple that goes with so many different outfits. The bag is so versatile that you can also wear it daily when you’re not traveling. 

Related: This Chic Navy Shoulder Bag Goes With Everything, and It's Now on Sale for Just $39

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• Pajar Jiro Tan Flap Shoulder Crossbody Bag, $41 (was $69) at ShopHQ
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This classic Michael Kors crossbody is the perfect gift for those who love to travel, or for your mother this Mother’s Day. Grab one while it’s only $84! 
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If you’ve been craving a pajama upgrade, this satin short set from Walmart might be exactly what your spring and summer nights need. The Uvn 2-Piece Satin Pajama Set features a silky short-sleeve V-neck top and matching shorts and is now just $15, down from $30. Available in 20 colors and sizes up to 3XL, the duo is already winning over shoppers, who describe it as “super soft,” “very comfortable,” and “beautiful.”

Made from a breathable blend of 97% polyester and 3% spandex, the set has a smooth satin finish with just enough stretch to keep you comfy. The top features a chest pocket and relaxed sleeves, while the matching shorts have an elastic waistband and a lightweight feel, making them perfect for hot sleepers or humid nights.

Uvn 2-Piece Satin Pajama Set, From $15 (was $30) at Walmart Shop at Walmart

One shopper raved, “Love the pajamas! Super soft and kept me cool at night.” Another said the duo is "soft, lightweight, and perfect for summer nights."

It’s not just about comfort; the colors and quality are also a hit. From classic black and navy to vibrant red, green, and champagne, there’s something for everyone. “Beautiful colors and comfy!” one reviewer wrote, while another called it “very well-made and comfortable.”

Related: Amazon Has a 'Buttery Soft' $10 Lace Trim Pajama Set in 13 Colors That Feels Like 'Sleeping on a Cloud'

The best part is that it looks far more expensive than it is. While the brand recommends air-drying the set to maintain the satin’s luxe-looking smoothness, many shoppers said the material holds up beautifully even after multiple washes.

The Uvn 2-Piece Satin Pajama Set comes with a free 90-day return policy, making it a low-risk purchase if you’re looking to refresh your bedtime wardrobe. And with reviewers saying things like “I wish I had bought another one,” it’s no wonder this $15 set is quickly becoming a favorite. Whether you're lounging at home or packing for a weekend getaway, it’s a cozy essential worth grabbing while it’s still in stock.

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A few short weeks after several chilling allegations came out against him, former Home Alone house owner John Abendshien was found dead at an Illinois nature preserve this past Wednesday.

According to The New York Post, Abendshien's body was discovered in Lake Forest Open Lands, Illinois at around 6 pm on April 22. As per the outlet, the manner of the 79-year-old's death was found to be "asphyxia in a manner consistent with being self-inflicted." However, local police are investigating Abendshien's death as a precaution.

As the Lake County Coroner's Office said, "This is believed to be an isolated incident with no threat to the community at this time."

Perhaps most famously, Abendshien owned the famous red brick Colonial house used as the McCallister residence in 1990's holiday classic, Home Alone. Following the release of the film, the Abendshien family wound up selling the Chicago home in 2012 for a whopping $1.585 million.

In more recent months, the 79-year-old Abendshien faced some disturbing legal trouble after the Lake County State Attorney's Office launched an investigation over the alleged possession of child pornagraphy.

The investigation involved multiple online tips supposedly linking Abendshien to the possession, manufacturing and distribution of child abuse material. The Lake Forest Police Department conducted a search of Abendshien's home on April 16 and seized various electronic evidence as part of their investigation.

As part of the legal proceedings, Abendshien was charged with seven different felonies, including three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and four counts of child sexual abuse material. He was later released under conditions following a detention hearing on April 17.

The longtime owner of the fan-favorite Colonial house, Abendshien released a memoir about the house with Home but Alone No More, detailing his experiences filming Home Alone and the impact the movie had on his and his family's lives.

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.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit their website.

Who knew a song performed during a New Year's Eve party in a movie would have such an impact, more than 50 years later?

In the 1972 filmThe Poseidon Adventure, "The Morning After" emerged as a standout, performed by lounge singer Nonnie (Carol Lynley), early in the film. Directed by Ronald Neame, produced by Irwin Allen and based on the 1969 novel with the same title, the disaster film follows the fictional SS Poseidon, an old luxury cruise ship on its final voyage from New York City to Athens. After it was overturned by a wave on New Year's Day, passengers and crew were trapped inside. The ensemble cast also includes Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Jack Albertson, Shelley Winters, Red Buttons, Roddy McDowall, Stella Stevens, Pamela Sue Martin, Arthur O'Connell and Leslie Nielsen.

The classic pop ballad went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 45th Academy Awards in 1973, cementing its status as the era's most enduring movie songs.

Written by 20th Century Fox songwriters Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn, they were asked to write a love theme for the film in one night. The original song was actually called "Why Must There Be A Morning After?" but the record label changed it to make it sound more optimistic.

Though the tune is performed by Lynley, the song was sung by vocal double Renee Armand, and appears twice in The Poseidon Adventure: a warm-up rehearsal and then the actual performance of the song during a New Year's Eve party.

Following the success of the song and film, American singer and Broadway actress Maureen McGovern recorded her own cover, which became a No. 1 hit in the United States for two weeks in August 1973. In addition, Billboard ranked it at 28th for the best songs of 1973.

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Two and a half years ago, McGovern went to Facebook to reflect on the success of "The Morning After" and how it "opened the door to [her] career." In addition, she also told the story of how she found out the ballad won an Oscar.

McGovern was 23 years old at the time the 45th Academy Awards were taking place in Los Angeles. She was performing a show on the East Coast that evening, and the venue owners ran in and interrupted the show to announce that "The Morning After" won the Oscar.

"The entire crowd erupted in grand applause. Their recognition and applause at that moment was the biggest thing that had ever happened to me," she wrote. "It was breathtaking."

Maureen McGovern performing at a concert on January 15, 1974.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

After graduating from high school in 1967, McGovern started working part-time as a singer and secretary for the folk band Sweet Rain. After catching the attention of 20th Century Records, she was hired to record demos — including "The Morning After." After the song won an Oscar, her cover charted and she received a Grammy Award nomination in 1974 for Best New Artist.

"Since recording that song, I have received letters, spoken with folks at my concerts, and even had folks stop me on the street to share how the song helped them get through something in their life that they were not sure they could survive," she concluded her post. "It has been a part of almost every one of my live performances over the past five decades...The song's message is [a] gift to us all."

McGovern's version of "The Morning After" can be listened to on all streaming platforms. Meanwhile, The Poseidon Adventure can be rented on YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies and Fandango at Home for $3.99.

Related: 1971 Classic Named No. 1 Hit Song Became an Anthem of Unconditional Love

Some classic rock songs, like Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, are still getting radio play. However, the genre does have quite a few songs that are undervalued. For instance, the publication Collider recently shared a list of the "10 most underrated classic rock songs of all time."

The ranking, published on April 24, included songs like Jethro Tull's 1975 "Baker St. Muse," George Harrison's "Wah-Wah" from 1970, 1976's "Medicine Jar" byPaul McCartney and Wings, and "Transcendence" by Santana, released in 1977.

Aerosmith's 1974 song "Seasons of Wither," off the band's second studio album, Get Your Wings, secured the list's top spot. According to Collider, the song is not all that popular, despite being a powerful, bittersweet ballad with a perfect structure.

Steven Tyler Gave Some Insight Into How He Wrote 'Seasons of Wither' in His 2004 Memoir

Rock and Roll Globe reported that Aerosmith's singer and frontman, Steven Tyler, now 78, revealed how he ended up writing "Seasons of Wither" in his 2004 memoir, Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?: A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir. Tyler revealed that he had taken two forms of sleeping pills before he came up with the seventh track off of Get Your Wings.

“I used to lie in my bed at dawn, listening to the wind in the bare trees, how lonely and melancholy it sounded," wrote Tyler, who was 26 years old when Get Your Wings was released. "I was pissed off about my taxes and getting mad helps me to write, so one night I went down to the basement where we had a rug on the floor and a couple of boxes for furniture and took a few Tunials and a few Seconals and I scooped up this guitar Joey gave me, this dumpster guitar, and I lit some incense and wrote ‘Seasons of Wither.'”