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I’ll never forget the first time I saw Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in autumn. Perched high atop Cap Diamant in Old Québec, its turrets and copper roofs stood out against a blaze of orange and red along the Saint Lawrence River. It felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

With its château-style towers and grand scale, it’s easy to imagine what it must have felt like to arrive here at the turn of the 20th century: stepping off a Canadian Pacific Railway train and into a horse-drawn carriage, climbing cobblestone streets toward gilded-age luxury.

Le Château Frontenac may be Canada’s most photographed grand railway hotel, but it’s far from the only one. Across the country, a handful of equally spectacular railway hotels are just as rewarding to arrive at the old-fashioned way: by train.

If you’re craving a slower kind of fall trip—one built around scenic rail journeys, changing leaves and historic railway hotels—here’s why travel advisors love sending clients to these legendary Canadian landmarks by train.

Related: A New Priceline Study Reveals Where Everyone’s Leaf-Peeping for Fall 2026—And It’s Not Vermont

The History of Canada’s Grand Railway Hotels Québec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is thought to be the most photographed hotel in the world.

Photo by Citizen North, courtesy of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Canada’s grand railway hotels are a series of glamorous, castle-like hotels built by companies like the Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National Railway starting in the late 19th century. With famous examples that include Québec City‘s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Empress in Victoria, these grand hotels were designed to give wealthy train passengers a lavish place to stay during cross-country journeys.

Many were built in the French Renaissance-inspired Château style, featuring copper roofs, stone facades, turrets and gables, which became known as a distinctly Canadian form of architecture. As rail networks expanded, later hotels rose in major cities, such as Toronto‘s Fairmont Royal York and Ottawa‘s Fairmont Château Laurier.

“People are not just traveling to check things off their list anymore—they want to travel to a destination with a sense of place, and these hotels really capture that. They all have very rich histories,” says Rachel Hardy, a luxury travel advisor and CEO of The Society of International Railway Travelers.

Related: The Fall Getaway That’s Perfect for Your Personality Type

Traveling By Train Today Between Canada’s Grandest Hotels Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier is a historic, 1912 castle-style hotel known as “the third chamber of Parliament” for its proximity to Parliament Hill.

Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Château Laurier

While not all the hotels remain, Canada’s surviving grand railway hotels are as splendid as ever, and several still offer direct routes between them. The Fairmont Royal York is across the street from Toronto’s Union Station (connected by an underground tunnel), while Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is built directly above Montréal’s Gare Centrale train station. The Fairmont Château Frontenac is a quick taxi ride (or 20-minute walk) from Québec City’s Gare du Palais, while the Fairmont Château Laurier is an easy tram or taxi ride from Ottawa Station. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is about 1.5 miles from Pacific Central Station, accessible via SkyTrain or taxi.

“Many of these historic hotels are right near the train station, so they’re very connected. It’s very convenient to travel between those in the Eastern corridor,” says travel advisor Christy Fischer, owner of WanderRail Travel and founder of the Amtrak Solo Travelers Facebook group.

A few no longer have direct rail service but remain reachable via train with a motorcoach transfer, including the Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Château Lake Louise and Fairmont Empress.

“Arriving at these hotels is like stepping back in time,” Fischer says. “They’ll take your breath away—everything is classically glamorous and perfectly preserved, yet with all the conveniences of modern amenities.”

Related: The Grown-Woman Getaways I’m Telling Every Friend Over 40 to Book

The Golden Age of Travel Lives On Nicknamed “the Castle in the Rockies,” the Fairmont Banff Springs is a historic luxury hotel located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Banff Springs

The remaining grand railway hotels are some of the most magnificent historic hotel properties in North America.

In Toronto, the beaux-arts Fairmont Royal York (once the tallest building in the British Empire) still anchors the skyline beside Union Station. In Ottawa, the turreted Fairmont Château Laurier overlooks the Ottawa Locks of the Rideau Canal and is nicknamed “the third chamber of Parliament” for its proximity to Parliament Hill. In Montréal, the celebrated Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth—known as the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono‘s 1969 “Bed-In for Peace”—remains one of the city’s grandest addresses. And in Québec City, the stunning Fairmont Château Frontenac carries more than a century of rich history, including its role as the site of the WWII Quebec Conferences.

“All of Canada’s grand railway hotels have done a great job of incorporating their histories into the experience. There’s an element of feeling like you’re in a museum, in addition to being in an exquisite hotel,” Hardy says.

Out west, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise sits directly on a glacier-fed lake beneath the Victoria Glacier, while the Fairmont Banff Springs, nicknamed “the Castle in the Rockies,” rises from pine forest above the Bow Valley. The green-roofed Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is known as “the Castle in the City,” and on Vancouver Island, the Fairmont Empress overlooks Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

“The Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the most iconic landmarks in Banff, and they serve a wonderful elaborate, old world-style afternoon tea,” Hardy says.

Related: Why Toronto Is the Absolute Best Summer Escape for World Cup 2026—And Beyond

Why the Journey Is Worth the Time The First Passage to the West is the Rocky Mountaineer’s flagship luxury daylight rail journey that travels between between Vancouver and Lake Louise or Banff.

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

Traveling by train through Eastern Canada takes travelers on a journey past farmland, river valleys and the Saint Lawrence River on modern trains. Meanwhile, VIA Rail’s The Canadian offers a relaxing transcontinental journey aboard vintage stainless-steel cars with glass-domed observation decks, crossing the prairies toward the Rockies.

“The level of service is very elevated on VIA Rail’s The Canadian—especially in Prestige class, with upscale, all-inclusive private accommodations and white-glove service,” says travel advisor Lois Barbour, owner of Travel Time Agency. “The scenery is especially remarkable in fall, with majestic mountains and trees changing color.”

Farther west, a motorcoach ride past glaciers and turquoise lakes connects to Rocky Mountaineer‘s famous First Passage to the West, a glass-domed, daylight-only journey through Rogers Pass and the Spiral Tunnels. From Vancouver to Victoria, a calm, scenic ferry crossing of the Strait of Georgia completes the loop.

“The landscapes change dramatically, with glass-topped views of mountains, lakes, and icy glaciers,” Barbour says. “It’s an amazing trip that incorporates a legendary train route with stellar service.”

Related: 10 Best Canadian National Parks to Visit for Free This Summer

Four Routes for a Grand Railway Hotel Tour The Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West crosses the Continental Divide and follows historic rail corridors.

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

The Corridor Loop: Toronto to Ottawa, Montréal and Québec City (7–10 days)
The simplest of the journeys, VIA Rail’s Corridor service covers the entire route. A train from Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York reaches Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier in under five hours, then continues to Montréal’s Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth and Québec City’s Fairmont Château Frontenac.

The Rockies Run: Jasper to Lake Louise, Banff and Vancouver (8–11 days)
No train runs between Jasper and Banff, so an Icefields Parkway motorcoach bridges the gap to the Fairmont Château Lake Louise and Fairmont Banff Springs. From there, Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West continues to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. This route runs mid-April through mid-October only, so book ahead for fall travel.

The Island Crossing: Vancouver to Victoria (5–7 days)
With no rail link to the island, the BC Ferries Connector (a single motorcoach that boards the ferry) takes you from downtown Vancouver to the Fairmont Empress in about three and a half hours. It runs daily, year-round.

The Transcontinental Option: Toronto to the Rockies via The Canadian (4 days)
VIA Rail’s The Canadian is a long-haul sleeper service departing Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York twice a week, connecting east to west. Ride it to Jasper to connect with the Rockies leg above.

Related: Canada Strong Pass Offers Freebies and Discounts to Travelers

Tips for Seeing Canada By Train VIA Rail’s The Canadian is transcontinental train this is famous for its retro stainless-steel cars, panoramic dome views of the Rocky Mountains and a classic, slow-travel experience.

Photo courtesy of VIA Rail

Work with a travel advisor. “Work with someone who is an expert in arranging train travel. They can make sure all your plans line up seamlessly,” Hardy says.

Book early. “Especially if planning a transcontinental journey, sleeper cars are limited—so book far in advance,” Barbour says.

Get off the train. “Stop in the cities along the route and spend time there. The beauty of train travel is that you don’t have to rush,” Fischer says.

Consider upgrading. “For a truly luxurious experience, consider GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer or a Prestige Class cabin on The Canadian,” Hardy says.

Travel light. “There’s limited storage space on trains, so pack accordingly,” Barbour says.

On a budget? “VIA Rail’s Sleeper Plus class on The Canadian offers a classic, comfortable overnight train experience with a bathroom, shower and everything you’d need,” Fischer says.

Dress in layers. “There could always be a pop of heat in September, but it’s more likely that you’ll need a warm hat and gloves,” Hardy said.

Look for deals. “There are some great discounts for train travel, especially in the shoulder seasons,” Barbour says.

Explore beyond the classics. “There are so many wonderful train routes in Canada, such as Montreal to Halifax,” Fischer said.

Related: Hyatt Points Just Got Way More Valuable Thanks to This New Air Canada Collaboration

Elvis Presley’s connection to Las Vegas is legendary, and soon, the King of Rock and Roll will return to the Strip for a new production unlike any other.

A major new event is set to bring the icon back to the stage, combining his historic legacy with modern performance technology to recreate his most famous residency. The exciting news was announced during Elvis Week 2026.

Elvis Presley Enterprises Managing Partner Joel Weinshanker revealed plans for a new show that promises to reconnect the entertainer with Las Vegas. During a panel discussion in Memphis, Tennessee, he shared the details.

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Joel Weinshanker photographed with the Presley family, including Riley Keough, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley and Harper and Finley Lockwood, in 2022/Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

“For the 50th anniversary [of Presley’s death in 2027], there will be at least four major events. Four new, major, amazing attractions coming in, things that you’ve never seen before,” he said, according to The Commercial Appeal.

Weinshanker shared details of “an absolutely state-of-the-art, world-class hologram show in Las Vegas within the next 18 months. When you see who’s involved, when you hear about it, it’s going to be something great.”

RELATED: Elvis Presley’s Private Bedroom: The Real Reason It Was Never Opened to the Public

“Elvis didn’t love the idea of holograms, and I didn’t love it for a decade either. But we’ve gotten to the point where we’re very excited about it,” the businessman concluded.

Additionally, he plans to involve the Presley family in the upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration at Graceland, scheduled for 2027. In keeping with past Elvis Week programming, the weeklong tribute promises unique fan access, historic displays, and personal reflections from those who knew him best.

“Coming up on the 50th anniversary, it’s really important, so important, to keep Elvis alive in our hearts, in our heads, and here,” Weinshanker explained in a fan video clip shared to Instagram. “But for the 50th, we’re actually going to look at it from a little bit of a different lens.”

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RELATED: Elvis Presley’s Greatest Love Makes ‘Bittersweet’ Graceland Return for Elvis Week

“You might see people here you have not seen in a long, long time, if ever. You’re going to see family here,” Weinshanker concluded. “You do have to understand how difficult it is, especially for Lisa [Marie Presley]’s kids, to come here right now.”

“I do not like to speak for them, but you have to understand how difficult it is coming to a place where their grandfather, whom they have never met, and where their [mother] and their brother [Benjamin Keough] are buried. But I have a very high level of confidence we’re going to see a lot more family in [2027], and I think that’s going to be important.”

Lisa Marie was last involved in Elvis Week in 2018. Priscilla Presley last participated in the annual event in 2022. Additionally, mother and daughter appeared at the event in 1997.

According to Graceland’s official website, “EPE manages the operations of Graceland, its related properties, including AAA Four-Diamond The Guest House at Graceland, as well as the Graceland Archives, featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis’ home and career. EPE also produces and licenses Elvis-themed live events, tours and attractions worldwide. Graceland Holdings LLC, led by managing partner Weinshanker.”

Further details will be revealed in the coming months about the new project and other events connected to the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, in August 2027.

Related: 49 Years Later: The Most Heartbreaking Quotes About the Day Elvis Presley Died, From the Women Who Loved Him

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Vintage decor has made a serious comeback, and we’re seeing it everywhere from floral bedding and kitschy curtains to carved wood furniture and mosaic lamps. Old-fashioned details can make a home feel a little more collected and lived-in, especially when they’re mixed with modern, practical pieces. Basically, if it looks like something you might have spotted in your grandmother’s house, we probably want it in ours.

And while there are plenty of ways to bring that nostalgic look home, needlepoint might be one of the most popular antiqued analog hobbies right now. The intricate stitching, colorful motifs, and handmade look have made needlepoint everything from a crafting pastime to a bona fide decor trend. 

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But if you don’t have the time (or the money) to take up an entirely new hobby, there’s an easier way to get the look. The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Sentiment Needlepoint Lumbar Decorative Pillow is $28 at Walmart, giving your sofa or favorite chair a vintage-inspired touch without requiring you to learn a single stitch.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Sentiment Needlepoint Lumbar Decorative Pillow, $28 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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There’s a lot to love in the 14-by-20-inch rectangular lumbar pillow. A delicate sage-green floral border runs around all four sides, made up of winding leafy vines and petite outlined blossoms. Inside, a soft cream background puts the rosy-pink “Home is where you are” lettering front and center. The dusty rose, muted green, and cream palette feels soft and understated, while the woven, needlepoint-inspired surface adds a dimensional quality that makes the pattern look more tactile.

The border is particularly effective because it creates a defined frame around the sentiment rather than letting the floral elements compete with the lettering. That makes the pillow easy to style alongside other patterns without looking visually busy. Layer it in front of larger pillows on a bed or sofa, place it against the back of an accent chair, or use it as a finishing touch on an entryway bench. 

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The color choices also make it surprisingly flexible with other decor. Bring out the softer side of the design with linen, woven baskets, light wood, and delicate florals, or use the pillow as a contrast against darker upholstery and more traditional furniture. The floral detailing can also tie together other botanical accents in a room without requiring an exact color match, making it an easy piece to work into a space that already has a mix of patterns and textures.

Walmart shoppers gushed over this “adorable” and “very cozy” pillow, praising its “old-fashioned” look and “homey” feel. One reviewer wrote, “This pillow is even cuter in person, and the quality is even better than I had hoped for.” 

Others called out the fabric, describing it as “durable” and “comfortable,” while noting that it’s “not scratchy.”

Related: Joanna Gaines’ $25 Lumbar Pillow Is ‘Stylish’ and Brings Vintage Charm With Its Fringed Design

As one shopper put it, “If you are looking for a grandma-styled pillow with today’s modern twist,” the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Sentiment Needlepoint Lumbar Decorative Pillow is for you. Snag it for under $30 at Walmart!

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“Behind Blue Eyes” has long been known as one of The Who’s signature songs.

Written by Pete Townshend, the song was originally intended to be part of a rock opera. Instead, it appeared on the 1971 album Who’s Next and became a Top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit, spawning multiple cover versions over the past five decades.

The Who’s haunting rock ballad opened with gentle acoustic guitar and explored themes of deception, betrayal and honesty, with vulnerable lyrics sung by Roger Daltrey. It was once described by Townshend as “the closest to a love song I’ve ever written and managed to get the Who to perform,” according to Rolling Stone.

The legendary guitarist once gave the backstory on “Behind Blue Eyes,” telling Sirius XM, “It’s not about us. It’s not about boys with blue eyes. It’s actually about a character in a story.”

The song was written for Lifehouse, an ultimately abandoned rock opera that Townshend had been working on for 15 years. In the story, the song was written from the perspective of a villainous double agent who comes to realize that his deception and lies have left him isolated.

“So I wrote the song, and it seems to kind of resonate as a song about the way we deceive ourselves, the way we betray ourselves, the way we live lives that can be a lie, the way that it’s the most difficult thing of all is to be honest with ourselves,” Townshend shared. “And that we hide behind the way that we look, whether we look beautiful or whether we look ugly, we hide behind the way we look often. So it was a song that actually came from our film script.”

More than three decades after The Who’s hit, the song found a surprising new audience when Limp Bizkit recorded a darker cover version, accompanied by a music video starring Halle Berry.

The song was featured in Berry’s film Gothika, and the music video cast Berry and Limp Bizkit’s vocalist Fred Durst in roles inspired by the movie’s storyline.

But even an Oscar winner couldn’t save the “Behind Blue Eyes” cover from bad reviews.

The Who’s fans took issue with Limp Bizkit’s take on the classic song, which included use of a Texas Instruments Speak & Spell toy to spell out the letters of the band’s name midway through.

Ultimate Classic Rock ranked Limp Bizkit’s divisive “Behind Blue Eyes” remake among the most “terrible rock covers” of all time, noting that the nu-metal band “greatly altered the Who classic” by adding “a new verse, an extra chorus and even made the peculiar choice to use a Speak & Spell – the robotic children’s toy E.T. used to communicate with his home planet – in the song’s bridge.”

“The results received some moderate radio airplay, but were roundly panned upon release,” the outlet noted.

Townshend seemingly wasn’t a fan of the cover either. He once described Limp Bizkit’s version of “Behind Blue Eyes” as “an embarrassing effort, and one that discredits a fine song,” according to Classic Rock magazine. Townshend added that when he first heard Limp Bizkit’s cover, it reminded him of how he felt when he “clubbed [hippie activist ] Abbie Hoffman” at Woodstock.

Fifty-five years after its release, “Behind Blue Eyes” remains one of the most iconic Who songs of all time, enduring as a classic beloved by generations of fans. Limp Bizkit also continues to perform the cover, recently playing it at The Download Festival in England in June 2026.

Related: Roger Daltrey Gave This ’70s Soft Rock Star a Tip That Changed Everything

In the 1970s, Henry Winkler and Ron Howard were a dynamic duo on Happy Days. The actors played standout characters Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli and Richie Cunningham in the ensemble TV comedy until Howard left the megahit show in 1980 to focus on a career as a film director.

Nearly 50 years later, Winkler, 80, admitted he would love to work with Howard again and often thinks about finding a project they could work on together.

“I have no idea if he does,” Winkler told People magazine in August 2026, before noting that the two probably “can’t do anything better” than Night Shift, the 1982 movie directed by Howard and featuring Winkler in the lead role.

“It is so touching,” Winkler added of the continued love for the film. “It is a great compliment.”

Night Shift was a comedy film starring Winkler as Chuck Lumley, a morgue employee who gets drawn into running a prostitution service with his new co-worker (played by Michael Keaton). Shelley Long also starred.

It was Howard’s first film as a director, and  The New York Times praised the young director for keeping the movie “fast and entertaining.”

Henry Winkler and Ron Howard on the ‘Night Shift’ set.

(Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)

Winkler once revealed that Howard was worried when he directed his first major studio movie, but that he never doubted his longtime friend and co-star’s abilities.

“Ron Howard is worried because he is young and afraid that a seasoned crew and actors were not necessarily going to listen to him because of his age,” Winkler told The AV Club in an interview. “What he forgot is that he puts off this energy, which is powerful. You would ask him a question, and he would stop, think about what you said—he would run the movie in his head the way he saw it—to see if what you were asking him fit. The entire crew stopped still and waited for Ron to speak. Because everybody got that this kid was the deal, that he knew what he was talking about.”

RELATED: ‘Happy Days’ Guest Star’s 1978 Debut Changed Everything

Winkler also noted that Howard gave him the choice to play either Chuck or Bill, the character that eventually went to Keaton. Winkler chose Chuck because he was less like his Happy Days character Fonzie.

Howard has credited Winkler’s involvement in Night Shift as the reason for the film’s success.

“When Henry said yes to Night Shift, that’s what got that movie greenlit,” Howard told People. “He played a hand in helping my dream ultimately come true, which was to be a studio, Hollywood, feature director.”

Related: Henry Winkler Says ‘There Was No Stardom’ on ‘Happy Days’ — Even When Fonzie Became a TV Icon

If Disney magic is on your travel bucket list, you’re definitely going to want to save some vacation days for 2027.

At this weekend’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, Walt Disney Imagineering pulled back the curtain on the most ambitious lineup of new lands, high-tech rides, and classic restorations in company history.

Putting the breathtaking scope of these projects into perspective, Imagineer Michael Hundgen reflected on the historic scale of what is currently breaking ground, describing it on stage as “partnering on the biggest slate of expansion projects in the history of Walt Disney World.”

Closing out the star-studded Horizons: A Carousel of Progress showcase, Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum echoed that the company is leaning into a true golden era across its global resorts, making good on the enduring promise Walt Disney made on opening day in 1955.

“You all know Disneyland is a promise. As that famous plaque on the front of the park reads, Here you leave today and enter a world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy,” Mazloum told the cheering arena crowd. “And over the past seven decades, this promise has taken many forms… You all know Walt said Disneyland would never be completed and those words continue to echo down through time. And now, we are entering Disneyland’s next great chapter, where new generations will continue to relive fun memories of the past and savor the challenge and promises of the future.”

From brand-new E-ticket thrillers on both coasts to jaw-dropping retro comebacks that brought the house down, here are the 10 biggest ride reveals Disney vacationers need to know about—plus a major bonus update for Disneyland purists.

Related: Disney’s Upcoming Villains Land Will Be Its Most ‘Original’ in 25 Years

1. Two Massive Headliners for ‘Villains Land’ (Magic Kingdom)

Disney Parks Blog

Easily the most anticipated expansion in Magic Kingdom history, the upcoming land—officially titled Villains Land—is bringing an unapologetically dark, sophisticated aesthetic to the park on a scale rivaling Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The story centers around a broken, poisoned wishing well that draws iconic Disney villains from across the realms to claim its dark magic. Imagineering revealed details on the land’s two headline attractions:

The Magic Mirror Dark Ride: A descent into the catacombs beneath the Evil Queen’s palace, pulling riders directly into the “Mirror Realm” through a mix of physical sets and illusions showcasing an entire rogue’s gallery of Disney villains.

The Maleficent Briar Coaster: A high-speed coaster where riders race through the enchanted briars surrounding Maleficent’s mountaintop fortress, featuring track elements never before attempted on a Disney coaster.

2. ‘Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent’ (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Disney Parks Blog

Taking over the former DINOSAUR attraction spot inside Animal Kingdom’s upcoming 11-acre Tropical Americas expansion, this original 1950s storyline sends riders into a newly discovered Mayan temple near an underground cenote. The headline shocker: Disney Legend Harrison Ford served as the physical model for the ride’s star Audio-Animatronics figure—marking the very first time his authentic likeness appears on an attraction anywhere in the world. Riders will dodge monstrous bats and giant scorpions before facing off against the Tsukán, a towering mythological feathered serpent guarding the underworld.

Related: Harrison Ford Is Officially Coming to Walt Disney World as an Animatronic Indy for the Very First Time

3. Doubling Down on ‘Avengers Campus’ with Two Brand-New Rides (Disney California Adventure) Concept art for the Stark Flight Lab attraction at Disney California Adventure showing theme park guests seated in futuristic test-flight pods attached to large robotic arms, with digital screens displaying Tony Stark as Iron Man guiding the experience.

Disney Parks Blog

Avengers Campus is doubling in physical size over former backstage parking to debut two massive attractions in 2028:

• Avengers Infinity Defense: Recruits team up with Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) to stop King Thanos, jumping through sling rings to Wakanda, Asgard, and New York. Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Anthony Mackie (Captain America) all filmed brand-new, original footage reprising their cinematic roles for the ride.
• Stark Flight Lab: Guests board gyro-kinetic flight pods for a multi-maneuver training session with Downey, Mackie, and Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) serving as on-screen flight instructors.

Related: Robert Downey Jr. and Original Marvel Stars Are Reprising Their Roles for Two Brand-New Disney Rides

4. The World’s First ‘Coco’ Boat Ride (Disney California Adventure) Disneyland unveils a scene from Coco the Ride

Disney Parks Blog

Marking the very first dedicated Coco attraction in Disney history, this family-friendly boat journey picks up one year after the events of the Oscar-winning film. Guests enter through a casa museo honoring the music of Héctor Rivera before floating straight into the vibrant colors and skeletal magic of the Land of the Dead alongside Miguel. Best of all for parents traveling with toddlers: the ride will have no minimum height requirement.

Related: Disney Just Revealed Exciting New Details for Its First-Ever ‘Coco’ Ride—and We Are Officially Feeling ‘Un Poco Loco’

5. ‘Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto’ (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) During the “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, Calif., Disney Experiences revealed new details about one of the new attractions coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort: Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto. Concept art depicts guests traveling through Casita aboard enchanted furniture as they make their way to Antonio’s room, which has transformed into a rainforest filled with animals. (Artist Concept/Walt Disney Imagineering)

Disney Parks Blog

Also arriving in 2027 inside Tropical Americas, the first-ever Encanto ride-through dark ride invites guests into Casita on the fateful day Antonio receives his magical gift to communicate with animals. Riders sit inside living household furniture—cobbled together from couches, chairs, and pianos—that dynamically glides through his lush rainforest bedroom. The attraction features the entire original voice cast of La Familia Madrigal, over 50 animal animatronics (including Antonio’s capybara pal Chispi), and no height requirement.

6. Star-Studded Refresh for ‘Carousel of Progress’ (Magic Kingdom) During the “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, Calif., Disney Experiences announced new details about updates coming to Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World Resort in late spring 2027. Concept art depicts a new scene set in the 1980s as the classic attraction’s story evolves to showcase the 1960s through present day and beyond. (Artist Concept/Walt Disney Imagineering)

Disney Parks Blog

Walt Disney’s most historic stage show is getting its biggest creative overhaul in over 30 years when it reopens in late spring 2027. Disney Legend Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy winner Bryan Cranston are officially stepping into the recording booth as the new voices of Sarah (Mom) and John (Dad). The updated show will open with a brand-new Audio-Animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself before rotating through fresh decades, including the 1969 moon landing, a Halloween 1985 scene where Sarah takes center stage, and a Y2K New Year’s Eve countdown in 1999.

Related: Disney Just Announced a Massive, Retro-Chic Revamp of a Beloved Classic Attraction

7. World’s First ‘Lion King’ Water Ride (Disneyland Paris)

Heading to Disney Adventure World in Paris, this major log flume-style water attraction marks the first dedicated Lion King ride anywhere on the globe. Guests will venture deep into the Pride Lands to follow Simba’s emotional journey from cub to king, culminating in a dramatic, water-plunging final confrontation against Scar beneath Pride Rock.

8. Modern Reimagining of ‘Spaceship Earth’ (EPCOT) Disney has announced a major reimagining for EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth attraction.

Disney Parks Blog

EPCOT’s 18-story geodesic sphere is officially getting its first major refurbishment in nearly two decades. While the beloved opening-day icon will keep its slow-moving spiral track and time-traveling format, Imagineering is expanding the storyline beyond basic human communication to celebrate “human connection across the ages”—bringing updated scenes, modern digital milestones, and brand-new storytelling into the 21st century and beyond.

Related: Disney Announces Major Reimagining of EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth

9. ‘Piston Peak’ Off-Road Racing and Demo Derby (Magic Kingdom) During the “Horizons: A Carousel of Progress” showcase at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, Disney Experiences revealed details about one of the new attractions coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort: Cars Ridge Run Rally. Concept art depicts racers navigating a series of rolling hills and camelback drops as they compete for the fastest lap in the wilderness. (Artist Concept/Walt Disney Imagineering)

Courtesy of: Disney Experiences

Frontierland is expanding into the rugged wilderness of the American West with two all-new Cars attractions currently under construction:

• Cars Ridge Run Rally: A realistic, high-speed off-road coaster experience where dynamic tires and real suspension let riders feel every bump and drop as they race up snowy peaks and dodge the “Old Tankfull” geyser field.
• Miss Fritter’s Daredevil Spin-Along: A high-energy family demolition derby attraction centered around a giant, school bus-sized animatronic of Miss Fritter from Cars 3.

Related: Disney Just Gave Fans Their Best Look Yet at Its Biggest New Rides

10. Dreamfinder and Figment Reunite (EPCOT)

To close out the showcase, Disney gave classic EPCOT fans the announcement they have been begging for: an all-new reimagining of Journey Into Imagination that officially reunites the playful purple dragon Figment with his original creator, Dreamfinder. Mazloum surprised the audience right before the final curtain, declaring: “We are taking a new journey into imagination at EPCOT with Figment and Dreamfinder! I’m so happy to tell you this. We know how important this is to you. We heard you, and this is one more way we are putting you in the center of everything we do.”

Bonus Reveal: A Full Tomorrowland Transformation (Disneyland) Disneyland’s Tomorrowland in Anaheim, Calif.

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Just before concluding the evening, Disney confirmed that a comprehensive transformation is officially underway for Disneyland’s iconic Tomorrowland. Mazloum promised that the revamp will deliver “new attractions, more open spaces, and new places for you to dream about the future,” honoring Walt’s forward-looking optimism for the next generation of parkgoers.

Related: Disneyland’s Tomorrowland is Getting a Much-Needed Overhaul With New Attractions

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With summer weather still on the horizon, having a reliable bag for all your outings is key. You’ll want something that can handle trips to the beach or pool without falling apart. Plus, not every tote is spacious enough to carry all your belongings while still looking cute with your favorite warm-weather outfits.

You don’t have to spend much to get a great option, either. The Gocvo Crochet Bag checks all the boxes, and right now, it’s on sale at Walmart, bringing the price down from $17 to just $12.

Gocvo Crochet Bag, $12 (was $17) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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This tote is designed with functionality in mind. In terms of size, the bag measures 12.5 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 11.2 inches tall, with 9.5-inch handles that sit comfortably on your shoulder. It’s roomy enough to carry everything you need without feeling bulky. The spacious main compartment has room for towels, magazines, sunscreen, and water bottles.

Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, the bag is both lightweight and durable. The breathable crochet design allows items to dry quickly, which helps prevent odors from damp towels or clothing. It comes in four great colors, including two khaki shades, white, and black.

It’s also easy to travel with. The flexible material makes it simple to fold and pack into a suitcase or keep in your car as a backup bag. The soft knitted fabric won’t trap sand and is easy to clean, which makes it especially practical for outdoor use. It’s great for everything from beach and pool days to travel, picnics, and everyday errands.

Related: Walmart’s $19 Adjustable Platform Slides Are ‘Springy,’ ‘Comfortable,’ and Great for Wide Feet

The tote comes in five easy-to-style colors: four neutral beige shades and one classic black option. Its simple design pairs well with everything from swimwear to jeans and a T-shirt or even a breezy maxi-dress.

This popular style has over 150 five-star ratings. One shopper shared, “It holds quite a few items and is perfect for the beach. It’s a great and sturdy material for the price.” Another wrote, “It’s adorable, the perfect size, and has an excellent value. I get so many compliments on this bag. It is so versatile and can be used for just about anything!”

For a summer-ready bag you can use just about anywhere, the Gocvo Crochet Bag is a practical and affordable pick. With Walmart’s current discount, you can grab this versatile tote for as low as $12.

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In 1981, five women who had emerged from Los Angeles’ scrappy punk scene did something no other all-female band had ever done.

More than four decades later, the woman who fronted that history-making group is celebrating another milestone.

Belinda Carlisle, the lead singer and co-founder of The Go-Go’s who later became a No. 1 solo star, turns 68 on Aug. 17.

Born Aug. 17, 1958, in Hollywood, Calif., Carlisle had a difficult childhood that included frequent moves and financial struggles. Music eventually offered an escape, and at 19, she left home to pursue it.

Her first venture into the Los Angeles music scene was about as far removed from the polished pop that would eventually make her famous as possible.

Carlisle briefly joined punk band the Germs as its drummer under the name Dottie Danger in 1977. She never performed live or recorded with the band after coming down with mononucleosis, but she soon found another outlet.

Carlisle co-founded The Go-Go’s in 1978, eventually joining Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Kathy Valentine and Gina Schock in the lineup that would make music history.

And they were hardly seasoned musicians.

Carlisle recalled in a 2010 interview with Salon that the group began as “five of us kids sitting on a curb” with virtually no musical experience or training.

“We went from that to becoming the biggest band in America two and a half years later,” she said.

The Go-Go’s released their debut album Beauty and the Beat in 1981, and it became a phenomenon.

Featuring “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat,” the album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and ultimately went double platinum.

More importantly, The Go-Go’s became the first, and remain the only, all-female band to write their own songs, play their own instruments and score a No. 1 album.

That distinction followed the group all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted Carlisle, Caffey, Schock, Valentine and Wiedlin in 2021.

The Go-Go’s performed “Vacation,” “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat” at the ceremony, where Wiedlin thanked the fans who had remained with them through decades of breakups and reunions.

Carlisle has remained particularly proud of the unlikely punk origins behind their success.

“I think a lot of people don’t know the origins of the Go-Go’s,” she told Salon, noting that some listeners assumed the band had been assembled by a music-industry mastermind.

Instead, they learned as they went.

“I’m really proud of the punk background,” Carlisle said. “If it wasn’t for the punk scene, the Go-Go’s would never have existed. I would never have existed.”

The Go-Go’s followed Beauty and the Beat with Vacation in 1982 and Talk Show in 1984 before breaking up in 1985. But Carlisle’s biggest individual hit was still ahead of her.

Carlisle launched her solo career with 1986’s Belinda, which produced the No. 3 hit “Mad About You.”

Her career reached another level the following year with Heaven on Earth.

Its lead single, “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and also reached No. 1 in the U.K. The Diane Warren-penned “I Get Weak” followed it to No. 2 in the U.S., while “Circle in the Sand” became another top 10 hit.

For Carlisle, reaching No. 1 fulfilled a lifelong ambition.

“Hitting number one with ‘Heaven Is a Place on Earth’ was like all my dreams coming true,” she recalled in a 2025 interview with The i Paper.

Success in the U.K. made the achievement particularly meaningful, she added, because British music had been such an important influence on her.

Carlisle continued recording throughout the decades that followed while periodically reuniting with The Go-Go’s. The band was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2024 and returned to the stage for two festival performances in 2025.

Carlisle also returned to the studio for 2025’s Once Upon a Time in California, her ninth solo studio album and another nod to the music that shaped her growing up in Southern California.

Her journey from a teenager with virtually no musical training to the frontwoman of a history-making band and then a chart-topping solo artist is one Carlisle herself once described with striking simplicity.

“I worked my ass off since I was 17 years old,” she told The i Paper while reflecting on overcoming the imposter syndrome she once felt about her career. “I deserved everything that came to me.”

At 68, Carlisle can look back on a career that didn’t merely produce some of the most recognizable pop songs of the 1980s. With The Go-Go’s, she helped accomplish something no all-female band has managed to duplicate.

Related: 1994 Rock Ballad, About Love Gone Wrong, Is Suddenly Going Viral 29 Years After Jeff Buckley’s Tragic Death at Age 30

Singer-songwriter Maria McKee is celebrating her 62nd birthday today, and fans of ’90s movie soundtracks may remember her best for a song that became a major international hit.

McKee was born Aug. 17, 1964, in Los Angeles, California. She first gained attention as the frontwoman of the Los Angeles roots-rock band Lone Justice before launching a solo career.

But it was a song written for a blockbuster movie that gave McKee her biggest commercial success.

Maria McKee Had a No. 1 Hit With ‘Show Me Heaven’

In 1990, McKee recorded “Show Me Heaven” for the soundtrack to Days of Thunder, the Tom Cruise racing movie.

The power ballad became a massive hit in the U.K., where it reached No. 1 and stayed there for four weeks. According to the Official Charts Company, it remains McKee’s only U.K. No. 1 as a performer.

The song debuted on the U.K. chart in September 1990 and reached the top spot during the month. It ultimately spent 14 weeks on the chart, including eight weeks in the Top 10.

It wasn’t just a U.K. success, either.

“Show Me Heaven” also topped the charts in Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway, while becoming a Top 5 hit in several other countries.

For McKee, however, getting the song to that point required making some changes.

McKee Didn’t Initially Like the Song’s Lyrics

“Show Me Heaven” was written by McKee along with Eric Rackin and Jay Rifkin for Days of Thunder.

When McKee first heard the song, she reportedly liked the melody but wasn’t sold on the original lyrics. She agreed to record it only after being allowed to rewrite them.

That decision helped turn the song into the sweeping power ballad that audiences heard alongside the 1990 film.

The Days of Thunder soundtrack also featured music from artists including Guns N’ Roses, making it one of the more memorable movie soundtracks of the era.

Her Career Started Before Her Biggest Hit

Long before “Show Me Heaven” became a No. 1 hit, McKee was already an established figure in roots rock.

She became the lead singer of Lone Justice, the band she formed with guitarist Ryan Hedgecock in Los Angeles. The group released its self-titled debut album in 1985, followed by Shelter in 1986.

McKee then released her self-titled solo album in 1989. The album earned critical acclaim, particularly in Europe, and included contributions from musicians including Richard Thompson and Steve Wickham.

Her solo career continued for decades, with albums including You Gotta Sin to Get Saved, Life Is Sweet and High Dive.

But “Show Me Heaven” remained her signature commercial achievement. And on her 62nd birthday, the song remains a fitting reminder of just how big McKee’s voice once was on the charts.

RELATED: 38 Special Just Extended Its 2026 Tour With More U.S. Dates

Perez Hilton is continuing to heal two weeks after his apparent suicide attempt was broadcast on TikTok Live.

According to his family, the self-proclaimed OG Influencer “remains hospitalized and is receiving the medical care he needs.”

“His treatment is continuing in an inpatient setting under the care of a dedicated team of medical and mental health professionals,” the statement shared via his internet blog on Sunday, August 16, read.

While Hilton receives treatment, his family announced that “his team will begin publishing again.”

“Whether you have followed Perez from the beginning or only recently started reading, we hope you will continue visiting, reading, and sharing the site. We deeply appreciate your support while Perez focuses on his health and recovery,” the statement continued.

Hilton (real name: Mario Lavandeira Jr.) live-streamed his own self-harm video on Tuesday, August 4.

The father of three appeared fully nude while wielding a butcher knife and appearing to slash himself all over for thousands of live viewers to witness. After receiving a barrage of calls, Miami Dade Police officers rushed to Hilton’s home where they found him covered in what appeared to be blood.

“In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication,” a statement from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, per Rolling Stone. “Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public.”

Hilton was transported to a local hospital that night.

When you think of poets, your mind might go to British poets or American poets like Edgar Allan Poe or Emily Dickinson. But if you zoom all the way out and go back to ancient times, you’ll find some of the most well-known poets, such as Homer, who wrote the epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey (though there is debate on whether he was even a real person). Then you have someone like Ovid, who was a real person and a Roman poet. In fact, he’s considered one of the three canonical poets of Latin literature, alongside Virgil and Horace, according to the Online Library of Liberty. And our quote of the day features one of his many lines of poetry, which uses the imagery of water to explain determination and perseverance.

Born Publius Ovidius Naso in Sulmo, Italy, on March 20, 43 BCE, Ovid went on to become one of the most influential poets in the “Western literary tradition,” per the Poetry Foundation. He is most famous for works like Heroides (“Heroines”), Ars Amatoria (“The Art of Love”) and Metamorphoses. That last one was finished in 8 BCE and is deemed “a masterpiece.” According to Britannica, Ovid’s writing and verses were so significant because of “its imaginative interpretations of Classical myth” and due to it being “an example of supreme technical accomplishment.” 

Ovid wrote in elegiac couplets for most of his poems, and while you’d maybe think he’d be remembered for strong, passionate language, he’s actually known for how witty he was, per Britannica. But he was still very technical with his work and was very good at using descriptive language to explain details. Today’s quote is just one example of this, using a really good metaphor to illustrate persistence. 

Related: Quote of the Day: Stoic Philosopher Cato the Younger on When To Use Discretion and Self-Restraint

Quote of the Day by Ovid

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“Dripping water hollows out a stone, a ring is worn away by use.”

This quote is from a modern translation of Ovid’s work, The Art of Love, or Ars Amatoria in Latin. According to EBSCO, it’s a poetic work that is a “playful” guide to and strategic look at navigating romantic relationships. It talks about seduction rather than emotional connection, how to meet lovers and what skills you need to be “successful” in an intimate match. 

Ovid also gives gender-specific advice, telling men that they need to win over women and show her generosity and attentiveness, and suggesting that women work on beautifying themselves while also stressing that they need to be very judgemental about who they choose as partners. While it is very much a product of its time in terms of the gender binary and gender roles of the era, the difference in his advice for men and women is interesting when looking at it through today’s lens.

Poetry in Translation has a 2001 translation by A. S. Kline of this quote, and it reads: “What’s harder than stone, softer than water? Yet soft water carves the hardest stone.” Another popular translation on Goodreads is: “Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence.”

As Poetry in Translation shows, today’s quote shows up in Book I, Part XII: Write and Make Promises. This part includes some of Ovid’s advice to men on how to woo a woman, telling them to make promises they can keep and to “let irksome words vanish from your speech.” 

Ovid then writes the above quote, followed by a metaphor about perseverance, using Penelope from The Odyssey, saying that “you’ll conquer Penelope herself in time.” This is referring to the fact that she waited for her husband for 20 years while he was away in the Trojan War, and she refused all suitors to remarry. Insinuating that if you’re persistent enough, you might even wear down someone like her.

Related: Mark Twain’s ‘Best Way’ To Stay Positive Is Exactly What We Need To Hear Today

Deeper Meaning of Ovid’s Quote—The Power of Perseverance

At face value, this is a meaningful quote about determination and sticking with something until you see it through. Of course, in context, it leans into some negative male attributes that most definitely will not get you a girlfriend. But, again, in modern times, that’s to be expected when untangling ancient text. 

Looking at the quote by itself, Ovid is using this beautiful metaphor of water and erosion to illustrate perseverance. If water is dripping in the same spot on a rock for centuries, you’ll eventually see its mark in the boulder, hence the line “soft water carves the hardest stone” in the 2001 translation. It does a great job of describing a visual that nearly everyone has some experience with or knowledge of. And it’s a good way to express or portray persistence and the fruits of your labor. 

But again, within the poem itself, he’s using this metaphor to describe how men should persist with women. That if you stick with his tips long enough and stay on one woman long enough, she’ll cave and give you a shot. Nowadays, we all know that if you have to coerce or annoy a woman into going out with you, you aren’t the most galant of men. However, back then—and in a playful “guide” to love and intimacy—this advice was most likely seen as “good” or helpful. 

Regardless of that context, though, it is a really smart way to describe perseverance. Just use it wisely!

Related: Quote of the Day: Inventor Sir Humphry Davy on Why Deserving Praise Matters More Than Receiving It

More Quotes from Ovid

• “It is convenient that there be gods, and, as it is convenient, let us believe that there are.”
• “If you want to be loved, be lovable.”
• “What lies hid is unknown, and there is no desire for the unknown.”
• “Let others praise the ancient times; I am glad I was born in these.”
• “Envy can scarcely hold back her tears, when she sees nothing to cry about.”
• “Love yields to business. If you seek a way out of love, be busy; you’ll be safe then.”
• “Every lover is a warrior, and Cupid has his camps.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Philosopher René Descartes on Why Brilliance Requires Action

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Patio season is in full swing. If you’re planning on hosting any outdoor gatherings this summer or fall, you’ll want to make sure your deck, garden, or yard looks party-ready. Walmart’s latest decor find is an easy way to add some pretty ambient lighting to your space, and it’s now on sale for nearly 50% off. For only a limited time, the top-rated Rirool Solar Brick Light 4-Pack is available for just $22, down from $39.

The set comes with four small solar ice cube lights, each measuring 2.8 by 2.8 by 2.2 inches. The square-shaped lights charge up via sunlight during the day and turn off automatically after dark, providing a gorgeous warm white glow that looks stunning at night. 

Rirool Solar Brick Light 4-Pack, $22 (was $39) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Designed to create a warm, cozy atmosphere, these solar lights will help brighten up your outdoor space for all your summer hangouts, no matter where you place them. Their simple, sleek design is versatile enough to use in a wide range of spots, including pathways, flower beds, decks, gardens, front porches, and more. They can even serve as holiday decor if you want to add a little twinkling glow to your home in the winter.  

Constructed of toughened glass and ABS with an IP67 rating, the Rirool solar brick lights are made to withstand all types of weather conditions, including rain and snow. Installation is also super simple, with no wiring required. Simply place the lights in your desired location, and flip the switch to “on” to start using. Once fully charged, they’ll provide six to 10 hours of illumination.  

Multiple Walmart shoppers praised these solar brick lights for their quality and overall look. One reviewer said they’re ” bright” and “beautiful,” while another called them “so pretty” at night. A third buyer said the “super cute” set creates a lovely ambiance in any outdoor space, giving off a “pleasing glow” that makes your deck, patio, or yard feel more inviting. 

Related: Walmart’s 5-Piece Patio Set Comes Complete With a Sectional and Table for $145

If you want a stylish and functional way to brighten up your remaining summer nights without breaking the bank, these highly rated solar brick lights are a great option that require minimal setup. Grab a four-pack set for just $22 before this deal ends at Walmart.  

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Heather Matarazzo is remembering Hayden Panettiere as the gifted young girl she first met long before either actress knew where Hollywood would take them.

The Princess Diaries star shared an emotional Instagram tribute Sunday following news that Panettiere had died at 36. Panettiere’s father, Skip, confirmed her death in a statement to ABC News. No cause of death has been revealed yet.

Matarazzo shared her emotional tribute with a photo of the two embracing, offering fans a glimpse at their bond away from cameras and red carpets.

How Did Heather Matarazzo Meet Hayden Panettiere?

Matarazzo said their connection dates back to childhood, when both were young performers chasing auditions in New York. “Devastated…… We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids,” she wrote. The actresses went on to build successful careers. Matarazzo became widely known as Lilly Moscovitz in The Princess Diaries, while Panettiere rose from child roles to become a household name through Heroes and Nashville.

Panettiere later received two Golden Globe nominations for her work on Nashville.

What Did Heather Matarazzo Say About Hayden Panettiere?

Matarazzo said their lives continued to intersect as the years passed. “Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special,” she wrote. Her tribute focused not only on Panettiere’s talent, but on the energy she remembered from those encounters. “She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light….. Love you, Hayden.”

What Was Hayden Panettiere Best Known For?

Panettiere began working as a child before breaking through nationally as Claire Bennet on Heroes. She later played country star Juliette Barnes on Nashville and appeared in films including Remember the Titans, Scream 4 and Scream VI. Her final film role came in the 2026 thriller Sleepwalker.

For Matarazzo, however, the memories reached back much further than any famous role. Before the television hits and movie franchises, there were simply two young actors riding the Long Island Rail Road toward auditions, hoping for a chance.

Fans are remembering Ice Princess, the 2005 movie Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg starred in together years before their deaths.

Panettiere died on Sunday, Aug. 16, at the age of 36 and her cause of death is currently unknown. Trachtenberg died a year and a half earlier at age 39 due to complications from diabetes following a liver transplant.

After news of Panettiere’s death broke, fans recalled the one film that featured the two actresses together: Ice Princess.

The teen sports comedy-drama follows Casey Carlyle (Trachtenberg), a high school student who gives up a chance at a Harvard scholarship to pursue her newfound dream of becoming a professional figure skater.

Panettiere starred as Gennifer “Gen” Harwood, the captain of the junior ice skating team and daughter of the team’s head coach. Although Casey and Gen began as rivals, the film ends with the two becoming friends and allies.

RELATED: Hayden Panettiere Called Herself a ‘Warrior’ in Final Interview Before Her Death

On social media, fans reminisced about the film after realizing that both of its lead actresses had sadly passed away.

“The two Ice Princess girls are now gone 😭,” one fan wrote. “RIP to both.”

“Neither making it to 40 is nuts. My goodness,” said another.

“I was just wanting to do a rewatch but now I think I’m gonna have to give it a few years 😭,” added a third.

“One of the first things I thought of as well. I loved that film while growing up 😭😭😭,” said a fourth.

In addition to the late actresses, the film also starred Joan Cusack and Kim Cattrall. In a 2024 interview with Access Hollywood, Panettiere said Gen was one of her favorite roles.

“[On] Ice Princess, I loved Kim Cattrall. We have the same birthday and she played my mom,” Panettiere said at the time. “First day when, they gave us about six weeks to train, I was like Bambi on ice. By the end I actually became really good.”

“I wish to this day that I had continued,” she added.

Ice Princess is available to stream on Disney+.

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One way to stay in the spotlight after your term is up? Start a YouTube show.

Another way is to reveal a whole new look, tattoos and all. Nancy Mace just tackled both.

The outgoing South Carolina congresswoman, 48, recently took to YouTube to promote Get Maced, her brand-new channel. And Mace didn’t hold back in going sleeveless in certain shots to reveal fully tatted arms.

Media outlets including TMZ announced her transformation via social media on Sunday, August 16, and users didn’t hold back in sharing their thoughts on the new look — and the politician in general.

“Nancy Mace’s political career is almost out of ink … but her arms are anything but,” reads the caption of TMZ’s recent Instagram reel. See below.

View this post on Instagram

Fans have since flooded the post’s comments section with their wide variety of reactions. “Absolutely cringe,” wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, “Her & Kid Rock would make a perfect couple.”

The controversial Republican had revealed in February that she got several tattoos, which provided her “the pain that I need to feel,” per the New York Post. But she kept them virtually covered up in public, until she took to social media in the last week to plug her future plans.

Mace also told Politico she had the ink done to “reclaim” her body and identity. One of her tattoos is the first sentence of one of Virginia Woolf‘s most noted novels: “Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself.”

Mace Has Faced Other Social-Media Backlash

In other Mace news, she sparked backlash last year after posting an image of a male lion on X to symbolize her commitment to advocating for women’s issues, using the lion as a metaphor for strength and protection.

The post sparked a wave of commentary and critique, focusing on the lion’s gender in the image.

Bethany Joy Lenz is mourning Hayden Panettiere with a deeply personal tribute that reaches back to when both actresses were still finding their footing in Hollywood. Lenz shared a carousel of throwback photos on Instagram following news that Panettiere died Sunday, August 16, at 36.

Panettiere’s father confirmed her death to ABC News, remembering his daughter as an “incredible light and a force of nature.” For Lenz, the loss was not simply that of a fellow actress. The two had known each other since Panettiere was a child and Lenz was a teenager.

Hayden Panettiere and Bethany Joy Lenz

(Photo by Djamilla Rosa Cochran/WireImage)

For a friendship that began in the hallways of a daytime soap when they were both young, her final words carried the weight of everything left unsaid.

How Did Bethany Joy Lenz and Hayden Panettiere Know Each Other? View this post on Instagram

Their connection began on the long-running CBS soap Guiding Light. Panettiere played Lizzie Spaulding from 1996 to 2000, while Lenz joined the series as Michelle Bauer Santos in 1998 and remained through 2000. Their overlapping years on the soap marked the beginning of a friendship that Lenz said stretched across 27 years.

In her tribute, Lenz remembered first meeting a remarkably confident young performer. “I’m crushed. I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen,” she wrote.

Lenz recalled Panettiere running through the studio hallways between rehearsals, already understanding the work in a way that stunned her older co-star. “Her intelligence was astonishing. She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera.”

What Did Bethany Joy Lenz Say About Their Friendship?

Their careers eventually took them in different directions, with Lenz becoming a star on One Tree Hill and Panettiere later breaking through on Heroes before starring in Nashville.

Still, Lenz said their paths kept crossing over the years. “We’d connect on and off over the years, like the cousin in the family reunion who got famous and life moved her away, but I always felt such joy seeing her when we were lucky enough to cross paths,” she wrote.

Lenz admitted they often promised to make plans for lunch or dinner, but never quite managed to make those reunions happen.

Bethany Joy Lenz Says Hayden Panettiere Seemed to Be ‘Coming Back to Life’

One of the most painful parts of Lenz’s message was her disbelief that Panettiere was gone just as her life appeared to be entering another chapter. “I dont understand how this is real. Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surrounded by love.”

Lenz closed her own message on a far more personal note. “These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 27 years. I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always.”

Panettiere had spent recent months promoting her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, and speaking candidly about recovery, motherhood and the difficult years behind her.

Lenz is among the first of Panettiere’s former co-stars to mourn her publicly. EW reported that Scream VI co-star Melissa Barrera also shared a brief tribute Sunday, writing, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”

Solving today’s New York Times Connections Sports Edition puzzle requires you to know a little bit about basketball, have an idea of famous Vegas players, know something about making decisions, and you’ll definitely need to be pretty sure of yourself.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Monday, August 17, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Monday, August 17, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

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

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on August 17, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: “Let’s flip for it.”
• Green: Steadfast.
• Blue: Getting the ball from one person to another.
• Purple: Vegas hall of famers.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: WORDS HEARD DURING A COIN TOSS
• Green: DETERMINED
• Blue: _____ PASS, IN BASKETBALL
• Purple: RAIDERS IN THE HALL OF FAME

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #693 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• WORDS HEARD DURING A COIN TOSS: DEFER, HEADS, RECEIVE, TAILS
• DETERMINED: DOGGED, DRIVEN, INTENT, TENACIOUS
• _____ PASS, IN BASKETBALL: BOUNCE, CHEST, OUTLET, POCKET
• RAIDERS IN THE HALL OF FAME: BRANCH, CASPER, GUY, SHELL

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: 6 Store-Bought Ice Cream Treats That Will Transport You Back to the ’90s

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A lightweight quilt can help you sleep comfortably throughout any season. If you’ve been searching for transitional bedding to take you from summer to fall, quilts are a great option, and you can find plenty at Walmart. The retailer’s bestselling Whale Flotilla 3-Piece Quilt Set is a stunning option that comes in 10 versatile colors, and it’s currently on sale at a major discount.

The top-rated bedding is now on flash sale for up to 58% off, bringing its price down to as low as $36 for select California king color options (markdowns vary slightly by hue). The king size is unavailable, but the full/queen size is as low as $30, and the twin size is as low as $28.

Whale Flotilla Quilt Set, From $36 (was $62) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The larger sets come with a reversible embroidered quilt, along with two matching pillow shams. Meanwhile, the twin set comes with a quilt and one sham.

The “beautiful” quilt is made from soft microfiber polyester and features a plush microfiber fill for added comfort. Its breathable construction is designed for year-round use; it’ll keep you cool and comfortable during the hotter months, but is still warm enough to use solo or to layer over a heavier comforter during the winter.

Both the quilt and the pillow shams are designed with a vintage damask flower pattern design that’s elegant but subtle enough to complement any space. All three pieces are reversible, so you can flip to either side as necessary. Choose from a mix of classic neutrals, like beige and light gray, or bolder hues, like turquoise green and yellow. 

The entire set is also easy to care for, thanks to its machine-washable design. To keep all three pieces fresh and looking like new, simply wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Beautiful’ $90 Farmhouse Shoe Cabinet Is a Clever Fix for Crowded Entryways

Reviewers highlighted the bedding’s “super soft material” and superior quality. “The color was spot on compared to the photo,” one shopper wrote, adding, “it’s soft to the touch. Lightweight but very warm. Washes great. I liked it so much that I ordered a second one.”

With its versatile design, wide range of color options, and soft yet durable construction, it’s clear why this three-piece quilt set is a Walmart bestseller. Grab one (or more!) at a steep discount before this deal ends.

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.

Hayden Panettiere‘s sudden death at the age of 36 has shaken the world.

In her final months, Panettiere spoke with rare openness about one of the most painful decisions of her life and why she chose to let it happen the way it did.

In her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, Panettiere explained why she allowed ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko to take full custody of their daughter, Kaya, while she battled postpartum depression and addiction. “I knew how bad a place I was in,” she told Fox News Digital.

“When I saw her in the environment over there and the support system that she had, I said to myself, ‘If I fight… it’s going to permanently damage my child.'”

“Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, and it’s hard to describe the layers of emotion, including sadness, resentment, and anger, I’ve felt because of it,” an excerpt from her book reads, as per the outlet.

Panettiere traced her struggles back to Kaya’s birth in 2014, when doctors warned of complications and she endured a life-threatening delivery requiring emergency surgery and seven blood transfusions. “I almost passed away while having my daughter,” she recalled, as per Fox News.

What she initially dismissed as the “baby blues” grew into severe postpartum depression. She struggled to bond with Kaya, battled anxiety and eventually turned to alcohol.

“When you wake up in the morning and the first thing you’re thinking about is having a drink, it’s a problem,” she said in her book, as per Fox News.

She entered treatment voluntarily, though the depression lingered even after she got sober.

Panettiere said she was hurt by headlines suggesting she’d “given up” her daughter. “I felt like I made the right call,” she said. “I’ve seen who she is, and she’s an incredible human being.”

Although Kaya lives in Europe with her father, Panettiere said the distance never weakened their relationship. She and Kaya maintained what she called an “incredibly strong” bond through visits and FaceTime, and she hoped sharing her story would help other mothers seek help without shame. “I feel more connected with myself than I ever have before,” she said.

Related: Hayden Panettiere Dead: What She Revealed About Her Relationship With Her 11-Year-Old Daughter Months Before Her Death

To solve today’s Strands puzzle, you’ll need to know a little bit of anatomy.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #897 on Monday, August 17.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “On a bender”

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Where two points meet.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are eight theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• WR
• AN
• EL
• KN
• NE
• SH
• KN
• BO (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mix of horizontal and vertical

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for August 17

Today’s Spangram answer on Today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram and Answers for Monday, August 17, 2026, is BODYJOINTS.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Monday, August 17?

• WRIST
• ANKLE
• ELBOW
• KNUCKLE
• NECK
• SHOULDER
• KNEE
• SPANGRAM: BODYJOINTS

Related: 6 Store-Bought Ice Cream Treats That Will Transport You Back to the ’90s