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Stocking up on wardrobe basics is always a smart move, especially when those pieces are deeply discounted. T-Shirts are staples that work well year-round, whether you’re sporting them solo on a hot day or layering them beneath a cardigan or jacket when it cools down. The trick is finding something that’s both affordable and built to last.

Thousands of shoppers have found a stylish option in the EyMuse T-Shirt Set. Available in an assortment of color combinations ranging from sizes small to XXL, the set is currently marked down from its usual $20 to just $13 at Amazon. There’s plenty of variety, including neutral hues, bright shades, and stripes.

EyMuse T-Shirt Set, $13 (was $20) at Amazon 

Courtesy of Amazon

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Reviewers said they swear by these shirts when they want something that looks a bit more elevated than the average tee. They have a soft, fluid drape with a straight hem and a slightly loose fit. The distinctive V-neckline’s overlapping trim lends the top a blouse-like vibe and puts a more polished spin on the overall look.

While these shirts are anything but ordinary, they’re just as versatile as any standard T-shirt. The difference is that they’ll dress up more casual looks, so you can feel a bit more pulled together whether you’re stepping out in jeans and sandals or layering the top beneath a structured blazer. 

Related: Shoppers ‘Walked 15+ Miles’ in Skechers’ Pain-Free Sneakers With Podiatrist-Certified Insoles

The shirts are made from a blend of polyester and rayon, with a hint of spandex added for stretch. Shoppers noted the material is substantial instead of thin, and one person commented that it’s “so comfortable it allows you to breathe” even on the hottest days. Another customer added that the shirts are “very soft” and look “expensive.”

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If your usual tops are feeling a bit tired, adding the EyMuse T-Shirt Set to your wardrobe could be exactly the refresh you need. With so many varieties and a flattering fit, they’re a laid-back yet classy choice that can upgrade any outfit. Pick up your favorite pair on sale for just $13!

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Shannon Elizabeth is opening up about the financial struggles that followed her early Hollywood success, and how an unexpected new chapter changed everything.

The American Pie actress revealed that she spent much of the last decade relying on her savings before launching an OnlyFans account earlier this year, a move she says has completely transformed her financial outlook. 

“For the last ten years I’ve been living off of my savings for the most part because I haven’t been as focused on work,” Elizabeth, 52, told Variety in an August 13 interview. “To be able to get myself back to the point where I’m not struggling and am able to choose projects because I like them and not because I need the money — it’s definitely giving me more freedom to do that.” 

According to People, Elizabeth earned more than seven figures during her first week on the platform, despite not posting full nudity. 

Shannon Elizabeth at the 33rd Annual EMA Awards Gala

Getty

The pivot is especially notable because Elizabeth has long spoken about setting boundaries throughout her career. In a separate interview with The New York Times, she said she believed she was blackballed after refusing to film a scene in Thirteen Ghosts that would have required her to go topless. She also alleged that producer Harvey Weinstein threatened her career after the two had a falling out, allegations Weinstein has denied. 

Elizabeth said launching OnlyFans came during another major life change.

“I was going through a divorce here in South Africa and was chatting to my manager Joe about what’s next and how to restart things in my life,” she told Variety. “I had really neglected a lot of things… and I thought, ‘Yeah, why not?'” 

People previously reported that Elizabeth officially launched her OnlyFans account on April 16 — the same day she quietly filed for divorce from Simon Borchert, whom she married in 2021. 

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Elizabeth has also described the platform as a chance to reclaim control after years of feeling that Hollywood dictated her public image.

“I’ve spent my entire career working in Hollywood, where other people controlled the narrative and the outcome of my career,” she previously told People. “This new chapter is about changing that, showing off a more sexy side no one has seen, and being closer to my fans.” 

The actress became a household name as Nadia in 1999’s American Pie before appearing in Scary Movie, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Thirteen Ghosts and Love Actually.

In 1967, The Cyrkle had already scored two major hits, toured with The Beatles and found themselves under the management of Brian Epstein. But before the decade was over, the group recorded one more unusual project that would eventually become one of the more elusive entries in its catalog.

Nearly 60 Years Later, The Minx is Returning

The Cyrkle’s long-sought 1967 soundtrack will be reissued Oct. 2 through Sundazed Music, newly sourced from the original master reels and expanded with bonus material. The release will be available on white vinyl and CD, with both editions accompanied by a DVD of the original The Minx feature film.

The expanded edition contains 20 tracks, including alternate and film versions of “Squeeze Play,” “Murray The Why” and “Nicole,” as well as “Baxter’s Dangerous Game,” “Terry’s Escape,” “Kites” and an alternate instrumental version of “Something Special.” It also features extensive liner notes examining the unusual story behind the project.

The Cyrkle Recorded The Minx After Breaking Through With ‘Red Rubber Ball’

The Cyrkle’s rise had happened remarkably quickly.

Originally known as the Rhondells, the group was managed by Epstein, the legendary manager of The Beatles. John Lennon is credited with suggesting the distinctive spelling of the band’s new name, The Cyrkle.

Then came “Red Rubber Ball.”

Written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley of The Seekers, the song became The Cyrkle’s breakthrough in 1966, climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band followed it with “Turn-Down Day,” which reached No. 16, and landed an enviable assignment that summer: opening for The Beatles during their final U.S. tour.

By 1967, however, The Cyrkle were beginning to push beyond the polished pop sound that had made them stars.

Recorded in mid-to-late 1967, The Minx was created as the soundtrack for an independent film of the same name. The project gave the group room to experiment with psychedelia, instrumental passages and more adventurous arrangements while retaining the three-part harmonies that had become one of its signatures.

“Squeeze Play” opens both the film and soundtrack, while “Murray The Why,” “Nicole,” “It’s A Lovely Game Louise” and the vocal version of “The Minx” show the group exploring considerably different territory from “Red Rubber Ball.”

Although recorded in 1967, the soundtrack wasn’t originally released until 1970, after the film’s arrival. It subsequently became a sought-after collector’s item, particularly among beat collectors and DJs.

‘The Minx’ Developed a Strange Reputation of Its Own

Part of the album’s mystique came from the movie it accompanied.

Its suggestive title and marketing, including the provocative tagline “The Minx is exactly what you think she is,” helped create a reputation that outgrew the film itself. The movie was originally conceived as a comparatively conventional B-movie before nude material was added to court controversy.

Meanwhile, the soundtrack gradually found another audience. Its grooves contained breaks that attracted DJs and collectors, helping turn original copies into increasingly desirable finds.

The record has surfaced through reissues over the years, including a 2003 Sundazed CD and a later vinyl edition, but the new release brings The Minx back once again with its 20-track expanded program and the feature film presented alongside it.

It also captures a fascinating transitional moment for The Cyrkle.

Following the group, members Tom Dawes and Don Dannemann moved into advertising music, where both enjoyed successful careers writing commercial music and jingles. But The Minx preserves the pair, and The Cyrkle, at the tail end of the band’s original run, experimenting with what its sound could become.

The Minx will be released Oct. 2 on white vinyl and CD via Sundazed Music.

Related: ’70s Rocker Nicknamed ‘Captain Outrageous,’ Who Became a Renowned Surgeon, Turns 78

For more than a decade, Bumble stood out from the competition for one simple reason: Women had to make the first move.

Now, that’s changing.

On Tuesday, August 11 Bumble announced that it’s ending its signature “women message first” rule, allowing anyone to send the first message after a match. The dating app is also extending the response window from 24 hours to 72 hours, giving users more time to start a conversation.

The change marks one of the biggest shifts in Bumble’s history, but not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea.

Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd said the update reflects what users have been asking for.

“While women making the first move was a radical idea, being women-first was never about prescribing just one way to connect,” Wolfe Herd said in a statement. “Today, our community is asking for more flexibility, less pressure and more opportunities to create real, meaningful connections.”

Photo by Mark Peterson/Corbis via Getty Images

The company says the decision was driven by user feedback. According to Bumble, 66% of more than 2,200 U.S. women the app surveyed in 2024 said they actually preferred receiving the first message from a man. A separate 2025 survey also found that nearly two-thirds of dating app users said they feel more confident when they have more choice over how conversations begin.

The move also comes as dating apps face slowing growth.

According to Bumble’s latest quarterly earnings report, the company reported a 15% decline in revenue year over year and a 16.4% drop in paying users. Rival Match Group, the parent company of Tinder, Hinge and Match.com, also reported softer overall revenue, though Hinge continued to grow, per a USA Today report.

The announcement quickly sparked debate online, with many longtime Bumble users questioning whether the app has lost the very feature that made it different.
But users on Reddit argued that requiring women to initiate conversations was Bumble’s defining characteristic.

Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images

“What differentiates Bumble from any other app now?” asked one commenter on Reddit.

Losing your differentiating factor that allowed you to service a niche as the best product in a massive industry will also hurt your app long term.

“But okay. Bumble will now become slop where men don’t message and women don’t message so nobody meets and uninstalls. Why use it over hinge or tinder which are both superior depending on what you want?” slammed another on Reddit.

Stephen King fans are getting an unusually comprehensive look at the legendary author’s career with a new book examining the stories that have made him one of the most influential names in horror.

The Art and Craft of Stephen King arrives Sept. 15, 2026, offering what is billed as the first complete examination of King’s generation-defining body of work.

The hardcover book, priced at $60, takes readers behind the scenes of King’s, 78, sprawling creative universe, exploring his novels and novellas alongside their film and television adaptations.

That means longtime fans can expect a deep dive into the stories they have been reading and watching for decades, from King’s most recognizable horror classics to the adaptations that brought his work to new audiences.

The book looks at more than just the finished stories. It examines the creative process behind King’s work and the ways his ideas have evolved from the page to the screen.

King has spent more than five decades building a career that has produced some of the most recognizable titles in modern popular culture. His books have inspired movies and television series ranging from Carrie and The Shining to It, Misery, The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile.

That enormous body of work makes The Art and Craft of Stephen King particularly appealing for fans who have wondered how some of his most famous stories came together, and how filmmakers have interpreted them over the years.

With its Sept. 15 release date, the book also arrives just as Halloween season gets underway, making it a timely addition to the shelves of anyone planning a spooky fall reading list.

RELATED: 1965 James Brown Rock Hit ‘I Got You’ Became a Timeless Classic

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is more common than you might think. Data shows it affects up to 8% of the U.S. population, and women and older people are more likely to develop it. Endocrinologists diagnose the condition when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones to allow the body to function properly.

“For some quick background, the thyroid produces two main hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4),” explains Dr. Diana Zhao, MD, an endocrinologist at Hoag. “T3 is the active hormone, and T4 is the hormone in inactive storage form.”

Balancing thyroid hormone levels is crucial. “Thyroid hormones support body functions, including metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, digestion and temperature, so when those hormones are out of balance, it can cause fatigue, weight gain and/or cold intolerance,” Dr. Zhao adds.

The good news is that patients often do well on thyroid medications. “The most common thyroid medication is levothyroxine, which is a synthetic form of the T4 hormone,” Dr. Zhao says. “Another common one is liothyronine, which is a synthetic version of T3. There are multiple brand names and generic versions of each medication type.”

However, the effectiveness of thyroid medications also depends on what else you put in your body—including supplements.

“Your thyroid medication needs to be absorbed in your gut to function properly,” says Dr. Victoria Finn, MD, a board-certified physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a labfinder.com contributor. “However, this process is very sensitive to the presence of other substances in your digestive system at the same time.”

One common—and sometimes necessary—supplement can interfere with thyroid medications. For this reason, endocrinologists are begging people to stop taking this supplement with thyroid medications.

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Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Thyroid Medication, Endocrinologists Warn

Endocrinologists advise against taking calcium with thyroid medication because it can reduce effectiveness and absorption.

“Calcium interferes with your body’s ability to absorb thyroid medication,” Dr. Zhao warns. “This happens because calcium can bind to the thyroid medication in the stomach and intestines before it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, so it makes it harder for your body to use it.”

Consequently, Dr. Zhao says that less hormone will reach your thyroid. She reports that it can “lead to persistently low thyroid hormone levels, even if you’re taking your medication exactly as prescribed.”

Specifically, taking calcium within two hours (sometimes less) of levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid can disrupt the gastric pH the medication requires for optimal absorption, says Dr. Chhaya Makhija, MD, DipABLM, a triple board-certified endocrinologist and the CEO and founder of Unified Endocrine & Diabetes Care, California.

“In clinical practice, we commonly see patients whose thyroid levels had previously been well controlled suddenly develop an elevated TSH after starting calcium supplements or antacids,” Dr. Makhija says. “The issue is often not the thyroid medication itself or calcium by itself, but rather impaired absorption caused by taking calcium too close to levothyroxine.”

Dr. Finn says warning signs you aren’t absorbing your thyroid medication may include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Feeling cold
• Difficulty concentrating

Related: The Morning Habit That’s Actually Making You More Tired by Noon, According to Endocrinologists

How Much Calcium Do People Need per Day?

Make no mistake: Calcium is vital to your well-being, especially bone health. “In general, adults require approximately 1,000 mg of calcium daily from food and supplements combined, while postmenopausal women require approximately 1,200 mg daily, ideally in divided doses,” Dr. Makhija says. “Individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery, gastric bypass or have other causes of hypocalcemia may have different calcium requirements.”

Dr. Makhija recommends a food-first approach to calcium intake and says good sources include:

• Dairy products (cow’s milk, yogurt and cheese)
• Fortified plant-based milk and yogurt
• Beans
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Leafy greens, like kale and broccoli

“If dietary intake remains inadequate, calcium supplementation may then be considered,” Dr. Makhija says.

Related: The ‘Healthy’ Milk That Might Sabotage Calcium Absorption

Can You Take Calcium Supplements if You’re on Thyroid Medication?

You can take calcium supplements and thyroid medications, but you’ll want to be mindful of timing. Dr. Finn recommends spacing calcium supplements and thyroid medication by at least four hours.

“This timing allows your body sufficient time to absorb the thyroid medication before calcium is introduced,” Dr. Finn says. “Additionally, taking your thyroid medication on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning with plain water, is also very important for proper absorption.”

Also, it’s worth noting calcium isn’t the only over-the-counter supplement that can interfere with thyroid medications—and some common medications may, too.

“Iron supplements and antacids can interfere with thyroid medication in the same way that calcium does,” Dr. Zhao reports. “To ensure you’re taking your thyroid medication as safely and efficiently as possible, make sure to discuss any and all supplements you’re taking with your physician.”

Up Next:

Related: The ‘Healthy’ Supplement That’s Secretly Destroying Your Energy

Sources:

• Dr. Victoria Finn, MD, a board-certified physician with Medical Offices of Manhattan and a labfinder.com contributor
• Dr. Diana Zhao, MD, an endocrinologist at Hoag
• Dr. Chhaya Makhija, MD, DipABLM, a triple board certified endocrinologist and the CEO and founder of Unified Endocrine & Diabetes Care, California
• Epidemiology, Types, Causes, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Hypothyroidism. Cureus.
• Calcium. Office of Dietary Supplements.

Kelly Ripa finally revealed the reason she had to undergo a painful gum graft surgery, and it’s a habit that tons of people are doing.

Ripa was absent from the July 27 episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, and her husband, Mark Consuelos, shared that she was undergoing a painful gum graft surgery.

“Kelly sends her love,” Consuelos, 55, shared, PEOPLE reported. “Kelly had a little bit — well, it’s not a little — she had a gum graft surgery.” 

But in a new episode of her Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast, which was recorded before the surgery, Ripa revealed the common reason that she had to undergo the surgery. She is “an over-brusher,” Ripa shared.

“I brush my teeth too much. It’s a good-bad habit,” she shared. “But I’ve caused gum recession down here specifically, and so they have gotta re-gum my gums.”

 The host went on to say that she wouldn’t be “allowed to talk for ten days” after the procedure.

Undergoing The Painful Gum Graft Surgery

When Consuelos shared that Ripa would be undergoing gum graft surgery, he noted that Ripa had been advised to undergo the surgery by her dentist several years ago. However, she finally decided to buckle down and have it done.

“Her dentist said five years ago, ‘You can do it in about five years,’ “ Consuelos continued. “And she joked, ‘I didn’t think I’d still be on the air in five years!’ ”

While Ripa is “doing well” and “doing great,” she’s not allowed to speak while she recovers.

“Wow. That’s got to be the hardest thing she’s ever done,” Jonas laughed.

Consuelos also noted that Ripa is experiencing significant pain as she navigates the recovery process.

“Yeah, it’s painful,” he said. “But she famously doesn’t feel pain. When she goes into the dentist, she doesn’t use the novocaine. But this one hurts, so I know it’s bad.”

Gilbert Flores / Getty Images

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Who Subbed In For Ripa As Co-Host?

While Ripa stayed at home to recover for a week, a lineup of substitute hosts hit the studio alongside Consuelos. Kevin Jonas, Mila Kunis, Pamela Adlon, and Scott Foley stepped in while she recovered.

What Is Gum Graft Surgery?

Also known as a gingival graft or periodontal plastic surgery, gum graft surgery is a treatment to cover exposed tooth root surfaces, according to the University of Texas at San Antonio. Receding gums are usually caused by periodontal disease resulting from heavy tartar buildup.

Related: Kelly Ripa Underwent a Painful Surgery Before Missing Monday’s ‘Live’

Brad Pitt is known for delivering award-winning performances on screen, but when it comes to watching other people act, he admits he’s surprisingly hard to impress.

During a wide-ranging interview with Esquire published on Monday, August 10, the Oscar winner made an unexpected confession while discussing professional soccer players who exaggerate fouls during games.

“I’m gonna start a class for flopping, because these guys are terrible,” Pitt joked, criticizing the over-the-top performances. “It’s some of the worst acting I’ve ever seen.”

Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images

The conversation eventually turned to another type of performance entirely.

“Bad acting drives me crazy,” Pitt said. “It’s why I can’t watch porn.”

Offhand remark aside, Pitt certainly knows a thing or two about great performances. The Hollywood star won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2020 for his role in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, adding to a career that has included acclaimed performances in films like Fight Club, Moneyball, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Thelma & Louise.

And despite previously suggesting he was entering the “last leg” of his career, Pitt has hardly slowed down.

Per Esquire, the actor returns to theaters Sept. 25 in Heart of the Beast, an action thriller that follows a Special Forces officer and his loyal military dog as they fight to survive after a plane crash in the Alaskan wilderness. He’ll also reprise his fan-favorite character Cliff Booth in The Adventures of Cliff Booth, arriving in theaters later this year.

When Blondie started recording Parallel Lines in 1978, they were still mostly known as a New York punk and New Wave band. During those sessions, they recorded “Heart of Glass,” a disco-inspired song that became their first No. 1 hit in the U.S. and helped turn them into pop stars. 

Debbie Harry and Chris Stein wrote “Heart of Glass” years before it became a sensation. Harry later recalled that it was one of Blondie’s earliest songs, dating back to the mid-1970s. 

“‘Heart Of Glass’ was one of the first songs Blondie wrote,” Harry told The Guardian. “But it was years before we recorded it properly. We’d tried it as a ballad, as reggae, but it never quite worked. At that point, it had no title. We just called it ‘The Disco Song’.”

The band had already released several singles, including “In the Flesh,” “Denis” and “Hanging on the Telephone,” but none had really made them major stars in the U.S. That began to change with the release of Parallel Lines in September 1978, which became Blondie’s breakthrough album. 

The disco sound was a bit of a left turn for the band. Disco was huge at the time, but it wasn’t exactly what Blondie’s downtown New York crowd was into. 

“When we did ‘Heart of Glass’, it wasn’t cool in our social set to play disco,” Harry recalled in her book Making Tracks. “But we did it because we wanted to be uncool. A lot of people we’d hung out and been close friends with on the scene for years said we’d sold out by doing a disco song.” 

Several months later, in early 1979, “Heart of Glass” was released as a single and took the band to an even bigger audience. The song became Blondie’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also reaching No. 1 in the U.K. and Canada and topping charts in Australia, Germany and several other countries. 

Despite the track’s emotional lyrics, Harry said it wasn’t about a specific relationship. “The lyrics weren’t about anyone,” she said. “They were just a plaintive moan about lost love.” 

Blondie kept the momentum going with Eat to the Beat in 1979, another successful album that mixed pop, punk, New Wave and disco. The band continued scoring major hits into the early 1980s with songs including “Call Me,” “The Tide Is High” and “Rapture.”

However, by 1982, tensions within the group and health problems involving Stein contributed to Blondie breaking up. 

Harry had already begun pursuing a solo career, releasing her debut album, KooKoo, in 1981 while Blondie was still together. She went on to release several more solo albums and scored hits of her own, including “French Kissin’ in the USA.” 

Blondie reunited in the late 1990s and got back to making music and touring.

Related: 1958 Country Song, Written by the Louvin Brothers, Turned an Aspiring Singer’s Career Around

Tess Harper was 32 years old and had never appeared in a film when she landed the role that would define her career. It happened almost by chance: a casting director working on Tender Mercies caught Harper in a local TV commercial while passing through Dallas, and that single spot was enough to get her an audition with director Bruce Beresford. He didn’t need much convincing. She was cast as Rosa Lee, the young widow who falls for Robert Duvall’s washed-up country singer, in what became her feature film debut.

As they say, the rest is history. Duvall won the Oscar for Best Actor for the role, and Harper earned a Golden Globe nomination of her own for Best Supporting Actress. She didn’t take home the award, but the film launched her career practically overnight.

Today, Harper is marking her 76th birthday, more than four decades after that first big break opposite Duvall changed the course of her life.

Since then, she’s built one of the more enduring character-actress careers in Hollywood. She followed Tender Mercies with steady work throughout the 1980s, including Amityville 3-D, Silkwood and Flashpoint, and picked up a second major honor in 1986 with an Academy Award nomination for Crimes of the Heart.

Harper went on to play Fairlight Spencer on the CBS series Christy, then spent several seasons as a recurring cast member on Early Edition. In 2007, she joined the Screen Actors Guild Award-winning ensemble of No Country for Old Men, and the following year took on one of her most recognizable modern roles as Jesse Pinkman’s mother on Breaking Bad, later reprising the part in El Camino. Her television work alone spans decades, from Murder, She Wrote and L.A. Law in the ’80s to Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds in more recent years.

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As summer starts to wind down and temperatures slowly begin to dip, it’s time to dig out your favorite lightweight layering pieces from the back of your closet. If you’re looking for a cute but cozy staple that you can easily throw on during transitional weather, Walmart has a bestselling fashion find on sale for up to 65% off. The Avia Active Knit Hoodie is comfortable and lightweight, making it ideal for everything from cool late-summer nights to crisp fall mornings.  

Available in sizes extra small to 3XL, the stylish sweatshirt is currently available for as low as $7, down from $20, in the black soot color. It also comes in black lapis, fleur pink, and taupe fog styles, making it easy to find an option that best suits your personal style.  

Avia Active Knit Hoodie, From $7 (was $20) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Crafted from a polyester-rayon-spandex knit blend, this performance hoodie is buttery soft, breathable, and made to effortlessly move with you throughout your day. It has an easy pullover design with a lined hood and a drawstring tie that you can tighten or loosen to your preferred fit. The banded hem hits at the waist and features two side slits that enhances ventilation and allows for more flexibility, whether you’re working out, running errands, or just lounging at home. 

The sleek hoodie has a clean, minimalist look and a midweight construction that’s perfect for layering, even in warm weather months. Throw it on over shorts and a T-shirt during cool late-summer nights, or tie it around your waist as an effortlessly chic finishing touch to any casual look. Once fall arrives, you can also pair it with jeans and boots or leggings and sneakers. 

Related: Walmart’s ‘Soft’ and ‘Comfortable’ Summer Lounge Set Is Perfect for Errands, Walks, and Travel  

The bestselling sweatshirt has earned plenty of high praise from Walmart shoppers. “Great on-the-go hoodie,” one reviewer wrote, also adding that it’s “light and cozy” and “the fabric doesn’t pill.” Another praised its “super soft” feel, while a third buyer said it’s “cute” and has a flattering length that’s “not too long.”

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With four versatile colors to choose from and a lightweight yet cozy feel, this stylish knit hoodie is an easy and affordable layering piece to help you navigate the changing weather. And for as low as $7, you can even pick up it in multiple shades for the price of one. Snag it while it’s still on sale at Walmart. 

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Collider recently ranked the “10 Best Horror Books of All Time.” Well-known novels topped the list, like The Haunting of Hill House, Dracula, Pet Sematary, and Frankenstein. A lesser-known work that also made the cut was The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter.

This book, released in 1979, contains a series of short stories, which are all based around popular fairy tales, from Beauty and the Beast to Little Red Riding Hood to Alice in Wonderland.

Related: 1966 Rock Song, Inspired by a Fairytale, Was the Frontman’s Last Hit Before Leaving Music Forever

Although many readers find her writing dark, when speaking about her stories in The Review of Contemporary Fiction, she said, “I’ve always thought that my stories were quite loaded with jokes, but the first story that I wrote that was supposed to be really funny, out and out funny, was a ‘Puss-in-Boots’ story in The Bloody Chamber. I mailed that to a radio place, and they censored it. (It was done on what we call Radio Three, an art channel, which uses a lot of material from BBC Radio and World Service that you don’t get here.) They cut it! They removed, according to the producer, about half a spool of bed springs!”

She also spoke about the scenery in the book. “Some of the landscapes are reinvented ones,” she explained. “‘The Bloody Chamber’ story itself is set quite firmly in the Mont Saint Michel, which is this castle on an island off the coast of Brittany; and a lot of the most exotic landscapes in it, the Italian landscapes, were quite legit. ‘The Tiger’s Bride’ landscape, admittedly, is touristic, but it’s one of the palaces in Mantua that has the most wonderful jewels, and that city is set in the Po Valley, which is very flat and very far out, so in the summer, you can imagine the mist rolling over. The landscapes there [in The Bloody Chamber] are quite real. Even the werewolf stories are set in some horror-filled invented landscapes, but there’s more a kind of down-to-earthness in those stories.”

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 1898 Novel Called ‘One of the Most Chilling Ghost Stories Ever’

In addition to The Bloody Chamber, Carter wrote Nights at the Circus, The Magic Toyshop, and Wise Children. She was the winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and named No. 10 on The Times list of “The 50 Greatest British Writers Since 1945.”

Carter died from lung cancer in 1992 at the age of 51.

Elizabeth Hurley may look incredible in a bathing suit, but her followers are making it clear she could look great in a potato sack.

The British beauty, 61, who is known for roles in films like Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Bedazzled, and TV series like The Royals, is also a swimwear designer who frequently shows off her hot stuff on social media. That’s why it’s no surprise that Hurley frequently takes to the beach to soak up the sun and show off the items she features in her swimwear collection, Elizabeth Hurley Beach. In a new photo, the stunner skipped her trademark bikini for a one-piece bathing suit and shared that she thinks they can be just as sexy as a bikini.

“I 🩷 a one piece 🩷 it can be just as sexy as a bikini, sometimes more so. I live in them on vacation,” Hurley noted, adding details about the item in case anyone wanted to purchase it.

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Commenters Made It Clear Hurley Could Wear Anything

While Hurley is known for showing off her swimsuits, commenters made it clear she could wear anything and still look amazing.

“Some people (eg you) would look great in a bin bag 🤷‍♂️ ❤️,” one person said.

“Elizabeth, that’s really not fair, because you look fantastic in anything and everything,” another commenter chimed in.

“You would make a potato sack sexy,” another person said.

“You could wear a curtain sweetie, you’re that exciting,” a commenter threw in.

“ON YOU ANYTHING IS SEXY,” an enthusiastic follower said.

Elizabeth’s Son, Damian Hurley, Looks Just Like Her

While she’s a talented actress and entrepreneur, Hurley is also a dedicated mom. It’s Elizabeth’s lookalike son, Damian Hurley, who frequently shocks fans thanks to his DNA basically being a copy-and-paste of his mother’s.

In a post honoring her son for his 24th birthday, Hurley posted a throwback photo from when Damian was just a little boy, as well as a more recent photo that showed the duo alongside each other. With their faces right next to each other, the resemblance is truly mind-blowing.

“Happy 24th birthday to the light of my life ❤️ My No. 1 forever & ever ❤️ I love you @damianhurley1 💋💋💋,” Hurley captioned the photo set, to which Damian replied, “Awww I love you mama twin forever ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️.”

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Related: Elizabeth Hurley, 61, Sizzles on the Beach in Swimwear From Her Own Collection

If you grew up in Central North Carolina, chances are your childhood weekends involved racing around the go-kart track, perfecting your swing in the batting cages, or celebrating a birthday over a round of mini-golf on Capital Boulevard.

Now, an era of classic family fun is coming to a sudden end.

Adventure Landing in Raleigh, North Carolina, has officially announced that it is closing its doors permanently on Sunday, August 16, 2026, concluding an impressive 38-year run as a local community staple.

Related: America’s No. 1 Theme Park Just Unveiled a New Record-Breaking Roller Coaster

View this post on Instagram A Sudden Farewell to a Decades-Old Tradition

As reported by The News & Observer‘s Autumn Coleman, the entertainment center shared the news on social media on Thursday, August 13, explaining that the business made the difficult decision not to renew its property lease at 3311 Capital Blvd.

The announcement comes just months after the venue addressed closure rumors in March, initially reassuring visitors that it had “no current plans to close its doors.”

For nearly four decades, the park served as a go-to gathering spot for generations of families, offering three 18-hole miniature golf courses, high-speed go-karts, outdoor batting cages, an interactive laser tag arena, and a massive mega-arcade.

In an emotional message to longtime patrons, Adventure Landing owner Hank Woodburn looked back on the decades of memories shared at the park.

“It has truly been a privilege to bring fun, laughter, and lifelong memories to so many families throughout the years,” Woodburn shared in the company’s announcement. “From birthday parties and family outings to our annual Easter egg hunts on the mini golf course and countless community events, we’ve cherished every opportunity to give back and be part of so many special moments.”

Woodburn added that “watching generations of families create joy together—from parents who visited as children now bringing their own kids—has been an extraordinary blessing from God.”

Heartbroken Locals Say Goodbye

Following the announcement, local parents, former birthday kids, and longtime visitors quickly flooded the comments to mourn the loss of the nostalgic attraction.

“You have been a staple in Raleigh!,” one local commenter shared. “We are going to truly miss Adventure Landing Raleigh in the community!!! So many fun memories had with our kiddos over the years!”

The Raleigh shutdown follows a broader shift for the entertainment chain, which previously saw its Jacksonville Beach, Florida location close its doors after 30 years. Fans of the brand can still find operational Adventure Landing parks in Gastonia and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as locations in Dallas, Texas, and Buffalo, New York.

Related: A Beloved 67-Year-Old Roller Coaster Just Took Its Final Ride

What to Know Before the Final Weekend

If your family has lingering game tokens, prize tickets, attraction vouchers, or gift cards tucked away in a drawer, time is officially running out.

Adventure Landing is urging customers to stop by before operations shut down for good at the end of the day on Sunday, August 16, to redeem any remaining credits and take one final lap around the track.

Related: A Beloved Theme Park Ride Is Closing for Good—And Fans Have Just Weeks Left to Ride It

Few things beat a perfectly ripe summer tomato. Whether you picked one from the garden or brought home a few beauties from the farmers market, the hard part should be over. But what you do after slicing into that tomato can make a bigger difference than you might think.

Tomatoes contain a lot of water, which is part of what makes a ripe one so juicy. All that water also comes into play once you start seasoning and prepping them. Do it right, and you can get even more flavor out of a tomato before it ever reaches your sandwich, salad or plate.

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A really good tomato can bring more flavor and character to everything from a simple summer salad to a BLT, burger or tomato sandwich. And when tomatoes are at their peak, you want to get every bit of flavor out of them.

Jamie Simpson, executive chef of The Culinary Vegetable Institute at The Chef’s Garden, knows tomatoes particularly well. The regenerative farm grows more than 60 varieties, giving Chef Simpson plenty to work with in the kitchen. His approach to making tomatoes even better takes about 10 minutes, and you don’t need any special equipment or ingredients. There are, however, a few things to know before you start.

Here’s Chef Simpson’s 10-minute trick, why it works and what to do with your tomatoes afterward.

The 10-Minute Secret: Salting (and Waiting)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

The trick is simple: Salt your tomatoes before serving them, then let them sit for about 10 minutes. Chef Simpson calls 10 minutes a great rule of thumb for giving the salt time to do its job.

“A pinch of salt pulls out the delicious juices of the ripe fruit and allows a tomato to express itself,” he says.

I tried Chef Simpson’s trick with a ripe heirloom tomato, and 10 minutes was enough to notice a difference. The tomato tasted more flavorful than it did straight off the cutting board.

For tomato salads and sandwiches, Chef Simpson recommends seasoning the tomatoes in advance rather than waiting until they’re already on the plate. If he’s serving something like a tartine, he likes using big flakes of salt so their texture becomes part of each bite.

Related: The Easy Way To Make Sweet Corn 10x Better

The Science of Osmosis: Why Salt Works Magic

Pebi WMF / 500px / Getty Images

So, what exactly happens during those 10 minutes? “Through osmosis, water leaves the cells, concentrating sugars and acid,” Chef Simpson explains. In other words, as some of the tomato’s water is drawn out, its natural sweetness and acidity become more pronounced.

The technique is especially handy for sandwiches that include tomatoes. Chef Simpson says salting them ahead of time may help prevent the dreaded “slippery tomato sandwich effect” because some of that excess moisture has already been released before the slices go on the sandwich.

The Wrong vs. Right Way To Prep a Tomato

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

“The biggest mistake we tend to make when seasoning tomatoes is underseasoning them,” Chef Simpson says. Tomatoes are about 95 percent water, he explains, “so they can handle a good amount of salt.”

Simpson recommends seasoning sliced tomatoes in a bowl rather than directly on the serving platter, which can leave them sitting in their own liquid. After a few minutes, gently mix the slices, let them continue releasing their juices and drain the liquid before serving.

Don’t toss that tomato juice, though. “You can use it elsewhere, like in a seasonal martini!” Chef Simpson says.

Related: I Thought I’d Ruined My Tomato Garden—Turns Out This Common Problem Has an Easy Fix

8 Ways To Dress Up Your Salted Tomatoes

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Once your tomatoes are salted and ready to eat, you don’t have to default to mozzarella and basil. Chef Simpson encourages experimenting when tomatoes are in season. “This is a wildly diverse fruit suitable for all sorts of great pairings,” he says.

My kitchen was dismally bare, so I worked with what I had: a couple of leftover sourdough breads, Good Foods’ Spicy Tzatziki Dip and a Persian cucumber. It made for a surprisingly good snack, but Chef Simpson has plenty of other ideas for putting ripe tomatoes to use. Here are eight creative chef-approved ways to eat and enjoy tomatoes.

1. Swap salt for fish sauce.

“I love tomatoes with fish sauce in lieu of salt,” Chef Simpson says. The fish sauce seasons the tomatoes while adding an extra hit of umami and a deeper savory flavor than salt alone.

2. Try shiso instead of basil.

Basil may be the go-to herb for tomatoes, but Chef Simpson has a few other favorites. He recommends shiso, an aromatic herb commonly used in Japanese cooking, in place of basil. Dill and edible flowers are options too. “Tomatoes and dill, chrysanthemum, nasturtium or marigold are beautiful as well,” he says.

3. Make a tomato sandwich with white bread and Duke’s Mayo.

Chef Simpson’s ideal tomato sandwich is surprisingly simple: cheap white bread, Duke’s Mayo and salt. He knows the bread choice may be controversial. “Wonder Bread beats sourdough on a tomato sandwich blind tasting any day,” Chef Simpson says. “There, I said it.”

4. Add sardines to tomato toast.

Chef Simpson also recommends tomatoes and sardines on toast. And unlike his tomato sandwich, he specifies that this combination calls for “real bread.”

5. Pair Green Zebra tomatoes with XO sauce.

“Green Zebra tomatoes go well with a Chinese condiment called XO Sauce,” Chef Simpson says. XO sauce is a savory condiment typically made with dried seafood, chiles and aromatics.

6. Sprinkle them with roasted sesame seeds.

Chef Simpson calls roasted sesame seeds and tomatoes “an excellent pairing.” The seeds add nuttiness and crunch to juicy sliced tomatoes.

7. Serve tomato concassé with oysters.

For oysters, Chef Simpson recommends partially dried tomato concassé, made with peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes. Removing the seeds and some of the moisture gives you a more concentrated tomato topping that can be spooned over the oysters. Chef Simpson calls it “one of the best condiments for oysters I’ve ever had.”

8. Put tomatoes in a fruit salad.

Chef Simpson’s boss, Farmer Lee Jones, recently told him that “knowledge is knowing tomatoes are a fruit, and wisdom is knowing not to put them in a fruit salad.” That hasn’t stopped Chef Simpson from trying it himself. “I love the line, but I challenge you to try this idea as well,” he says. “I did!”

Final Thoughts

Peak tomato season doesn’t last forever, and Chef Simpson makes a good case for slowing down before you dig in. When you’ve got a tomato that’s especially ripe and juicy, those extra 10 minutes may be worth it.

Source:

• Jamie Simpson is the executive chef of The Culinary Vegetable Institute at The Chef’s Garden, a regenerative farm in Huron, Ohio, that grows more than 60 varieties of tomatoes. He has led the institute’s kitchen since 2013, where his work centers on finding creative ways to prepare and showcase vegetables grown on the farm. Each summer, he also leads The Chef’s Garden’s multi-course Tomato Showcase Dinner.

Related: The Genius Way To Make Grilled Veggies 10x Better, According to an Award-Winning Chef

There are few songs that capture the spirit of the 1980s quite like The Escape Club’s hit “Wild Wild West.” Released in 1988, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became an era-defining anthem. Nearly 40 years later, the band’s frontman Trevor Steel is keeping the band’s legacy alive. At the Totally Tubular Festival in Washington, D.C., Steel sang the band’s iconic hit, and fans are gushing about the singer’s “amazing” sound.

@woody.rocks

Escape Club. WIld Wild West. Totally Tubular Festival 2026. Washington DC. #escapeclub #wildwildwest #totallytubularfestival2026 #totallytubularfestival #newwavemusic

♬ original sound – Woody rocks

The lyrics of “Wild Wild West” aren’t easy to forget. The crowd at the Washington, D.C., nostalgia music festival sang along as if transported back in time. That’s because “Wild Wild West” wasn’t just a hit song; it was an anthem that captured the anxieties of the end of the ’80s, all under the backdrop of the song’s upbeat drumbeat.

With the song’s lyrics clearly imprinted in fans’ minds, it was Steel’s voice that cemented the ’80s time capsule. There was a unanimous response from social media commenters watching online: Trevor Steel’s still got that voice.

“He sounds incredible,” gushed one fan.

Another added, “He sounds the same.”

“They sound great still,” added one more.

“Omg this takes me back. Great memories.”

Related: 1970 Van Morrison Hit, Envisioned With a Folk Feel, Became a Spiritual Metaphor for Life

“Wild Wild West” Was Pure ’80s Nostalgia @the_music_box_parade

The Escape Club – Wild, Wild West #tiktokmusic #80smusic #80s #song #nostalgia #memoriesbringback #fyp

♬ original sound – 🎵 The Music Box 🎵

Listening to “Wild Wild West” does take one back. An infectious blend of pop-rock, new wave and dance-rock, the song immediately stood out from the era’s synthesizer-heavy hits. Released as the first single from the band’s debut album, Wild Wild West, the song became a massive hit in America, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1988.

The song is pure ’80s, with an upbeat drumbeat juxtaposed against lyrics written as commentary on the era. Steel called the song “a reflection of the times,” when “yuppies” were getting rich quick while everyone lived under the fear of the Cold War.

The song, according to Steel, was actually written in just two hours after guitarist John Holliday created a drum-machine beat inspired by a Run-DMC track. Steel began singing over it the following morning, and the song quickly took shape.

The Music Video Was a Distinctly ’80s Creation

Just as the country was in a time of transition at the end of the ’80s, the song represented the band’s move toward a new sound. Led by Steel, the band had been moving toward a more dance-oriented sound, a departure from the electronic feel of British new wave music in the ’80s. “Wild Wild West” became more of a cultural moment than a song, making it one of the most enduring classics of the time.

The song’s success got a major assist from its memorable music video, which received heavy rotation on MTV. The video leaned into surreal special effects rather than simply showing the band performing.

Trevor Steel and the band performed among fragmented images of arms, legs and other body parts moving in time with the music, all created using mirrors, giving the video a distinctly late-’80s feel.

The unusual video became so controversial that it was banned from British television. Despite the controversy, the video earned recognition at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, where it was nominated for Best Special Effects in a Video.

Trevor Steel Still Sounds Like the ’80s

“Wild Wild West” became The Escape Club’s signature anthem. The combination of Steel’s vocals, the driving drumbeat and the unmistakable production make it one of those songs that can quickly transport listeners back to the late ’80s.

Judging by fans’ response to Trevor Steel’s recent performance, it still can.

Related: Bob Dylan’s 1965 Music Video Beat Decades of Music Icons to Be Named the Greatest Ever

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“Woman, Woman” was the debut single from Gary Puckett & The Union Gap. The 1967 ballad, which was about a man who was worried that his partner was unhappy and going to start cheating on him, reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on Cash Box. It ended up becoming an international success, selling over a million copies, and earning a gold record.

When speaking about the creation of the song with Spotlight Central, Puckett recalled his first meeting with Jerry Fuller from Columbia Records. “When I went into his office, he was hanging up the gold record for Ricky Nelson’s ‘Travelin’ Man,’ which was very impressive to me because I’d never seen a gold record before!” Puckett explained. “I thought, ‘Gee, whiz; this is really great,’ and I said, ‘That’s fantastic! Please, will you take a look at my portfolio?’ And fortunately, he was looking for me — and I say that insofar as he already had a song in mind that he wanted to record. It was called ‘Woman, Woman (Have You Got Cheating On Your Mind?),’ which was written by a couple of fellas from Nashville.”

Puckett continued, “Jerry loved the song, thought it was a hit, and was looking for someone who he thought would be the right singer for the song. And in this case, I happened to walk into his office at just the right time. Jerry heard me singing ‘My Prayer.’ He liked what he heard — he liked my voice — and he said, ‘Where can I see this band?’”

Related: 1962 Grammy-Nominated Rock Song, From the Queen of Motown, Was Co-Written by Smokey Robinson

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap had many other hits throughout the years, including “Young Girl,” “This Girl Is a Woman Now,” and “Lady Willpower.” Unfortunately, the band broke up in 1971 after growing tensions with Fuller. Puckett then launched his solo career and created hit songs like “I Just Don’t Know What to Do with Myself” and “Keep the Customer Satisfied.”

Puckett is currently 83. He is still actively performing across the country to this day.

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Whether you’re updating a family bathroom, setting up a new apartment, or helping someone settle into a dorm, a few simple upgrades can make a big difference. For families that are getting dorm rooms and new apartments ready in a hurry, nothing beats a “very easy” solution to home decorating that makes shopping stress-free. 

If it’s time to give your bathroom a quick and affordable refresh, Aeropostale’s Navy Stripes 15-Piece Shower Curtain Set, now just $20 at JCPenney, is an easy way to do it. The set is a hit with shoppers for making your bathroom look pulled together in just a few minutes, and it’s 60% off during JCP’s Weekend of Hot Deals.

Aeropostale’s Navy Stripes 15-Piece Shower Curtain Set, From $20 (was $50) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

This set comes with everything you need to kick-start a bathroom makeover: a navy-striped shower curtain, a matching bath rug, a storage container for toiletries, and a dozen durable curtain hooks. The navy stripe design brings a touch of coastal calm and timeless style, making it a versatile choice for a variety of spaces. 

Whether you’re outfitting a college dorm, a shared apartment, or updating your family’s bathroom, the Nantucket-inspired pattern brings a crisp, coastal feel that suits any setting. The curtain’s classic and clean navy stripes offer timeless style, and its 72-inch-square size is designed to fit most standard showers with ease.

The included sky blue bath mat features a plush shag texture that feels soft and cozy under your feet. Crafted from 100% polyester, it’s durable enough for everyday use and just the right size for small bathrooms. The latex backing helps keep the rug securely in place and reduces the risk of slipping. Both the curtain and rug are machine washable, which is a plus for busy students and families.

The “cute” navy blue storage container is a versatile addition, perfect for organizing toiletries and keeping small spaces tidy. For college students, it also makes carrying essentials to the shower room simple and convenient; at home, it’s great for stashing cleaning supplies and other bathroom necessities.

“The curtain hooks are absolutely amazing and function better than any other hooks I’ve used before,” one shopper noted. “The curtain looks amazing and is made out of a nice material. I use a clear liner on the inside just to keep this one looking sharp. It was cute packaging all in a little plastic tub.”

Related: Amazon’s $20 Linen Button-Down Tank Is the Perfect ‘Lightweight’ Summer Travel Companion

Shoppers also love that the set offers a straightforward way to avoid piecing together a bathroom setup from scratch. “Great quality and very cute colors!” another shopper stated. “The navy stripes are super classic. It is also really nice that it comes with everything you need, so you don’t need to find matching things. Very easy!”

Shop More Deals

• Aeropostale Ruched Gingham Easy Care Comforter Set, $40 (was $85) at JCPenney

• Aeropostale Celestial 4-Piece Bracelet Set, $40 (was $85) at JCPenney
• Aeropostale 3D Cherry Shaped Novelty Bed Pillow, $15 (was $50) at JCPenney

At 60% off the original price, this $20 Aeropostale shower set is a solid deal for all the practical pieces you get. Now you don’t have to worry about hunting down different items for your bathroom and, in our opinion, it looks chic as heck! 

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Disney has finally made it official: The Greatest Showman is heading to the stage, and fans have circled a date. The stage adaptation will debut at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane in spring 2027, following a sold-out premiere run at the Bristol Hippodrome earlier this year.

It’s been a long time coming. Disney first floated the idea of turning the hit 2017 film into a stage musical all the way back at D23 in August 2024, though no casting or details came with that early tease. Two years later, the wait is finally over.

Part of what made the movie such a phenomenon in the first place is coming along for the ride. The songs were written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the EGOT-winning duo also behind hits like La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen. Their soundtrack turned The Greatest Showman into the best-selling album of 2018, and songs like “The Greatest Show,” “A Million Dreams,” “Rewrite the Stars” and the Golden Globe-winning “This Is Me” are all set to make the leap to the stage alongside new music written specifically for the production.

Leading the cast as P.T. Barnum is Oliver Tompsett, stepping into the role Hugh Jackman originated on screen. Joining him is Samantha Barks, known for her turn as Éponine in Les Misérables and as Elsa in the West End production of Frozen, playing Charity Barnum, the role Michelle Williams played in the film.

The creative team behind the production is stacked, too, with Tony winner Casey Nicholaw directing and choreographing, and Hamilton’s Alex Lacamoire serving as music supervisor.

No word yet on ticket sales or a full performance schedule, but with a cast and creative team like this one, fans are already buzzing about what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated stage adaptations in years.

If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, you might have seen the collective gasp echoing across the Disney fandom: rumors that Walt Disney World has officially ended the beloved tradition of resort hopping.

For years, taking a low-key rest day to explore Disney’s most iconic hotels has been an essential part of the vacation experience. Whether you’re taking the scenic boat ride to Port Orleans for warm Mickey beignets, checking out the savannas at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or hopping along the monorail line for an afternoon snack, soaking in the luxury resort atmosphere without buying a park ticket has always felt like one of the best perks on property.

So when word spread that cast members were suddenly scanning MagicBands and checking dining reservations just to board certain buses and water taxis, panic naturally set in. As theme park reporter Rick Lye from Inside the Magic documented, “A single policy update can send the Walt Disney World fan community into an absolute tailspin,” triggering widespread backlash across online forums.

Before anyone rethinks their vacation plans, the reality is far less dramatic. As Lye pointed out when breaking down the viral claims, “Resort hopping isn’t dead—but the way casual, offsite visitors access Disney’s multi-million-dollar hotel properties is changing forever.”

Related: How Disney World Quietly Overhauls Iconic Rides Overnight—And What’s Next

Closing the Free Parking Loophole

To understand why Disney is tightening the rules, you have to look at how travelers have navigated the property for years.

Disney Springs has always offered sprawling parking garages completely free of charge. Over time, plenty of budget-savvy day-trippers figured out a convenient workaround: park at Disney Springs for free, hop on a complimentary bus to a resort within walking distance of a theme park—like the Contemporary next to Magic Kingdom or the BoardWalk right outside EPCOT—and skip the standard daily theme park parking fee entirely.

While it was a popular hack, it created real bottlenecks. As Lye noted, “savvy travelers utilized Disney Springs as a giant, unauthorized park-and-ride facility to bypass theme park parking fees,” which in turn crowded out shopping guests and overwhelmed transit routes intended for hotel guests paying a premium.

To solve that crunch, Disney introduced digital checkpoints specifically for resort-bound transit leaving Disney Springs. Before boarding a hotel bus or the Sassagoula River Cruise boat from the shopping district, guests now need to show proof of an active Disney resort stay, a confirmed sit-down dining reservation at that hotel, or a booked recreation activity. If you’re an off-site visitor hoping to just walk up for a quick-service snack, you’ll be turned away at that specific boarding line.

Related: Disney’s Newest Resort Will Offer First-Ever Accommodations With Unprecedented Theme-Park Views

What This Means for the Everyday Disney Traveler

Despite the breathless headlines, the new rule is strictly limited to transit departing directly from Disney Springs. If you are staying at any official Disney hotel, your MagicBand scan will clear you instantly.

For everyone else, the rest of Disney’s sprawling transit network remains completely wide open. The iconic monorail loop connecting the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary is still free and accessible from the Transportation and Ticket Center. The Disney Skyliner continues to fly freely between EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and popular resorts like the Riviera and Caribbean Beach. And if you are already at any of the four main theme park gates, you can still board any resort bus without showing a hotel reservation.

If you are planning an upcoming Disney trip, the takeaway is simple. You can still spend a sunny afternoon exploring the resorts—you just cannot use Disney Springs as your unauthorized park-and-ride. A little extra planning, like securing an advance dining reservation or starting your adventure from the parks, ensures the fun of exploring Disney’s gorgeous properties remains as seamless as ever.

Related: Disney Shares New Look At Its Latest Storyliving by Disney Community in North Carolina