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When I hear the distinct melody of an ice cream truck driving down the street, I'm immediately transported to summer in the 1980s. I'd hear the sound in the distance and stop everything I was doing to see if it was getting closer—and if it was, I'd immediately beg my mom or dad for money. And if no one was home, I'd scour every crevice for loose change like it was a matter of life or death.

Once I had just enough quarters, nickels and dimes, I'd sprint out of the house and start waving my hands like a maniac to make sure I was spotted. Then, it was time to consider the vast options: Was I in a Snow Cone sort of mood or interested in something richer, like a Choco Taco? And what would be my backup if I didn't have enough change? My seven-year-old brain would start thinking about more cost-effective options—like a Push-Up Pop or Screwball. While some are still around today, others have quietly disappeared—taking with them a piece of every '80s kid's childhood.

In honor of summer 2026—and three new nostalgic flavors from 5-hour ENERGY® (Firework Freeze, Raspberry Cooler and OrangeSicle)—I'm taking a walk down memory lane. Get ready to transport back to chasing down that treasure-filled truck with 16 ice cream truck treats that defined summer in the '80s.

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16 Forgotten Ice Cream Truck Treats That Defined Summer in the '80s1. Screwball

Photo by MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images on Getty Images

The Screwball tasted like an Icee, but just a little thicker and came in a cone-shaped plastic cup. You had two flavors to choose from: cherry or blue raspberry. And don't forget the bubblegum ball waiting for you at the very bottom, leaving you with a little something extra after you finished the frozen treat.

Fun fact: The Screwball was specifically designed to solve a common '80s ice cream truck problem: the Bubble Play dilemma, where the gumball would fall off the popsicle before you could finish—or even fell off when you unwrapped it. With the Screwball, the gumball was safely trapped at the bottom—genius!

2. Rainbow Snow Cone

Photo by The Washington Post on Getty Images

A Rainbow Snow Cone wasn't just a treat—it was a statement. Crushed ice piled into a paper cone, drenched in stripes of red, blue and green syrup. Honestly, the flavors barely mattered because it was mostly just sugar, but the colors? Iconic. By the time you finished it, your tongue was a different shade entirely. And if you were like me, you inhaled the syrup immediately, only to be left with a cone full of flavorless crushed ice.

3. Candy Center Crunch

Good Humor

This super sweet chocolate fudge treat felt like an upgrade from the traditional Chocolate Eclair or Nestle Crunch Ice Cream Bar. That's because while it had vanilla ice cream dipped in a chocolate crunchy shell, it also had a solid bar of chocolate right in the middle! I'll never forget the jealousy pouring out of my veins when my sister got one and showed me the surprise center. After that, it entered the rotation of my ice cream truck order list.

4. FrozFruit Bars

Wells

I don't know about you, but anytime I got the FrozFruit bar, I felt grown up and fancy. No frozen gumballs to be seen—instead, it had real fruit chunks inside. FrozFruit came in its famous clear packaging and you could choose from flavors like raspberry, strawberry, coconut—each one bursting with bright, refreshing flavor. It was basically the healthy ice cream truck option and a treat at the same time, making it the perfect treat to beat the summer heat.

Grown-Up Swap: That same vibrant, fruit-forward nostalgia is exactly what 5-hour ENERGY bottled up in their brand-new Raspberry Cooler flavor—sweet, tangy berry notes with a smooth, frosted finish that feels like a frozen summer dessert in shot form. It's available now exclusively at 7-Eleven and Speedway locations.

5. Push-Up Pop

The orange sherbet Push-Up Pop was the original portable ice cream truck dessert. The cardboard tube, the little wooden stick that pushed the sherbet up as you ate it, the slightly tangy citrus flavor that always melted faster than you could eat it—pure '80s magic. Bonus points if you remember the sticky orange ring it left around your mouth—and will admit to accidentally eating tiny pieces of paper to get just one more lick.

6. Chipwich

Photo by Greg Vote, VStock LLC on Getty Images

The Chipwich was definitely one of the more elevated options available at the truck. Vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two big, soft chocolate chip cookies. And the extra chocolate chips rolled around the edges? Chef's kiss. A regular ice cream sandwich could never. If you were able to find a Chipwich with chocolate ice cream, it was a major W.

Fun fact: The Chipwich was invented by a New York City lawyer named Richard LaMotta. He got his start selling them via a guerrilla marketing campaign in 1982—hiring 60 pushcart vendors in pith helmets and khaki uniforms to walk Manhattan and sell Chipwiches for $1 each. They sold all 25,000 the first day!

7. Orange Creamsicle

Popsicle

As a kid, orange creamsicles were definitely underrated—more so reserved for what your mom asked for as she was handing you a couple dollar bills before you sprinted out the front door. But as an adult, I get it. Super refreshing and less sugar than pretty much anything else on the menu.

5-hour ENERGY gets it, too. They just launched an entire flavor in its honor: OrangeSicle opens with a punch of fresh, juicy orange balanced by smooth vanilla. It's a love letter to the original and has as much caffeine as a 12 oz. cup of premium coffee.

5-hour ENERGY

8. WWE Ice Cream Bars

If you had brothers—or sons—this one will certainly ring a bell. Made by Gold Bond Ice Cream, these vanilla ice cream bars featured a frozen "cookie" lid with a hand-drawn portrait of a different wrestler. Options included Hulk Hogan, Randy "Macho Man" Savage and the Ultimate Warrior.

9. Bomb Pop

Photo by Ronda Churchill on Getty Images

The red, white and blue rocket-shaped popsicle is hands-down the most patriotic ice cream truck treat ever invented. Cherry, lime and blue raspberry in three perfectly stacked layers—it's been a summer staple since 1955. The Bomb Pop's original missile-shaped design was actually inspired by Cold War-era nuclear tension—the creators leaned into the patriotic, atomic-age aesthetic on purpose and Americans couldn't get enough.

Grown-Up Swap: If you want the adult version of this nostalgic treat, 5-hour ENERGY just launched Firework Freeze—a cherry, lime and blue raspberry shot inspired by the iconic ice pop. It's available now in stores nationwide and on Amazon.

Related: Why Is It Called a Bomb Pop? The 70-Year History Behind America’s Favorite Summer Treat

10. Strawberry Shortcake

Photo by Cindy Ord on Getty Images

My mouth is actually watering thinking about this one. Creamy vanilla ice cream with a luscious strawberry center, coated in a layer of pink-and-white strawberry shortcake crumbles that somehow stayed crunchy even after freezing. That crumb coating was everything—and if any crumbles fell off the stick into the wrapper, you better believe you were licking it out. (I eventually learned to lick the wrapper right after opening, so my true last bite was pure perfection with no hints of paper or plastic.)

11. Bubble Play

Photo by The Washington Post on Getty Images

The Bubble Play was a cherry-flavored ice pop shaped like a baseball glove, with a baseball-shaped gumball planted right in the middle. The cherry flavor was a homerun, but everyone had a different strategy while consuming it. Eat around the gumball until you got to the very end? Pull the gumball off and keep it wrapped tightly in your other hand? Just never immediately bite into the frozen gumball or you might break a tooth!

12. Ice Cream Sandwich

Photo by Roberto Machado Noa on Getty Images

The OG. A rectangle of vanilla ice cream wedged between two soft, slightly chocolatey, but totally unique cookies that always stuck to your fingers no matter how careful you were. By the end, the cookies were softer than the ice cream and your hands were a sticky chocolate mess. Worth it every time—and back then, they were made with actual ice cream and not ultra-processed, so they actually melted.

13. The Great White

Good Humor

Sharks went from scary to sweet when Good Humor launched The Great White. It was a lemon-flavored, but white-hued ice pop molded into the shape of a great white shark. It would weirdly get stuck to your tongue like the pole incident in A Christmas Story, but after that, it was smooth sailing. Sadly, these quietly disappeared from ice cream truck menus during the early 2000s.

14. Super Mario Bros. Bar

Gold Bar

Before Mario was an Oscar-winning movie franchise, he was a cherry-flavored ice pop. Made by Gold Bond Ice Cream, the Super Mario Bar was molded into the shape of Mario's iconic mustachioed face—including his iconic red cap with the letter M. The perfect touch? Making the pink gumball his nose, right above his cherry mustache.

15. Choco Taco

The Choco Taco was simply iconic. Vanilla ice cream and layers of fudge tucked inside a folded waffle-cone "taco" shell. Only this taco's fixin' was a chocolatey-peanut combo that made it a full-on dessert event in your hand. In addition to being on most ice cream truck menus, it was also available at select Taco Bell locations. The Choco Taco was discontinued in 2022 and it continues to be desperately missed. In February 2024, Taco Bell teamed up with ice cream co. Salt & Straw to bring back their own version, but sadly it was a limited-time offering.

The Choco Taco lore continues: A U.S. Senator tried to invoke the Defense Production Act to keep production going—and Reddit co-founderAlexis Ohanian publicly offered to buy the rights. (Sadly, neither attempt worked.)

16. Tweety Bird Pop

Photo by Albany Times Union/Hearst Newspapers on Getty Images

The Tweety Bird pop was the ultimate ice cream truck score for any '80s kid who loved Saturday morning cartoons. Shaped like Tweety's adorable little yellow head and flavored with a mix of zesty orange and sweet cherry, it came complete with two blue gumball eyes that were supposed to make Tweety look wide-eyed and curious. However, the end result was the opposite—frozen Tweety looked dazed and confused!

Related: Next Up:

These days, there are more ways than ever to enjoy your favorite music. And with analog formats like vinyl records and cassette tapes making a comeback, it’s easier than ever to explore different eras and experience music as it was originally released.

If you’re the type of audiophile who likes to jump between formats, Costco has just the thing for you: the Aiwa Backtrack Retro Boombox. Built to resemble the classic boomboxes of the '70s and '80s while offering Bluetooth, CD, AM/FM and cassette playback together, this throwback party essential is ready to straddle your shoulder as you strut down the block.

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Aiwa Backtrack Retro Boombox, $179.99 at Costco View this post on Instagram

We’ve come a long way from the days of boomboxes and portable cassette players, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy those formats today. Retailing for $180, the Aiwa Backtrack Retro Boombox combines multiple playback options in one unit, bringing retro style and modern performance right to your fingertips.

Even better, this device features all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a premium music player, including 40-watt sound output with bass boost, classic VU meters, a modern LCD display and treble and bass controls. On top of that, you can record music directly to cassette or USB/SD card, connect external devices via AUX or use the USB/SD and headphone ports for additional playback options. It also includes dual mic inputs with volume control and echo effects for karaoke-style use.

Related: Aldi's $13 105-Piece DIY Tool Kit Is a Lifesaver Around the House

“Well, looks like I gotta make a trip to Costco,” one fan wrote in response to a post shared by @costcowonders. “I need this because I’m a 70s teenager,” they joked.

“Don’t ask to borrow my CD’s and cassettes,” another fan chimed in, while a third said: “Don’t tempt me with a good time!”

Others continued to echo the sentiment, with one fan calling the boombox “dope,” another simply announcing “I need one” and a third aptly labeling it a “throwback.”

Available in-store only with an iconic black and gold colorway, this sleek and powerful boombox also features AM/FM radio with a classic analog tuner plus both wall-powered and battery-powered options to ensure hours of playback. All you need to get started is either a standard wall outlet or six D batteries.

With those features in mind, along with a built-in carry handle, two 5-inch bass speakers and two 1-inch tweeters, it’s no wonder shoppers are rushing to snag one for themselves. Don’t miss out on this iconic find while it’s still around, and while you’re there, check out Costco’s massive backyard pool to keep the party going.

Related: Shoppers Are Racing to Buy Costco's Versatile 12-Piece Cookware Set

Growing up, I would spend summers at my grandmother's house, where I would be awake until the early morning, desperately trying to sleep while she snored with the TV on at full volume. It wasn't until I got older that I learned the secret joy of falling asleep to Netflix or a movie. Though, of course, it's one thing to doze off mid-Bridgerton episode, it's another to need to have the television as background noise in order to get some shut-eye.

Part of the reason it was hard for me to fully understand why some people need a show on if they're trying to snooze is that, as a serial TV lover, I always want to stay up to find out what happens next. How am I supposed to go to bed watching Survivor 50 when there's still a Tribal Council to get to? Wouldn't it be easier to have a white noise machine? After speaking with Dr. Patricia Dixon, a clinical psychologist, however, I learned that falling asleep to a TV show is very different than a sound machine.

While white noise can drown out sound, a show or film offers people something to focus on, which certain types of people really need if they're going to get any rest. Ahead, she shares seven traits of people who need to have the TV on to fall asleep, whether it's bad or unhealthy for you and how to break the habit (if you need to).

Related: ‘I Tried Green Noise for 14 Nights of Sleep—Here’s What Surprised Me the Most’

Why Do Some People Go To Sleep With the TV On?

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There are many different reasons people like to sleep with the television on—anxiety, fear, noise sensitivity, to name a few—but the function of the TV, across all these motivations, is the same: to keep the brain occupied.

“The TV drowns out their thoughts,” Dr. Dixon explains, adding that white noise, while helpful when it comes to disguising any bumps in the night, simply can't do the same.

Related: If You Can Relate to These 9 Phrases, You Might Have High-Functioning Anxiety, According to a Psychologist

Do people with ADHD need a TV on to fall asleep?

People with ADHD are not a monolith. That said, some people with ADHD do, in fact, need a TV on to fall asleep.

“The way that the ADHD brain works is that it tends to thrive in multitasking where the brain is going in multiple directions—getting it to stay still is the hardest part,” Dr. Dixon explains. “If the TV's on, there [are] multiple things happening in the background that might help somebody with ADHD fall asleep versus silence.”

Is It Bad or Unhealthy To Sleep With the TV On?

According to Dr. Dixon, sleeping with the TV on isn't necessarily bad or unhealthy. However, it can be, especially for those who suffer from insomnia or have other sleep problems. For them, she says, “the suggestion is always to drown out noise, drown out any source of light— anything that could be a distraction from the silence of calling asleep.” A television show can definitely cause you to focus on what's happening on-screen rather than catching some z's.

Is Falling Asleep to a Show a Trauma Response?

The short answer: yes, sleeping with the TV on can be a trauma response.

“For some people, if they have experienced some level of trauma, they might have a hypervigilance to any noise,” Dr. Dixon explains. “So if the TV's on, it drowns out any other background noises that might make them alert or in a state of fear.”

Related: How To Stop Worrying That Someone Is Mad at You, According to a Psychologist

7 Common Traits of People Who Fall Asleep With the TV On, According to a Psychologist1. Lonely

For those who live alone, Dr. Dixon says, watching TV can be “a distraction against loneliness.”

“For example, I have an older woman that I work with, and she lives by herself, and she says she cannot sleep unless the TV is on," she adds. "And part of it is one of the reasons why she's in therapy—because she struggles with feelings of loneliness. And so in her house, especially at night, if there's no noise in the background, it makes it blaringly loud for her to know that she's alone.”

2. Anxious

“I think that for a lot of people, when they're like, ‘I can't fall asleep unless the TV is on,’ it tends to be because they experience high anxiety or constant thoughts that keep them from being able to fall asleep,” Dr. Dixon states.

The TV, then, works as a welcome distraction.

“Having the TV on in the background makes their brain focus on that instead of the thoughts that are worrying them or causing them anxiety,” she adds.

3. Overthinkers

Have you ever spent a sleepless night questioning all your decisions? Then, congratulations, you might be an overthinker, and you should maybe try to sleep with the TV on tonight.

“When people need the TV on,” Dr. Dixon says, “It's because they might be worried about something or thinking about something or overthinking about something.”

Related: Psychologist Says if You Check the Menu Before Arriving at a Restaurant, You Likely Have These 8 Traits

4. They have very busy days

People who are very active and busy during the day sometimes have trouble winding down and shutting out the world come nighttime.

“Some people need to zone out to something,” Dr. Dixon explains, adding that TV can help focus a person's energy so they're able to tune out after a long day.

The noise from a show or movie can also keep very busy people from lying awake in anticipation of all the things they have to do the next day.

“Instead of them having multiple thoughts of the things that they should be doing or need to do for the next day, there's something that's happening to where they don't have to focus on the other things they could be doing,” she adds.

5. Multitaskers

Putting on Netflix to go to sleep can also be relaxing to multitaskers, Dr. Dixon reveals, because it is, in itself, a way to incorporate multitasking into your bedtime routine.

“They're like, ‘Between falling asleep and watching TV, let me do them both at the same time,’” she explains.

Multitaskers are also busy, she notes, so having the TV on while they fall asleep might be “their only way to be able to watch TV.”

6. They're not watching for the plot

Falling asleep with the TV on always carries a risk of FOMO, which is why Dr. Dixon suspects that those who need the TV to fall asleep likely aren't pressing play on shows they're really invested in. In fact, she says, “When TV is something that is keeping a person up because they're so invested in the show, that's when it becomes an unhealthy thing, because it's blocking them from actually sleeping.”

7. Extra sensitive to noise

“People who have very high sensitivities to noise—so they'll hear cars or their neighbors, or they'll hear something that alerts them and causes them to be hyper-vigilant” sometimes need the TV on to fall asleep because it won't surprise them, Dr. Dixon shares.

“The TV isn't an alert because they know it's the TV, so they find comfort in that versus other noises,” she states.

Related: Psychologist Says if You Always Add ‘LOL’ to the End of Your Texts, You Likely Have These 7 Traits

How To Break This Common Habit

If you want to break the habit of sleeping with the TV on, Dr. Dixon suggests focusing on a new nighttime routine.

“It might be that they develop a different routine every night of consistently turning the TV off at the same time,” she tells Parade. “Perhaps engaging in something like either reading or journaling in order to wind down and slow their mind, or at least empty out the thoughts that might be there.”

Related: Librarians Are Calling This New Novel the ‘Best Book’ to Read Before Bed

There's also meditation, yoga or a stretching routine—all worthwhile activities that can help quiet the mind before bed.

Some people need the TV to sleep because of the vibrations of the sounds, in which case Dr. Dixon suggests trying humming instead.

“Their own humming might be a way of detaching from the TV and then self-soothing to bring the same type of calm,” she states.

Up Next:

Related: Psychologist Says That People Who Rewatch the Same TV Show Over and Over Again Have These 7 Traits

Source:

• Dr. Patricia Dixon, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in talk therapy, coaching, and sound therapy. She is also a professor.

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If you've been following our ongoing coverage of Martha Stewart’s iconic travel routine, you already know she has her transit philosophy down to an absolute, unshakeable science. We’ve previously reported on her fierce devotion to her fleet of aluminum Rimowa trunks and her genius packing hack of placing clothing completely upright on hangers, individually protected by clear, plastic dry cleaner bags to eliminate friction. We also know she is decidedly con when it comes to the internet's favorite travel trend, once telling us that packing cubes are a total hard pass because "everything comes out totally wrinkled and disheveled—I'm not a big fan."

But while copying her peak-comfort airport uniform of oversized cashmere sweaters, lightweight wool coats and hands-free slip-ins is simple enough, actually getting your hands on her specific luggage recommendations is another story. Because the second an item hits her social feeds, it tends to instantly vanish from the internet.

Case in point: the viral Cuyana Mila Satchel.

When Martha posted her effortless, high-low airport look en route to the Super Bowl, she showed the elegant weekender stacked perfectly on top of her silver rolling Rimowa. She crowned it a complete "game changer when you do not want to check luggage!!" The travel world took note immediately. The sleek bag quickly racked up a staggering waitlist of nearly 5,000 eager jet-setters and repeatedly sold out within mere seconds of a restock. Fortunately, if you've been trying to track one down for your own summer escapes, you're in luck. The bag has officially returned for a limited-time pre-order in its gorgeous cappuccino colorway.

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Related: Martha Stewart Just Posted Her Travel Look and It's Peak Effortless Chic

Smart Engineering Meets High Luxury Aesthetics

Cuyana

It's easy to see why the bag has earned such a massive cult following among A-list celebrities and veteran travel editors alike. Made from durable, high-quality Italian leather, this bag looks incredibly sleek but is secretly a workhorse thanks to its smart internal organization.

Measuring 10.5 inches by 20.8 inches with a comfortable six-inch handle drop, the bag is designed to be highly malleable. This means you can tuck it into a crowded overhead bin or slide it directly under the seat in front of you as your designated personal item.

The interior is a minimalist organizer's dream, featuring three entirely separate sections to prevent your gear from turning into a black hole. It comes fully equipped with a dedicated 14-inch laptop sleeve, smart internal snaps to secure smaller pouches and an exterior pocket that instantly unzips to convert into a seamless luggage trolley sleeve for smooth wheeling through the TSA line.

A Sustainable Splurge Worth the Investment

Cuyana

Shop It at Cuyana!

Retailing at $798, the Mila Satchel is undeniably a premium investment piece. However, unlike standard fast-fashion travel gear that tends to show frayed stitching and scuffed edges after a few flights, Cuyana’s pieces are engineered to get better with age, developing a beautiful, unique patina the more you travel.

Even better for eco-conscious jet-setters, the bag carries an official Leather Working Group (LWG) certification, ensuring the materials are sourced and tanned in an environmentally responsible manner. Backed by a generous two-year warranty, it is a definitive buy-once, carry-forever staple. The current pre-order batch is officially scheduled to ship out on June 12, just in time to catch your early-summer flights in style.

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Experts for the Top Vacation for Solo Female Travelers—They All Said the Same Thing

In 1968, rock supergroup Cream climbed up the charts with “Sunshine of Your Love.” The psychedelic, bluesy song, written by Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Peter Brown for the album Disraeli Gears, was known for its opening distorted guitar riff and lyrics about reuniting with a lover.

“Sunshine of Your Love” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1968 and remains one of Cream’s most popular songs nearly 60 years later.

In 2026, BBC Music’s Classical Music ranked “Sunshine of Your Love” as one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time, noting that Jimi Hendrix was such a fan of the song that he got banned by the BBC for playing it during a live broadcast.

“Hendrix was due to play ‘Hey Joe’ on the BBC’s Happening For Lulu TV show,” the outlet shared. “But just as he began, he switched to play ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’, saying ‘We’d like to stop playing this rubbish and dedicate a song to The Cream,' before blasting into it in tribute to one of his favorite bands. It was so forceful and explosive that the producers pulled the plug on the broadcast, and Hendrix was banned from playing on the BBC again.”

The BBC website reported that The Jimi Hendrix Experience was pulled off the air during Scottish singer Lulu's show after performing the song "Voodoo Chile" and the first part of "Hey Joe," which segued into the Cream classic.

“The trio then broke into Cream's 'Sunshine of Your Love,' in tribute to the recently disbanded group, until producers brought the song to a premature end," the BBC reported. "The stunt (according to rock and roll legend) earned The Jimi Hendrix Experience a ban from performing on BBC television.”

The ironic thing was, it was Hendrix who inspired the Cream song to begin with.

In a 1988 interview with Rolling Stone, Clapton revealed that Bruce was inspired to compose the opening riff to "Sunshine of Your Love" after attending a Jimi Hendrix concert in England.

"We’d been to see Hendrix about two nights before at the Saville Theatre, in London," Clapton recalled. “It was the complete embodiment of the different aspects of rock & roll guitar rolled up into one. … That night after the gig [Bruce] went home and came up with the riff. It was strictly a dedication to Jimi. And then we wrote a song on top of it."

In a 1968 interview with Rolling Stone, Clapton described Hendrix as a “great guitarist” and major musical talent.

“He had the whole combination in England. It was just what the market wanted, a psychedelic pop star who looked freaky… and the blues thing was there,” he said. "So Jimi walked in, put on all the gear, and made it straight away. It was a perfect formula. Underneath it all, he’s got an incredible musical talent. He is really one of the finest musicians around on the Western scene.”

Decades later, Hendrix's iconic 1969 “Sunshine of Your Love” performance can be viewed on Clapton’s official Facebook page.

Hendrix’s ban from BBC television came just one year before his death at age 27.

Related: 1972 Road-Trip Anthem, Written by Rock Legends, Was Inspired by an Iconic TV Theme

In 1971, one of Broadway's most recognizable voices was born in New York City.

Idina Menzel turns 55 on May 30, celebrating a career that has spanned Broadway, film, television and music. While many fans know her as the voice of Elsa in Disney's Frozen, Menzel first became a star on the stage, earning a reputation as one of the defining performers of her generation.

Menzel made her Broadway debut in 1996 as Maureen Johnson in Rent, a role that earned her a Tony Award nomination and introduced audiences to the powerhouse voice that would become her trademark. But it was her next major role that would change everything.

In 2003, Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in Wicked opposite Kristin Chenoweth's Glinda. The musical became a cultural phenomenon, and Menzel's performance earned her the 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. More than two decades later, many theater fans still consider her portrayal of the misunderstood green witch the definitive version of the character.

Her career reached an entirely new level in 2013 when she voiced Queen Elsa in Disney's Frozen. The film became a global sensation, and Menzel's recording of "Let It Go" climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and introduced Menzel to millions of fans who had never seen her on a Broadway stage.

Despite becoming one of musical theater's biggest stars, Menzel has often spoken candidly about the challenges that came with fame. In a 2016 interview with The Telegraph, she admitted that the public image people have of her doesn't always match reality.

"Everyone talks about me being a role model for young girls and that's not always the truth in my day-to-day personal life," she said.

She has also emphasized the importance of authenticity over perfection, saying, "Being a role model is about being true to myself."

In addition to her stage work, Menzel has released seven studio albums, starred in projects ranging from Glee to Uncut Gems, earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was named a Disney Legend. In 2024, she received the National Medal of Arts, one of the nation's highest honors for artists.

Whether audiences know her as Elphaba, Elsa or Maureen, Menzel remains one of the rare performers who successfully crossed from Broadway stardom into mainstream pop culture. As the woman many outlets have dubbed the "Queen of Broadway" celebrates her 55th birthday, her influence on theater and entertainment remains as strong as ever.

Related: Prayers Pour In for Beloved Performer Forced to Cancel Tour After Mother’s Death

The first season of The Testaments wrapped with some major reveals and chess pieces on the move. Of course, the novel by Margaret Atwood is a must, even with some of the major changes that have happened on the show, but there are other great books to read as well.

Yes, The Handmaid’s Tale is another important novel to check out. It is where the world of Gilead started, and has been transformed into the Hulu shows that we know today. So, what about other great tales of totalitarian regimes and dystopian futures? Here are five that will become your next obsession.

‘The Power’ by Naomi Alderman

You’ve likely seen the Prime Video series of the same name, which was based on The Power by Naomi Alderman. It’s slightly more sci-fi than dystopian than The Testaments, but it still brings up some similar topics. In this story, girls and women around the world are suddenly developing the ability to control electricity.

It shifts the entire structure of the world, creating a land where women now have more power. Of course, men don’t like that, and they start to look at ways to shift the power back into their own hands. The novel is told through the perspectives of four different people, showing differences across the globe and in age when it comes to the reaction and use of these new-found powers.

‘The School for Good Mothers’ by Jessamine Chin

If you want something that is a little more like The Testaments, then you’ll want to turn to The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chin. It’s set in a society where the government has its eye on women and how well they parent their children. If they check their phone, step out of line, or do anything that society believes is bad, then they are reprimanded for their actions.

We follow Frida Liu, a woman of Chinese immigrant parents who hasn’t done anything with her life that her parents can be proud of. The only thing she has going for her is her daughter, Harriet, but then one bad day turns into a nightmare, and now she needs to figure out how she can keep her daughter in her custody.

‘The Grace Year’ by Kim Liggett

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett was immediately called the story of if The Handmaid’s Tale had a baby with Lord of the Flies. It takes us through a story of adventure and coming-of-age, but in the middle of nowhere. Women are told that they have an evil power that can lure men to their beds and make women jealous. Sound familiar?

So, to prevent that, on their 16th birthday, girls are sent to the middle of the woods to get rid of this power. However, the wilderness isn’t the greatest danger. Neither is the men who kidnap these young girls for the black market. When you pit women against each other, they become threats to each other, and that’s what Tierney needs to survive.

‘Women Talking’ by Miriam Toews

One of the constant statements from people is that The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments aren’t real. There’s this belief that the creation of Gilead can’t happen. Well, I bring you a story that is based on truth, called Women Talking by Miriam Toews. It’s an “imagined response” to the events that happened to the Bolivian Mennonites between 2005 and 2009.

The novel focuses on the secret meetings of eight of the women involved in attacks on them and others within their communities, attacks that they were gaslighted into believing hadn’t happened. They need to figure out how to react, and they only have 48 hours until the men who carried out the attacks return.

‘Station Eleven’ by Emily St. John Mandel

If you also love The Stand by Stephen King and want to see what life would be like in the aftermath of a pandemic wiping out the Earth, then you’ll want to turn to Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. This brings a mixture of that dystopian novel and The Testaments, as we pick up after a flu has wiped out almost all of mankind.

20 years later, Kirsten Raymonde is now moving between the worlds of the settlements with a small group of actors and musicians. They’re known as The Traveling Symphony, and they have one goal in mind: to keep the arts alive in this new world order. However, one town is going to put the tiny band at risk, and it’s all thanks to one prophet.

If you love the plush, high-end comfort of a luxury boutique hotel but secretly feel a pang of eco-guilt over the massive environmental footprint of mega-resorts, a game-changing new property is about to completely redefine your vacation goals.

Tucked away in the ruggedly beautiful landscape of Vermont, Marriott International is officially launching its very first all-electric, net-zero energy property—proving that high style and deep sustainability can seamlessly live under one roof.

Slated for a late summer or early fall opening, The Sugarhouse Hotel is making its splashy debut in downtown Winooski, a vibrant hub in the Greater Burlington area. The 115-room property is joining Marriott Bonvoy’s curated Tribute Portfolio collection, which means travelers can expect a deeply unique, independent-boutique vibe backed by premium Marriott loyalty perks.

Sitting directly adjacent to a sprawling, 104-acre nature preserve and the scenic Winooski River, the hotel is built around a "nature out back, city out front" philosophy. It is located less than five minutes from downtown Burlington, making it a perfect launchpad for travelers who want urban access alongside immediate, crowd-free tranquility.

Related: JW Marriott Is Opening Its First-Ever All-Inclusive in Costa Rica This Spring

View this post on Instagram A Sustainable Masterpiece That Is Truly "Of Vermont"

The Sugarhouse Hotel isn't just trying to check a few green boxes with low-flow showerheads and digital check-ins. Developed through a partnership between Nedde Real Estate and Lodging Capital Partners, and managed by Fathom Companies, the property is aggressively pursuing both LEED Platinum certification and an active net-zero energy status.

“Our goal was to create a building that wasn't just in Vermont, but of Vermont,” says Doug Nedde, principal of Nedde Real Estate. “By pursuing LEED Platinum and net-zero energy status, we are working to prove that the future of hospitality can be both luxurious and sustainable.”

The architecture and design draw deep inspiration from the state's famous maple sugaring traditions. Instead of cookie-cutter, mass-manufactured hotel furniture, the interiors will showcase stunning reclaimed materials and custom works from regional Vermont woodworkers, metalworkers and glassblowers. Beautifully styled guestrooms will feature exposed timber detailing and will be named after actual local sugarhouses.

Related: Chattanooga Just Got Its First-Ever Hyatt—And It Has a Rooftop Bar With Killer Mountain Views

Farm-to-Table Menus and Panoramic Rooftop Views

The culinary and social spaces are designed to showcase the best of New England's agricultural bounty and rugged spirit. On the ground level, guests can unwind at Moss Café + Bar, a dedicated farm-to-table dining venue utilizing hyper-local ingredients.

However, the real crown jewel of the property is situated at the very top. The hotel will debut Tree Tops Restaurant, a sleek rooftop dining destination, alongside Rise, a stunning rooftop event space. Both venues offer panoramic, unobstructed views overlooking the surrounding green mountains and the peaceful riverfront—making it the ultimate, unhurried spot to enjoy a craft cocktail at sunset.

Closer to the official opening date, the hotel is expected to announce a full slate of experiential programming tied directly to agritourism and environmental stewardship. If you are looking to trade the daily grind for an intentional, eco-luxury retreat that treats the environment with absolute reverence, it is time to map out an autumn escape to Vermont.

Related: Wisconsin Motel Ranked the Top Roadside Stay in America—and It Comes With a Beachfront Coffee Shop

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With the temperatures heating up outside, it's officially time to swap bulky comforters for lighter layers. A beautiful quilt set that feels luxurious but keeps you cool at night is one of the easiest ways to refresh your bedroom for the warmer months ahead. Right now, Amazon has a beautiful and breezy bedding set marked down to under $30! 

Normally $34, the Roaringwild Queen Quilt Set is currently discounted to just $29 in select colors. Six styles, including burnt orange, navy blue, olive, sage, light gray, and white, are all on sale, while dusty blue, beige, light beige, black, and mist sage remain at full price. This set is also available in twin, king, and California king sizes, with many colors discounted by up to 20%. The most you'll pay for any style is just $44, which is a steal for a complete bedding set.

Roaringwild Queen Quilt Set, From $29 (was $34) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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This three-piece set comes with a queen-sized quilt and two standard-sized pillow shams. Designed specifically for hot sleepers and warm-weather use, it offers softness and style without the bulk of a heavy comforter. The polyester fabric features a pintuck texture with subtle detailing that shoppers said gives the quilt a high-end, tailored look.

Because the set comes in 11 different colors, it's easy to find the perfect shade, whether your bedroom decor leans boho, farmhouse, coastal, neutral, or bold and vibrant. Several reviewers shared that the quilt drapes nicely and layers beautifully with other blankets and throw pillows. 

The entire set is machine washable and can be tumble dried. Reviewers reported that the fabric doesn't fade or fray, even after many washes. 

Related: Amazon's 'Exquisite' $28 Quilt Set Comes in 32 Colors and Feels Like 'Sleeping in Clouds'

Shoppers raved that this "soft, airy, and comfy" quilt set is "perfect for spring and summer." According to a reviewer who lives in a humid climate and is a hot sleeper, the "lightweight" fabric is "breathable, even in the really hot summer."

A shopper who purchased this quilt set for every bedroom in their home said, "The material is gorgeous, and the texture is so pretty on the beds." Another customer shared that this set "looks very expensive" and "feels like clouds."

Shop More Deals

• Wuruibo Full/Queen Quilt Set, $24 (was $28) at Amazon
• Muxhomo 3-Piece Queen Comforter Set, $22 (was $26) at Amazon
• Litanika Queen Comforter Set, $28 (was $40) at Amazon

Just because the weather is warming up, you don't have to give up being cozy in your bed at night. The Roaringwild Queen Quilt Set at Amazon gives you the best of both worlds with softness and breathability for just $29. 

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The summer is known for the time of beach reads, and there’s no doubt that there are some excellent releases that you need to check out. However, you don’t necessarily always want to read romance. And if you are reading romance, maybe dark romance is more your cup of tea.

In some great news, there’s an excellent mixture of books coming out in June 2026. They’re sure to be your next summer obsession, whether you want romance, horror, fantasy, or historical fiction. Now you’ll just need to decide what you’re reading first.

Courtesy of Saratoga Schaefer ‘The Last Time We Drowned’ by Saratoga Schaefer

If you love psychological thrillers mixed with luxury and influence, then you’ll want to check out The Last Time We Drowned by Saratoga Schaefer, coming out on June 2, 2026. It follows six influencers on one luxury yacht, and that means there’s nowhere to hide.

Charlie Engels is a broke and desperate influencer who suddenly gets the offer of a lifetime. To join other influencers on the Empress, a state-of-the-art yacht houseboat just off the Florida Keys. So, off she goes, but she soon realizes that it may not be the dream job she once believed it would be.

To start with, Charlie is constantly seeing the same influencer that everyone else says quit. Then there’s a hurricane that traps them all at sea. With communications cut and supplies dwindling, the group needs to figure out how to survive. That’s even harder when the first body drops.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘A Pair of Aces’ by Victoria Christopher Murray and Marie Benedict

For those in the mood for historical fiction, Victoria Christopher Murray and Marie Benedicthave teamed up once more to bring a story based somewhat on a true story. You know the story of Lucky Luciano, but do you know the story of the women who helped to bring him down? That’s what A Pair of Aces will tell when it’s released on June 2, 2026.

Eunice Carter, the first Black female prosecutor in Manhattan, is determined to bring down Lucky. The problem is that she can’t get Lucky alone, and so, she turns to a woman who she doesn’t necessarily like, creating an unlikely allyship with Polly Adler.

Polly has spent her life building up her high-class brothel business. She knows some of the most famous people in New York, her booze is the best, and her music and food tastes are to die for. She wouldn’t usually turn on her clients, but when Lucky puts one of her girls in danger, she is determined to bring him down.

Courtes of Zando Imprint ‘Harvest Season’ by Brynne Weaver

For those who adore any of Brynne Weaver’s books, Harvest Season will be a must. Yes, it has a boat-load of trigger warnings to start, and it’s just as wild and fun as the Ruinous Love trilogy. If you haven’t read Tourist Season yet, you need to read that one first, as Harvest Season is the second book in a new trilogy and follows all the same characters.

Harvest Season picks up off the back of Tourist Season, where Nolan has learned that not everyone is who he believes them to be. Now there’s a group of true crime enthusiasts looking for missing people who Nolan knows are dead, and he needs to avoid suspicion while protecting those around him.

Meanwhile, Harper has tried everything to avoid her past resurfacing, but Nolan has learned the truth. Now, she’s not sure who she can trust. Can she even trust herself? Find out on June 9, 2026.

Courtesy of MacMillan Publishers ‘Light Wielder’ by Rachel Schneider

The long-awaited sequel to Metal Slinger is finally here, and you need to add it to your reading list. Rachel Schneider picks up four years later in Light Wielder, with Jovie now dealing with the consequences of her actions. After choosing to spare King Edmond’s life but take his magic, the whole land has found itself in a brutal war.

All Jovie wants is to protect the people of Maile from the conflict she started. If that means avoiding Acker and further breaking his heart, then so be it.

As for Acker, he knows that he has to help in his father’s war, and that means an arranged marriage with a woman who absolutely abhors him. At the back of his mind is Jovie. While she may have betrayed him and their dreams together, he finds himself connected to her, and has even found a way into her dreams. How will it all play out? You’ll get to read it all on June 9, 2026.

Courtesy of Del Ray Books ‘Wildflower’ by Becky Jenkinson

If you need something a little more whimsical in the fantasy realm, then you’ll want to turn to Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson. Her debut novel features hand-drawn flowers at the start of each chapter, bringing a more immersive element to the story that you can read on June 16, 2026.

When Fliss was born, she was cursed to always tell the truth. That means she says little to avoid trouble, but when she gets an anonymous request to find a specific and mysterious flower, she finds herself on the path to Willoh Vane, an outcast sorcerer.

Willoh has been accused of using dark magic to corrupt the northern forest. As Fliss comes across him, she finds herself torn, as it turns out that Willoh is also her best friend’s enemy. However, Will offers to help gather the rare flowers and potentially help protect the land from a brutal disaster.

Related: ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ Fans Need To Check Out R.N. Swann’s Debut Thriller

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Someday Garden’ by Ashley Poston

A slightly more realistic fantasy story to check out is The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston, and it’s also available on June 16, 2026. This one follows Sophie Drear as she plans to escape to coastal Maine for the summer. 

While working on revitalizing the grounds of Lilymoor House, she finds a door that never appears in the same place twice. This door leads her to an unfinished garden that has a man trapped inside.

To make matters worse, the gardens of Lilymoor won’t be nurtured or tamed. On top of that, the owner has wild ideas about who could ake over when she retires. Can Sophie figure out exactly what Lilymoor needs to bloom again, and can the man on the other side of the mysterious door help?

Courtesy of Viking Books ‘Tillinghast’ by Clare Cavenagh

Are you in the mood for horror? How about Tillinghast by Clare Cavenagh, releasing on June 23, 2026? This vampiric horror was inspired by real events from the 19th century in New England, offering that extra layer of fun.

Stutley Tillinghast has avoided contact with humans as much as possible, living as the minister of a remote rural parish. It’s the best way to avoid the frenzied and bloody end when he does end up around people. However, it’s a lonely life, as he’s only ever met one person like him: the woman who made him.

Things change when a girl arrives in search of him. She shares the same surname and has an uncanny resemblance to the woman whom Tillinghast has long tried to forget. To make matters worse, she’s sick, and Tillinghast is the only person who can help her.

Courtesy of Penguin Random House ‘The Shampoo Effect’ by Jenny Jackson

At the end of the month, we get a beach read that you won’t want to skip over. Jenny Jackson’s The Shampoo Effect arrives on June 30, 3036, and it brings what initially seems to be a classic romance as Caroline Lash immediately falls head-over-heels for Van Whittaker as she arrives in Greenhead, Massachusetts.

Van is a Border collie of a man, but there’s an issue with the friend group. His ex-girlfriend, Bailey, runs in the same group of friends, and when she turns out to be pregnant with Van’s baby, Caroline’s life turns on its head.

As Caroline is quickly cast out of the friend group, she has to figure out what to do next. How about exposing the long-held secrets of the entire town? Sometimes, you need to watch who you mess with.

Courtesy of Agenda Collective ‘The Kings of Vegas’ by Karen Mack and Jennifer Kaufman

Do you need something a little like Succession? Then The Kings of Vegas by Karen Mack and Jennifer Kaufman is where to turn next. This is a story of crime, sibling rivalry, and everything that happens in Sin City (and stays there, of course!), and it’s out on June 30, 2026.

Josie King left Las Vegas in the ‘90s, and she never thought she would go back. She couldn’t stick wit the family business of running casinos, and decided a quieter life as an accountant was the way to go. However, 15 years later, she’s back after the unexpected death of her father.

During the will reading, Josie and her siblings learn that they need to spend three years working together at The Jackpot, the notorious family casino, if they want to inherit anything. Josie agrees to take over the casino’s finances, and that’s when she learns that everything in the city has changed and Las Vegas is far more dangerous than it once was.

Related: Book 2 of Newest Dark Romance Trilogy From NYT Bestelling Author Is Among Most Anticipated Reads in June 2026

Many writers and authors come to mind when you think of American literature. And one of the most influential writers in that camp is Ernest Hemingway. He was an American novelist, short-story writer and journalist, born on July 21, 1899. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954 and was known for many things, including writing about masculinity, specifically writing male protagonists irrevocably changed by war. In writing characters like this—who often have issues that they want to escape or be rid of—our quote of the day by Hemingway highlights the impossibility of running away from yourself, and the importance of embracing inner work.

Hemingway started writing in high school and went on to work as a reporter for TheKansas City Star instead of going to college. He wasn’t able to enlist as a soldier in the military for World War I because of “a defective eye,” per Britannica, but he drove ambulances for the American Red Cross during the war instead. He was hurt in 1918 before his 19th birthday, and was “decorated for heroism” while hospitalized in Italy. 

He went back to working as a journalist in America post-WWI, but fellow American writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein encouraged him to write more creatively. That’s when he wrote “his first important book” in 1925: In Our Time. 

On July 2, 1961, just a couple of weeks shy of his 62nd birthday, Hemingway died. He left behind quite a collection of poems, short stories and books, with a lot of wisdom and perspective we can use in our own lives. Today’s quote is a reflection of his thoughts on outrunning your problems and how traveling and partying won’t help you escape yourself.

Related: Quote of the Day: Physicist Marie Curie on ‘The Way of Progress’—It Was ‘Neither Swift nor Easy’

Quote of the Day by Ernest Hemingway

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“You can't get away from yourself by moving from one place to another.”

This quote is from his book, The Sun Also Rises, which came out in 1926 and is known as the “quintessential novel of the Lost Generation,” per the book’s description. Even though Gertrude Stein coined the term “Lost Generation” for those who reached adulthood in the decade before or during World War I, per Britannica, Hemingway used it (and popularized it) in this book, writing, “You are all a lost generation.”

The novel is about the “disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation,” and is considered one of Hemingway’s masterpieces, according to its description. The 1920s were called the “Roaring ‘20s” for a reason, and the book features characters partying it up at night and taking wild adventures and risks during the day. But the novel looks at what this lifestyle actually means for these characters, which might not be much. It also explores themes of love and death, masculinity, the power of nature and more.

Related: Quote of the Day: Painter Vincent van Gogh on Passion and Not Letting ‘The Fire Go Out in One’s Soul’—‘Keep It Burning'

Deeper Meaning of Ernest Hemingway’s Quote—Embracing Self-Confrontation

This quote is spoken by Jake Barnes, who is the protagonist and narrator of The Sun Also Rises. He is an American WWI veteran who is now a journalist working abroad in Paris (with a lot of events and people in this book inspired by Hemingway's own life). Jake says this line to Robert Cohn, who is another American, but rather a wealthy one living in Paris. Cohn was not involved in the war and still has a romantic view of the world, whereas Jake is more jaded and has a bit of a void in the morality department created by the war.

Essentially, Cohn is not happy with his lush lifestyle in Paris and wants to move and settle elsewhere. Something is missing, and he wants to fill it with travel and adventure. However, Jake tells him that “moving from one place to another” isn’t going to cure that feeling or fill that void, because it’s just going to end up feeling the same. That void Cohn’s feeling isn’t something that new scenery will fix. 

As Hemingway wrote in this book, you cannot run away from yourself and your mind. Moving zip codes, even if it’s across an ocean, might help in some ways and fix some problems. But if your issue is yourself—your brain, your emotions, your trauma, etc.—then moving around is just a bandaid on your foundational issues. 

Instead, it's important to embrace self-confrontation and the effort of inner work. By really looking in the mirror and deciding to work on yourself, you'll likely experience a new appreciation for your struggles and resilience, instead of looking for the next way to avoid facing any personal challenges.

Related: Quote of the Day by Lou Gehrig: 'I Love the Thrill of Victory, and I Also Love the Challenge of Defeat'

More Quotes from Ernest Hemingway

• “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”
• “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
• “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.”
• “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
• “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”
• “The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too.”

Up Next:

Related: Quote of the Day: Composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky on Music as a 'Thousand Different Moments of the Soul’s Moods’

Less is more, as they say.

On a budget of just $3 million, a supernatural horror film known as Terrifier 3 became a commercial success back in the fall of 2024, winning the box office its opening weekend and ultimately raking in $90 million globally.

Directed by the so-called "micro-budget king" of cinema, Damien Leone, the first two Terrifiermovies were also hits, and a fourth is currently in the works. After that, the acclaimed filmmaker, 44, is moving to the Hollywood studio system for his next original horror project.

Leone has closed a deal to write, direct and produce Tortures of the Damned at Lionsgate, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Plot details are unknown, but it's reportedly different in tone from Terrifier and will yield a higher budget.

“We’re incredibly proud and excited to be partnering with Damien Leone on his first original film after the beloved Terrifier series. I join the huge contingency of horror fans — and Damien fans — inside Lionsgate who have been following his work and cheering him on,” said Erin Westerman, president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, per THR. “Damien is a true genre auteur with a singular vision, and we’re thrilled to help bring this bold new project to the screen while continuing to build on the incredible connection he has with fans around the world.”

Horror icon Sam Raimi will produce through his Ghost House production company. He was last in theaters as a director with Send Help and is already in the Lionsgate business — having been tapped to direct a Magic remake for the studio, THR also noted on Friday, May 29.

After Terrifier 2 made an astounding sum at the box office, the film's antagonist Art the Clown became a viral Halloween costume icon. Leone was a one-man show for the project, serving as writer, director, co-producer, editor and sound designer on that movie, as well as working on the VFX.

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Most fashionistas love the look of heels, but actually wearing them is often a different story. Between sore arches, aching feet, and that moment halfway through the day when you start regretting your shoe choice, traditional pumps or stilettos can seem like they're working against you instead of with you. Especially during warm weather, when you're spending more time walking, traveling, attending outdoor events, and staying on your feet longer than expected, comfort becomes a lot harder to compromise on.

That’s why the Clarks Breeze Rae Cam Wedge Sandals are a fabulous alternative. They give you extra height and polish without putting strain on your feet, making them much easier than heels to wear from morning plans to dinner reservations. Best of all, Amazon has the pair on sale for 38% off right now, bringing the price from $65 down to $40 for a solid summer deal. 

Clarks Breeze Rae Cam Wedge Sandals, From $40 (was $65) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

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These sandals are a part of Clarks' signature Cloudsteppers collection, blending sporty comfort and casual style. The upper features thick, pillow-like textile straps that are softly padded and rounded, giving them a cushioned, marshmallow-like appearance across the foot. Instead of thin flat bands, the straps are tubular and dimensional, which creates a more sculptural look while also helping minimize rubbing or pressure points during long wear. The crisscross layout adds extra visual interest and structure, while the central stitched loop detail subtly gathers the straps together for a cleaner, more tailored finish. 

The molded foam footbed is contoured with gentle shaping through the arch and heel area, designed to cradle the foot. The lifted 1.625-inch wedge heel adds subtle height without feeling steep, while the curved rocker-like shape helps encourage smoother movement while walking. Along the sidewall, contrast striping visually breaks up the platform and gives the sole a more athletic, modern edge. The outsole has textured grip zones for traction and flexibility, so you should feel secure navigating numerous terrains.

Related: Clarks’ 'Comfortable' $40 Slip-Ons at Amazon Are a Summer Staple With 'Great Support'

Available in navy and grey, either color is a versatile neutral that should work with just about anything in your closet. If you’re not sure where to start, these sandals pair especially well with linen pants, drawstring shorts, capris, athletic dresses, breezy skorts, and matching lounge sets. Their lightweight feel and built-in support also make them a strong travel option — comfortable enough for sightseeing, yet polished enough to carry you straight into a dinner or sunset walk.

These "supportive" wedges have won over reviewers, who said they “feel like an old friend" and were “cushiony” the second they slipped them on. One shopper called them “very comfortable,” adding that the “durability and thickness” help keep your feet “from pounding on the ground” in a high-impact way that could irritate joints.

Shop More Deals

• Clarks Drift Twist Cloudsteppers Wedge Sandal, from $30 (was $60) at Amazon
• Clarks Giselle Beach Wedges, from $50 (was $60) at Amazon
• Clarks Arla Wave Slide Sandal, from $40 (was $70) at Amazon

At 38% off, the Clarks Breeze Rae Cam Wedge Sandals are an easy addition to your warm-weather wardrobe — especially if you’ve been searching for something that feels just as good as it looks. Get them today at Amazon!

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Power metal fans around the world are celebrating alongside Kamelot after the band honored its founding member and guitarist Thomas Youngblood on his 52nd birthday.

On May 29, Kamelot shared a photo of Youngblood on its official Instagram account and invited fans to join the celebration.

"Join us in wishing our founding member and guitarist Thomas Younglood the loudest, most epic happy birthday!” the band wrote. “Let him hear you in the comments, KamNation!"

Youngblood remains one of the most important figures in Kamelot's history. He is the only founding member who has continuously remained active in the band since its formation and has helped shape its sound for nearly four decades.

Guitarist Thomas Youngblood of Kamelot performs at City National Civic on May 4, 2018 in San Jose, California.

Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images

Born on May 29, 1974, Youngblood began playing guitar as a teenager after moving from Virginia to Florida. His passion for music eventually led him to form a band that would become one of the most recognizable names in power and symphonic metal.

View this post on Instagram Thomas Youngblood's Legacy With Kamelot

Youngblood founded the group in Florida in 1987 under the name Camelot before it later became Kamelot. Over the years, he guided the band's growth from a local metal act into an internationally recognized force within the genre.

Kamelot released its debut album, Eternity, in 1995 and followed it with a string of successful records including Dominion, Siége Perilous, The Fourth Legacy, Karma, Epica and The Black Halo. The band's catalog has since expanded to 13 studio albums, three live albums, two live DVDs and numerous music videos.

Throughout much of Kamelot's history, Youngblood served as the band's primary composer. His songwriting partnerships helped define several eras of the group, including his collaboration with former vocalist Roy Khan and later with current singer Tommy Karevik.

Beyond his guitar work, Youngblood has also contributed backing vocals during live performances and has played a major role in the band's creative direction. He additionally serves as CEO of KMI Entertainment, the company responsible for Kamelot's management and booking operations.

Over the years, he has participated in multiple collaborations and guest appearances, including projects with Ian Parry's Consortium Project, Monarque, Aina and tribute recordings honoring Iron Maiden.

Kamelot Enters New Era With ‘Dark Asylum’

Youngblood's birthday arrives during a busy period for Kamelot.

Just days before the celebration, the band announced its upcoming fourteenth studio album, Dark Asylum, which is scheduled for release on August 28, 2026.

Speaking about the concept behind the record, Youngblood said:

"‘Dark Asylum’ follows a soul trapped inside a world of masks, fractured memories, and psychological torment, wandering the endless halls of RavenHill in search of truth, identity, and redemption. 

What begins as a descent into darkness gradually transforms into a journey of awakening, where beneath the fear, illusion and chaos lies the possibility of healing, hope and ultimately a path out of the shadows into Sanctuary.

 The album explores the duality between despair and salvation, blurring the lines between reality and madness through theatrical storytelling, haunting atmospheres, and deeply emotional themes."

The album follows 2023's The Awakening, which marked another successful chapter in Kamelot's career. The band's first single from that record, "One More Flag in the Ground," was considered for Grammy recognition in the Best Metal Performance category.

Earlier this year, Youngblood also hinted at major touring plans. In a social media update, he told fans:

"Tour announcements coming soon for North America and Europe Pt1! tease of poster…"

As Kamelot prepares for a new album cycle and an upcoming world tour, Youngblood's birthday serves as a reminder of his lasting influence on the metal scene.

Related: '70s Rock Legend, Whose Career Spans Five Decades, Turns 81

It’s been nearly 33 years since Soul Asylum released their breakthrough hit “Runaway Train.” While the power ballad became a timeless classic after hitting the airwaves on June 1, 1993, its music video left an even bigger mark due to its powerful message. 

Making its world premiere on MTV's late-night alternative rock program, 120 Minutes, in May of that same year, the clip broke the mold with its unusual approach to musical promotion. Directed by Tony Kaye, the video made a statement, including actual photos of missing children and teenagers, and alternating those images with footage of the band playing the song. 

A bold move, indeed, but the decision to include pictures of the lost individuals as well as an opening message, reading: “There are over one million youth lost on the streets of America,” resonated with viewers far and wide. So much so that 21 of the 36 missing kids were found. 

“It worked because the song was perfect for it,” Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner told theGuardian in 2022. “I’d argue that it was the single most important thing that happened in the history of MTV, because it saved young people’s lives.”

As for the song itself, “Runaway Train” had its own shining moment. Though the power ballad didn’t reach No. 1 on the U.S. charts, it did peak at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track also earned a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1994. 

Written solely by Pirner and appearing on Soul Asylum’s Grave Dancers’ Union album, “Runaway Train” was penned at a time when the singer was suffering from a nervous breakdown due to the thought that he was losing his hearing. 

“I think the song just kind of rolled off my brain,” he once shared during an interview with Classic Rock. “Sometimes a song takes six years to write, and sometimes a song takes half an hour. This just happens to be one that came rather quickly.”

“I wrote it all in one sitting, and then I showed it to the band,” Pirner added. “They thought it was good. It was really the first time I wrote a song, and people had an immediate reaction. I wasn’t sure why people were so taken aback by that song. I was too naïve to realise they were all seeing dollar signs. I just had never experienced anything like it.”

Related: 1978 Rock Classic, Lasting Nearly 9 Minutes, Became a Legendary Road Trip Anthem Without Ever Hitting No. 1

Country music star Riley Green has released a new single, “Think As You Drunk,” while also announcing that his fourth studio album, That’s Just Me, will arrive on Sept. 18.

The upbeat track, which Green said was written in just 20 minutes, arrives as the singer continues his busy “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” across the United States.

The new song is one of the first glimpses into Green’s upcoming album and stands out as both a fun drinking anthem and a tribute to late country legend Toby Keith. Green revealed that he and longtime collaborators Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin and Jessi Alexander completed the song in only 20 minutes.

Speaking with Billboard, Green explained that Toby Keith played a major role in shaping his songwriting style and inspired the new release.

“The best compliment I can give a song is ‘Man, this feels like a Toby Keith song.’ Especially as a songwriter, I don’t know if there was a bigger influence on me.”

Riley Green performs onstage during ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The track includes a sample from Keith’s 2005 hit “As Good As I Once Was.” According to Green, his team shared the song with Keith’s family and manager before release.

“They completely thought it was a tip of the cap to Toby, so they wanted to have his vocal on it. So it’s really a full-circle moment for me to have Toby’s vocal on that song.”

A portion of the proceeds from “Think As You Drunk” will be donated to the Toby Keith Foundation.

Riley Green Honors Toby Keith With New Summer Anthem

“Think As You Drunk” combines humor, storytelling and traditional country sounds. The song follows Green’s recent ballad “My Way” but takes a lighter approach, telling the story of someone insisting he is not as drunk as others think.

The title itself plays on a common phrase and serves as the central joke throughout the song. Filled with fiddle-driven production and playful lyrics, the single reflects the style that made Toby Keith a country music favorite.

Green has often spoken about Keith’s influence on his career. Although he never had the chance to meet the country icon, he admired Keith’s dedication to supporting military service members around the world.

Green was scheduled to perform at military bases in Hawaii and Japan earlier this year, but those appearances were postponed because of international tensions. He said he hopes to complete those performances when conditions are safe

Alongside the new single, Green announced that That’s Just Me will be released on Sept. 18 through Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.

According to Green, the album was created during one of the busiest and most important periods of his life. While headlining the biggest tour of his career, he was also writing and recording songs that reflected different personal experiences.

The project follows Green’s 2024 album Don’t Mind If I Do and is expected to showcase multiple sides of his artistry, from emotional storytelling and heartbreak songs to upbeat tracks designed for summer playlists.

n to touring, the Alabama native recently made his acting debut as Garrett in CBS’ Marshals. He is also set to join Season 30 of The Voice as a coach later this year.

Green will additionally co-host CMA Fest Presented by SoFi on June 24 and recently launched his spirits brand, Duck Club Bourbon.

Despite his growing success, Green told Billboard that life on the road continues to keep him grounded. The singer has spent much of 2026 performing for sold-out crowds across the country as part of his “Cowboy As It Gets Tour.”

Related: 2000s Rock Band Reacts to 25th No. 1 Single Over Two Decades After Forming

Maura Higgins is sharing her dream professional partner as she prepares for Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.

The Love Island UK and Traitors star spoke about the upcoming season of the reality dance competition in an exclusive interview with UsWeekly.

"The training is meant to be quite grueling," Higgins told the outlet while promoting her collaboration with Wingstop. "That’s why I want Mark [Ballas], because maybe he might go easy on me a bit. But then I do probably need to be pushed.”

Higgins and Ballas were both contestants on season 4 of The Traitors where they quickly connected and made it all the way to the finale. However, they were betrayed by Love Island USA star Rob Raucsh.

Ballas has not yet confirmed if he will be returning to DWTS after his fifth place finish with SLOMW star Whitney Leavitt on season 34. Higgins shared her next choice for a professional partner after Ballas.

“If it’s not Mark, I think I’d want Val [Chmerkovskiy],” she said. “I mean, to be honest, I’m OK to have anyone else. I just don’t want Gleb [Savchenko]. That’s the main thing for me.”

Higgins explained that she doesn't want to be paired with Savchenko after his tumultuous relationship with his season 33 celebrity partner Brooks Nader.

"It’s not even being mean. It’s just because I get on with Brooks and that’s that. I’m on Brooks’ side,” she said.

Joining Higgins on Season 35 is Summer Housestar Ciara Miller and Jackson Olson of the Savannah Bananas. She also spoke to UsWeekly about season 34's champion Robert Irwin's prediction she could take home the mirrorball trophy.

“I’m happy about it because he’s putting it out to the universe,” she told Us of Irwin’s prediction. “He’s basically manifesting my win. Which, yeah, I’ll take that. I’m not very confident in myself, but I’ll take it. I’m trying to manifest the best for me as well. Even if I could get to just the — I say ‘just the final,’ like, getting to the final would be absolutely amazing — but I’ve never won a show in my life.”

She continued, “Came close though with Rob [on  The Traitors], but didn’t really. I’d love to win. But I don’t know. I can only do my best, that’s all I can do. I don’t want to go in like, ‘I have to win, I have to win,’ because that’s just going to rip all the fun away. I just want to enjoy it and work as hard as I can. But thanks, Robert. I’ll try.”

Dancing With the Stars returns on ABC and Disney+ this fall.

Today's NYT Connections Sports puzzle is easy to solve if you're up on the international sports scene. 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 Saturday, May 30, 2026, you've come to the right place.

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Today's NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Saturday, May 30, 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 May 30, 2026

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

• Yellow: Where all the action happens.
• Green: Where the Mouse House is located.
• Blue: Big winners.
• Purple: Gunners.

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: PLAYING SURFACES
• Green: ORLANDO TEAMS
• Blue: LAST FOUR CLUBS TO WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
• Purple: ARSENAL PLAYERS

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 #614 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• PLAYING SURFACES: GRASS, ICE, TURF, WOOD
• ORLANDO TEAMS: MAGIC, ORLANDO CITY, PRIDE, UCF
• LAST FOUR CLUBS TO WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: CHELSEA, MANCHESTER CITY, PSG, REAL MADRID
• ARSENAL PLAYERS: EZE, RICE, SAKA, TIMBER

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: Ninja's Newest Gadget Will Turn You Into a Certified Barista with Just the Touch of a Button

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Summer is fast approaching, and gardens are in full bloom. If you're looking for a creative way to display your favorite flowers and plants this season, Walmart's latest patio find is worth a look. The top-rated Costway Wooden Wagon Planter adds a whimsical touch to any garden, porch, or deck, and it's on sale for over 50% off right now. 

The adorable planter, originally priced at $129, is currently marked down to just $60. Made from weather-resistant carbonized fir wood, the wheelbarrow-shaped vessel brings charming, rustic vibes to your space, adding a pop of personality that instantly makes gardens more eye-catching. 

Costway Wooden Wagon Planter, $60 (was $129) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Measuring 19.5 inches long, 10.5 inches wide, and 6 inches high, the planter offers plenty of room to hold flowers, herbs, succulents, faux stems, and even seasonal decor. Though spacious, it's compact enough to effortlessly fit in small outdoor spaces. Place it on a balcony, on your patio, or in a corner of a garden to add visual interest without overcrowding the area. The unique wagon shape makes it more striking than a standard pot planter, and you can use it as indoor decor as well. 

It has four wooden wheels, an ergonomic handle, and weighs just 8 pounds, making it easy to move around the yard or from indoors to outdoors. The sturdy planter is reinforced with wooden bars and metal hardware to enhance stability, and features a drainage hole to prevent overwatering and promote healthy root growth. It also comes with clear instructions and numbered parts for hassle-free assembly.    

Related: Walmart's Adorable $9 Hummingbird Nest Adds So Much Woodland Charm to Any Outdoor Space

Shoppers love the vintage-inspired planter, calling it an "adorable" addition to their outdoor space. One reviewer said it's "super cute" and the "perfect size" for their needs. Another noted that the "beautiful" wagon is "very well made, sturdy and easy to put together."

Shop More Deals

• Outsunny 4-Piece Raised Garden Bed, $35 (was $42) at Walmart
• Gymax Raised Garden Bed with Trellis, $80 (was $143) at Walmart
• Patiojoy Wooden Wagon Planter, $40 (was $90) at Walmart

If you want to adorn your outdoor space with something a little more unique than a terracotta pot or a raised garden bed, this lovely wooden wagon planter ticks all the right boxes. Grab one for yourself while it's still on sale for over 50% off at Walmart. 

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