Parade
Rose Byrne Was Once Hesitant to Play 'Icon' Gloria Steinem: 'Are You Crazy?'
You don’t have to be an A-list actress to know that portraying a national treasure is a daunting task.
Gloria Steinem is the latest American icon to pass in weeks, with news of the renowned journalist’s death sweeping the nation on Wednesday, September 3.
In 2020, Rose Byrne brought the social activist to life on the small screen in Mrs. America, FX’s Emmy-winning miniseries. Back then, the now-Oscar-nominated actress, 47, was doing press for the show and opened up about how she felt when first presented with the opportunity to play Steinem.
“I initially was like, are you crazy? How on earth could I play that part? She’s so iconic and intimidating,” the Australian actress is quoting saying in a Harper’s Bazaar article from 2020.
Byrne continued, discussing her creative process behind the role, “I have a totally different shaped face [than Steinem]. We were trying to avoid being a caricature. But once we narrowed down on the right pair of glasses, that was ground-breaking.”
The Bridesmaids actress also shared a newfound admiration for Steinem while promoting Mrs. America at the time: “To have that dedication and to survive that sort of scrutiny … Throughout the course of the show, that really took me by surprise. I didn’t realize the torture she went through, whether the feminists were attacking her, or the media was attacking her, or men attacking her, or the lawsuits, or the fallout with the magazine. Just the scrutiny that she was under, the microscope she was under. It was extraordinary.”
Remembering Steinem and Her LegacyAs news of her passing broke, tributes to the icon started pouring in. Actress Rosie O’Donnell was one of the first celebs to honor Steinem, posting a photo of the pair from an article in which O’Donnell praised actress Lena Dunham, calling her the next Steinem.
Shortly after her first post, O’Donnell shared a photo of herself, Steinem, and actress/activist Jane Fonda, writing, “Gloria – the mother of the women’s movement – we r all in ur debt.” Find out more here.
1976 Disco Song, Revived in a Blockbuster John Travolta Movie, Became a Generational Dance Floor Hit
Beyond rock music, the ’70s were full of iconic disco songs that dominated the club dance floors, and the Trammps released a hit that would gain traction on the charts and in a John Travolta classic.
“Disco Inferno” was released by the Trammps in 1976 as a single before it was also released as part of their studio album of the same name. Trammps keyboard player Ron Kersey wrote this song with Leroy Green, and they were originally inspired by a film. The track was based on the 1974 disaster film The Towering Inferno. Led by Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, the film focused on a fire breaking out underneath a ballroom dance floor.
The track itself wasn’t a success when it was originally released. According to Tom Moulton, they had committed an error during the mixing of the track, with the Dolby noise reduction being set incorrectly. Engineer Jay Mark noticed the mistake and remixed the track, but it led to more people’s intersted in listening.
The Trammps song ended up topping the U.S. Disco chart at No. 1 for six weeks in 1977, and landed at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its chart-topping status, it still wasn’t entirely seen as a hit until 1978. Travolta’s iconic 1977 Saturday Night Fever film led “Disco Inferno” to become a dance floor staple.
“When we put out ‘Disco Inferno,’ it didn’t do well, at first! Our attorney, David Steinberg, made a deal when they were putting ‘Saturday Night Fever’ together to use the song, because they needed another song, and luckily they remembered ‘Disco Inferno,'” said drummer Earl Young, according to The Philadelphia Tribune.
“They put it in the movie, and wherever that movie went, it made us go around the world too! It made us popular too — that one song!”
Saturday Night Fever would become a cult classic dance film featuring some of the era’s iconic groups as part of its soundtrack. Thanks to the film, “Disco Fever” resurged in popularity upon its re-release and landed at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The soundtrack even included the almost 11-minute studio version that did better than its 3:35-minute radio edit.
The Trammps found themselves a generational hit, which was covered decades later in 1993 by Tina Turner. She recorded her cover for her album What’s Love Got to Do with It, and the track did well on the charts overseas. A few years later, Cyndi Lauper also released her version in 1999 after having performed it live in New York a year earlier. Her version landed at No. 8 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Related: 1969 Rock Song, Written by Mick Jagger, Is Still an Unforgettable Hit 57 Years Later
‘Today’ Alum Ann Curry Turns Heads With Her Beautifully Graying Hair in Rare Selfie
Ann Curry is looking better than ever with graying hair.
The seasoned journalist, 69, who rose to stardom on NBC’s Today alongside Matt Lauer, Al Roker, and the rest of the crew, is doing great things in her retirement. In a new selfie snapped on the train as she headed to Washington, D.C., to visit a class, Curry looked as stylish as ever in black sunglasses and a cozy sweater. However, it was her graying hair that was particularly chic!
“Amtrak selfie! On my way to talk about journalism ethics with students in @asanfuentes Politics and Media class @americanuniversity,” Curry captioned the photo.
View this post on Instagram Curry’s Rare Red Carpet AppearanceLast fall, Curry hit the red carpet to attend Equality Now’s Make Equality Reality Gala 2025 at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City. It was a rare public appearance for Curry, who has stepped back from the public eye significantly in recent years. Wearing a stunning black floral silk dress and a black cardigan over it, Curry pulled her dark hair with gray roots back into a ponytail and highlighted her bright smile, a staple of mornings for anyone who watched her on Today.
She Found Support In Other Female JournalistsAfter leaving Today in 2012, Curry found tremendous support in the other female journalists who paved the way before her.
“During those darkest days, one by one, these wonderful women reached out,” Curry told People in 2018. “Jane Pauley, Connie Chung, Paula Zahn, Deborah Norville, they took me to lunch, one by one. Meredith wanted dinner. Oprah [Winfrey] called. They all gave me words of wisdom and
comfort. All these years later it still resonates — these kindnesses.”
She eventually announced she would be leaving NBC entirely in 2015.
Looking back on her departure in 2020, Curry said she’s proud of how she handled the situation.
“I have no regrets about how I’ve behaved. And I’m very proud, in spite of everything, of all the work I was able to achieve,” she told Elle. “I don’t really think about it very often; I really don’t. But when I do, it does hurt still, because it takes time to heal. But what I’ve learned is that you rise stronger.”
Curry Reported Matt LauerCurry previously spoke out in support of a female staffer at NBC who told her she had been “sexually harassed physically” by Matt Lauer. In a 2018 report from The Washington Post, it was reported that Curry approached two members of NBC management with concerns in 2012. Lauer went on to be fired for inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace five years later.
Related: Matt Lauer and Girlfriend Shamin Abas Are Still Going Strong
1983 Country Song by Alabama Becomes a Timeless Sing-Along Favorite for a New Generation
A wedding DJ recently posted a video of an entire reception crowd scream-singing Alabama’s hit “Dixieland Delight” and asked the question nobody’s been able to answer yet: how did a country song from 1983 suddenly become one of the newest, most enthusiastic sing-alongs in America? Think of it as country music’s “Sweet Caroline.” Neil Diamond‘s 1969 pop rock hit similarly developed its own crowd life decades after release — the “bah bah bah” response that nobody wrote into the song became the part every crowd now sings automatically. “Dixieland Delight” did the same thing. Same phenomenon. Different genre. Bigger mystery.
View this post on InstagramThe song hit No. 1 on the Billboard country charts on April 16, 1983 — it was Alabama’s ninth consecutive No. 1 in a record-breaking run of 21 straight chart-toppers. Written by Ronnie Rogers — not by Alabama — as a love song about a Tennessee Saturday night, Rogers got the title from a road sign. He was driving down Highway 11W in Tennessee when he came to a stop sign that read “Dixieland Delight” in smaller letters below “Stop.” He wrote the song inspired by a title he found on the side of the road. Rogers wrote the romance. Alabama recorded it so well that Rogers himself has said that’s probably why Alabama fans adopted it. Alabama fans rewrote it entirely.
Here’s what the University of Alabama football crowd does with it. At Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, fans don’t just sing along — they make it their own. They insert “Roll Tide” and other school-specific chants at exact moments in the song with a precision that suggests years of collective rehearsal. Nobody taught them when. Everyone just knows.
The DJ who posted the video asked how everyone literally knows exactly when it’s coming, and that’s the right question. The song has developed a choreography that’s nowhere in the original recording and yet a stadium full of people executes it perfectly every time. The tradition developed organically. Nobody planned it. Nobody announced it. A crowd just decided this was their song and started adding their own part.
From there, it spread the way the best sing-alongs do. Tennessee has its own version of this story. “Rocky Top” by the Osborne Brothers became the Tennessee Volunteers’ unofficial anthem through the same organic process. A crowd adoption nobody planned, nobody expected, and nobody can fully explain.
The comment section on the DJ’s video has Tennessee fans claiming “Dixieland Delight” too. The irony of Alabama fans and Tennessee fans fighting over a song Alabama recorded about Tennessee is either perfect or inevitable depending on how you look at it. Other campuses picked it up. Cal Poly SLO students were screaming it in 2002. Texas bar crowds in 2011. Wedding DJs started noticing it filled floors the way few songs could.
The Song That Made ItselfThe DJ’s video comment section is a document of how a song develops a second life in real time once it’s given to the fans. Boomers say they were singing it in college in the 1980s. Gen X danced to it at bars in the 1990s. Millennials learned it at games. Gen Z learned it from games, weddings, and TikTok. Every generation thinks they discovered it. Every generation is right. And every single time, it’s brilliant.
“Sometimes a song just develops a whole second life that the original artists probably never saw coming,” the DJ wrote. Ronnie Rogers wrote a love song about Tennessee. He got the title from a stop sign on a Tennessee highway. Alabama recorded it. Alabama fans made it a fight song. The rest of the country made it a wedding staple. Gen Z made it theirs. None of those things were planned. None of those people coordinated. The song just kept finding new crowds who needed a sing-along and giving them the same one their parents had.
“Dixieland Delight” has been living its second life since at least the 1980s. It isn’t the only song that found a second life nobody planned. Neil Young has said a 1963 Ronettes hit lives permanently in his soul. Some songs just keep finding new audiences. The question of how it happened doesn’t have a clean answer. Football games, bars, TikTok, college campuses, or southern tradition — none of those explanations are wrong and none of them are complete. Gen Z knows every single word. So did their parents. So will their kids.
That’s not a mystery. That’s just a great song finding every generation that needs it.
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Recall Issued for Berries Sold at Walmart Due to E. Coli Risk
A July recall notice for frozen fruit has been expanded, with the Food and Drug Administration publishing an update to the initial recall notice on September 3, noting that the recall now covers products that were shipped to Walmart locations in 16 states.
Related: Multi-State Recall Issued for Mangoes Sold at Walmart for Salmonella Risk
According to the government agency’s publication, Frutas y Hortalizas del Sur S.A. out of San Carlos, Chile, expanded its recall of frozen organic IQF blueberries to “include one lot of Great Value frozen Organic Triple Berry Blend” 10-ounce packages because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O145:H28 (E. coli O145). The mixed berry packages include strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
The recalled berries were distributed to select Walmart stores in 16 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin, and can be identified via the following markers:
UPC: 7874211226
Lot Code: 6040 01-6 (in front of the package)
Best If Used By Date: February 9, 2028
Related: Recall Issued for Candy Sold at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Homegoods
Consumers who purchased the affected product are asked to discard it or return it to Walmart for a full refund. As of publication, no illnesses have been associated with the frozen berries sold at Walmart.
This recall is an expansion of one issued in July that affected all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries sold at Publix retail locations in eight states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Related: Recall Issued for Olive Oil Due to Ingredient ‘Not Approved for Culinary Use’
Escherichia coli, or E. coli, “can cause illness characterized by severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting,” state both recall notices. Though most healthy individuals recover from infection within a week, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems may suffer more serious complications.
Next: Recall Issued for Lunchmeat Nationwide, Including Illinois and Michigan, Due to Listeria Risk
'Below Deck' Star Nathan Gallagher Wanted in Australia: Why Fleeing the Country Will Make Things Worse
For Below Deck Mediterranean bosun Nathan Gallagher, leaving Australia has put an even bigger spotlight on his legal troubles.
New South Wales Police confirmed that an arrest warrant was issued after Gallagher failed to appear in court on assault-related charges. Gallagher, who has appeared on Seasons 9, 10 and now 11 of the Bravo series, was convicted in absentia and is now wanted by Australian authorities in connection with the case.
Authorities are also warning the public not to approach Gallagher if they see him and instead to notify police immediately. Gallagher has also since deleted his social media accounts.
Because Gallagher fled, prosecutors were able to present evidence against him without him being present to defend himself, and the court convicted him in absentia. Under Australian law, he could potentially seek to have the conviction set aside or annulled. However, evidence that he fled the country could make that process more difficult. His decision to leave Australia could also be considered by a judge when determining any eventual sentence if he is returned to the country.
That could leave Gallagher facing another difficult legal hurdle if he is eventually brought back to Australia. While leaving the country does not automatically establish guilt, his absence from the proceedings and subsequent flight could become relevant to how the case proceeds.
View this post on InstagramOf course, what happens next could depend on whether Gallagher turns himself in, is arrested, or remains outside Australia. Australia’s extradition system allows the country to request the return of someone facing criminal proceedings or a sentence, and Australia can make an extradition request to any country. If Australia does not have an extradition treaty with that country, however, whether the request is accepted depends on that country’s domestic laws.
That means Gallagher’s decision to remain overseas would not necessarily put him beyond the reach of Australian authorities, but the legal process for bringing him back could vary significantly depending on where he is.
Rosie O’Donnell Remembers Gloria Steinem After Her Death at 92 With Powerful Tribute
Activist and feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem died at the age of 92. The trailblazer influenced generations, making a lasting impact through her words and actions.
Steinem’s family and foundation shared the sad news on Thursday, September 3, writing a moving Instagram message: “Yesterday, Gloria Steinem passed away peacefully in her home in New York City, surrounded by some of the many who loved her. Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end. Gloria’s greatest gift was her ability to listen to others, to make others feel seen and heard.”
American feminist and activist Gloria Steinem speaks at a rally outside the United Nations, New York, New York, 1978. (Photo by Bettye Lane/Photo Researchers History/Getty Images)As news of her passing broke, tributes to the icon started pouring in. Actress Rosie O’Donnell was one of the first celebs to honor Steinem, posting two moving messages on Instagram.
The first was a photo of the pair from an article in which O’Donnell praised actress Lena Dunham, calling her the next Steinem. Eleven years ago, she said during an interview on SiriusXM, “It’s really hard for me as a 53-year-old who was raised with the feminist movement and with ‘Our Bodies Ourselves,’ and to see there is no Gloria in the wings, until God gave us Lena Dunham. And I really feel as though she is the embodiment of, like, she’s like the child of Gloria Steinem.” And now that Steinem has passed, Rosie’s celebrating her life with this memory and the gut-wrenching caption, “No words. #legend.”
Shortly after her first post, O’Donnell shared a photo of herself, Steinem, and actress/activist Jane Fonda, writing, “Gloria – the mother of the women’s movement – we r all in ur debt.”
View this post on InstagramFans flocked to both posts, expressing their sadness and respect for Steinem. “I raised a feminist who will carry Gloria’s message of empowerment on for the rest of her life. That’s what Gloria taught us…from mother to daughter and so on,” wrote one commenter as others added, “How lucky were we to live at the same time as Gloria. Gloria saw what held women down, and educated, fought to make it right. Dedicated her life to enlighten us”, “Gloria Steinem. You left the world better than you found it. You were a great thought leader. You made me proud to be a woman,” and “We owe her and @janefonda Icons, trailblazers. May Ms. Steinem rest in peace. You did so much. A simple thank you would not be enough.”
View this post on InstagramO’Donnell and Steinem have a long history of working together for equality. In 1993, the pair co-hosted the “Voices of Choice” benefits concert, and in 2016 joined forces with Jane Fonda for the “A Night of Comedy” performance to support the Fund for Women’s Equality.
Kendra Scott’s Timeless Pearl Earrings and Necklace Set Adds Harmony to Any Outfit, and It’s 40% Off
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Sprucing up your outfit is all in the accessories, starting with purses and jewelry. Adding a sleek bag to your fall wardrobe with a sparkling necklace to match takes your look from classic to chic in just a few seconds. Thanks to Macy’s, you can shop for unbeatable clothing, footwear, and accessory deals that are actually worth including in your seasonal rotation.
Our latest favorite find is the Kendra Scott Pendant Necklace and Stud Earrings Set, which is 40% off now. The set originally cost $120, but has been reduced to $72 during a limited-time special sale. The one-size-fits-all pieces are being sold in gold and silvery rhodium plating options that add a coordinated look to any ensemble. The silver-toned offering is currently low in stock, so make sure to shop for it quickly if that’s your preferred hue.
Kendra Scott Pendant Necklace and Stud Earrings Set, $72 (was $120) at Macy’s Shop at Macy'sThe set includes one 19-inch necklace featuring a sparkling bow pendant and two freshwater pearl stud earrings. The necklace length is considered a medium size, so it’s perfect for those who want to wear it alone or stack it in between two necklaces (one shorter like a choker-style, and one longer). The accessory has a simple lobster clasp closure that you can adjust with the slider bead to make it as comfortable as possible.
The earrings each feature a 2.8 to 7 millimeter cultured pearl that’s placed in a shiny brass setting. They have a traditional post back closure that lets you slip them on and off easily, while still keeping them securely fastened on your ears. We love that the extra sparkle lets you wear the jewelry in casual, upscale, and professional settings, spanning from dinners with friends, to weddings, to days in the office.
The beauty of this set is that you can wear it with everything from jeans and a T-Shirt, to dresses and skirts. Shoppers described the set as “beautiful,” with one adding that it was a great gift for their daughter. Considering the price is so affordable and the set is so versatile, you can add one to your cart for yourself and a loved one without breaking the bank. Just make sure to avoid wearing the pieces in water, like when you’re showering or swimming, to keep them intact.
Shop More Deals- Easy Spirit Valina Knit Easy-On Loafers, $58 (was $89) at Macy’s
- Ball Stud Earrings, $49 (was $140) at Macy’s
- Genevive Sterling Silver Pearl Layered Necklace, $106 (was $530) at Macy’s
Treating yourself has never been so easy, thanks to this amazing jewelry set deal. The necklace and earrings will become your go-to statement pieces or sleek new everyday options the moment they hit your doorstep. Shop the pretty set now while it’s 40% off at Macy’s!
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What Happens to Lindsay Clancy if the Jury Can’t Reach a Verdict? Legal Analyst Explains (Exclusive)
The question hanging over Massachusetts mom Lindsay Clancy‘s murder trial is no longer only what verdict jurors will reach. It is whether they will reach one at all.
Lindsay, 36, a former labor and delivery nurse, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the January 24, 2023, strangulation deaths of her three children whom she shared with ex-husband Patrick Clancy: Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months.
The murders took place at the family’s Duxbury, Massachusetts, home. She has pleaded not guilty. Her lawyers argue she lacked criminal responsibility because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis. Prosecutors contend she understood her actions.
The nine-woman, three-man jury returned Thursday, September 3, for a sixth day of deliberations after more than 28 hours of discussion.
CNN reported that Jurors have twice told Plymouth Superior Court Judge William Sullivan they could not reach a unanimous decision. Sullivan has since given the panel the Tuey-Rodriguez instruction, a last-resort charge urging jurors to reconsider their views.
What Happens if Lindsay Clancy’s Jury Remains Deadlocked? A woman carries a sign to show support for the three murdered children of Lindsay Clancy during the Clancy’s murder trial at Plymouth Superior Court in Plymouth, Massachusetts (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP via Getty Images)(Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP via Getty Images)
Trial attorney, victims’ rights advocate and legal analyst Shari Karney tells Parade there is no automatic countdown to a mistrial. “There is no magic number of hours after which a judge must declare a mistrial,” Karney says.
She says Sullivan can encourage jurors to continue talking, but there is a constitutional limit. “A judge can encourage deliberation. A judge cannot coerce a verdict.”
If jurors remain firmly divided, however, the trial could end without a guilty or not guilty verdict. “If this jury remains hopelessly deadlocked, the judge can declare a mistrial,” Karney says.
Karney says the judge must be careful not to cross the line between encouraging jurors to keep talking and pressuring them into abandoning their own conclusions.
She added, “If jurors are genuinely divided, they have a constitutional right to remain divided. And if a judge were to push jurors beyond that point and effectively coerce a verdict, that could create a serious appellate issue. A verdict is supposed to represent twelve conscientious judgments—not twelve exhausted people finally saying, ‘Fine.'”
She stresses that a hung-jury mistrial would not clear Lindsay of the charges. “But a mistrial caused by a hung jury is not an acquittal,” she says. “It does not mean Lindsay Clancy has been found innocent. It means this jury could not reach the unanimity required for a criminal verdict.”
Karney also cautions against assuming a mistrial would mean Lindsay immediately leaves custody. “And I think there is another misconception that needs to be corrected: a mistrial does not necessarily mean Lindsay Clancy walks out of the courthouse,” she says.
What happens next would depend on the court, prosecutors and the defense, including whether the Commonwealth pursues another trial or the two sides seek another resolution.
“She is currently under the authority of the court and has significant psychiatric and medical needs. If there is a mistrial, the next questions become what happens to her custody, what the Commonwealth intends to do, and whether the defense and prosecution pursue a resolution. Does she remain at Tewksbury State Hospital? Most likely, yes.”
Could Lindsay Clancy Be Competent to Stand Trial Again? Lindsay Clancy and defense attorney Kevin Reddington listen to testimony at Plymouth Superior Court on August 18, 2026.(Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Karney believes that possibility raises another issue: whether Lindsay would be mentally competent to stand trial again. Lindsay is permanently paralyzed following her suicide attempt after the children’s deaths.
Karney says another trial would carry a human cost for everyone involved. “A second trial would not be emotionally or psychologically cost-free,” she says. Karney also believes prosecutors and the defense should consider resolving the case without another full trial if the jury hangs. “A negotiated settlement deserves serious consideration,” she says.
For Karney, a deadlocked jury would not erase the pain of the deceased kids or what conspired in 2023. It would leave both sides facing a harder question about what justice should look like after a trial that failed to produce unanimity.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
Panera Just Dropped Its Fall Menu—But There’s One Item You’ll Want to Run to Grab
There was a time when I practically treated Panera like my office. When I lived closer to one, I had an Unlimited Sip Club membership and would regularly bring my laptop, grab a coffee, iced tea or lemonade, and settle in to work for a few hours. I don’t make it there quite as often these days, but Panera‘s new fall menu gave me a pretty good reason to go back.
Starting Sept. 2, Panera is rolling out its seasonal lineup nationwide with plenty of comfort food for the cooler months ahead. The menu includes returning favorites like the Autumn Squash Soup, Harvest Medley Salad, Ciabatta Dippers and Chocolate Chip Bagel, along with three completely new additions: Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup, a PB&J Cookie and Cinnamon Croissant Bites.
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Of the three, I was especially curious about the PB&J Cookie. Peanut butter and jelly is already hard to mess up, and stuffing grape jelly inside a peanut butter cookie sounded like perfection.
I decided to do a taste test of the three new items from Panera’s fall menu to see which were worth ordering and, more importantly, which one I’d actually order again. I liked all three, but one was definitely my favorite.
The Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup Is Pure Comfort FoodCourtesy Fred Hernandez
The new Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup features Italian-style sausage, lasagna ribbon pasta and Parmesan in a ricotta-tomato broth and topped with Asiago cheese. It had plenty of tomato flavor, but what I liked most was the spice that kicked in toward the end of each bite. The noodles were tender, and the pasta, sausage and cheese made the bowl filling enough for lunch.
I ordered a bowl with Panera’s baguette on the side, and I’d recommend doing the same. It was perfect for dipping into the tomato-rich broth and soaking up whatever was left at the bottom. I finished feeling satisfied without being overly full, and I’d definitely order this one again when I’m craving soup.
The Cinnamon Croissant Bites Are Made for a Sweet ToothCourtesy Fred Hernandez
The Cinnamon Croissant Bites come topped with plenty of Panera’s cinnamon crunch topping and a side of icing for dipping. The outside was flaky while the center stayed soft, and each bite had plenty of cinnamon and sugar.
They’re already pretty sweet on their own, so I only used a little of the icing rather than coating every bite. I could see these being a hit with kids or anyone who loves a sugary breakfast treat, but they probably wouldn’t be my first choice from Panera’s bakery case. One word of warning: They’re flaky and a little messy, so I’d save these for when you’re eating at a table rather than attempting them in the car.
The PB&J Cookie Was My FavoriteCourtesy Fred Hernandez
The PB&J Cookie was the new item I was most excited to try, and thankfully, it lived up to my expectations. It’s a soft peanut butter cookie filled with grape jelly and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Think of it almost like an Uncrustable in cookie form.
There was a generous amount of jelly in the center, so I got some in nearly every bite, and I liked the balance between the sweet filling and peanut butter flavor of the cookie. The cookie itself was soft but still firm enough to hold everything together without falling apart. It’s also big enough to share if you just want something sweet after a meal.
Of the three new items I tried, this is the one I’d be most likely to order again.
Final ThoughtsPanera’s fall menu has a little something for whatever you’re in the mood for, from a filling bowl of soup to something sweet with your coffee. With three new items plus several returning favorites, there’s a lot to choose from this fall at Panera.
Related: I Tried Peet’s New Fall Menu—and My Favorite Item Was a Total Surprise
Dolly Parton’s Shimmery $30 Stoneware Tray Is a Charming Essential for Hosting and Home Styling
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Whether you’re a Dolly Parton fan — or shopping for one who’s a little sad this week — this serving tray is a sweet little find that brings charm wherever it’s placed. It works just as well styled on your own table as it does as for gifting on special occasions, thanks to the inclusion of one of Parton’s most-quoted lyrics from her 2014 song Try: “Dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings.” .
Right now, the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray is available for just $30 at Amazon, which is a great price for piece made from durable, long-lasting stoneware. It measures 13 by 9 inches and features Parton’s signature butterfly motif in a shimmering jeweled mosaic design.
Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray, $30 at Amazon Shop at AmazonThe star of this platter is the design. The blue mosaic pattern features glittery butterflies that bring sparkle wherever it’s placed — whether that’s a kitchen counter, a console table, or a dinner party spread.
With Parton’s popular song lyric etched into the tray, it’s an inspiring gift for weddings, birthdays, and fans of the country icon. One shopper shared, “Lovely plate to give to my daughter with the quote from Dolly.” Another said they bought it for their daughter’s wedding, and it “was more beautiful than expected.”
Beyond gifting, it’s just as practical for everyday use. Bring it out for charcuterie boards and movie night snacks, or even use it on a vanity to corral jewelry and perfume bottles. It’s also dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup easy after entertaining.
For anyone whose tablescape could use a little sparkle, the Dolly Parton Jeweled Mosaic Tray is an easy pick for just $30. Head to Amazon to grab one while it’s still in stock.
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Sydney Sweeney Just Made a Sheer Lace Top the Talk of Venice
Sydney Sweeney‘s sheer lace top is setting the Venice Film Festival on fire.
Sweeney, 28, rose to stardom on HBO’s hit series Euphoria and later earned critical acclaim for her role on The White Lotus. The blonde beauty is also an entrepreneur, launching SYRN by Sydney Sweeney, a new lingerie company. But in her appearance on Day One of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the blonde beauty took Italy by storm in a sheer lace top that left very little to the imagination. Pairing the top with khaki shorts and a matching handbag, Sweeney continued her reign as a stunning starlet as she strutted through the airport in the outfit. With bold diamond earrings and sunglasses, she’s the picture of a Hollywood goddess.
Stefano Mazzola / Getty Images
Sweeney and her love, music man Scooter Braun, also enjoyed the Venetian setting, sailing around for a romantic trip in a gondola. Sharing a sweet kiss, the duo looked extremely happy together as they cruised through the canals.
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Sweeney’s New Lingerie CampaignIn Sweeney’s new campaign for SYRN, the star showed off her stuff in a fun photo shoot in a kitchen. Drinking milk straight from the bottle as she crouches in front of a 70’s-style refrigerator, Sweeney is truly a siren, as the brand is named! Check out the stunning shots from the campaign below:
View this post on Instagram Sydney Sweeney’s Wonder Woman Costume Has the Internet Losing ItThe blonde beauty took a summer break from the chaos of Hollywood to enjoy time with family and friends. Showing off her famous curves in a Wonder Woman costume, the star posed with a smile on her face and that trademark silver lasso on her belt. Channeling Lynda Carter, who starred as the DC Comics superhero Wonder Woman in the TV series of the same name from 1975 to 1979, Sweeney is a sharp contrast to Carter’s brunette look.
View this post on InstagramRelated: Sydney Sweeney’s Lingerie Campaign Has the Internet Talking Ahead of Her 29th Birthday
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Friday, September 4, 2026
To solve today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, you’ll be exploring space-themed phrases, opposites, social media shout-outs, state mottos, frightful descriptions, words meaning “must have,” famous actors and expressions involving hats.
Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Friday, September 4, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Friday, September 4, 2026Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints1 Across: With 6- and 8-Across, face seen in outer space — HINT: Starts with the letter “M”
4 Across: Opposite of tight — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
6 Across: See 1-Across — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
7 Across: Directly called out in a post, using an “@” — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”
8 Across: See 1-Across — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NYT Mini Down Hints1 Down: “Eureka” for California, or “Excelsior” for New York — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
2 Down: Pale with fright — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”
3 Down: Have to have — HINT: Ends with the letter “D”
4 Down: Actor Neeson of “Taken” — HINT: Starts with the letter “L”
5 Down: “Hold ___your hat!” — HINT: Starts with the letter “O”
Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers1 Across: With 6- and 8-Across, face seen in outer space — MAN
4 Across: Opposite of tight — LOOSE
6 Across: See 1-Across — INTHE
7 Across: Directly called out in a post, using an “@” — ATTED
8 Across: See 1-Across — MOON
1 Down: “Eureka” for California, or “Excelsior” for New York — MOTTO
2 Down: Pale with fright — ASHEN
3 Down: Have to have — NEED
4 Down: Actor Neeson of “Taken” — LIAM
5 Down: “Hold ___your hat!” — ONTO
Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Thursday, September 3, 2026
Selena Quintanilla’s Family Drama Explained: Why Her Siblings Are Feuding
Tensions within Selena Quintanilla’s family have gone public.
The late singer’s siblings, A.B. Quintanilla III and Suzette Quintanilla, have been trading conflicting statements on social media over an alleged legal dispute.
The drama began Tuesday, September 1 when A.B. announced on Instagram that “there is a lawsuit related to Suzette Arriaga,” as well as circumstances involving their father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., who died in December 2025.
According to A.B., the situation developed over “years of accumulated situations, decisions and circumstances” that he previously kept private because they involved family.
“There are facts. There is evidence. There are circumstances. And there is much that is still unknown,” he wrote, promising to eventually explain what led him to take legal action.
View this post on Instagram Suzette disputes A.B.’s claimsThe following day, Suzette and the siblings’ mother, Marcella Quintanilla, issued a lengthy response on Instagram challenging A.B.’s characterization of the situation.
“Suzette has never been served with any lawsuit,” they wrote in the two page statement, adding that they had been unable to locate a corresponding publicly filed case. They also explicitly denied apparent insinuations of financial misconduct, stating, “There was no theft by Suzette.”
They further denied that Suzette plans to sell Selena’s personal belongings, explaining that any possible sale of an ownership interest in a company would be a separate matter. Billboard similarly reported finding no publicly available case matching A.B.’s description after searching multiple state and federal court systems.
View this post on InstagramDespite their increasingly public disagreement, Suzette and Marcella ended their own statement with love. “We love A.B.,” they wrote. “He is our son and brother.”
A.B. Quintanilla says he has proofA.B. quickly responded in a second post, declaring in red text at the top of the statement, “I DON’T LIE.”
He claimed Suzette and her attorneys had received documents by certified and electronic mail concerning her alleged fiduciary duties and said requested contracts, financial records and other documentation had not been provided.
He included a heavily redacted document, which appeared to be a cease-and-desist letter, which is distinct from a court-filed lawsuit.
Fans were quick to chime in on the drama in the comments.
“I think this should be handle privately,” one person wrote.
“Refusing to present documents like Yolanda Saldivar? “ a second said.
A third said, “This whole situation is so sad.”
For now, exactly what the dispute involves (and whether a lawsuit has actually been filed) remains unclear.
A.B. says more answers are coming soon. He announced that his attorney will speak publicly on Friday, September 4, promising that “many things will be made clear.”
Starbucks Just Teased New ‘Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown’ Merch—and Fans Are Already Obsessed
Starbucks is celebrating the 60th anniversary of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown with an exclusive new merch collection, and fans are already predicting long lines and fast sellouts.
The upcoming fall drop includes drinkware and accessories, like a Snoopy glass cup, that’ll make cozying up with the season’s exclusive sips all the more nostalgic (should you be able to get your hands on it anyway, we saw how quickly that viral Bearista went!).
“The return of Pumpkin Spice Latte and ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ are both enduring signs that fall has arrived,” Dana Pellicano, senior vice president of Global Product Experience at Starbucks, explained in a statement. “This collaboration brings those traditions together in a collection designed to celebrate the joy of the season, and we’re excited to share it with our customers.”
“The Snoopy glass cold cup is a special addition to the collection, one that is sure to become a cherished keepsake for Starbucks and Peanuts fans alike,” the exec concluded.
Starbucks Shares Preview of Its New It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown-Inspired Merch Ahead of 60th AnniversaryAlthough the Peanuts-inspired collection—which is also said to feature 10 items in total—hasn’t officially rolled out yet, Starbucks previewed it to grand applause on Thursday, Sept. 3, joking in the caption of its Instagram post that the collection is just “a little something to put your pumpkin spice in.”
“The way I just GASPED,” one fan replied with glee.
“Oh no I fear I’ll need this collection,” a second cried out, while a third teased: “It’s going down.”
Related: Starbucks Launches Limited-Edition Merch Collection Inspired by Its Beloved Pink Drink
Others complained of anticipated disappointment, likening it to being cheated out of tricks-or-treats. Such as one who lamented, “Can’t wait to never get this bc it will be impossible.”
“It will sell out in 2 hours tops,” someone else predicted.
Starbucks’ limited-edition collectible Snoopy glass cup.Starbucks
Along with the already viral Snoopy cup ($39.95), the full collection features:
- A Lucy and Snoopy Stainless Steel Cold Cup ($32.95)
- The Great Pumpkin Tumbler ($32.95)
- A Snoopy, The Great Pumpkin 24-ounce Cold Cup ($27.95)
- Peanuts Surprise Snoopy Ceramic Mug ($29.95)
- Woodstock 16-ounce Stainless Steel Tumbler ($32.95)
- Snoopy Plush ($34.95)
- Bag Charm ($16.95)
- Mini Tote ($29.95)
- Enamel Pin Set ($14.95)
Starbucks
“Like Linus, I eagerly await the coming of The Great Pumpkin this time every year,” Lisa Silverman Meyers, senior vice president, International, Peanuts Worldwide, added. “And as a Pumpkin Spice Latte fan (oatmilk, whipped cream), I am so delighted to again be working with the wonderful people of Starbucks to bring this program to life.”
Starbucks said its new It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown-Inspired merch will be available in select global coffeehouses and on Starbucks Shop, while supplies last, beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 15 (prices may vary). Its 2026 fall menu is now available in stores and online.
Next: Starbucks Is Finally Bringing the Aerocano, a Viral Iced Coffee, to the US This Fall
Walmart's $31 Portable Closet With Drawers Is a Dream for Organizing Dorms, Apartments, and Bedrooms
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When space is limited, the last thing you want is to add to your clutter. Unfortunately, it has a way of collecting when you don’t actually have a dedicated space for everything. Items like clothes and bedding are especially difficult to squeeze into tight spots, making the Baokaler Portable Closet an especially practical buy if your home could benefit from more storage.
The covered closet is an excellent deal at Walmart right now, reduced from its usual $60 to only $31 for the coffee color. You can also snag it in black or navy blue for $33, or pick up a gray version for $36. It’s truly an organizer’s dream, with a combination of rods, drawers, shelves, and pockets giving you ample space to keep everything neatly contained.
Baokaler Portable Closet, From $31 (was $60) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe layout is impressive for something that weighs just 7.7 pounds. Standing 65 inches tall by 41 inches wide by 18 inches deep, it’s so light that you can easily move it from one room to another based on your storage needs. It’s great for compact bedrooms that might require more closet space, and several people noted it’s an ideal fit for dorm rooms and apartments, too.
It’s meticulously designed with metal tubes for essential structural support, ensuring you can fill drawers and line shelves without worrying about the closet’s stability. There’s plenty of clearance space between the shelves to accommodate larger stacks or taller items. Meanwhile, the three drawers at the bottom are roomy enough to keep seasonal items or small accessories out of the way but always within easy reach.
The rod is ideal for hanging coats, jackets, blazers, sweaters, and anything else that requires more room. And there’s plenty of space beneath the rod to stack items on the surface below. The exterior, meanwhile, is equipped with a couple of pockets to stash items you may want to have on hand for regular use, like belts or clutches.
Everything inside will stay dust-free and clean thanks to the waterproof fabric cover, which pulls back like a curtain for easy access and can be zipped up for secure coverage. Shoppers love the design, with one person noting it’s a useful addition that “fits easily into smaller spaces.” Another person praised the “beautiful” design.
Shop More Deals- Joz 3-Piece Coffee Table Set, $82 (was $200) at Walmart
- Oneach Vintage Floor Lamp, $57 (was $110) at Walmart
- Bgtrend 3-Tier Shoe Rack, $14 (was $22) at Walmart
You can’t put a price on a clean home, but the Baokaler Portable Closet proves you don’t have to spend a small fortune to maintain your living space. Pick it up in your preferred color while it’s discounted at Walmart.
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Mexican Musician, Pregnant Wife and Daughter Killed as 6-Year-Old Son Survives
A devastating loss has shaken Mexico’s music community.
Jonathan Meléndez, keyboardist for the indie rock band Camilo Séptimo, was found dead alongside members of his family at their home outside Mexico City, CNN reported.
View this post on InstagramAuthorities discovered four people dead inside an apartment building in Atizapán de Zaragoza late Tuesday, September 1, according to a statement from the State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office. Jonathan’s young son survived the attack — making him the sole survivor of the family.
Jonathan Meléndez and Family Found Dead at Their Home View this post on InstagramJonathan, 38, was identified by multiple outlets, including CNN and Billboard, as one of the victims. His wife, Ana Paula, their 3-year-old daughter, Sofia, and the family’s nanny, Aleida Romero Victorio, were also found dead inside the residence.
Paula, 35, was reportedly four months pregnant at the time.
Jonathan Meléndez’s 6-Year-Old Son SurvivedThe couple’s 6-year-old son survived after hiding beneath blankets during the attack, according to reports.
Authorities believe the murders occurred Tuesday evening, hours before the bodies were discovered shortly before midnight. Investigators have arrested two men in connection with the case. According to CNN, prosecutors identified one as Diego Sebastian “N,” described as an associate of Jonathan, and another as Gerardo “N.”
The New York Post reported that Mexico’s Secretary of Security, Omar Hamid García Harfuch, said one suspect “exploited the relationship of trust to enter the residence.” Investigators have reportedly ruled out robbery as a likely motive because the home did not appear to have been ransacked.
Camilo Séptimo mourned Jonathan in a statement following news of his death. “We will always remember him with immense love and gratitude,” the group said.
“Today we honor and celebrate his life, his music, his light and what we shared with those of us who were lucky enough to know him and make his way with him.”
The band also thanked the State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office for its “effort and professional work” in investigating the case. “In memory of Honas, his wife Ana Paula, and his beloved daughter, who will live forever in our hearts,” the group concluded.
Billboard reports that Jonathan helped form Camilo Séptimo with singer Manuel Mendoza and guitarist Erik Vázquez in 2013, building a career with the Mexican indie group that lasted more than a decade. This is an ongoing investigation.
'Teen Mom' alum Jenelle Evans Defends Homeschooling Her Kids After Facing Criticism
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, there are more than 3 million homeschool students (and counting) in the United States.
Despite the number of parents choosing to educate their kids at home, Teen Mom alum Jenelle Evans is facing criticism for recently enrolling her two youngest children, Ensley and Kaiser, in online school.
In a video she uploaded to Instagram, Evans defended her decision to homeschool her kids and revealed an underlying health issue, as well as bullying, made it the right choice for her family. She also reassured her followers she was not the teacher, but “just put them on the computer.”
“So, there are many different reasons why the kids are being homeschooled, and one of the reasons why was Kaiser was having a really hard time being bullied at school,” the mother-of-three explained. “As soon as he got into this school, it was bullying once again, mainly having to do with his weight.”
View this post on InstagramShe continued, “Now, another reason they are being homeschooled is because I was diagnosed with CRPS, so I literally can not drive them to and from school because I am in too much pain, and their school was 40 minutes there and back in the morning and afternoon.”
To prove to her fans that she was fully capable of managing homeschooling, she also shared a video poolside helping her daughter with an online assignment.
However, people have very mixed feelings in the comments about the schooling situation, especially after Evans revealed her kids were getting their work done in less than two hours.
“Bullying can impact a child so deeply, and you’re doing an amazing job protecting your kiddos and giving them a safe, loving environment to learn and grow. Keep going girl…you’re doing a great job homeschooling your children,” one person wrote. Another disagreed, adding, “Oh my God. She doesn’t even have a high school diploma, for God’s sake”
A third chimed in, “Ever heard of a school bus?”
Evans is also a mom to her 17-year-old son, Jace, who entered a mental health facility in March 2026 for specialized care. He is currently living with Evans’ mother, Barbara.
Amelia Dimoldenberg Just Announced the End of Beloved 'Chicken Shop Date' Series
Well, today is definitely a rough one, folks.
Chicken Shop Date, Amelia Dimoldenberg’s beloved YouTube series, is officially coming to an end. Dimoldenberg, 32, shared the show update on Instagram earlier today. “All good dates must come to an end,” reads a chicken shop napkin on the post.
Amelia, who started Chicken Shop Date in 2011 when she was just 17, has evolved into a massive internet sensation. The interview web series, which takes place in chicken shops throughout London, has Dimoldenberg interviewing celebrities in a deadpan, intentionally awkward format, positioned as a “date.”
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Amelia Dimoldenberg Says Goodbye to Chicken Shop Date View this post on InstagramPast guests on the show include Ed Sheeran, Paul McCartney, Andrew Garfield, Bella Hadid, Idris Elba, among many, many others. The interviews regularly went viral for their hilariously cringe interactions. (Though Amelia’s “date” with Garfield definitely had some seemingly real sparks flying. Just saying.)
In the Instagram post sharing the bittersweet news, Dimoldenberg admitted that she never saw herself ending the series, but she now felt it was time to try something different.
“I never thought I’d stop Chicken Shop Date, I thought maybe it would be a part of me forever, and in some way it always will, but I feel like it’s now time to move on from this adventure and onto a new one,” wrote Dimoldenberg in the caption of the Instagram post. “But before I say goodbye forever, I want to celebrate everything Chicken Shop Date has been for me with a few final dates…coming very soon.”
In the comments, fans reacted to the news, both devastated at its ending and sharing words of encouragement and gratitude for the YouTube star.
“hey so, I actually can’t handle this information rn,” lamented one sad fan in a comment.
“You accomplished something so incredible, truly. Cannot wait to see what’s next ❤️ thanks for some of the best internet videos to watch again and again!” wrote another commenter on the post.
We can’t wait to see what Amelia does next and wish her nothing but success, happiness and, of course, true love.
Related: ‘Chicken Shop Date’ Star Amelia Dimoldenberg to Lead and Produce New Romantic Comedy Movie
Olympic Star With 3 Gold Medals, Nicknamed 'Snow Princess,' Turns 23
Eileen Gu, the freestyle skiing star known in China by the nickname “Snow Princess,” is celebrating her 23rd birthday after another record-setting year that added to her Olympic legacy.
Gu, also known by her Chinese name Gu Ailing, has won three Olympic gold medals and three silver medals, making her the most decorated freestyle skier in Olympic history. Her latest Olympic campaign came at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, where she won gold in women’s halfpipe and silver medals in big air and slopestyle.
The three medals she earned in Italy added to the three medals she won at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Her Olympic record now includes a medal in each of the six individual events she has entered.
Eileen Gu at The 2026 ESPYS held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Square on July 15, 2026 in New York, New York.Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Gu’s birthday comes at a major point in her career. At 23, she has already built a resume that includes Olympic titles, World Championship gold medals and recognition beyond skiing.
Gu first became a major Olympic name at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
At just 18 years old, she won gold in women’s big air and women’s halfpipe, along with a silver medal in slopestyle. The results made her the first freestyle skier to win three medals at a single Winter Olympics.
Four years later, Gu returned to the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and again reached the podium in all three women’s freestyle skiing events.
She successfully defended her halfpipe title by posting a top score of 94.75 in the final. China’s Li Fanghui finished second with 93.00, while Great Britain’s Zoe Atkin took bronze with 92.50.
Gu was born on Sept. 3, 2003, in San Francisco, California. She was raised by her Chinese mother, Yan Gu, and spent her childhood between California and Beijing.
She started skiing in Lake Tahoe at age three. At eight, she joined the Northstar California Resort free-ski team, and by nine, she had won her first national championship.
Gu initially competed for the United States before changing her sporting affiliation to China in 2019. She later represented China at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
When she announced the change, Gu said she hoped skiing could help her “inspire millions of young people” in China and help bring people and nations closer together.
Her connection with China made her hugely popular there. She became known on Chinese social media as the “Snow Princess,” according to BBC.
Gu has also spoken openly about her connection to both countries.
In a 2020 ESPN interview, she said: “Since I was little, I’ve always said when I’m in the U.S., I’m American, but when I’m in China, I’m Chinese.”
Her dual cultural identity has remained a major part of the public discussion around her career, especially because she was born and raised in the United States but competes for China.
Gu’s success has not come only from physical training. She has also talked about the mental approach she uses when preparing for major competitions.
In a recent appearance on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, per Business Insider, Gu explained the difference between how she approaches training and competition.
“I train like I’ve never won, and I compete like I’ve never lost,” she said.
Gu explained that the mindset helps her remain hungry even after winning major events.
“The second thing is it keeps you hungry, and that’s what allows you to perform over time,” Gu said.
She also described competition as a time when she completely changes her mindset.
“And I’m like, ‘I am the best person who has ever stepped foot here. Nobody’s even going to touch me. Everyone’s competing for second,’” Gu said.
She called this her competition alter ego and said separating that mindset from her training mindset helps protect her from becoming overly confident.
Away from competition, Gu has also stressed the importance of sleep and recovery. She said she has slept for about 10 hours every night since childhood.
“My secret weapon is that since childhood, I have every night had 10 hours of sleep. That’s how I grew up,” she said.
She has also said that competing in three events can be emotionally tiring because of the highs and lows that come with competition.
For her 23rd birthday, Gu’s career already includes achievements that many athletes spend an entire lifetime trying to reach.
Related: Olympic Star Eileen Gu Stuns With Lingerie-Style Outfit
