Universal opens a new park in Orlando
Take a look inside two of the five worlds at Universal's #EpicUniverse on opening day with NBC News' Jesse Kirsch. Universal Orlando Resort is owned by NBC News' parent company, NBCUniversal.
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Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Kate Spade and husband 'tried to work things out' before her suicide
Kate Spade's close friend has said the late fashion designer and her husband, Andy, had been attempting to work through their differences before her death A friend of Kate Spade has said the fashion designer and her widower attempted to work through their issues. Fashion designer Kate tragically died aged 55 in June 2018. A housekeeper found the designer dead at her apartment in Manhattan, New York. Local police found a note which was addressed to Kate's daughter following her death, which was ruled to be suicide. Now, a friend of the late icon has claimed that Kate and her husband Andy had been attempting to work through their differences in the lead-up to her death. Although they hadn't been legally separated, Kate and Andy had been living apart for ten months before she sadly died. Elyce Arons, a friend of the fashion designer, has now shed light on Kate's final few months. In her upcoming memoir, she said: "They were trying to work things out – and they were always in each other's lives every day." In the excerpt of We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship With Kate Spade, Arons went on to add: "They loved each other." Kate and Andy were married for 24 years and welcomed daughter Frances Beatrice Valentine Spade, now 20, in 2005. But Arons has also claimed that the late fashion mogul was extremely private but often opened up to her about her struggles. Following Kate's death, Andy, who maintains a low public profile, issued a rare statement explaining that they had never discussed divorcing one another. He said: "We were not legally separated, and never even discussed divorce. We were best friends trying to work through our problems in the best way we knew how. "We were together for 35 years, we loved each other very much and simply needed a break." He also shed light on Kate's mental health, explaining she had suffered from depression and anxiety for "many years." He commented: "She was actively seeking help and working closely with doctors to treat her disease, one that takes far too many lives. We were in touch with her the night before and she sounded happy. "There was no indication and no warning that she would do this. It was a complete shock. And it clearly wasn't her. There were personal demons she was battling." Arons also claimed that while relatives of Kate had believed she had been suffering from bipolar disorder, this is something "Katy" had never discussed. In the abstract published by People Magazine, Arons said: "She never shared with me that she was diagnosed with anything. I think it's stigma-related. "And because she was private, she probably felt that even more so. She would just use the word sad." But while Kate's sister, Reta Saffo, had told the media she believed her sister had been living with bipolar disorder but other relatives, who have kept out of the spotlight, have disputed this. Speaking to NBC News, a source claimed that the family had been "disgusted and saddened" by Reta's comments. Meanwhile, her brother, Earl Brosnahan, stated that Kate was the only person in their family to still speak to Reta, but only "sporadically". He branded the comments "grossly inaccurate." Now, Arons, who co-founded the accessories and clothing line, Frances Valentine, alongside Kate, has announced a new tote bag in support of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation. She said: "I love the organisation because they are working on research and getting a diagnosis. "I think bringing it to light is helpful instead of hiding it." If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch.
NBC News
10 hours ago
- NBC News
‘State of Firsts' documentary explores Sarah McBride's historic first months in Congress
When Rep. Sarah McBride, the nation's first openly transgender member of Congress, said in November that she would comply with a policy from House Republicans that banned her from using public women's restrooms in the House, many in the transgender community were disappointed — and some even furious. Some people expected McBride, as the only trans member of Congress, to fight more, especially given efforts by state Republicans and the Trump administration to roll back trans rights. In 'State of Firsts,' a documentary about McBride's election that will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on Saturday, McBride says the criticism from some in her own community hurt but that she felt she would be giving in to Republicans by responding in a way that made her less effective at her job. 'I also think people misunderstand the difference between activists and elected officials and the roles that those respective jobs play in social change and social movement,' she says. 'Even if you disagree with that, there would be a bounty on my head if I said that I would not comply.' The documentary explores the unique pressures McBride faced entering Congress. It provides some of the first glimpses at how the bathroom resolution and the criticism from her own community has affected her, and it addresses questions about the limits and challenges of representation and of being a historic 'first' in federal office. 'It's easy to tell a simple story about a first or about a person's experience, but you don't get many lessons learned from simple stories,' McBride told NBC News ahead of the documentary's premiere. 'My motivation in agreeing to this was to hopefully help chronicle what it was truly like … so that others who come after me can maybe pull from some of the lessons and some of the experiences, so that their experience is maybe a little bit easier or they can do it a little bit better.' Being first isn't necessarily new for McBride. She became the first out trans woman to work in the White House when she interned with the Obama administration, according to her 2018 memoir, 'Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality.' Then, in 2016, she became the first trans person to speak at a major political convention when she gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention. In 2020, she became the country's first openly trans state senator. Though McBride had an idea of what it was like to be a 'first,' she entered Congress at an unprecedented time for trans people, as dozens of states have enacted restrictions on the bathrooms trans people can use in schools and government buildings and their access to transition-related care and school sports. The documentary also shows how the Democratic Party has been fractured both by the conservative campaign to restrict trans rights and the ongoing war in Gaza. The documentary shows McBride knocking on constituents' doors before the Democratic primary election in Delaware in September. McBride asks a constituent whether she can count on their support, and the constituent says, 'The only thing that would dissuade us from voting for you is can we count on you to call for a ceasefire?' McBride responds that she has called for a ceasefire, and the constituent asks, 'How much can we count on you to be vocal about it?' before becoming emotional and saying it's hard to see images of kids who 'look like our kid.' (The film also shows the reporter of this article asking McBride about the interaction in an interview.) Chase Joynt, the documentary's director, said it was important for him to show that moment not only because it revealed an important issue for one of McBride's constituents, but also because it spoke to a larger theme of the film: that much of the public expected McBride to be an activist, even though that isn't who she has been for most of her political career as a progressive Democrat largely in line with the party's platform. 'One of the central tensions in the film and of this political moment are the frictions between activist and electoral strategies of social change and the pressures put on politicians, in particular, to make statements and make claims and to be constantly negotiating what's at stake in all of those moves,' Joynt said. The documentary delves into the LGBTQ community's complex response to McBride's becoming a 'first.' It includes audio from Slate's 'Outward' podcast, in which writer Jules Gill-Peterson says, 'This first elected representative is really not one that it seems like many trans people are going to get excited about, given some of her policy positions and the way that she's sort of aligned with the party establishment.' Co-host Christina Cauterucci, a Slate editor, responds: 'I think she's had to be like that. I think a trans person who was more radical in any sense just simply would not have achieved what she's achieved.' Joynt said he hopes the documentary encourages people to think about the potentials and limitations of representation in political office. 'We can expand that conversation to think about a politics of representation that requires trans people to be good, that requires trans people to be palatable, to be on the right side, whatever that might mean, of certain issues,' Joynt said. Joynt said one of the 'perils' of coverage of political figures, particularly those who are 'firsts,' is that 'we put a lot of pressure on individual people to represent all of the various issues and needs,' when, in reality, no one person of any identity can represent all relevant views. McBride said that with this film, she wants people to see more than just headlines and short video clips. She wants them to get a glimpse of the tradeoffs and challenges — as well as the joy and humor — that come with being a first in Congress. 'It's so easy to forget the fullness of who people are and the complexities that every single person is navigating and often the impossible choices that people have to make,' she said. She added that, since the bathroom resolution, she has become 'more confident now than I have ever been that the approach that I am taking since getting to Congress is working.' 'Some of my colleagues realized that I'm just not fun,' she said, laughing. 'I'm not going to give them the response that they want, because I always knew that this was not about their actual, genuine distaste for trans people, it's because they wanted attention, and because I refuse to let them use me as a pawn, the reality show has moved on to other free gimmicks.'
The Independent
10 hours ago
- The Independent
Inside the new Epic Universe theme park with 11 new rides
Universal Studios Orlando, since opening in 1990, has grown into a major entertainment hub, drawing 10 million visitors annually across its Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay parks. In 2019, Universal announced plans for a fourth park, promising an unprecedented level of immersion and innovation. Six years later, that vision has materialised. Epic Universe, the first major theme park in Orlando in 25 years, represents a $7.5 billion investment (£5.5 billion) and a significant leap forward in theme park design. During the opening week, Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations and Experiences, described the park as "the most technologically advanced park in the world". This is everything you need to know about the new Epic Universe theme park and what tourists can expect. What are the rides like? With 11 new rides, one of which has been deemed the best dark ride in the world, I was eager to get started. With five worlds to explore – How to Train Your Dragon; Isle of Berk; Super Nintendo World; Dark Universe; and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic (all centred around the main hub of Celestial Park) – I was lucky I had three days. Each world is entered through its own portal, backed-up with its own music and theming, making visitors feel like they have truly been transported into a different dimension. None more so, than the colourful Super Nintendo World with its sea of rainbow, sounds of coins being collected and Venus flytraps chomping away to that well-known theme tune. Rides range from family coasters, such as Hiccups Wing Gliders – a firm favourite with our group, to the high-speed, dual racing thrill ride of Stardust Racers. Fyre Drill is a water soaker perfect for cooling down in the humid Floridian heat, while airborne Dragon Racers Rally allows you to barrel-roll your own dragon, should you desire. If you're a fan of Mario Kart, then Bowser's Challenge is definitely one to try. This fully immersive version of the game puts riders behind the wheel of their very own moving kart. Donning a special Mario cap along with high-tech virtual reality glasses, I took my place in the kart and head out on my own mission to collect as many coins as possible while encountering Mario favourites. For me, Dark Universe was the real showstopper. I was lucky enough to visit this area during the day and at night, and I have to say, if you get the chance to go after dark, you won't leave disappointed. It has to be the most atmospheric and creepy park, EVER! Monsters Unchained is one of those rides you can go on time and time again, each time a different experience. I rode this four times and still felt like I had missed some elements of it. Sat on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm, I entered the abyss of Dr Victoria Frankenstein's experiment, being tilted backwards and forwards, up and down, as a revolt of enraged monsters came at me. Despite Dark Universe being my particular favourite world, I would challenge anyone to not be impressed by the Ministry of Magic in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. With anticipated queue times of up to five hours, its reputation certainly precedes it. The entrance is an exact replica of the one in the films. Bottle-green glossy tiles line the walls, along with posters with moving images. Even the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo makes riders disappear in a plume of green smoke. The ride itself is definitely worth the wait and is a lot longer than you would anticipate as you travel deep into the depths of the Ministry's many departments to the trial of Delores Umbridge, encountering uninvited guests along the way. The live shows you can't miss Aside from the rides, there are two notable live shows at Epic and you won't want to miss either. I'm not usually much of a fan of park shows, but both of these soon had me changing my mind. The Untrainable Dragon, within Isle of Berk, treats audiences to a spectacular, musical show, complete with dragons, amazing stage effects and a moving toothless dragon animatronic that soars above the audience. Even if you have never seen the films, you can't fail to be impressed, while Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes part in a small circus tent and combines a magical performance of illusions, puppetry and immersive effects, that has audiences captivated right from the preshow. The best dining options Whilst Celestial Park is the hub of Epic, with many dining options, there are plenty to be found in each world, with the theming spilling over into the menus. With an abundance of restaurants, cafes, pubs and street carts, I am spoilt for choice, with everything from Parisian street cafes in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the deathly dishes at Das Stakehaus in Dark Universe. During my visit I sampled the delights of Mead Hall in Isle of Berk – a one stop shop for Viking cuisine. Serving everything from sandwiches to meat platters and what seemed to be popular choice – Mac and Cheese cones. For the more discerning diner, the Atlantic restaurant in Celestial Park provides a fine under-the-sea dining experience, with a seafood-based menu. But for me, the Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World was a big hit, with its Mario and Luigi burgers and Bowser's Fireball Challenge. Where to stay Epic Universe brings three new hotels – The Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. If your budget allows, then staying at Helios is a no-brainer. This starry 500 room extravaganza has amazing views overlooking Epic and even has its own entrance to the park. For the more budget-minded, the Stella Nova and Terra Luna offer a more affordable option. I stayed at the Stella Nova resort, just a short shuttle ride away. For me, this was the perfect option. I had great views of the park and the onsite pool and bar area made for a relaxing afternoon in amongst what was a hectic few days. Staying onsite also gives guests early park admission. Overall verdict For me, Epic Universe is truly that. Everything from the theming to the rides, food to the park itself has raised the bar in the world of theme parks. No expense has been spared on taking each attraction to the next level. But with demand expected to be high, ticket sales only allow for one-day passes throughout 2025, so planning ahead is key. I've no doubt the celebrations will continue for many months to come, but for now, the memories will live on. So, until next time, Universal… you have been Epic! How to plan your trip British Airways Holidays offers seven nights at the 3.5-star Universal Stella Nova Resort from £829pp, including flights and room only accommodation.
