Tennessee Tourism Celebrates Designation Of Two New Sites Along The U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Jefferson Street Sound Museum and the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music are officially designated as sites along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) announced.

“Tennessee is proud to be home to 17 sites along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. From Memphis to Nashville to Clinton, visitors can learn about the brave men and women who fought for their Civil Rights,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, TDTD and Chairman of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail Marketing Alliance. “These destinations shine a light on the triumphant and impactful stories at historic places across the state that shaped our nation's history.”

Located in the heart of historic Jefferson Street, Jefferson Street Sound Museum showcases how music, culture and activism intersected. During the 1940s-1970s, Jefferson Street stood as a vibrant hub - home to clubs, studios and venues where artists like Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, Ray Charles, James Brown, Tina Turner, Little Richard and countless others performed. Jefferson Street and its artists played a central role in shaping both Nashville's musical legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Today as a museum, it offers both musical and educational programming that celebrates the R&B sounds that once flourished in Nashville, along with a fully functioning music studio.

The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music looks at the powerful role the genre and its musicians played as the sound served as a source of hope, unity and inspiration during the fight for Civil Rights. Visitors can experience state-of-the-art exhibits that celebrate today's artists, honor the trailblazers of the past, and inspire future generations. Through interactive displays and personal artifacts, visitors can explore how gospel music sustained faith-based communities and how pivotal artists set the stage and contributed to the Civil Rights Era and beyond, whose courageous voices created life-changing music.

Both museums join Nashville's Civil Rights' legacy with destinations like the National Museum of African American Music and the Civil Rights Room at Nashville Public Library, among others. Additional locations statewide include the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, which opens a new Legacy Building this spring, and Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton.

Four additional historic sites were also added along the national U.S. Civil Rights Trail, including the Historic Caroline County Courthouse Campus in Bowling Green, Virginia; Gloucester Museum of History in Gloucester, Virginia; Texas & Pacific Railway Depot in Natchitoches, Louisiana and Jacksonville Civil Rights Trail in Jacksonville, Florida.

ABOUT THE U.S. CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL

Launched in 2018, the U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of more than 130 churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks primarily in the Southern states where activists challenged segregation in the 1950s and 1960s to advance social justice. The people, locations and destinations included in the Civil Rights Trail provide a way for families, travelers and educators to experience history firsthand. For details about the sites and stories from Civil Rights pioneers, visit CivilRightsTrail.com

Shanghai Launches "Spring Festival Gift Packs" With Discounts And Cultural Experiences For The Chinese Lunar New Year

As the Year of the Horse approaches, Shanghai is rolling out a series of "Spring Festival Gift Packs" designed to make it easier and more enjoyable for residents and visitors to experience the city during the holiday period. The initiative, led by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, features discounted tickets, themed activities, and cultural offerings across 60 popular city attractions.

The gift packs are part of Shanghai's broader push to boost festive tourism and encourage people to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in the city. By combining discounted admission, zodiac-themed promotions, and integrated tour packages, the program seeks to provide a wide range of affordable options tailored to different visitor groups.

Highlights of the Spring Festival Gift Packs include:

Attraction Discounts : Participating scenic spots are offering tickets at up to 50% off, along with special promotions based on the Chinese zodiac and combo passes, making sightseeing more affordable for families, tourists, and locals alike.

Cultural & Festive Activities : The discounts are complemented by a rich lineup of supporting events, including intangible cultural heritage performances, interactive pet-themed activities for the Chinese Lunar New Year, traditional market fairs, and bazaars featuring China-chic trends -- all crafted to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Integrated Experience Packages : Many venues are bundling accommodation with entry tickets or themed tours, creating convenient and cost-effective ways to explore Shanghai during the holiday period.

Themed Tourism Products : Travel agencies and hotels have curated itineraries with a "Spring Festival vibe" and activities for "Spring Celebration" that cover family-friendly, cultural, and rural leisure experiences, providing multiple options for holiday outings.

The gift packs initiative aligns with the ongoing "Discover Shanghai" Tourism Guide Super Competition, which has inspired practical and innovative tour recommendations now being developed into actual tourism products. The competition's winning guides are expected to be widely used by visitors during the Spring Festival.

Industry observers note that Shanghai continues to strengthen its appeal as a winter destination by combining affordability with cultural depth. The Spring Festival Gift Packs not only make travel more economical but also immerse visitors in the local customs and vibrant spirit of Shanghai during the most important traditional holiday in China.

The offers will be available throughout the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday period, with detailed information accessible through official tourism platforms such as "Hu Xiaoyou" and Trip.com. Through this Spring Festival Gift Packs Initiative, Shanghai demonstrates its commitment to creating a welcoming, dynamic, and visitor-friendly holiday environment, inviting everyone to enjoy a memorable and affordable Chinese Lunar New Year in the city.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism

Travelore News: Disneyland Removes Iconic Statue Of Walt Disney And Mickey Mouse

Disneyland has been making a lot of changes recently. With scheduled refurbishments, ride closures, and park updates, things are always evolving. Now, it seems like another change is underway. Disneyland recently removed the iconic statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse from their theme park.

Disneyland Removes Iconic Statue

Inside The Magic shared that the iconic bronze statue was removed from Disneyland earlier this week. The statue is titled "Partners," and it features the iconic Walt Disney and his infamous creation, Mickey Mouse.

The statue is a Disney staple, and the outlet shared that it can be spotted at Disneyland Park, Magic Kingdom Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Walt Disney Studios Park, and the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Disneyland California Park got their own version of the statue in 2012. Their statue was titled "Storytellers." The outlet shared that "the statue depicts Walt as he arrived in California from Missouri in 1923, with Mickey Mouse standing by his side on a trunk."

However, this week, when guests entered the park, they noticed that the famous Disneyland statue was no longer visible. Instead, beige-colored construction walls surrounded the statue's location.

Currently, Disneyland has not shared any details regarding the closing of this beloved statue. However, the outlet did share that bronze naturally oxidizes. Therefore, it could be safe to assume that the statue just needs some in-depth maintenance and cleaning.

With no "re-opening" day listed by Disney, guests can only hope and assume that the statue will be cared for and visible again soon. In addition to this statue, Disneyland has also shut down various other attractions for maintenance.

For example, their monorail system is currently down for refurbishment. Additionally, the beloved and infamous Jungle Cruise ride is getting a facelift as well. Although limited details have been provided on all of the closures. This leaves Disney fans wondering if there are just some minor mechanical updates or if they will notice any changes to rides and attractions once they reopen.

https://www.wideopenspaces.com/voices/stephanie-heath/

Inside Tokyo Disneyland’s Massive $461 Milllion Space Mountain Overhaul

If you’ve visited Tokyo Disneyland recently, you may have noticed a giant, construction-walled void where a legendary landmark once stood. The original Space Mountain, a cornerstone of the park since its 1983 opening, is officially a memory—but what’s coming in its place is nothing short of a galactic revolution.

The Oriental Land Company (OLC) has officially upped the ante, confirming a staggering ¥70.5 billion (~$461 million) investment for a ground-up rebuild of the attraction and its surrounding plaza.

A Total Transformation (2024–2027)

Unlike typical theme park renovations that swap out track or add digital screens, OLC opted for the "total replacement" strategy:

Complete Demolition: Following its permanent closure on July 31, 2024, the original show building was entirely dismantled to make way for a brand-new structure.

Next-Gen Coaster: While it remains an indoor roller coaster, the "Space Mountain (2027)" project will feature enhanced performance, cutting-edge special effects, and a more emotional storyline that connects guests to Planet Earth.

The "Earthrise" Rumor: While OLC still officially lists the project by its year, internal rumors and trademarks suggest the new title may be "Space Mountain Earthrise".

The Tomorrowland Plaza: Harmony with Nature

The $461 million price tag isn’t just for the ride. A massive new Tomorrowland Plaza is being constructed to replace the previous concrete expanse.

Day & Night Atmosphere: By day, the plaza will be a lush space where "humans and nature are in harmony". By night, it will transform into a "spectacular world of light and soundscapes".

Modern Aesthetic: Concept art reveals a sleek, curved silhouette for the new mountain, drawing design inspiration from the futuristic, organic lines seen in Shanghai Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

Bonus Content: Sugar Rush is Coming!

The Space Mountain rebuild is the centerpiece of a wider Tomorrowland revitalisation. In Spring 2027, a brand-new Wreck-It Ralph interactive shooting attraction will debut, replacing Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.

The Mission: Guests will team up with Ralph and Vanellope to save the Sugar Rush video game from "Sugar Bugs" created by King Candy.

Investment: This project represents an additional ¥29.5 billion (~$193 million), bringing the total Tomorrowland investment to over $650 million.

Are you planning a trip for the 2027 grand opening? You can stay updated on construction progress and official opening dates through the Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website at: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/tdl.html

American Airlines Enhances Their Network With New Routes From Chicago And Los Angeles

American Airlines is turning the heat up this winter with new routes for customers to see the world. Travelers are already starting to lock in their plans for summer, and the airline is responding to customer enthusiasm for travel with new routes from Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX), building on an existing commitment to offer customers more nationwide travel options than any other airline.

“Air travel is about more than just flying from one place to another; it’s a symphony of travelers eagerly looking forward to seeing friends and family, crossing off bucket-list vacations and making a difference with face-to-face business meetings,” said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning. “American’s new routes from Chicago and Los Angeles are just another way the airline is catering to all kinds of travelers with unmatched connectivity across the United States.”

Tickets for the new routes will be available for purchase starting Jan. 26 on aa.com or through American’s mobile app.

Departure airport Arrival airport Aircraft type Service start date Service end date Frequency

Chicago (ORD) Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE) Embraer 170 May 21 Year-round Two daily flights

ORD Columbia, South Carolina (CAE) Embraer 170 May 21 Year-round Two daily flights

ORD Kahului, Hawaii (OGG) Boeing 787-8 Dec. 17 March 27, 2027 Daily service

Los Angeles (LAX) Cleveland, Ohio (CLE) Boeing 737 April 7 Year-round Daily service

LAX Washington, D.C. (IAD) Boeing 737 April 7 Year-round Daily service

Building a network for Chicagoans

In 1926, the roots of the American Airlines customers around the world know today were planted with a flight from Chicago to St. Louis. Since then, Chicago has remained an important part of the airline’s story. American’s network from Chicago has grown significantly over the past year, giving local residents more competitive access to more than 180 destinations they want to visit.

This included adding service last year to 29 new destinations such as Naples, Italy (NAP), St. Croix (STX), St. Maarten (SXM) and more. All new routes American launched from ORD last year will return this year. And, for those looking to start the year off with new trips, American will offer more than 500 peak daily departures just in time to shake off the cold and enjoy spring break.

In 2026, the airline continues to build on that commitment. OGG is one of the most-visited leisure destinations for Chicagoans in winter, and American’s nonstop service will offer Flagship® Business with lie-flat seats and Premium Economy choices for customers looking for premium seat options. Flights to ABE and CAE will also enable connections from those cities to destinations across the world that American and its best-in-class partners serve from ORD, like Honolulu, Tokyo and more.

These new routes elevate American’s competitive offerings, giving travelers more opportunities to earn and redeem AAdvantage® miles. Moreover, with premium seats on every flight, American is the only hub carrier giving Chicagoans the chance to upgrade their travel experience every time they fly.

Pressing play on new flights to Los Angeles

Eighty years ago, American became part of aviation history in the City of Angels as one of the first airlines to begin service at Los Angeles Municipal Airport. Since then, American has offered nonstop flights and premium experiences for travelers ranging from film industry icons to families looking to take in the California sun. American’s network from LAX is only getting bigger this year with new service to CLE. Also, new service to IAD will offer complementary service to American’s existing two daily flights to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), offering travelers up to three daily options between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

American and its partners fly to more than 85 destinations from LAX, giving AAdvantage® members the most comprehensive network of any major carrier for earning miles and status. With soccer fans already planning their visits to see their teams play on the world stage for FIFA World Cup 26TM, American alone will offer more than 145 peak daily departures this summer.

For travelers flying to or from LAX, American has made premium upgrades to its service. Late last year, the airline introduced the game-changing Airbus A321XLR featuring Flagship Suite® seats on flights to New York (JFK). This will expand to include flights to Boston (BOS) later this summer. And, starting March 28, American will introduce its premium Boeing 787-9, also featuring Flagship Suite® seats, on select flights to London (LHR).

A world-class network for travelers

American will offer up to 7,000 peak daily departures this summer, cementing the carrier’s position operating more flights than any other airline in the world. For travelers, this means more flight options and more opportunities to explore the world. From traveling to see major sporting events across the country to important business trips and everything in between, American’s flight options are designed with travelers in mind.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe. Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir.

Travelore Warning: Thousands Of Americans Could Get Their Passports Revoked For Owing Child Support

The State Department is set to revoke the passports of American parents who owe substantial amounts of unpaid child support, barring them from international travel until their payments are made.

U.S. officials told the Associated Press that passport holders who owe more than $100,000 in outstanding child support payments will be in the first group affected by this rule. However, individuals who enroll in a payment plan with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can avoid passport revocation.

Under the act’s Passport Denial Program, government officials are authorized to revoke travel documents for parents with unpaid child support payments totaling more than $2,500.

In the past, the State Department has invoked this program to revoke passports only when someone approached them seeking to renew their travel documents or other consular services.

U.S. officials said the department will soon begin passport revocations using data from HHS.

It’s currently unclear how many people will be affected by the State Department’s initiative to revoke passports of parents with outstanding child support payments, but it could be in the thousands. The officials told the Associated Press that, because so many people may owe child support, the change will be implemented in tiers.

Those owing more than $100,000 in child support will be in the first group impacted. The officials said that there are fewer than 50 people in this group, but they can enroll in a payment plan to avoid revocation after being notified.

The officials also shared that when the tier is lowered to those owing smaller outstanding payments, the number of people affected will increase.

The State Department emailed the AP about this change, saying it “is reviewing options to enforce long-standing law to prevent those owing substantial amounts of child support from neglecting their legal and moral obligations to their children.”

“It is simple: deadbeat parents need to pay their child support arrears,” it added.

According to the Office of the Administration for Children & Families (OCSE), the average amount of outstanding child support owed by noncustodial parents is over $19,000, making it more difficult to collect.

The Passport Denial Program is an enforcement tool that helps collect child support arrears and supports children and families who rely on it.

The Office of Child Support Services forward the names of parents owing over $2,500 in unpaid child support to the State Department, which then contacts the parent with a Pre-Offset Notice outlining repayment options. The State Department can reject their passport applications or revoke a current passport.

The OCSE reported that since the start of the Passport Denial Program, nearly $621 million in overdue child support has been collected, and nine collections have totaled more than $300,000.

Travelore Warning: Aer Lingus To Require Passports From Passengers Between Ireland And Great Britain

British Airways will continue to accept alternative forms of ID between London and Dublin, but passengers may find they are booked on the Irish airline.

“There is no requirement for Irish and British citizens to carry passports when travelling within the Common Travel Area” – so says the Irish government.

The Common Travel Area (CTA) is a passport-free zone involving the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. It dates from 1923, and enables citizens of those locations to travel freely between them.

But from 25 February 2026, Aer Lingus will join Ryanair in demanding that passengers between Great Britain and Ireland carry passports.

Until now Aer Lingus has allowed a wide range of identification – including a bus pass, work ID card or international student card – as long as it has a photograph.

The carrier ’s spokesperson said “All customers, including Irish or British nationals, travelling on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the Republic of Ireland and the UK will now require a valid passport or Irish passport card. “The other forms of photo ID previously accepted will no longer be valid for travel.

“Passengers travelling on domestic services with Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Emerald Airlines, are exempt from this updated travel policy.

“Domestic services include Belfast-UK and Dublin-Donegal routes.”

British Airways, the sister airline of Aer Lingus, will continue to allow passengers to travel without passports on its links from London City and Heathrow to Dublin.

The airline says: “You do not need a passport to travel between these destinations, known as the Common Travel Area (CTA), but you do require recognised photographic identification that proves your identity and nationality.”

One potential problem is that British Airways sells Aer Lingus flights on its website, ba.com. A passenger buying an Aer Lingus ticket from ba.com may not realise that they need a passport to travel.

Explaining the decision, the Aer Lingus spokesperson said: “This aligns with the travel document requirements across the rest of our network and will ensure consistency and further improve our operational performance for our customers.”

Ferry companies sailing across the Irish Sea between Ireland and England and Wales will continue to accept alternative forms of identification.

There are no checks between the republic and Northern Ireland.

https://www.independent.co.uk/author/simon-calder