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In a true blast from the past, Brian Austin Green(Beverly Hills, 90210), Beverley Mitchell (7th Heaven), Jodie Sweetin(Full House), Melissa Joan Hart (Clarissa Explains It All), Matthew Lawrence (Boy Meets World), Keshia Knight Pulliam (The Cosby Show) and Joey Lawrence (Blossom) will star in HGTV’s new six-episode renovation series Totally ‘90s House, premiering on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Jaleel White will host as the ‘90s icons are divided into two teams which will compete as they modernize dated ‘90s homes. The winning team earns a $25,000 prize for its favorite charity.

The six-episode renovation competition will follow the two celeb teams as they scour the country for houses stuck in the 1990s—think honey oak cabinets, sponge-painted walls and mirrored closets—with each team ultimately picking its perfect throwback in need of a major overhaul.  

“Everybody loves the ‘90s again,” says Jaleel. “The fits are back, the playlists are on repeat, and kids who weren’t even born yet are binge-watching the shows we made famous. But while some things from the ‘90s are timeless...some of y’all never got the memo that the decade ended. We asked America to show us the homes still living in the past, and the response was incredible. Now it’s time for the ultimate throwback transformation. Get ready for the biggest ‘90s house battle ever.”  

The celebs will tour their fill of valance window treatments, heavy carpets, and curved staircases before choosing which off-the-hook house their team will renovate. In week two, Jaleel will send VHS tapes to announce the colossal makeovers will kick off in the kitchen—and introduce the first ‘90s-forward challenge with free countertops up for grabs. 

Designer and guest judge Vern Yip (Home Reimagined) will determine who best brought the heart of the home, the kitchen, into the 21st century.  Married real estate developers Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt will decide which team delivered the ideal primary bedroom, complete with an upcycled item from the original room incorporated into the design. Next, 98 Degrees band member and reality TV star Drew Lachey will evaluate the excellence of the primary bathroom remodels. Home renovation and design dynamo Mina Starsiak Hawk will judge each home’s first impression when she assesses the foyer and office/den. Finally, television host and Broadway star Paige Davis  will critique crucial gathering areas, the dining and living rooms, before acclaimed designer Jonathan Adler (Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge) tours every space in the homes and crowns the Totally ‘90s House champion. 

Totally ‘90s House premieres on HGTV on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Streams next day on MAX.

Soccer stars aren’t the only celebs fans are spotting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19th. 

Which famous faces are in the audience, cheering Spain and/or Argentina along? From White House insiders to A-list actors, these celebrities are watching the match:

Donald and Melania Trump U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Donald Trump, his wife, Melania Trump, and their family attended the World Cup game. The U.S.’s Commander-In-Chief watched the event with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. 

Several of the President’s adult children also got in on the World Cup action. Ivanka Trump posted a pic with little sis Tiffany Trump on her Instagram Stories, titling the snapshot, “On our way @fifa.” Eric Trump also shared a few BTS photos, including one of his children (eight-year-old Eric “Luke” Trump and six-year-old Carolina Dorothy Trump, both wearing Messi jerseys).

Tom Cruise Actor Tom Cruise. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

A-lister Tom Cruise did more than just attend the event. The actor also appeared during the closing ceremony, delivering an inspirational speech before the game got underway.

Matt Damon Luciana Barroso and Matt Damon at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Siegfried Anthony/Variety via Getty Images)

Actor Matt Damon took a break from his The Odyssey press tour to take in the game with his wife, Luciana Borroso Damon. Borroso sported blue-and-white stripes while cheering for her native country, Argentina. 

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)

While they didn't exactly get caught on the kiss cam,Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were spotted packing on the PDA during the World Cup final. 

Jalen Brunson Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks Brunson attend the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

He’s no stranger to high-profile sports events. New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and his wife, Dr. Ali Marks Brunson, attended the World Cup final together. 

Lindsay Vonn Skier Lindsay Vonn. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

The Olympic athlete wore red to the World Cup final. And that made fans wonder if Lindsay Vonn is rooting for Spain. 

Julia Garner Julia Garner. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

Actress Julia Garner looked absolutely adorable in a sleek black jacket and short set. 

Winnie Harlow Winnie Harlow. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Model Winnie Harlow brought some glam to the pitch, accenting her outfit with gorgeous gold earrings, an oversized charm necklace, and a metallic mini handbag. 

Kevin Hart Eniko Hart and Kevin Hart attend the FIFA Gold Carpet. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Comedian and actorKevin Hart attended the game with his wife, model Eniko Hart.

Gayle King Gayle King. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

CBS Morning co-host and Oprah’s BFF Gayle King was spotted at MetLife Stadium.

Post Malone Post Malone performs during the closing ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Post Malone performed at MetLife Stadium on July 19, headlining the World Cup closing ceremony event. 

Javier Bardem Javier Bardem at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Siegfried Anthony/Variety via Getty Images)

There’s no secret who Javier Bardem was there to see. The Spanish actor was obviously rooting for his home country to win!

Jon Hamm Jon Hamm. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

Today marks a special anniversary for actor Jon Hamm. Not only does he get the chance to watch this historic soccer match, but it’s also the 19th anniversary of Mad Men’s premiere.

Netflix has revealed its Top 10 most-watched films of 2026 so far, and Kpop Demon Hunters is still sitting on the list, despite being a year old.

The animated musical has made it to the Netflix Top Five with 130million views in just 2026 alone. It instantly smashed records when released, becoming the streamer's most-watched film ever.

KPop Demon Hunters has now notched up 648.7M views overall, and remains the streamer's most popular film of all time. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film focuses on a KPop trio who secretly lead double lives as supernatural demon hunters.

The song "Golden," which was written for and appears in the film, won two Academy Awards, a Grammy, two Golden Globes and topped the charts around the world.

Netflix have released their most watched movies of 2026 so far.

KPOP Demon Hunters is in the Top 5 for the third ratings report in a row. pic.twitter.com/lxW6lKXmPX

— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) July 16, 2026

The only films to surpass Kpop Demon Hunters in this recent streaming ranking were the animated comedy Swapped, in which Michael B. Jordan lends his voice, the crime drama The Rip, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and the military thriller War Machine.

Other films that made the newly revealed Top 10 included Apex – the horror flick with Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, Emily Henry adaptation People We Meet On Vacation, and survival-thriller Thrash.

This is followed by Jennifer Lopez rom com Office Romance, Peaky Blinders spin-of The Immortal Man and car crash documentary The Crash.

Netflix have confirmed that a Kpop Demon Hunters sequel is coming, not surprisingly considering the viewing numbers.

“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” Maggie Kang told Tudum. “There’s so much more to this world we have built, and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”

Chris Appelhans added: “These characters are like family to us, their world has become our second home. We’re excited to write their next chapter, challenge them, and watch them evolve — and continue pushing the boundaries of how music, animation, and story can come together.”

Related: KPop Demon Hunters Is Going on a World Tour, and Here’s What Fans Need To Know

While most songs last only a few minutes, in 2002, progressive metal band Dream Theater unveiled an epic track that would have a run time of almost 45 minutes long.

The '80s rockers released "Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" on Jan. 29, 2002 as part of the album of the same name. The track makes up the entirety of the record's second disc and, although it is split up into eight parts of easy listening, is considered by the band as one singular song.

"Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence" explores the psychological struggles of the human mind. The opener, "Overture," is a power introduction setting up the six themes. "About to Crash" focuses on bipolar disorder, while "War Inside My Head" explores post-traumatic stress disorder. "The Test That Stumped Them All" is an exploration of schizophrenia. "Goodnight Kiss" takes a look at postpartum depression, while "Solitary Shell" places focus on autism, and "About to Crash (Reprise)" returns to the perspective of the bipolar disorder part. To close out the 42-minute track, "Losing Time / Grand Finale" is an exploration of dissociative identity disorder.

The concept anthem became a staple among fans, gaining recognition for its heavy themes and unique structure.

In 2010, Berklee College of Music student Eren Basbug went viral after he created his own orchestra to perform the 42-minute opus. "I was trying to pay tribute to music that I love, but hoping, in some way, it might get the band's attention," Basbug explained at the time.

And it did: in 2011, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess saw the videos and invited then-22-year-old Basbug to work with him on his solo project, which in turn led to the young musician writing and recording arrangements alongside the band for its 2013 self-titled studio album.

A year after the album's release, the band — which was formed by guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung and drummerMike Portnoy while they were studying at Berklee in the '90s — invited Basbug, along with the Berklee World Strings and Berklee Concert Choir on stage for the second half of its concert at the Boston Opera House.

"I seriously believe last night was my most inspiring in 16 years of managing the band," Dream Theater's manager, Frank Solomon, said. "Those [students] were so happy and played so well. I had tears in my eyes."

Related: Founding Member of Legendary ’80s Rock Band Behind One of the 'Greatest Metal Songs of All Time' Turns 59

Noah Kahan fans who missed Saturday night's canceled concert are now facing another hurdle if they still hope to see him perform this weekend: soaring resale prices.

Just hours before Kahan is set to take the stage for Night 2 of his sold-out Citi Field run on Sunday, July 19, tickets have become increasingly difficult (and expensive) to find. Ticketmaster currently lists the show as sold out, leaving many fans turning to resale marketplaces in hopes of securing a seat.

On StubHub, some resale tickets for the New York date have climbed well into the four figures, with premium seats listed for thousands of dollars. Even the cheapest available options were hovering around the $600-$700 mark on StubHub, including fees, at the time of publication.

For fans hoping to catch Kahan elsewhere on his Great Divide tour, the outlook isn't much better. Resale tickets for his July 22 show in Washington, D.C., start around $700, while his Raleigh, North Carolina, stop offers a bit more relief, with prices beginning closer to $400. 

Some fans on Threads are noting that the Citi Field box office has some tickets available for the show, but that information hasn’t been verified by an official source.

“Any Noah fans in NYC that still want to see the show tonight (Sunday) the box office has limited view tickets available and no line! 🐞,” one wrote.

The surge comes less than 24 hours after Saturday's show was canceled due to severe weather, leaving thousands of fans disappointed after many had already traveled to the venue.

READ MORE: Fans Left Fuming After Beloved Singer Abruptly Cancels Concert Without Rescheduling

On Saturday, Kahan shared the disappointing news with fans, writing that he and his team had "exhausted every option to make this happen" before ultimately deciding it was unsafe to continue with the show due to severe weather. "I am so incredibly sorry," he wrote. "We exhausted every option to make this happen. I love you guys."

Because the concert was canceled rather than postponed, ticket holders for Saturday's show are being refunded rather than automatically transferred to Sunday's performance. That has left many scrambling to find new tickets, and with some sunday night attendee’s feeling a sort of survivor guilt.

Some fans are still holding out hope that additional face-value tickets could become available closer to showtime through Ticketmaster's Face Value exchange system, while others have taken to social media and resale sites searching for more affordable options.

Tom Cruise's surprise speech at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final was the ultimate feel-good moment.

Cruise, 64, who is known for groundbreaking films ranging from Top Gun and Jerry Maguire to Magnolia and Mission: Impossible, kicked off the match between Spain and Argentina with a rousing speech to get the entire globe inspired.

“More than 30 days ago, 48 nations began a journey,” Cruise said. “They crossed oceans. They crossed borders. They crossed cultures. And together they showed us why this game belongs to the world.”

He continued by saying, “From three countries across them, and from every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy, moments of hope, moments we will all never forget. Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people, that turns strangers into friends and reminds us of what we all have in common.”

 “As we gather for one final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together," Cruise concluded, Deadline reported. "Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. And this is greatness.”

Watch the entire inspirational speech below:

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Justin Setterfield / Getty Images

Cruise Stars Next in Digger

At the start of the week, the trailer for Cruise's new project, Digger, hit the Internet. An unrecognizable Cruise appears in the role of an oil tycoon with a heavy Southern accent. Significantly aged, he is transformed by gray hair and a thick belly. You can’t even tell it’s Cruise!

Watch the trailer for Digger below:

What is Digger About?

The Hollywood Reporter describes the role of Digger Rockwell as “the billionaire executive of a major company causing an environmental disaster via a methane leak that is threatening to displace millions of people.”

John Goodman also stars in the film as the President of the United States, while Sandra Huller, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, and Emma D’Arcy also appear in the comedy.

Related: Tom Cruise Is a Southern Oil Tycoon With Gray Hair, Wrinkles, and a Gut in Wild ‘Digger’ Trailer

On The Voice,Reba McEntire always says there’s nothing to compare with family harmonies and coming up on Tuesday’s America’s Got Talent, the band The Sound – brothers Jacob and Levi and dad Rob -- from Romeo, Michigan proves it to judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofia Vergara.

Unfortunately, there are no Golden Buzzers left, but country band The Sound does get four yeses from the judges for their performance of the John Denver classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads," which was so infectious, it had everyone singing along.

After their feel-good performance, Mel B asked Rob, “Dad, did you deliberately give yourself the coolest instrument to play and not to your boys, because every bass player, that’s the coolest instrument to have?”

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Rob responded, “Absolutely, it is and I’ve got the hair to prove it.” It showed Rob had a sense of humor because he takes off his cap and shows his bald head.

Then Mel B continued, “Listen, I am really not that big of a fan of country music, but this made me so happy and your harmonies were perfection.”

Howie pointed out, “That slap at the end, you held it so long our crew came out and was about to take you off the stage. I loved it.”

Related:This Ukrainian Aerialist’s Terrifying AGT Routine Behind the Judges’ Table Won the Golden Buzzer

“That was amazing,” Sofia added. “I love country music and that song is one of my favorites. You guys being a family, the voices, everything was perfect. I think America’s going to fall in love with you. [The audience] fell in love with you. I fell in love with you.”

Simon was a little more critical, saying, “Listen, I mean everyone’s going to like you. How can you not? Look, that was a very safe, nice audition. That’s the riskiest thing you can do. If you make it through to the next round, I think you should sing a song, which you make into a country song. Going forward, we have to go beyond the safe.”

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, Watch America’s Got Talent Judges Get Blown Away by ‘Insane’ Tumbling Act That Has Been 67 Years in the Making

Released in 1974, "Sundown" marked the commercial peak of Gordon Lightfoot's remarkable career.

The brooding ballad became the Canadian singer-songwriter's only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing his place among the era’s greatest storytellers. More than 50 years later, its unforgettable acoustic guitar melody and emotionally charged lyrics continue to make it one of soft rock’s most enduring anthems.

Unlike many of Lightfoot's reflective songs, "Sundown" was fueled by deeply personal emotions.

The singer later acknowledged that the song was inspired by the ups and downs of his relationship with model Cathy Smith.

"All it is, is a thought about a situation where someone is wondering what his loved one is doing at the moment," he said in a 1975 interview. "He doesn't quite know where she is. He's not ready to give up on her, either, and that's about all I got to say about that."

Rather than writing a straightforward love song, Lightfoot crafted a portrait of jealousy, uncertainty, and vulnerability, giving the ballad an emotional complexity that set it apart from many of its contemporaries.

While writing the song, Lightfoot had a strong feeling that the song would be a success.

"I had a feeling, almost the night that I wrote the song," he told Vanity Fair. "One of my exes was out with her girlfriends; they were out bar hopping. I was left at home to write songs. I was on a roll. I was under contract to a record company [Warner Reprise] and I wanted to produce, and that’s what I did. I just kept working at it."

His instinct was right on the money. Listeners immediately connected with the song's honesty.

Built around a hypnotic acoustic guitar riff and Lightfoot's understated vocal delivery, "Sundown" balanced folk storytelling with a polished soft rock sound.

"We recorded all of it without a click track keeping the beat," Lightfoot told The Wall Street Journal. "That's a natural feel on there, and it only took us two or three takes."

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1974 and also reached No. 1 in Canada, becoming the signature hit of Lightfoot's career.

The success of "Sundown" also helped propel the album of the same name to the top of the Billboard 200. By the mid-1970s, Lightfoot had already established himself as one of North America's premier singer-songwriters with classics including "If You Could Read My Mind," "Carefree Highway," and "Rainy Day People," but "Sundown" introduced his music to an even broader audience.

Its influence has only grown with time.

The song has been covered by numerous artists and continues to receive regular airplay on classic rock, folk, and soft rock radio stations. Its understated production and timeless songwriting have helped it transcend the decade in which it was recorded, while its themes of love, suspicion, and emotional conflict remain just as relatable today.

In 2024, Billboard recognized the song's lasting impact by naming "Sundown" Gordon Lightfoot's No. 1 greatest hit, highlighting both its chart success and its enduring legacy within his catalog.

More than five decades after it first climbed the charts, "Sundown" remains one of the defining ballads of the 1970s. What began as a deeply personal reflection on a troubled relationship ultimately became a soft rock anthem and the song that forever defined Gordon Lightfoot's extraordinary career.

Related: 1972 Rock Classic, Written by a 19-Year-Old, Became a Timeless Motivational Anthem

Forty-seventy years ago, the iconic rock band Queen released "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"—a song that became a massive success despite only taking about 10 minutes to write.

Released in the U.S. on December 7, 1979 as a single from their eighth studio album, The Game, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was an instant hit. Upon its arrival, the song climbed up the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 1 in February 1980 for a four-week stay and marking the group's first chart-topping single in the U.S.

Aside from just chart achievement, the single has also experienced massive commercial triumph. Since its release, it has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In total, the track has moved an estimated 7 million units.

Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon and Freddie Mercury of the rock band Queen pose for a portrait circa 1975.

Chris Walter/WireImage

Writing "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"

Although the song is commonly considered a masterclass in rock songwriting, it only took lead singer Freddie Mercury under 10 minutes to pen. In a 1981 interview with Melody Maker, the singer reflected on the writing process—which famously took place in the bathtub at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich.

“'Crazy Little Thing Called Love' took me five or 10 minutes," Mercury said. "I did that on the guitar, which I can’t play for nuts, and in one way it was quite a good thing, because I was restricted, knowing only a few chords."

Mercury composed the song as a tribute to the late Elvis Presley, whom he was intensely inspired by. The rockabilly-style track explores the consuming feeling of falling in love, repackaging old-school rock 'n' roll into a fresh modernized take. Lead guitarist Brian May opened up about the song's writing process in an interview with Absolute Radio in 2011.

"Freddie's tribute to Elvis, in a way. He was very fond of Elvis and of Cliff [Richard]," May revealed. "Freddie wrote it very quickly, rushed in and put it down with the boys. By the time I got there, it was almost done. The sounds Mack [Queen's producer] managed to get were very elemental, real ambient sounds made it sound big. Everything about it is original rock 'n' roll sounding."

After nearly five decades, Queen's chart-topping single continues to thrive among new generations. In the digital era, the track's popularity has persisted on streaming platforms, raking in over 1.2 billion streams on Spotify alone. Its unique ability to bridge the gap between older rock fans and younger demographics proves its status as a timeless rock classic.

Related: 1971 Rock Classic, Named No. 1 Hit for Five Weeks, Became a Breakup Anthem

Elite gymnastics season is in full swing, making it the perfect time to revisit one of the sport’s most unforgettable Olympic moments. For Bleacher Report, nothing tops Mary Lou Rettonand the clutch finish she delivered at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The outlet ranked her perfect vault as its No. 1 greatest gymnastics moment in U.S. Olympic history.

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Held from July 28 to Aug. 12, 1984, the Games of the XXIII Olympiad were heavily impacted by the Cold War, with 14 Eastern Bloc nations boycotting the Games. Still, the politics were no match for Retton that day in early August, nor was the surgery she underwent weeks earlier to repair torn cartilage in her right knee.

Following a shaky performance on the uneven bars and balance beam, Retton trailed her rival, Ecaterina Szabo from Romania, by 0.15 points. She made up part of the deficit with a perfect-10 floor routine. But with the gap narrowed, she still needed one more perfect 10 to take the gold in the all-around event. It all came down to the vault, where the pressure couldn’t have been greater.

“Right before my vault, my coach [Bela Karolyi] said, ‘Mary Lou, give me a 10. Show me what you've got,” Retton, now 58, told People magazine in 2024.

Retton then delivered a legendary routine, executing an exceptionally difficult doubleTsukaharavault with a stuck landing. That routine secured Retton the perfect 10 she needed to not only win gold in the women’s all-around event but also to become the very first American woman to win an individual gold medal of any kind in the sport.

“I was smiling coming down from the vault,” she said. “Technically, my vault was perfect. I was one of the best vaulters in the world. … The entire Pauley Pavilion was going crazy, chanting ‘10, 10, 10.’ And then they popped the 10.”

With her first attempt securing her the historic gold medal, Retton didn’t need to take the second vault. But she did it anyway.

“When she vaulted and got a 10, she didn’t have to do a second vault,” said acclaimed gymnastics coach Valorie Kondos Field, per History. “She did [it] because she could, and I remember in that moment thinking, ‘This is what sports should be. It’s about playing the game. Not just about getting the medal and winning.”

Retton went on to win four more medals—two bronze and two silver—netting five total at the 1984 Games. Beyond the hardware, the 16-year-old gymnast changed the sport forever.

“Put all of the distraction about boycotts aside—no victory meant more to the growth of American gymnastics than Mary Lou Retton's all-around title at the 1984 Olympics,” Bleacher Report wrote. “By extension, no moment meant more than the one that sealed Retton's victory: her perfect 10 vault in the competition's final rotation.”

The outlet added, “Retton was a pioneer in so many regards and a key inspiration behind America's climb to the first tier of international gymnastics over the quarter century since.”

Four decades later, Retton’s vault remains the gold standard for performing under pressure. What a show.

Related: Olympic Gymnastics Legend, Who Scored the World’s First Perfect 10, Relives Her Greatest Performance 50 Years Later

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Martha Stewart is one of those rare icons whose influence stretches far beyond the kitchen. She has built a beloved lifestyle empire with her knack for making everyday living feel a little more beautiful and a lot more doable. Whether she's styling dreamy tablescapes, sharing recipes, or teaming up with surprising friends (like her Skechers bestie from the New York Knicks, OG Anunoby), Martha always brings her signature flair. 

Martha Stewart's Eloise Floral Cotton Comforter Set is capturing the attention of home decorators and bedding enthusiasts alike who admire that flair, and for good reason. The queen-sized set is now available at an impressive 72% off, so it's the perfect time to scoop it up. Shoppers can also snag the set in twin and king sizes, and there are duvet cover versions as well.

Martha Stewart Eloise Floral Cotton Comforter Set, From $54 (was $134) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The Eloise collection demonstrates Martha Stewart's knack for blending classic design with practical living. This comforter set stands out as a beautiful, accessible way to update your bedding and bring a touch of vintage-inspired serenity into your home. With its sunny pattern, luxurious feel, and remarkable value, it's no surprise that the set has earned an impressive 4.7-star rating. 

The comforter's design features evenly spaced floral bouquets in gentle gray tones, accented with leafy greens, all set against a crisp white background. The result is a look that feels both timeless and uplifting, making it easy to see why shoppers said it "instantly brightens the room."

With the twin-size set on sale for $54, down from $139, all the way up to the king-size set on sale for 72% off at just $84, there's a bed set for everyone. Crafted from 100% cotton, the Eloise comforter set offers more than just good looks. The sateen front provides a subtle sheen and silky softness, while the lightweight percale reverse keeps things cool and breathable for comfortable sleep year-round. Plus, each set comes complete with matching shams to give your bedroom a cohesive look.

Reviewers have raved about the quality and feel, noting that the materials feel soft and luxurious, while the print adds a cheerful touch without overwhelming the space. Whether dressing up a main suite, brightening a guest room, or completing a college dorm makeover, the Eloise comforter set offers elevated style at a fraction of its original price. One shopper praised the "great quality and very pretty pattern," while others called the set "beautiful and so cozy."

Practicality is another highlight. The set is machine washable, so it's easy to keep fresh and looking its best, even with everyday use. The durable cotton fabric and quality stitching ensure the set holds up well over time. Lightweight yet substantial, the comforter is suitable for all seasons, too.

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Ryder Premium 4.5 Gallon Mesh Metal Wastebasket, $22 (was $26) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Sora Upholstered Stationary Swivel Home Office Chair, $101 (was $185) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Chloe Cotton Reversible Green Quilt Set, $108 (was $217) at Wayfair

Related: Martha Stewart's 'Classy’ 3-Piece Stoneware Baking Set Is a 'Wonderful Addition’ to Any Farmhouse Kitchen

With every new collection, Martha continues to show why she's everyone's favorite guide to making life at home a little more special. Grab your vintage-inspired Martha Stewart's floral comforter set now while it's 72% off at Wayfair. 

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More and more families are embracing multigenerational living, which is when grown family members such as grandparents move in with their kids and grandkids. And this lifestyle can have major benefits for the entire family.

A report published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in May 2025 found that 17 percent of homes purchased the year before were for multigenerational households, which the trade association called an "all-time high."

The key reason for this? Financial savings. According to NAR, in 2024, most homebuyers who purchased multigenerational homes said they did so to save money (36 percent of respondents), followed by adult children moving back home (21 percent) and adult relatives who never moved out (20 percent).

That said, the cost savings are not the only benefits of having a grandparent live with their children and grandchildren. In fact, there are a number of significant advantages, according to Dr. Becky Fenton, PsyD, a Long Island, NY-based licensed clinical psychologist whose speciality is working with children, adolescents, parents and families.

Dr. Fenton spoke with Parade to shed some light on six of the top benefits for grandchildren who live with their grandparents—most notably, how this living arrangement can lead to reduced substance use in adolescents. Keep reading to learn more.

Related: The #1 Habit of Highly Respected Grandparents, According to a Family Psychologist

How Do Grandparents Benefit From Living With Their Grandchildren?

"Grandparents benefit tremendously from being around their grandchildren," Dr. Fenton tells Parade. "It’s an antidote to developing depression as they age because they feel connected to family and feel that they are living a meaningful life."

When grandparents retire from work, they may find taking care of their grandchildren gives them a new purpose in life. Additionally, as grandparents age and inevitably experience health complications, they will have a larger support system at home.

Related: Women Over 50 Who Are Lonely Often Display These 8 Behaviors Without Realizing It, Psychologists Say

A Child Psychologist Shares 6 Benefits Children Who Live With a Grandparent Might Experience

When it comes to multigenerational living, no one benefits more than the grandchildren. Here are six ways grandchildren can benefit from living with their grandparents.

1. Seeing their grandparents happy

As mentioned above, grandparents often enjoy living with their children and grandchildren, which can give their lives a renewed meaning and improve their mental health.

In turn, says Dr. Fenton, "children benefit from being around grandparents that have better mental wellness and overall health," as healthy and happy grandparents will be able to spend more time playing with their grandkids.

2. Having a larger support system

According to Dr. Fenton, "one of the biggest benefits of a child living with a grandparent is having a larger support system."

"An expanded support system fosters resilience in the child because it provides them the support and reassurance that if they take a risk and fail, they have a wider safety net to fall back on," she explains.

Furthermore, having a strong support system at home can help decrease stress and bolster emotional well-being in a child, per Johns Hopkins Medicine.

3. Increased childcare

Having grandparents in the house often comes with the benefit of increased childcare, says Dr. Fenton.

When an emergency arises or a parent has to stay at work late, a grandparent who already lives in the house can often function as a built-in (and free) babysitter. This way, parents don't have to scramble to find last-minute childcare or playdates. It can also save the family money, since they may not have to pay for babysitters as often.

Having grandparents at home also might mean there are more people "cheering [the kids] on at school events and sports games," Dr. Fenton shares.

While some parents might not be able to get out of work to swing by the science fair or take in a school play, grandparents are more likely to be retired or work reduced hours, and therefore show up at their grandchildren's events.

Related: 7 Signs You Need To Set Boundaries With Your Adult Child, According to a Psychologist

4. Reduced substance use

With more adults in the house, there are likely to be more home-cooked meals on the table and therefore more family dinners eaten together—which has been scientifically proven to reduce the use of substances (such as alcohol and illegal drugs) among adolescents.

"Having family dinners even once a week reduces a child’s substance use and risk of mental illness," explains Dr. Fenton. "Family dinners strengthen the family relationship overall and foster more open communication. Hence, children are more open to sharing their struggles and get support from their family instead of using substances to deal with challenges, such as depression and anxiety."

Various scientific research backs this up; for instance, a study published earlier this year in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma found that high-quality family dinners were associated with a 22 percent to 34 percent lower frequency of substance use among adolescents with low or no "adverse childhood experiences."

In a press release, the study's lead author, Dr. Margie Skeer—a professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at the Tufts University School of Medicine—stated that family meals are "a practical and widely accessible way to reduce the risk of adolescent substance use." Even if it's as simple as sharing a snack at the countertop, she stated that this time together "can help establish open and routine parent-child communication and parental monitoring to support more positive long-term outcomes for the majority of children."

This is especially relevant when there are teenagers in the house.

"Teens try substances to fit in and get peer approval," Dr. Fenton tells Parade. "Teens are less likely to seek the approval from their peers for negative behaviors if they have strong family ties, as they are more secure."

Related: Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents To Do These 8 Things With Teens

5. Better understanding of family dynamics

Sometimes, spending time with someone's parents is the best way to understand why they are the way they are. And when a child lives with their grandparents, they are "exposed to the family culture more," according to Dr. Fenton. This may give them important insight into their parents' behavior as well as their family dynamics.

6. Stronger connections with the elderly

When a child spends a lot of time with their grandparents, it helps them to have better relationships and connections with senior citizens, which can carry through their entire lives.

"Children who live with their grandparents are more comfortable around older adults," explains Dr. Fenton.

More importantly, living with grandparents can help make kids "less likely to be biased towards older people," aka ageist, she says.

Additionally, living with grandparents can also give kids "an appreciation for family and staying connected with extended family," which may lead to strong relationships with aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members as they get older.

Final Takeaways

There are many benefits to multigenerational living, especially when grandparents are in the house.

• Living with grandchildren can improve quality of life for grandparents: Multigenerational living can give an elder person a renewed purpose in life.
• Adolescents who live with their grandparents may have a reduced risk of substance use: Research has found that having regular family dinners—which may happen more often when grandparents live at home—can lead to children and teenagers turning to their families for support rather than turning to drugs or alcohol.
• Living with grandparents can have endless day-to-day advantages for grandchildren: This includes having a wider support system and having better relationships with the elderly.

Up Next:

Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What They Wish More Grandparents Would Stop Doing—They All Said the Same Thing

Sources:

• Dr. Becky Fenton, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and parents.
• Family Dinner Quality and Adolescent Substance Use: Moderation by Adverse Childhood Experiences. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma.
• One Big Happy Household: How Families and the Data Are Shaping Multigenerational Living. National Association of Realtors.

Amid all the hype of the FIFA World Cup2026 matches, there's one legend who still ultimately reigns supreme over five decades after he last played in the competition. More than half a century later, Pelé is still setting the gold standard.

The Brazilian icon was ranked the greatest FIFA World Cup player of all time by Sports Illustrated, a nod to a tournament résumé that remains unmatched in soccer history. And when you look at the numbers—and the moments—it’s easy to understand why. Simply put, no player has ever owned the world’s biggest stage quite like Pelé.

"Pelé is synonymous with the World Cup. The only player ever to lift the trophy three times, no one has had a greater impact on the tournament than the legendary Brazilian," the famed sports publication noted, ranking him at No. 1 among other greats like Diego Maradona (No. 4) and Kylian Mbappé (No. 9).

At just 17 years old, Pelé burst onto the scene at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, dazzling the soccer world with six goals, including two in Brazil’s 5-2 victory over the host nation in the final. The teenager became an international superstar almost overnight and helped deliver Brazil’s first-ever World Cup title.

And that was just the beginning.

Pelé won three FIFA World Cups—in 1958 in Sweden, 1962 in Chile, and 1970in Mexico—a record that still stands today, and likely won't be broken any time soon. No men’s player has matched the feat, and no active player can equal it before the 2030 tournament.

Pelé finished his World Cup career with 12 goals in just 14 matches, according to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, but statistics only tell part of the story. He became soccer’s first truly global superstar, helping transform the World Cup into a worldwide spectacle and must-see TV. His dazzling skill, creativity, and joyful style of play inspired generations of players—from Ronaldo and Ronaldinho to today's Lionel Messiand Cristiano Ronaldo.

The man known simply as “O Rei” (“The King”) also had a gift for putting the game’s magic into words. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and, most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do,” is one poignant quote famously attributed to the field icon.

This simple philosophy that reflected his approach to the game made him one of the most admired athletes in history.

Pelé died on Dec. 29, 2022, at the age of 82, after a battle with colon cancer, per ESPN.

Messi is now the second-ever player to play in three World Cup finals. Argentina faces off against Spain on Sunday, July 19.

Related: This Is Officially the World Cup’s Most Instagrammed Stadium

If you ever wondered whether friendship really lasts forever, just ask the Spice Girls. Melanie "Mel C" Chisholm officially married Australian model Chris Dingwall on July 18 during an intimate lakeside ceremony in Cumbria, England, but for fans of the iconic girl group, the wedding doubled as a mini Spice Girls reunion.

According to British Vogue, Mel C walked down the aisle in a custom wedding gown created by none other than former band mate Victoria Beckham. The elegant lace-and-satin design was made especially for the bride after Beckham had previously helped save the day for the couple's legal ceremony in Australia by lending Mel one of her own dresses when an original order couldn't be altered in time. "Victoria's dress was my ‘something borrowed’," Mel C told the outlet. "It was very special."

Beckham was just as excited to take on the project, telling BritishVogue, "I obviously offered to make her dream dress." The celebration also reunited several members of the Spice Girls. Beckham attended the ceremony alongside Emma Bunton and Geri Halliwell-Horner, giving fans a rare glimpse of three of the five women who forever changed pop music with hits including "Wannabe," "Spice Up Your Life" and "2 Become 1."

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The wedding marked a full-circle moment for Mel C, who admitted she never imagined marriage would be part of her story. "I wasn't a girl who grew up dreaming about her dress…I was always just focused on my career." That changed after meeting Dingwall on the dating app Raya in 2023. The couple became engaged during a romantic vacation in Mallorca last summer before quietly making things official in Australia ahead of their English celebration.

For Mel C, sharing the experience with Beckham made the entire journey even more meaningful. "Victoria was so excited about being able to do this for me," she said. "Having her and Scarlet (her daughter) there every step of the way has been very special." Girl Power was clearly alive and well when Mel C walked down the aisle. After all these years, it seems the Spice Girls are still proving that friendship really never ends.

For generations of music fans, weekends began with Casey Kasem counting down the country’s biggest hits. But when American Top 40 debuted onJuly 4, 1970, only one song earned the honor of becoming the show’s very first No. 1: Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).”

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The countdown played “the best-selling and most-played songs from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico” and was based on Billboard’s Hot 100, making “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” both the first No. 1 song in American Top 40 history and Three Dog Night’s first chart-topper on the all-genre tally.

Written by legendary singer-songwriter Randy Newman, the track was originally intended for another rock icon, Eric Burdon of The Animals, who indeed recorded the first released version in 1967. That same year, P.J. Proby recorded his own rendition, followed by several others, but Three Dog Night’s raucous cover became the gold standard.

Newman explained in a 2017Rolling Stone interview that the song is about a guy who's a little timid about going to a party. He said the first line--“Will you have whiskey
with your water / Or sugar with your tea”--was a vague reference to acid, adding that he didn't remember being bothered by "that stuff" back then.

According to Songfacts, Newman wasn’t the biggest fan of Three Dog Night’s cover, but later changed his mind. Lead singer Cory Wells said that after the party anthem hit No. 1, Newman called to jokingly thank him for putting his kids through college.

Released as a single in May 1970, Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” was the opening track on the band’s third studio album, It Ain’t Easy. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1970 and stayed there for two weeks.

The original American Top 40 ended in 1995 after Shadoe Stevens took over hosting duties from Kasem in 1988. When the countdown returned in 1998, Kasem resumed hosting duties until handing the microphone over to Ryan Seacrest in 2004.

Kim Kulish / Getty Images

The debut broadcast was heard on just seven radio stations across the country. Today, the show continues to broadcast weekly on hundreds of radio stations worldwide.

As for Three Dog Night’s classic rock party anthem, the track remains one of the band’s defining songs. With nearly 114 million streams on Spotify, it ranks as the band’s second-most-played track behind “Joy to the World,” proof that the song’s place in rock history extends far beyond being the first No. 1 on American Top 40.

Related: 1977 Nostalgic Classic, the Duo’s First No. 1 Hit, Became a Yacht Rock Anthem

When the Raspberries released "Go All the Way" in 1972, it sounded like the perfect song about chasing your dreams.

With its soaring chorus and infectious power-pop hooks, generations of listeners have embraced it as an uplifting anthem about taking chances and giving life everything you've got. But according to songwriter Eric Carmen, the song was actually written with a very different message in mind.

Carmen was just 19 years old when he came up with the song's central idea.

"I was at Brush High School and I remember seeing guys in the hallway, they're singing The Who's 'Magic Bus' and then pumping their fists in the air," Carmen said in a 2014 interview. "I thought that I wanted to write a song like that."

He knew he needed to find a clever angle to deliver the suggestive track he had in mind.

"Then one day I was in the drugstore and I saw a paperback with the title, 'Go All the Way' by Dan McGraw," Carmen explained. "That's when my antenna went up. I thought I might be able to use that. This was at the time when the Stones were on Ed Sullivan, and they made them change the lyrics from 'Let's Spend the Night Together' to 'Let's Spend Some Time Together.' I noticed that on the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds' record they could get away with racy lyrics like that because of how they looked and the melodic way they sang the suggestive stuff. They slid it by the censors. So my idea was to put those words in the mouth of the girl. It was a different approach. That made it more acceptable

That idea eventually evolved into "Go All the Way," which became the Raspberries' breakthrough hit a few years later.

"He heard the whole thing in his head and he relayed what he was hearing to us," drummer Jim Bonfanti told Rolling Stone.

Beneath the song's triumphant melody is a story about sexual desire and youthful passion. The suggestive lyrics were bold enough that some radio stations refused to play the record upon its release, while others edited or banned it altogether. Even so, listeners couldn't resist its unforgettable chorus.

The controversy did little to slow its success.

Released as the lead single from the Raspberries’ debut album, "Go All the Way" climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, introducing the Cleveland band to a national audience. Its blend of British Invasion-inspired guitars, towering harmonies, and big pop hooks helped define the emerging power-pop genre and influenced countless artists who followed.

Over the decades, the song has enjoyed a remarkable second life.

It has appeared in films, television shows, and commercials, introducing new generations to the Raspberries' signature sound. Its driving rhythm and optimistic-sounding chorus have also led many listeners to embrace it as an inspirational rock anthem, even if they never realized the lyrics were about something far more intimate.

More than 50 years after its release, "Go All the Way" remains the song most closely associated with the Raspberries and one of Eric Carmen's greatest songwriting achievements. What began as an idea from a 19 year-old aspiring songwriter ultimately became a timeless rock classic, one whose upbeat spirit continues to inspire listeners, even as its true meaning remains cleverly hidden beneath the surface.

Related: 1971 Rock Song, Lasting Nearly 21 Minutes, Remains a Classic 55 Years Later

This summer, we get the chance to see Rick Devens on the small screen, one of the "reality icons" playing in this year's edition of Big Brother. But, according to James Gunn, in a different world, we would have seen the two-time Survivor player on a much bigger screen next year.

As viewers of the hit CBS reality show tuned into the first eviction show of the new season on Thursday, July 16, they got to see the Survivor Seasons 38 and 50 star cast his first-ever vote in the Diary Room. Though, of course, in a cheeky style typical to the former newscaster, he came dressed for the island, wearing a rolled-up button-down shirt, a loosened tie, and a bandanna around his head reminiscent of a buff. And, if you were too focused on Devens' visual, you may have missed a strange namedrop he made during the requisite post-vote shoutouts.

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"Happy birthday, Juju!" he exclaims on his way out the door. "Shoutout Jack, Becca, James Gunn." The Guardians of the Galaxy and Superman director posted a video of the moment on Threads, with the caption, "Thanks to the shoutout from my friend."

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The fact that the current brain behind the DC Cinematic Universe is friendly with Devens is surprising, to say the least. Even more shocking, however, is Gunn's response when a commenter asked if the 42-year-old would be making a cameo in his next comic book movie, 2027's Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow.

“No because he’s on Big Brother!" he replied on July 19. "Otherwise he would have been."

Another commenter had some understandable skepticism, considering that neither party had ever talked about a familiarity with one another prior to this, let alone a friendship. But the 59-year-old was happy to illuminate his dynamic with Devens, as well as the plan he had for him at one point in time.

Related: Julie Chen Moonves Admits One ‘Big Brother 28’ Reality Icon ‘Does Not Get It’ (Exclusive)

"We do [know each other]," he wrote. "He was gonna appear in the background of MoT but he had to cancel (his awesome wife and kids still came). He couldn’t tell me why but told me I’d be excited. Obviously I was!"

Production for Man of Tomorrow, the second outing for David Corenswet‘s portrayal of the iconic superhero, kicked off in April. Given the timing that caused Devens to back out of the cameo offer, it's possible the ask from Gunn came in after his time on Survivor 50, where he produced arguably the most-talked-about moment of the season, flipping a coin placed in the game by YouTuber MrBeast to double the prize pot to $2 million. Of course, it now makes sense why Devens had to back out of the appearance, considering he was most likely either heading to the cast sequester period for Big Brother 28, or already in L.A., disconnected from the world in anticipation for the show.

The irony of all this is the fact that Gunn himself is a Big Brother fan as well! The longtime fan of the show appeared in the final episode of the companion show Big Brother: Unlocked last year, giving his thoughts on Season 27 so far, as well his predictions on the then-upcoming finale. Gunn is allegedly close with Season 24 winner Taylor Hale, who was able to convince him to go public with his BB fandom on Unlocked.

With Devens having made it through his first week on Big Brother, we shall see if his reputation of chaos and showmanship will prove to be his kryptonite in the game. But no matter how high he flies, it seems like he'll always have a place to land: A cameo in a future James Gunn movie.

Related: 'Big Brother 28' Spoilers: Who Won HoH and Veto as First Major Blowout Fight Rocks the House

By definition, horror movies have to have plenty of scares, but only some of them are truly hair-raising. On July 18, the publication Collider narrowed down some of the most horrifying movies with a ranking of "the 6 scariest movies released since 2000."

2007's Rec, The Conjuringfrom 2013, and The Babadook, released in 2014, were some of the spooky films featured on the list. The publication named Ari Aster's 2018 film, Hereditary, which focuses on a family's connection to a King Paimon cult, as the "scariest movie" released after 2000.

During a panel at the Bleak Week festival in June 2026, Aster explained that he has some mixed feelings about Hereditary, his first film, being so beloved. He said while he appreciates that the movie, which has a score of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, has amassed a devoted fanbase, it can be a bit frustrating that his other projects, like 2023's Beau is Afraid, which has 63 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and 2025's Eddington, which has a 69 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, haven't received the same amount of acclaim.

"It's interesting because it's my first film, right? And it's the film that seems to have like, you know, the biggest center of gravity. And so, in some ways, it's really irritating," quipped the director. "I'm trying to get better here. So every film I make I actually feel kind of prouder of than the last. It's like diminishing returns as far as their reception is concerned."

In addition, Aster rejected the classification of Heredity as "elevated horror." He explained that he was just "trying to make a really good horror movie."

"I hate the term elevated horror, especially because it was sort of like a box that I was put in and a lot of horror fans, you know, took umbrage and were like, 'Who do you think you are?' 'I didn't say it. I didn't say it.' I mean, I felt like I was working in a tradition. I didn't feel like I was trying to change anything," said Aster while speaking on stage before an audience.

It’s the health consequences that can sneak up on you, quietly over time, that can be the most dangerous. 

Clogged arteries are the perfect example of this. Dr. Sirisha Vadali, MD, a non-invasive cardiologist specializing in heart health prevention, explains that this is something that happens over time and doesn’t have any symptoms, which means people are unaware it’s happening.

“It’s one of the reasons that heart disease can be so dangerous. Plaque can build silently for years before someone develops the symptoms people are typically familiar with, like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or even having a heart attack or stroke,” she tells Parade. According to scientific research, clogged arteries (also known as atherosclerosis) are the underlying cause of about 50% of deaths in the U.S.

Dr. Vadali explains that this is why it’s important to know what your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are, and why it’s important to tell your doctor about anything that puts you at increased risk for heart disease, such as a family history of it. That way, you can proactively work together to protect your cardiovascular health. 

Related: The #1 Way To Unclog Your Arteries Naturally, According to Cardiologists

“Clogged arteries can affect more than just your heart,” Dr. Vadali says, explaining that if plaque builds up in the arteries that supply the heart, it can lead to chest pain or a heart attack, and can also increase the risk of stroke. It can also reduce blood flow to the legs, causing pain with walking and poor circulation, she adds.

Diet is an important way to keep your arteries healthy. With that in mind, there’s one popular dinner food that can quietly contribute to clogged arteries without you even realizing it.

Related: This Trendy Coffee Order Could Be Clogging Your Arteries, a Cardiologist Warns

How Do Arteries Become Clogged?

You know that having clogged arteries is bad, but you may be less clear on how it even happens. “Arteries become clogged gradually over many years as cholesterol, inflammation, calcium and other substances build up inside the artery wall to form plaque,” Dr. Vadali says.

She emphasizes that one singular meal or food won’t lead to clogged arteries. It’s absolutely okay to enjoy a super salty or sugary food occasionally, as long as the majority of your diet consists of minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods. 

“It's rarely one food or one unhealthy weekend that causes heart disease. It's about our habits stacking up over time in combination with other factors like genetics, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and living a sedentary lifestyle with little physical exercise,” Dr. Vadali says. 

While prevention is the best medicine, she explains that, for some people, it’s beneficial to take a prescription medication to manage heart health, specifically high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Again, this is why it’s important to know your numbers.

Related: This Popular Breakfast Food Could Be Clogging Your Arteries

The Popular Dinner Food That Clogs Arteries  

It bears repeating that one single meal doesn’t lead to clogged arteries. But that said, if you want to support your cardiovascular health, one food Dr. Vadali recommends avoiding eating regularly is processed meats. This means not having foods like pepperoni pizza, sausage pasta and deli meat sandwiches regularly.

“These foods tend to be high in saturated fat, sodium and preservatives. When eaten regularly, they can contribute to higher LDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and inflammation—all of which increase cardiovascular risk over time,” she warns.

Scientific research backs this up. According to a 2023 meta-analysis published in the European Heart Journal, both unprocessed and processed red meat (such as pepperoni and sausage) was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Another study found that eating unprocessed or processed red meat regularly increased plaque buildup in arteries in both men and women with hypertension.

“It's not that you can never enjoy these foods, but moderation is key and I wouldn't recommend having them several nights a week,” Dr. Vadali says.

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What To Eat Instead

While a cheesy slice of pepperoni pizza is fine to have now and then, if you want to avoid clogging your arteries, there are other foods to focus on eating regularly instead. Dr. Vadali notes that lean poultry, beans and fish are great protein options to build dinners around.

Some ideas of what this can look like include grilled chicken with veggies and rice, black bean chili, pasta with salmon and veggies, lentil curry, burrito bowls, or Thai red curry with tofu.

“Instead of focusing on what to eliminate, think about what you can add,” Dr. Vadali says. "Choosing grilled salmon, beans, lentils, skinless chicken or other minimally processed proteins alongside vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil is much more supportive of long-term heart health. Small swaps made consistently often have a bigger impact than dramatic diets that aren't sustainable.”

Don’t wait until you’re experiencing symptoms to start prioritizing your health. “By the time chest pain or shortness of breath develops, plaque has often been building for years. The best time to protect your heart is long before you ever feel like something is wrong. That's why regular checkups, knowing your numbers and making small, sustainable lifestyle changes matter so much,” she explains.

If making changes to start living a heart-healthy lifestyle feels overwhelming, prioritizing heart-healthy dinners is a great place to start. Focus on making this one meal of the day full of foods that support your cardiovascular system. Then, build from there.

Up Next:

Related: Unclog Your Arteries Naturally With These 5 Pantry Staples

Sources

• Dr. Sirisha Vadali, MD, non-invasive cardiologist specializing in heart-health prevention.
• Atherosclerosis. StatPearls.
• What causes stroke? National Institutes of Health.
• Shi, W., Huang, X., Schooling, C. M., et al. (2023). Red meat consumption, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Heart Journal. 44(28):2626-2635.
• Haring, B., Wang, W., Fretts, A., et al. (2018). Red meat consumption and cardiovascular target organ damage (from the Strong Heart Study).Journal of Hypertension. 35(9):1794-1800.

For most young racers, a first-place finish is a moment filled with nothing but excitement. But for Brexton Busch's family, his latest victory carried a mix of pride, joy, and heartbreak.

On July 18, Samantha Busch shared an emotional message after her son earned his first win since the death of his father, Kyle Busch, reflecting on how much the NASCAR legend would have loved watching the moment unfold.

"First win since losing Kyle. I’ve never felt so proud and so heartbroken at the same time," Samantha captioned a post following her son's big win. "Brexton continues to amaze me with his determination, his resilience, the way he keeps showing up to do what he loves even while carrying so much at such a young age."

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Samantha went on to say that she couldn't stop thinking about her late husband as she watched her son celebrate.

"I used to tell Kyle during all the late nights, roadtrips and chaos of long weekends at the track that one day when we were 80 we’d look back and say, 'Those were the best days of our lives,'" she recalled. "I knew then and I know even more now, they really were. Congratulations, buddy. Dad would’ve been so, so proud."

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Many fans raced to the comments section to congratulate Brexton, 11, and to share uplifting messages for Samantha.

"Gosh in grief it’s painful how two things can always be true - we are proud and also heartbroken all in one. Always praying for you," one fan wrote.

"Sending you so much love," another comment read.

On July 19, Samantha shared another post, this time showing Brexton take a bow, just as his dad would.

"Your bow. Your legacy. Our boy," she captioned another emotional social media post.

Kyle died at the age of 41 after bacterial pneumonia progressed into sepsis. He is survived by his wife, son, and young daughter, Leni.