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Updated: 39 min 28 sec ago

Celebs Slam 'Appalling' Music Video for Ariana Grande's Chart-Topping 'Petal': 'Should be Absolutely Ashamed'

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 12:03pm

Ariana Grande's latest single, "Petal", has quickly garnered a somewhat divided response among fans and critics alike.

While many listeners complimented the song and its accompanying music video for Grande's vocals, others have expressed worry over Grande's physical appearance, most especially in regards to her ongoing weight loss.

Model, author and body positivity activist Charli Howard, for example, offered harsh words for Grande's management team, sharing a striking statement on Grande's physical appearance in a recent Instagram post.

"I don’t speak about my previous eating disorders much anymore - I have come on leaps and bounds since then - but weight loss still lingers at the back of my mind, especially as I have gained weight over the last 18 months," Howard started by saying.

"I think it’s vital we discuss imagery/videos/content like these and the damage they can - and will - have on women and girls. WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS NOT NORMAL," she continued. "What I see is someone in desperate need of hospitalization and care, and while I know it’s often impossible to help someone at this stage of anorexia, there HAS to be an immediate intervention."

"I think it is absolutely appalling, from both a moral and capitalistic standpoint, to have released these videos and an album when this person needs psychiatric help and hospitalization," she went on to say. "The teams involved should be absolutely ashamed. What’s disappointing is that it takes teams - often hundreds - of people to approve videos like these and get them over the line. Each and every one of you, including her family and management, are enabling this person and encouraging her illness when she needs help."

"I truly, truly hope she gets the help that she so desperately needs," Howard finished. "We do not need a repeat of the early 2000s. We need to support & help this woman; give her rest and time to recover instead of putting her on stage; and remove this content immediately."

Grammy-Winning '80s R&B Singer, Who Collaborated With Quincy Jones, Turns 76

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 12:01pm

Musician Patti Austin is well known for her chart-topping tracks that have earned her many accolades throughout her career, and today, Aug. 10, 2026, she celebrates her 76th birthday.

Born Aug. 10, 1950 in Harlem, N. Y., Austin started singing as a toddler, making her live debut at four years old and signing her first record deal just a year later at the age of five.

According to reports, late music legends Quincy Jonesand Dinah Washington were Austin's self-proclaimed godparents, with Austin frequently collaborating with the pair during her decades-long career.

Both Washington and Jones helped Austin's career get off the ground, with Washington encouraging her to perform live for the first time.

She first worked with Jones in the late 1970s, featuring as a vocalist on several songs from his 1978 album, Sounds... and Stuff Like That!!. In 1981, Austin was signed to Jones' record label, Qwest Records. The same year, she released her fourth studio album, and the first under her new label, Every Home Should Have One, which pushed her into the mainstream.

Every Home Should Have One yielded the chart-topping hit, a duet with then-label mate James Ingram titled "Baby Come To Me." The track took the top spot on theBillboard Hot 100, where it stayed for two weeks.

Over 40 years since its release, the track is still a beloved favorite among fans.

"This song right HERE! I remember being a young kid and loving this song so much. Then, to learn that James was from the area made it even better," one Reddit user wrote. "This song is a classic that will forever be played. Both vocals were nothing short of amazing."

"Two very different types of voices, her voice so smooth and his coming together so seamlessly," mused a second. "And Quincy's production is flawless and tight (the usual)."

The follow-up to her first duet with Ingram, "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" was featured in the 1982 movie Best Friends and was nominated for the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 55th Academy Awards. In 2008, Austin won her first Grammy Award forAvant Gershwin, with the critically acclaimed record winning "Best Jazz Vocal Album."

Related: Veteran Rock Singer Who Fronted Two Iconic Bands Turns 75

'80s Rock Band Iron Maiden's Frontman Gives Major Update on New Solo Album

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 11:56am

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has shared some new insights into his upcoming solo album.

The record, which was recorded at Dave Grohl‘s Studio 606 in Northridge, Los Angeles, is set to arrive in 2027, per NME. In a new interview, Dickinson gave a major update on what fans can expect from the untitled album, which follows his 2024 solo release, The Mandrake Project.

"It’s kind of standalone. There’s one song that has a bit of something to do with 'Mandrake'," the '80s rocker explained in his VSX Project interview. "Now, the album is heavy as shit. I’m not digging into 'Mandrake.' I think 'Mandrake' has a life now on a comic book level, so it can just go on the basis of story and everything else. I don’t need to associate music with it unless it’s a really good idea."

Dickinson also noted that the forthcoming record will not be a direct repeat of The Mandrake Project, explaining that he aims to make all of his solo music sound different.

"I try to not repeat - not because it's bad. You want to move on and put different nuances on things," he said.

Dickinson continued, "Music is something which you try not to stick too much of a format, but you are still within a particular… I’m within a particular style, for sure. But I try and vary it as much as I can."

The album was recorded throughout Jan. and Feb. 2026, with Brendan Duffey producing. On Feb. 1, 2026, fans were given a behind-the-scenes look, thanks to Dickinson and Grohl's friend, rock vocalist Jeff Scott Soto.

"Arrived at Dave Grohl’s studio right as Bruce was doing some final vocals to his new album," he wrote in an Instagram caption. "He finished and came out to chat/hang a little but then asked if I wanted to hear a few of the songs...umm, YEA!!"

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Touching on the album's sound, he said, "I must say besides the fact that he is still singing at the top of his game, the songs, performances, and the overall vibe I got from all was beyond impressive, I think this outing will be one of his strongest ever outside of the Maiden camp."

Related: 2000s Rock Band Scores Ninth No. 1 Hit Ahead of New Album

'Real Housewives' Star Heading Into 'Roughest' Chapter of Cancer Treatment

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 11:37am

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Jeana Keough is undergoing treatment for tongue cancer.

On Thursday, Aug. 6, Keough's daughter Kara Bosworth, shared an update on her mom.

"Jeana finished her last radiation treatment yesterday, and we were informed that these next two weeks will be the roughest on her physically—as the chemo and radiation are compounding and her body will be at its weakest point," Bosworth wrote on the GoFundMe that's been set up to help Keough with her bills. "The radiation burns have now made it to the outer skin on her neck and even putting medicated cream on the area with the gentlest of touches causes her wincing pain."

Bosworth highlighted a couple of positive developments. First, her mom is no longer losing weight as she's being fed via a feeding tube, which Bosworth notes she can "feed her in the dark while she sleeps." Also, despite being in excruciating pain, Keough has been able to swallow small sips of water, which is an "important" aspect of her recovery.

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Bosworth has asked the public for prayers as her mother embarks on the next steps in her cancer journey.

Though Keough hasn't posted to social media in recent weeks, her RHOC co-star Tamra Judge recently shared a photo of Keough along with some words of support.

"We love you, Momma Jeana," Judge wrote. "Keeping you in our prayers every step of the way. If you’re able to support her, the GoFundMe link is in my story and in my bio. Every donation, no matter the size, truly helps."

Keough will turn 71 in September.

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Brad Pitt Opens Up About the Dark Period When He Could ‘Understand Suicide’

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 11:27am

Brad Pitt's ongoing turmoil with Angelina Jolie and their family has been at the center of media attention for years, with the F1 actor revealing there was once a "little period" when he understood suicide.

In a new interview with Esquire, Pitt opened up about his estrangement from his family without going too far into detail. The actor's reflection comes as he continues to navigate the complicated aftermath of his split from Jolie that was finalized in 2024. Media outlets have even reported on a majority of his children going through the legal process of dropping his name.

The 62-year-old clarified he was "never suicidal in any way" and it "was just not my makeup." Despite this, he went through a patch in his life with "kid stuff" and "family stuff" that ultimately led him to darker thoughts.

“Anyway, I’ve never been suicidal except for one little period. And in that one little period, I just thought—I just couldn’t—just didn’t see a way out. The pain was so oppressive that—I wasn’t going to act on this, but I could feel—I could feel the cold steel of the bullet in my head, and it felt like relief," he explained.

“And I thought, ‘Oh, okay, now I understand’—I understand suicide, in the sense that it’s just relief. It’s just looking for relief from the pain. But I also think we have incredible survival instincts. And for me, that immediately kicked in, but it was just . . .”

Pitt adds that "this s--- ain’t easy" and alludes to being someone who has "won the lottery." When asked if his new outlook was based on issues with his kids or family, he simply said "family stuff" and "we could leave it at that."

Related: Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks Heal Their Longtime Feud: 'We Talk All the Time' Now

The Fury actor does reveal that one of his afflictions is that he's a "congenital optimist," and it's often worked in his favor. He admits that his friend and director David Fincher would say that he looks at the glass half full, but "it’s half full of urine.”

When asked how someone climbs out of difficult or dark times, Pitt commented, "I don’t see it as climbing out of it. It’s going through it and trying and trying and trying and trying to the point of exhaustion and then trying again. I don’t want to ignore the place where you run up against the wall. But I just one day woke up, and it just felt a little sunnier and the air felt a little sweeter. Just microdoses of it.”

In the interview, Pitt also revealed to no longer being sober, as it was brought up when drinks were offered. He admits that he can have a glass of wine, but must remain "professional" about it.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Hilary Duff Pays Sweet Tribute to Her Late Ex at Philadelphia Concert

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 11:25am

Hilary Duff is continuing to honor her past on tour.

After bringing ex Joel Maddenonstage during one of her recent shows, Duff, 38, then paid tribute to someone else who was once near and dear to her, at her latest concert in Philadelphia.

On Sunday, August 10, the "So Yesterday" singer rocked a vintage t-shirt featuring Aaron Carter, who died four years ago. He and Duff were on and off again for roughly three years back in their early aughts, E! News reports.

The short-sleeved top featured bore the late singer early on in his career, standing in jean overalls and a white and red shirt. The background is decorated with blue circles and bears his name. Check out the design in a recent X post below.

🥹🍬 Hilary Duff paid tribute to Aaron Carter tonight at #LuckyMePhiladelphia, wearing a vintage tee featuring the late singer. pic.twitter.com/3Tm8w5FkQg

— Hilary Duff Diary (@HilaryDiary) August 10, 2026

Disney Channel fans will recall Carter making a guest appearance on a standout episode of Duff's Lizzie McGuire series back in the day.

Last week, the "Why Not" singer brought up Benji Madden in addition to Joel, 47, to perform a duet on Good Charlotte's "The Anthem." Duff's dating history with Joel is quite controversial: When they were together in 2004, Duff was just 16, while Madden was 25. They dated for two years and eventually broke up in 2006.

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Despite the controversies, it appears that behind the scenes, the exes are more than amicable. During a 2023 appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Duff detailed how the two had remained close despite their past relationship.

In other Duff news, the beloved performer came clean last month about her beauty routine, opening up about her favorite cosmetic procedures during a recent interview with People to say she does "all the things."

“I love Botox,” she said in the July 6 interview. “I’m obsessed with microneedling and salmon sperm [facials]. It [salmon sperm] works so well.”

Your Grandchild's Birth Date Reveals the Best Way to Bond With Them

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 11:06am

Every child shows love a little differently. It's no surprise that figuring out how the little one you love likes to connect can make all the difference in building an adoring bond that lasts.

Turns out, the way a child best connects with the people who adore them might have something to do with the day they were born, according to numerologists and astrologers. Your grandchild's birth datenumerology can explain key personality traits, and therefore, the type of bonding that's sure to build secure attachments.

From hands-on projects to quiet one-on-one time, here's the bonding style that fits your grandchild best — no matter their age.

How to Bond With Your Grandchild, Based on Birth Date Numerology

Check your grandchild's birth date below. Disregard their birth month.

✦ Learn more about your birth date numerology ✦

Born on the…

1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th

11th |12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th |20th

21st | 22nd |23rd | 24th | 25th | 26th | 27th | 28th | 29th | 30th | 31st

Born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, or 28th — Make something together

These kids love feeling like the boss of their own little project. Helping them harness their natural-born leadership skills with confidence-building activities makes them a beacon of hope in their eyes. Bake cookies together, build a blanket fort, or plant something in the yard and let them water it every day. When they get to lead, they light up.

Born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th — Just the two of you

These sensitive grandkids often don't need a big activity to keep engaged. Rather, they need your full attention. A slow walk, coloring side by side, or just talking about their day means more to them than anything fancy. With such big feelings, someone who makes space for their introverted side means a lot. Be a great example of emotional regulation, and you'll be their favorite.

Born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th — Pretend and play

Big imaginations lie within these little dreamers. Dress-up, silly voices, puppet shows, or hearing stories about when you were little — let them be as goofy and creative as they want. When you let your playful, whimsical side out, connection happens.

Born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st — The same fun thing, every time

These kids love knowing what to expect. The same walk to the park, a familar home-cooked meal, a weekly game night — doing it again and again is what makes them feel close to you. With organization and proper structure, you help soothe their nervous system. To bring them security and predictability makes you a marvel in their hearts.

Born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd — Try something new

Adventurous and brave, these grandkids love surprises. A new park, a first-time recipe, a day trip somewhere new brings a huge grin to their face. Exploring together is what makes memories with you stick. While there are certainly limits and rules that are needed to keep them safe, try to expand their horizons. They'll remember you as the fun one.

Born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th — Helping out together

These kids are natural caregivers and healers, so giving them a chance to help makes them feel a sense of belonging. Let them cook with you, feed a pet, or water the plants together. Being useful next to you is their favorite kind of bonding. When you nurture their intuitive, compassionate side, don't be surprised when they're hooked on your presence.

Born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th — Quiet time, side by side

Not every visit needs a plan. As old souls, these gentle kids tend to need more quiet time than most. A puzzle, a picture book, or just sitting together outside gives these kids space to open up in their own time. When you slow down with them, you'll be surprised by the observant insight that can come out of their mouth, even with their little life experience.

Born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th — Working toward something fun

These ambitious kids love a challenge. Teach them a card game, practice riding a bike, or work on a puzzle together until it's done. Finishing something together is the win that peaks their happiness and bonds you with meaningful memories.

Born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th — Sharing family stories

These children love feeling connected to something bigger. Show them old photos, tell stories about your own childhood, or teach them something that's been passed down in the family. They'll hold onto generational traditions, beliefs, or a sense of communal belonging younger than most kids.

UP NEXT:

Kim Kardashian Faces Another Scary Security Incident 10 Years After Paris Robbery

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 11:00am

Nearly 10 years after Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in Paris, the reality star is dealing with another alleged security breach.

A 27-year-old man was reportedly arrested Sunday, August 9, following an incident at Kardashian's Hidden Hills mansion, which is currently undergoing renovations, according to TMZ. Kardashian and her children have reportedly been staying elsewhere for the past several months and were not at the property at the time.

Law enforcement sources told the outlet that the suspect allegedly forced his way through a door before a security guard spotted him taking items from the property and loading them into a vehicle. He is also accused of getting behind the wheel of a Kardashian staffer's car and driving it around the neighborhood.

The security guard alerted authorities, who surrounded the property before taking the man into custody without further incident. The outlet reports that one was injured, and police reportedly did not find any weapons on the suspect. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary. TMZ also noted that sources close to Kardashian disputed part of law enforcement's account, telling the outlet that the suspect never actually made it inside the mansion. They also said Kardashian currently has none of her belongings at the property because of the renovations.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton Praises Kim Kardashian After Podium Finish in Monaco, Breaks Silence on Relationship

Either way, the incident comes nearly a decade after Kardashian experienced a far more terrifying robbery while attending Paris Fashion Week in October 2016.

Five men posing as police officers entered her hotel room, bound and gagged her, and stole millions of dollars in jewelry, including a $4 million ring from then-husband Kanye West. Kardashian later said she believed she was going to die during the attack.

Nearly nine years later, she returned to Paris to testify during the suspects' 2025 trial. Seven men and one woman were ultimately convicted in connection with the robbery.

1970 Rock Song, Written by John Fogerty, Is Still a Hit Masterpiece Despite Never Reaching No.1

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:45am

By the late '60s and early '70s, many rock hits were viewed as anti-war songs, but Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Run Through the Jungle" had a very different meaning for John Fogerty.

The psychedelic rock track was released in 1970 as a double A-side single and part of their Cosmo's Factory album. In the years since its release, "Run Through the Jungle" became a generational rock staple that originally landed at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its lyrics would take on a powerful meaning, but Fogerty would reveal it's not what people originally interpreted.

The year it was released, many assumed Fogerty developed its tracks as a statement against the Vietnam War. Their previous track, "Fortunate Son," was highly recognized as a protest song, as well as other hits like "War" by Edwin Starr, "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and even "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath, having fallen into the mix.

In 2016, Fogerty appeared on Newsmans ’ AXS show The Big Interview to dispel the common myth about the track. The singer would reveal that his inspiration was political and based ona real event, but it wasn't based around the war.

“The thing I wanted to talk about was gun control and the proliferation of guns,” Fogerty said. “I think my first experience as a kid was hearing about the fellow that climbed up in the Texas tower and was able to kill several people on the campus.” 

“On through the years, of course, we’ve seen more and more of this sort of event. One is just as wacky or crazy as the other. When we sometimes think we have a handle on why this person did something, then another one comes along that’s a complete departure.”

The event he's referring to took place years before he created the track in 1966. Former U.S. Marine and engineering student Charles Joseph Whitman climbed the Austin clock tower on August 1, 1966, at the University of Texas and carried out a mass shooting. It resulted in 14 dead and 31 injured before Whitman was killed by police. He had murdered his wife and son earlier that day.

Forgerty would add that he read a statistic at the time of there being one gun for every man, woman, and child that he found staggering. The idea of there being hundreds of privately owned guns influenced his lyrics as he found it "disturbing that it was such a jungle for our citizens just to walk around in our own country at least having to be aware that there are so many private guns owned by some responsible and maybe many irresponsible people.”

"Run Through the Jungle" was never expected to also become a pop culture sensation in the years that followed. It appeared in hit films like The Big Lebowski, Tropic Thunder, Long: Skull Island, and was referenced in Stephen King's and Peter Straub's novel The Talisman. The track has even appeared in TV series like Lethal Weapon and has been referenced in war-related video games.

Related: 1965 Pop Rock Song, Written by an 18-Year-Old, Became a Hit That Cost The Yardbirds a Guitarist

Liz Claiborne's Classic Hoop Earrings 'Go Well With Everything,' and They're on Sale for $4

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:45am

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Whether you identify as an accessory person or not, everyone needs staple jewelry in their closet that can be their go-to for any occasion. Styles like stud earrings, hoop earrings, and pendant necklaces are perfect for everyday wear, and, luckily, JCPenney is selling them at unbeatable prices. Our latest favorite are these Liz Claiborne Hoop Earrings, which are on sale right now for under $5.

The accessory, which was originally priced at $12, has been reduced to just a little over $4 during a Liz Claiborne flash sale at JCPenney. All you have to do is use the promotional code GEMSTONE at checkout to receive the lowest sale price. The earrings are available in gold or silver, with some shoppers adding both hues to their cart.

Liz Claiborne Hoop Earrings, $4 (were $12) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenny

Shop at JCPenney

The earring design features a standard hinged back that you just have to clip in to keep them securely fastened. The classic hoop style is described to be a medium size, measuring at 20.8 millimeters long and 2.8 millimeters wide. The accessory is made of zinc and is considered hypoallergenic. To care for them, all you have to do is wipe them clean. We would recommend avoiding sleeping and showering with them to ensure they maintain their shine. 

What we love about this design is that the earrings are so chic and simple, so you can elevate any outfit with them. Pair them with your favorite sundress throughout the summer months, or sport them to holiday events throughout the winter — the options are endless! Shoppers agree that you can sport them everyday, adding that they're the "perfect size" and "go well with everything."

Other customers described the "beautiful" earrings as "very pretty," "cute," "super comfortable," and "easy to put on." Reviewers also love that they're "lightweight," so they never feel overly bulky or get in the way during long wears. Some shoppers even purchased a pair as a gift, so they're a great affordable option for loved ones.

Related: Pyrex's 18-Piece Glass Storage Set Is the Affordable Kitchen Organization Swap You’ll Wish You Made Sooner

Mark our words: these sleek hoop earrings will become your staple accessory. Shop for them now while they're just $4 during the Liz Claiborne flash sale at JCPenney! 

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‘Growing Pains’ Star Ashley Johnson Celebrates 43rd Birthday After Sharing Frightening Abduction Attempt

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:42am

Ashley Johnson, who rose to stardom as a child on Growing Pains, is looking happier than ever on her 43rd birthday.

Johnson, who turned 43 on Sunday, skyrocketed to fame in the role of Chrissy Seaver on the hit sitcom. Starring Kirk Cameron, Alan Thicke, and Tracey Gold, the show followed the Seaver family as they navigated life on Long Island. Johnson was a latecomer to the show, appearing from 1990 through the show’s end in 1992. 

In the present day, Johnson is thriving. A successful TV and voice actor, she's glowing in a new series of photos posted in honor of her birthday by Drunk History host Derek Waters, who called the former child star "his everything." Looking absolutely stunning, Johnson showed off long blonde hair, a sharp contrast to her famous curls on Growing Pains.

"Happy Birthday to my favorite everything. I love you!❤️ @ashleythejohnson," he captioned the photo series.

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Johnson Revealed She Was Almost Abducted From the Growing Pains Set

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

On a recent episode of her “Weird Kids” podcast, Johnson revealed she was once nearly abducted by a fan after a live taping of the show. The incident took place the first year she was on the show after somebody had written in and said "'I am coming to set and I am going to bring a gun and I am going to murder some of the cast,'" Johnson recalled.

“So, I’m walking with my mom and then I just remember some guy hops out of the line and he grabs me and grabs me up and starts booking it,” she shared, PEOPLE reported. “And all I remember is like, there was security that somehow got on him after some time.”

Security immediately went after the man, whom Johnson said had a gun.

“I was clueless as to what was happening, but I was very upset and they were talking to me about it after. And they were like, ‘Are you okay?’ And I just said, ‘I just think I’m gonna be in trouble,’" she recalled.

The man got away with one of her shoes, but the moment stayed with Johnson forever.

“But he was packing. They got him. This was the thing. He was high on something. It wasn’t meth, but it was something — like, he was so strong," she recalled.

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Check out the entire episode of Weird Kids below:

Related: Beloved ‘Growing Pains’ Mom Joanna Kerns Is Honored by Her Onscreen Son for Mother’s Day

'Today' Anchor Says 'You Might Not See Me Again' in Unexpected Admission

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:38am

It's an age-old question: If you won the lottery, would you return to work?

Well, we now know that there's one person who won't be returning to work if he hits the Powerball jackpot, and that's Craig Melvin.

On the Monday, Aug. 10 broadcast of Today, Savannah Guthrie was back on the program after she took some time off to film the new game show, Wordle. While she and Melvin were chatting, he told her that he was "glad" that she was back and added, "we missed you." Then, he dropped his future plans which hinge on a major lotto win.

"Here’s the thing, you might not see me again. If I hit the Powerball tonight, I’m playing tonight, if I hit it, SG, it was a fun ride while it lasted," he joked to Guthrie.

"You’re not one of those, ‘I’ll still go to work every day?'" Guthrie asked Melvin. He ensured her that he would not return to work if he won the $905,000,000 jackpot.

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While Melvin may have been having fun with the idea, his answer was pretty definitive. Guthrie even gave him one last chance to reconsider, asking whether he would really walk away from the morning show if his numbers came through. Melvin didn't seem to need much convincing before sticking with his original answer.

Fans don't need to worry too much about Melvin not returning to work on Tuesday morning. The odds of winning Powerball are 1 in 292,201,338 per $2 play. Of course, there's always a chance, right?

READ NEXT: Jenna Bush Hager Shocked by Co-Stars On-Air Admission

1961 Instrumental, Composed by Paul Mauriat, Launched a 15-Year-Old Singer’s Career

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:33am

At just 15 years old, Peggy March made music history with “I Will Follow Him,” becoming the youngest female singer to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 1963 hit spent three weeks atop the chart and launched March’s career in music.

More than six decades later, March still holds that record. But before “I Will Follow Him” made her a star, her first RCA single had failed to become a hit. 

“Little Me” was released when she was 13 and came from the Broadway musical of the same name. March says she wasn't discouraged by its lack of chart success.

“No. The funny thing is, it didn’t bother me because I knew that if I found it difficult to sing, then everybody else was going to find it difficult to sing along with,” she told Billboard. “It was a Broadway song, not a pop song.”

March was beginning her freshman year of high school when she was taken to Newark, New Jersey, to meet producers Hugo Peretti and Luigi Creatore, who had already worked with successful pop acts. 

“They produced the Tokens and they had big hits, several of which they wrote and several of which they didn’t,” March recalled. One of those songs was “I Will Follow Him.” 

“It’s one they did not write,” she said. March remembers walking into their office and seeing the sheet music sitting on a desk. Her first thought? Not exactly a fan. “My sister tells me to this day, ‘You didn’t like that song at all. You thought it was too repetitive.’”

Before March recorded “I Will Follow Him,” the song had already gone through a few versions. In 1961, it began as “Chariot,” a French instrumental composed by Paul Mauriat and Franck Pourcel. After French and English lyrics were added, March’s 1963 recording became its biggest U.S. hit.

March cut “I Will Follow Him” in early January 1963. It was the only song she recorded during a three-hour session. “They had me in an isolation booth, because my voice was too loud,” she said. “The strings were picking my voice up, so they had to isolate me.”

As the song climbed the charts, March followed its progress every week while listening to WABC radio at home.

“It continued to go up and it was No. 2 for three weeks,” she recalled. “And this particular week, when they played the No. 2 song, it was not ‘I Will Follow Him.’ I remember thinking, ‘Well, I guess it flew off. It’s no longer there. That’s disappointing.’ And then they played the No. 1 song and it was ‘I Will Follow Him.’ I stood there totally mesmerized, listening to me sing.” 

Decades after March's version became a No. 1 hit, “I Will Follow Him” found a new generation of fans when it appeared in the 1992 film Sister Act.

“I understand they looked for me for some time to be part of the film,” she said. “I could’ve been a nun but they couldn’t find me. And then there was a whole resurgence of ‘I Will Follow Him,’ which was a wonderful thing.” 

March still sings the song at her shows, and fans regularly tell her how much it means to them. “People tell me, ‘I fell in love with that song.’ Or, ‘I had my first date with that song.’ And, ‘We danced to it at the prom.’”

March never expected the record she set as a teenager to last this long. “I’m surprised the h*** out of me that the record is still there,” she said. “I thought it would’ve been broken long before now.”

At the time, she wasn't thinking about making history. “I don’t think I gave it a second thought,” March added. “It wasn’t until years later when it became a thing that I thought, ‘Oh wow, isn’t that interesting?’ Because we were all teenagers at that time. Some were just older than others.”

Related: 1964 Folk Song, Written by Bob Dylan, Launched a 19-Year-Old Singer’s Solo Career

Thomas' Brings Back Pumpkin Spice and Maple Flavors for Fall

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:18am

Sad as it might be to admit, summer is officially winding down, bringing an end to the season of tropical vacations, backyard pool parties and late evenings spent under the refreshing summer sun.

While some people might understandably be disappointed by the end of the season, Thomas' Breads is giving fans something to be excited about with the return of two fan-favorite flavors for the upcoming fall season.

According to a new press release from the company, Thomas' is officially bringing back two of their most popular seasonal flavors in the form of Thomas' Pumpkin Spice Bagels & English Muffins and Thomas' Maple French Toast Bagels & English Muffins.

As per the brand, the descriptions for each of the products' are:

  • Thomas' Pumpkin Spice Bagels & English Muffins: "Adding a bit of (pumpkin) spice to your breakfast routine, these limited-edition Bagels and English Muffins are made with real pumpkin and fall spices to perfectly capture the warmth of the season in every bite."
  • Thomas' Maple French Toast Bagels & English Muffins: "The wait is officially over - Thomas' Maple French Toast Bagels & English Muffins are returning to store shelves. Available for a limited time, each Maple French Toast Bagel and English Muffin is crafted with real maple syrup and over 140 years of baking expertise, bringing the nostalgic sweetness of a childhood breakfast staple to your morning routine."

Starting in August, shoppers can find Thomas' Pumpkin Spice Bagels and English Muffins in grocery stores nationwide until November. Meanwhile, the Thomas' Maple French Toast Bagels and English Muffins will make their way to stores starting this October through April 2027.

"With Pumpkin Spice season showing up bigger and better each year, we know that our consumers are craving ways to incorporate these flavors of the season into their day," said Nick Pitone, Director of Marketing at Thomas'. "Thomas' Pumpkin Spice and Maple French Toast Bagels and English Muffins are a natural pairing that bring the cozy, nostalgic fall flavors to the breakfast table and help create moments worth savoring within busy morning routines."

The 13 Things Schoolteachers Absolutely Wish All Parents Knew

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:00am

When we, as parents, drop our kids off for school, we want them to have fun and excel. We want their peers and teachers to see and love them as we do. But a parent's love is simply different—and so is their place in a child's life.

Teachers can see children in different ways and offer fresh perspectives. So, it's not really surprising that there are things teachers wish parents knew.

"Teachers see kids in a very different environment than parents," says Katelyn Rigg, M.Ed, a literacy and reading specialist and founder of LiteracyLearn.com. "A home environment can be very different from a classroom environment."

One potentially significant difference is rules. For example, the school may be more structured—being late for lunch hour may be frowned upon in school, whereas at home, schedules can fluctuate.

"Some teachers may be strict, while parents may be lenient," Rigg says. "If there isn’t a consistency between home and school, then some children may struggle with expectations."

Finally, children may behave differently at school. Some parents may be pleasantly surprised to learn their rambunctious child is a "pleasure to have in class." Other times, a child may act out in school and follow the rules at home.

"Social pressures, work ethic and independence are all factors which present themselves differently in situations," Rigg adds.

Ultimately, parents and teachers have the same goal: to see children succeed. So, now that we're back to school, education experts with classroom experience share the things they wish parents knew.

Related: 35 Cool Back-to-School Party Ideas for an End-of-Summer Bash

13 Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew

Photo by shorrocks from Getty Images Signature/Canva

1. We're on the Same Team

Children have the best chance to thrive when teachers, parents and other caretakers work together, says Karen Aronian, Ed.D., a former New York City public school teacher and founder of Aronian Education Design LLC.

This means taking an active role in your child's education after dismissal.

"Parents must thread the needle after school and oversee homework," Aronian says.

Dr. Ruslan Slutsky, Ph.D., professor of early childhood education at The University of Toledo Judith Herb College of Education, agrees.

"When parents stay engaged and active, it motivates kids to do better in school because they see the value," Dr. Slutsky says. "Their parents are talking about it…they come to the classroom with a different motivation.”

Ask any coach or athlete, and they'll tell you communication is critical. That goes for parent-teacher relations, too. "Communicate significant changes that happen at home—divorce, death of loved one or move—and can affect a student's performance,"  Aronian says. 

These insights can help teachers approach a child's education empathetically. They can also point you or your child toward on-campus support, such as a school therapist.

2. Books Are Powerful

Technology has enabled people to stay in touch and be entertained. But educators share that reading hard copies of books is still essential.

"I wish parents knew just how important it is to read to their children," Rigg says. "Parents need to understand that research has shown that reading to children has numerous positive effects, including building strong vocabulary and rich background knowledge."

For example, a 2019 study showed children whose parents read one picture book to them daily were exposed to an estimated 78,000 words annually. 

Make it a habit—it doesn't have to break the bank.

“Have a routine like a book read before bed," Dr. Slutsky says. "I know books can be expensive, but you can go to the library...We spend so much time engaged in technology, and literacy has taken a backseat.”

3. Engagement Can Be Free

Parents are constantly spammed with ads for play kits, toys and other tools that promise to speed up development. And they can be helpful, but experts share you don't need to fill your home with stuff to help your child thrive.

"Talk to your kids," Dr. Slutsky says. "It helps literacy and language."

Dr. Slutsky says you can play games when in the car. When he drove his children home from preschool, he'd have them count how many blue cars they saw in a minute. As children grow older, asking them to tell you how much something costs at the grocery store reinforces math skills. They can even add up prices to estimate how much the total bill will be.

"Things like that, really basic things, help," Dr. Slutsky says.

Related: What Is a ‘Back-to-School Necklace’? All About This Disturbing Trend

4. Speak Positively

You may have heard negative opinions about a teacher, or perhaps the educator rubbed you the wrong way at a parent-teacher conference. A filter is your best friend.

“When parents speak positively of teachers and show respect, that says to the child that the teacher is competent, smart and caring…it sets a tone for respect from student to the teacher," Dr. Slutsky says.

5. Two Words: Sugar and Sleep

If your child is struggling in the classroom or behaviorally, you may want to consider evaluating lifestyle, mainly sugar intake and sleep.

"I wish more parents would realize that a healthy diet and enough sleep can significantly improve impulsivity and behavior in the classroom," Rigg says. "So many kids walk into classrooms with fruit punch and bags of chips for breakfast. Many of my students stay up too late playing video games or watching movies. This is the perfect combination for kids to get out of control and cause disruptions in the class."

Rigg suggests sending children with water and fruit. The CDC has age-appropriate sleep guidelines:

  • Ages 3-5: 10-13 hours per 24 hours, including naps
  • Ages 6-12: 9-12 hours nightly
  • Ages 13-18: 8-10 hours nightly
6. Mistakes Are OK To Call Out

You may be surprised to learn about your child's behavior or academic performance. But that doesn't mean the teacher's opinion or insights aren't valuable—or valid.

"Sometimes, parents blame teachers for the way their children are reacting," Dr. Slutsky says. "They say, ‘I don’t see that at home.’” 

But Dr. Slutsky says your child may be using school to test boundaries. Teachers know no one is perfect—including your child—and wish parents did, too.

"Kids will make mistakes, and that’s OK," Rigg says."If we call kids out on their mistakes, it doesn’t mean we don’t care or don’t love them. Parents need to understand that their child’s mistakes can be turned into valuable learning experiences to grow from."

Related: 225 Fun 'Get To Know You' Questions for Students

7. Don't Shoot the Messenger

Along the same lines, it's challenging to hear something critical about your child.

Aronian empathizes, "It can be hard to hear critical things about your children; you may want to respond immediately and emotionally; however, it's important to pause," she says. "Often, a teacher's constructive heads up is a crucial call to action to intervene with a child's development. The earlier a family seeks assistance, the earlier a cognitive or special needs challenge can be remediated."

Related: 125 Inspiring Education Quotes That’ll Keep Your Desire to Learn Burning Bright

8. Follow the Chain

If your child is struggling, including with a relationship with a teacher, don't go straight to the top.

"Bring your issue to your teacher first before you take the concern up the chain of command," Aronian says. "Teachers want to make it right and hopefully not have the department chair or principal intercede."

9. Do the Math

Research shows that the average public school class size in the U.S. is 24 students. The student-to-teacher ratio in public school classrooms is 16 to 1. 

"One teacher cannot personalize education for each and every student, even with the help of paraprofessionals and assistant teachers," Aronian says.

Aronian stresses that these ratios emphasize the importance of parents playing an active role in their child's education. They can also look into community resources.

"If you can't co-teach, consult with your teacher to find a tutor or mentor to help," Aronian says. "Many schools and community service organizations—the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs—offer students free academic support/tutors."

10. Teachers Are Always Thinking and Learning

Though their job is to teach, educators also prioritize learning and evolving. Why? Because they care deeply about your child.

"Teachers are always working on lesson planning, experiments, figuring out ways to adapt and adjust language arts and math for students falling behind," Dr. Slutsky says.

11. Respect Their Boundaries

Apps and emails have made it easier than ever to communicate with teachers 24/7. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. And if you do fire off a long message in Brightwheel at 11 p.m., respect that the teacher may not respond until the next day.

"Teachers have a lot of internal and external school obligations that go unseen: teacher meetings, coaching, club advising, continuing education, departmental work, grading and lesson plans to prepare," Aronian says.

They may be in the parenting trenches, too. "Teachers have family and personal responsibilities and must ensure their family's homework, laundry, pets and meals are provided for," Aronian says.

12. Yes, They Have Summer Vacation

Teachers may work a summer job or engage in professional development. But yes, the rumors are true: They often take some time to themselves in the summer. Guess what? Your child benefits—and so do teachers, and there's no shame in that.

"The school year is a long year," Dr. Slutsky says. "Some years, the classroom runs really well. In other years, it’s more challenging. You need two to three weeks to decompress…we’ve come to an understanding of student mental health. We don’t pay enough attention to teachers' mental health. We’re under a lot of stress."

13. Small, Kind Gestures Add Up

Teacher burnout is real. "Teachers are overworked, underpaid and burning out quickly," Rigg says. But small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

"Having the support of parents and families means the world to us and helps us to remember why we do what we do," Rigg says. "Parents can do small things to show they support teachers like sending an encouraging email, bringing in a coffee, or volunteering to help with classroom tasks."

Related: Show Your Appreciation for Educators With These 100 Best Teacher Quotes

Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $87 Canopy Bench Swing Is a 'Very Relaxing' Addition to Any Porch or Patio

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 10:00am

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With summer now in full swing, having a comfortable place to sit outside makes all the difference. While Adirondack chairs and basic loungers get the job done, they don’t quite offer the same charm as a patio bench swing. It creates a more inviting, laid-back space where you can truly relax.

The Costway 3-Seat Canopy Patio Swing is a great option if you want comfort, style, and value in one piece. It’s currently over 50% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $179 to as low as $87. While discounts vary slightly by color, you won't pay more than $100 for any of the options. For a full-size outdoor seating setup, that’s a solid deal.

Costway 3-Seat Canopy Patio Swing, From $87 (was $179) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

The swing measures 67.5 inches long, 43.5 inches wide, and 60.5 inches tall. It’s built with a sturdy steel frame and a stable triangular base that helps keep everything secure. Non-slip foot pads and strong spring hooks add extra stability.

It’s designed to seat up to three people, making it ideal for small gatherings. It comfortably fits two adults and a child, with a total weight capacity of 500 pounds. It’s a great spot to sit back with family or catch up with friends.

The adjustable canopy adds another layer of functionality. You can tilt it with an easy-to-use knob to block the sun throughout the day. The fabric is fade-resistant and drizzle-proof, so it holds up well in changing weather.

Comfort is a major highlight. The swing includes removable cushions made with skin-friendly oxford fabric and thick foam padding. Curved armrests also make it easier to settle in and relax for longer stretches.

It works well in a variety of outdoor spaces. You can place it on a patio, in a garden, in your backyard, or even on a larger balcony. Its design adds a cozy, finished feel wherever you put it.

This canopy bench swing has over 1,200 five-star ratings, and many shoppers highlighted its comfort and quality. One reviewer called it “beautiful and comfy,” adding, “This swing is the perfect addition to our front porch!” Another called it “very relaxing” and “quite durable,” writing, “I sit on it every chance I get. Although it's not waterproof, it dries very quickly after drenching rain.”

Related: Walmart's 'Very Comfortable' $180 Foldable Sofa Bed Is 'Perfect for a Small Space'

If you’re planning to spend more time outside this season, the Costway 3-Seat Canopy Patio Swing is a great way to upgrade your space. With the current $92 discount, you can save big a relaxing outdoor setup.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, Showing Off Moves on the Dance Floor, Goes Viral at 83

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 9:56am

When you're as cool as Mick Jagger, age is really nothing but a number. The energetic rocker has been running circles around his musical peers for decades, and just because he recently celebrated his 83rd birthday, that doesn't mean he's slowing down. In fact, in July, The Rolling Stones released yet another studio album, Foreign Tongues, which features appearances by artists like Steve Winwood, Paul McCartney, Robert Smith of The Cure, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers.

But Jagger's endless energy isn't just reserved for shows. He apparently has been partying it up this summer, and just released a fabulous video of him dancing around out at a club.

View this post on Instagram

Excuse us, 83 where?! Fans were overjoyed to see just how loose and carefree the rocker still is.

"Mick has more energy at 83 than I do at 30," joked one fan.

"I can't believe it!! @mickjagger You are a marvel, and you’ll never cease to amaze us!! You are proof that nothing is impossible. Age is just the passing of time, and life should be lived day by day with joy, casting aside all preconceptions," marveled another.

"Life's too short for just making money... enjoy your summer Mick," advised another fan.

"Some things will never change," quipped singer Bebe Buell.

Related: '80s Rock Icon Reveals He Almost Turned Down Recent Collaboration with the Rolling Stones

Mick Jagger's Illustrious Dance Moves

Jagger's stage gyrations are synonymous with The Rolling Stones' live shows and are what set them apart from other '60s bands' stage presence. Dancing began for Jagger at his mother's skirts.

“Mum tried to teach me, and we waltzed around the living room to the strains of Victor Silvester,” he recalled during an interview with his brother Christopher Jagger for Rolling Stone magazine. “He would be on the old Light Programme, giving instructions, and then we would trot around the room attempting the steps, with me trying not to tread on Mum’s toes.”

The frontman said he found his footing in other styles of dance.

"Then on Thursday night I would go on my bike to the youth club in Crayford, where they had square-dancing Scottish reels and a caller, you know, take-your-partner thing, and that was more fun. I think I also heard the polka and foxtrot and the quickstep – all the dances Mum and Dad would do when they went out to the local gatherings,” he said.

Related: '60s Rock Pioneer, 84, Reveals the 'Secret' to Revered Band's Long-Time Success

What really influenced the moves he's become famous for was actually a trip his family took to the U.S. where they caught a James Brown show at the Apollo in New York.

"It wasn’t just the moves he made – it was the energy he put into it that was amazing," Jagger gushed. "It didn’t seem to be a routine, as such. Everyone had moves. The guy who was most influential to me in many ways was Little Richard, but it was moving more than dancing, gesticulation and interpretation. Dancing is in it, but the big thing is dancing and drums are the total connection, and it’s very ancient and primitive, in the best sense of the word.”

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'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Season 2 Has Passed an Exciting Milestone

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 9:54am

When A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 was pushed from a 2025 release to a 2026 one, many feared that the same thing would happen for the second season. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 2 is slated for a 2027 release, but will that be possible?

Fears continued when HBO boss Casey Bloys delivered some disappointing news. Filming of the second season had been delayed. It was slated to wrap in June, but historic rainfall in Gran Canaria, Spain, which caused flooding, meant that the production had to move locations. This put a spanner in the works, leading to a delay in the schedule.

The good news is that it didn’t put too much of a delay on the plans. On Aug. 3, 2026, Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays Egg in the Game of Thrones prequel series, shared in a 24-hour Stories that he has officially finished his part of the filming. He only shared the audio of his wrap being announced, which means there was still a lot happening on set that couldn't be revealed. Production is still ongoing, but if one of the lead characters has wrapped, it means that production is closer than ever to finishing.

Since the reveal, Peter Claffey, who plays the titular hedge knight, Dunk, has not shared if he has wrapped filming or not. This suggests that there is still some work to be done for him, and that makes sense. While this is based on George R.R. Martin’s story of Dunk and Egg, it’s Dunk who has the bigger role in the tale.

Photo by Steffan Hill/HBO

After filming, it’s time for post-production, and this can take just as long as filming. Showrunner Ira Parker does have it a little easier than his counterparts on both House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, as there are no dragons to CGI into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. However, there is a lot of work to make sure there are no modern elements in any buildings and structures for this period piece.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 2 is still slated for a 2027 release. In fact, Parker previously shared that the plan is to release it in the first half of the year. That means even if there have been some scheduling delays that push it back a few months, there is still the back half of the year available!

This helps to keep HBO’s initial plan of a Game of Thrones series each year with it and House of the Dragon. The final season of House of the Dragon is slated to be released in 2028.

John Stamos and Lori Loughlin Joke About Finding Her a Boyfriend Following Divorce

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 9:53am

John Stamos may or may not be trying to play matchmaker for his former co-star Lori Loughlin.

Over the weekend, Stamos and Loughlin reunited for Nostalgia Con at Walt Disney World with some other fellow Full House cast members. In a funny Instagram reel, the two actors, whom were once on-screen husband and wife, lip synced a few lines from an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians so it appeared Stamos was trying to set Loughlin up with a new man.

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Fans were in support of Stamos' attempt to find Loughlin a new partner:

  • "Lori’s face! GOLD. Everyone needs a @johnstamos wingman. We are here for it," one said.
  • "She need[s] a polished man in finance," another suggested.

Other fans were in support of the two sitcom stars being together; however, Stamos is married to wife Caitlin McHugh, and the two share one child together.

The funny reel comes following the actress, 62, and her husband Mossimo Giannulli's split in October 2025 after 25 years together. Their breakup notably followed the college admissions scandal, in which the two paid $500,000 to get their daughters, Olivia Giannulli and Isabella Giannulli, into the University of Southern California as rowing recruits. Ultimately, the couple pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in 2020.

Loughlin also served two months in prison and Giannulli served five months in addition to paying fines and completing community service. In the years since the scandal, she has slowly returned to the public eye and recently announced that she's reviving her show Garage Sale Mysteries in the fall.

Related: John Stamos Defends Controversial 'Full House' Co-Star Lori Loughlin: 'This Woman's a Saint'

Throughout this time, though, it's worth noting that her Full House family has always had her back.

Specifically, upon the news of their breakup, Stamos slammed Giannulli as a "terrible narcissist" in a podcast interview, per People.

“For 40 years I’ve known her,” Stamos said of Loughlin. “You know, you can see through people after a few years, but this woman’s a saint. I’m just heartbroken for her right now.”

Co-star Jodie Sweetin, who also joined Stamos and Loughlin at the fan convention, had some not-so-nice words for Giannulli in a red carpet interview in May, when she not so subtly referred to him as "dead weight."

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This Popular Salad Dressing Ingredient Could Be Harming Your Liver, Hepatologists Warn

Mon, 08/10/2026 - 9:50am

Let’s be real: A salad is nothing without dressing. Sure, a salad can have lots of yummy and health-promoting ingredients—such as nuts, fruits and veggies—but it simply doesn’t taste the same without, say, some ranch, vinaigrette, a Caesar dressing, honey mustard or even a homemade salad dressing. This holds even for salad without lettuce. I’d argue many of us would avoid salads altogether if dressing had to be skipped.

Besides its delicious taste, salad dressing has health benefits. It can help your body absorb the nutrients and vitamins in a salad’s ingredients, and it can even fight heart disease, just to name a couple of key examples. The right dressing can up the nutritional content of a salad, which is excellent news.

At the same time, just like one salad dressing ingredient can harm your heart, there’s a certain ingredient in many salad dressings that can harm your liver, hepatologists warn. More specifically, it can contribute to the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called fatty liver disease.

Ahead, hepatologists share what that ingredient is, how it harms your liver, what they advise and other ingredients that your liver secretly isn’t loving. 

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The Popular Salad Dressing Ingredient That Can Harm Your Liver—and How

The ingredient is one you might not think of: sugar. “Commercial salad dressings are often among the stealthiest sources of sugar in our diets,” saysDr. Hal Brindley, MD, a Doctify-reviewed consultant hepatologist and gastroenterologist at HCA London Bridge Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust. “This often can take the form of high-fructose corn syrup and sucrose.”

Your peripheral tissues and muscles can’t break fructose down, he explains. So, it goes straight to your liver, which works to clear it all immediately.

“Driven into overdrive, the liver takes this sudden surplus of energy and rapidly converts it into fat through a chemical pathway called ‘de novo lipogenesis’ (literally, making new fat),” Dr. Brindley continues. “Over time, this fat accumulates directly inside liver cells, setting the stage for a condition known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.”

Related: ‘I’m a Hepatologist—This Is the One Thing I Tell Every Patient With Fatty Liver Disease To Do Before Anything Else’

Salad Dressing Isn’t All Bad, Though—Here’s What You Can Do

With that said, you don’t necessarily want to kick your salad dressing to the curb. It has benefits, too—particularly the kind with fat (yes, you read that right!).

“Ironically, choosing a fat-free [salad dressing] actually deprives your body of the benefits of the salad itself,” Dr. Brindley tells Parade. “Many of the most valuable nutrients in vegetables, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene and lutein, are fat-soluble.” (In other words, your body needs fat to absorb them.)

Related: Is It Safe To Take Vitamin A and Vitamin E Supplements Together?

He recommends making salad dressing at home. While it’s an extra step, it’s not as complicated or lengthy as you may think. “The absolute gold standard for liver health takes less than two minutes to make,” Dr. Brindley says.

Just mix three parts extra virgin olive oil with one part fresh lemon juice or raw apple cider vinegar, he explains, then add a dash of mustard, garlic and/or sea salt.

The specifics pretty much end there, however. “There isn’t a specific liver-safe cutoff for salad dressing,” saysDr. Hardeep Singh, MD, a hepatologist and gastroenterologist with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California. “As a practical rule, keep overall added sugar within recommended daily limits, generally less than 10 percent of daily calories.” Otherwise, you may be raising your risk of MASLD.

As anyone who’s been on a diet or tried to cut out a food group knows, this is easier said than done. Consider seeing an anti-diet, intuitive eating-focused registered dietitian who can help you create a meal plan that works for you.

Related: Can You Manage Your Diabetes With Intuitive Eating? Top RDs Weigh In

Other ‘Hidden’ Ingredients in Foods That Can Harm Your Liver

Dr. Singh shares other examples of not-so-friendly ingredients for your liver. 

  • Added sugars, often found in sauces, cereals, flavored yogurt, drinks and packaged foods
  • Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries and highly processed snacks
  • Saturated fats in high amounts, especially from heavily processed foods
  • Excessive alcohol intake

They can promote liver fat, rapidly raise blood sugar, contribute to insulin resistance, cause inflammation and more.

To be clear, that doesn’t mean you need to cut these foods out of your diet completely. That’s not good, either. But being mindful of your intake (especially if you have liver concerns) could be a smart move.

Up Next:

Sources
  • Dr. Hal Brindley is a Doctify-reviewed consultant hepatologist and gastroenterologist at HCA London Bridge Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust.
  • Dr. Hardeep Singh, MD, is a hepatologist and gastroenterologist with Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California.
  • Health Benefits of Dressings, The Association For Dressings & Sauces

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