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Updated: 55 min 18 sec ago

Aldi's Breathable New 4-Piece Sheet Sets Are Perfect for Hot Summer Nights

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 1:10pm

If you are a hot sleeper, you know the struggle of staying cool at night, especially during the summertime. With the rising temperatures, this makes total sense, but that doesn't make it easier to deal with. Having the right bedding can make a huge difference when it comes to your sleep quality, and these new sheet sets coming to Aldi next week are a game changer. They're constructed from a lightweight, breathable material that helps regulate your body temperature, helping you sleep more soundly, particularly on hot summer nights.

Kirkton House's new Temperature Regulating Sheet Sets are breathable, sleek and only $19.99. Available in either king or queen sizes, these sheet sets come in either white or grey, making them perfect to pair with pretty much any style of bedding. From a cottagecore quilt to a mid-century modern comforter, these neutral-style sheet sets will coordinate wonderfully.

Kirkton House King Temperature Regulating Sheet Set, White, $19.99 at Aldi

Aldi

Both the queen- and king-sized sheet sets come with four pieces: one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases. When it comes to dimensions for the queen-sized set, the flat sheet measures 90 inches by 102 inches, the fitted sheet measures 60 inches by 80 inches, and the pillow cases measure 20 inches by 30 inches. Meanwhile, the king-sized sheet set's dimensions are 108 inches by 102 inches for the flat sheet, 78 inches by 80 inches for the fitted sheet, and 20 inches by 40 inches for the pillowcases.

Related: Aldi's Pretty New Boho Beach Towels Are a Summertime Must-Have

Constructed from 100 percent polyester, these sheet sets are super lightweight and breathable, helping regulate your body temperature and making them especially ideal for hot summer nights or hot sleepers. These will help you sleep more soundly.

These new Kirkton House 4-Piece Temperature Regulating Sheet Sets will hit Aldi's shelves starting on June 17 and will be available while supplies last. These sheet sets are part of Aldi Finds, the German grocery store chain's weekly product specials that rotate in and out every Wednesday. You can find these limited-edition items in the center aisles of stores.

Related: Aldi's Chic New Weekender Bags Are Perfect for Short Getaways

NBA Star James Harden Arrested and Charged

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 12:36pm

NBA star James Harden is facing a legal issue off the court.

The 36-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers guard was arrested on the morning of Saturday, June 13 in Texas and charged with unlawful carrying of weapons, according to TMZ. Authorities allege that Harden was found with a handgun inside his vehicle that was not properly secured.

Per the report, the firearm was allegedly in plain sight and was not being carried in a holster. The charge is classified as a misdemeanor.

Harden was later released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 22.

As part of the conditions of his release, the outlet reports that Harden is prohibited from possessing any firearms, ammunition or other weapons. He is also barred from using or possessing alcohol, controlled substances, dangerous drugs or marijuana unless prescribed by a physician. According to the reported bond terms, he may also be subject to random urinalysis.

Fans were a bit shocked by the news, taking to social media to share their opinions.

“Man, of all the things to get arrested for in Texas… a gun in plain sight? Not even concealed or anything crazy. Hope it’s just a careless mistake and not a bigger issue,” one person wrote on X.

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“james harden getting arrested for guns is the last thing i expected on a random saturday. Why do these successful guys always turn out to be their own worse enemy,” said another.

The incident took place in Houston, a city where Harden spent a nine-season tenure with the Houston Rockets. Most recently, Harden completed his first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals last month.

At the time of publication, neither Harden nor representatives for the Cavaliers have publicly responded.

Daytime Emmy Winner Peter Bergman Reveals Why 'Beyond the Gates' Crossover Was Unlike Anything in His Career (Exclusive)

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 12:35pm

The Young and the Restless had the opportunity to welcome CBS’s newest daytime drama, Beyond the Gates, into the daytime fold with a historic crossover event. Now Daytime Emmy winner Peter Bergman shares what it was like to be a part of such a monumental moment for daytime television.

In an exclusive interview with Parade, Bergman revealed that when CBS first approached him, his reaction was “What took you so long?” He was chomping at the bit to be a part of this moment.

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The actor explained, “I was thrilled to be included in this little group that got to visit, and there will be more, because I came back telling everybody what a cool experience it was, so I think everybody's going to be ‘behind the gates’ before too long. Yeah, I gotta say, it was just a lovely experience, and I thought it would be good; it was better than I ever expected.”

Comparing his experience on Beyond the Gates with his previous crossover appearances on The Bold and the Beautiful, Bergman reminded fans that “Bold and Beautiful is a neighbor; it was across the hall, so I knew everybody there.”

Meanwhile, with Beyond the Gates, it was all new faces. “It was a whole company I got to meet.”

Bergman explained that the most interesting thing was how everyone started at the same time. “When I went to Bold and Beautiful, there was a hierarchy. There were the people who'd been there for 20 years, and people who'd been there for 10 years, and people who'd just been hired. At Beyond the Gates, everybody had the same weight, the same investment, the same joy in what they were doing. It was a unique experience, unlike anything I'd ever experienced.”

During the crossover event, a giant tornado tore through Fairmont Crest, leaving the city ravaged, including the country club that hosted The Young and the Restless crossover event.

Reflecting on filming the stunt, Bergman added, “It was intense, but try to do that on any other daytime set, and people are cranky, and jaded, and saying ‘we've been doing this for how long? Now we've got to do these crazy night shoots?’”

Meanwhile, Bergman acknowledged that the cast and crew of Beyond the Gates were engaged. “Everyone's attitude was acknowledging that we're doing something special, we're doing something unique. We're a new show; we're turning this into everything it can be. You saw that everywhere, and the folks from The Young and the Restless were dazzled.”

Discussing the final product, Bergman shared, “I think the scale of it is stunning.” He added, “The number of people involved is pretty amazing.”

Bergman acknowledged that he’s been part of daytime television for a really long time, having started his career on All My Children as Dr. Cliff Warner in 1979, and that this stunt was unlike anything he's been a part of. Sharing, “I've never seen anything like this.”

The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+.

Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS and streams weeknights on Paramount+.

Related: Daphnée Duplaix Reveals Why 'Young and the Restless' Crossover Was Her 'Hardest Week' Yet (Exclusive)

‘Euphoria’ Showrunner Reveals How He Pitched the Ending to Zendaya

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 12:29pm

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson admits pitching Rue's tragic death in the season three finale to Zendaya wasn't easy.

The writer-director admitted to Variety's Half Hour With series that he had an "emotional reaction" to telling Zendaya that her character wouldn't survive the HBO show. “We love the character Rue. [Zendaya] has done such an incredible job bringing this character to life … in the hands of a lesser actor, the character wouldn’t be as charming and lovable and humorous.”

In the last ever episode of the controversial series, Zendaya's character, Rue Bennett, overdosed on painkillers laced with Fentanyl. Her friend and sponsor, Ali (played by Colman Domingo), finds her dead on his sofa and sets out to avenge her death. The decision to kill off one of the original characters was a "tough" one, according to Levinson.

He added, "Even through shooting, it sort of weighed on both of us. At the end of the day, she understood what I was doing, and it felt like the right way to honor Angus, someone whom we loved dearly and really rooted for and saw the best in.”

Sam Levinson, who himself struggled with addiction, had previously spoken up about how Rue's character arc was inspired by the late Angus Cloud. The actor played Fezco in the first two series of Euphoria but passed away in July 2023, aged just 25.

Zendaya and Angus Cloud attend the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones on March 27, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California.

Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/VF22/WireImage for Vanity Fair

“When when it came time to shoot the scene [where Rue is found dead], we also had Colman Domingo there, who’s been one of my closest collaborators for over a decade and a grounding force in Zendaya’s life as well,” Levinson explained. “That kind of camaraderie really helped this sequence feel authentic and meaningful. We’ve been doing this for eight [or] nine years together, so it was a beautiful couple of days as we were shooting those scenes, because we knew how audiences would respond to it.”

The showrunner had also previously revealed the original script for Euphoria had a different ending but was rewritten after the passing of Angus Cloud. In an interview with The New York Times’s Popcast, Sam explained that he had always been "concerned about the prevalence of fentanyl," but after Angus' passing, he had to rewrite the script, and I thought, you can’t tell a story about addiction today without the very real consequences. Most people don’t get a second chance."

The start of season three of Euphoria was also initially different. Instead of Rue trying to get into America via the US border, she was supposed to be swimming across the Rio Grande. “I had written that, but early on, we did a scout at the Drug Enforcement Administration offices in Los Angeles, and they have all these photos on the walls of their best drug busts. … I saw this one photo of a Jeep stuck on top of a border wall," he explained.

What Sam Levinson explained what the photo was: "The DEA guy says, ‘Oh, you know, some moron tried to drive a car over the border,’ and I thought, ‘That’s the kind of moronic thing Rue would do.’ And so we ended up recreating it," he told Variety.

Related: Sydney Sweeney Reveals True Thoughts on Controversial ‘Euphoria’ Plot

Paul Walker's Daughter Meadow, 27, Ditches Bikini Top New Photos

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 12:15pm

Meadow Walker is making the most of her summer vacation.

The model and daughter of late Fast & Furious star Paul Walker gave followers a glimpse into her tropical getaway, posting a series of sun-drenched photos from what appeared to be a beachside escape on Thursday, June 11.

Among the snapshots turning heads was one image of Meadow emerging from the water wearing only black string floral bikini bottoms, seemingly forgetting her top and covering her chest with one hand. A second slide showed her bathing in the sun with both pieces intact. She notably turned the comments off on the post.

The following day, Meadow switched things up with a black-and-white patterned bikini, posing both in the water and along the shoreline, a book by her side. For this one, she decided to keep her comments on, but kept them limited.

“I’m so tempted to crash this trip rn,” one wrote.

“Beach baby ily,” a second added, while a third replied, “Water baby.”

A Story post on June 13 showed her taking a leap of faith off some cliffs, jumping into the crisp water below. It’s unclear where Meadow is vacationing, but it’s certain the 27-year-old is having a blast.

Prior to the vaca pics, Meadow spent recent weeks honoring her father's legacy. Last month, she reunited with several of Paul's former Fast & Furious co-stars at the Cannes Film Festival to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Fast and the Furious. Meadow was joined by Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Jordana Brewster for the celebration, where her godfather, Diesel, gave her a shout-out before the screening began.

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The franchise remains an important part of Meadow's life years after Paul's tragic death in 2013 at age 40. Over the years, she has frequently reflected on the values he instilled in her. For his birthday on September 12, 2025, Meadow shared an adorable black-and-white throwback pic with the caption, “Happy birthday daddy. I love you endlessly and miss you every day.”

On the anniversary of his passing a few months later, she shared another throwback of the two blowing out candles on some cupcakes. “12 years without you… I love you forever,” she emotionally wrote in the caption.

Popular Beauty Influencer Mikayla Nogueira Explains How She Landed in the Hospital

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 12:07pm

Having already gone through a recent divorce from ex-husband Cody Hawken, popular beauty influencer Mikayla Nogueira found herself in another difficult situation. She's currently recovering after a frightening health scare that resulted in emergency surgery. In a recent TikTok update, the makeup creator opened up about being rushed to the hospital after losing consciousness while filming content for her followers.

Nogueira explained that she first noticed abdominal discomfort while traveling home to Massachusetts from Los Angeles. Assuming it was a routine stomach issue, she attempted to rest after returning home. But by the following morning, the pain had intensified. Despite feeling unwell, the influencer said she initially tried to continue with her day as usual.

Related: Jessi Draper Addresses Claims She Shaded Miranda Hope's Miami Swim Week Walk

Mikayla Nogueira Says She Passed Out While Filming @mikaylanogueira

Replying to @K ❤️

♬ original sound - Mikayla Nogueira

"I tried to push through," Nogueira told followers in a subsequent update. Thinking the discomfort would pass, she continued with her work and began filming a makeup video for TikTok.

During filming, the situation quickly escalated.

"The room began to spin, and I couldn't breathe," Nogueira recalled, explaining that she collapsed and lost consciousness. After regaining awareness, she immediately called 911 and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

Doctors performed a CT scan and discovered that her appendix was dangerously close to rupturing. Nogueira was taken into emergency surgery to have the organ removed.

In a video posted after returning home, the influencer reassured fans that the procedure had gone well, though recovery has been challenging. She said she now has three incisions on her stomach and has difficulty walking while she heals. According to Nogueira, her boyfriend, Zach, has been helping her during her recovery.

Related: Machine Gun Kelly Describes Terrifying Health Scare From Tattoo Procedure: 'I Stopped Being Able to Move Parts of My Body'

The Beauty Creator Has Kept Followers Updated Throughout Her Recovery

The candid update prompted an outpouring of support from followers, many of whom had been concerned after seeing footage of her hospitalization. Nogueira has built a reputation for being open with fans, frequently sharing both professional milestones and personal experiences on social media.

Her decision to document this latest health scare continued that pattern of transparency. Rather than waiting until she had fully recovered, Nogueira chose to explain what had happened while encouraging followers not to ignore symptoms that suddenly worsen.

For now, the beauty influencer said she plans to focus on resting and recovering before returning to her regular content schedule.

"I just wanted you to know what happened," she told fans. "I love you, and I will be here, in my bed."

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Drew Barrymore Channels the '80s With Boombox Dance Party

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 11:46am

Drew Barrymore just shared a playful Instagram video of her dancing with a boombox to Olivia Dean's "Man I Need," and it felt like the kind of throwback moment only Barrymore could make feel completely natural.

In the clip, Barrymore appeared in casual, comfy clothes, carrying a boombox and dancing around.

Barrymore kept the caption simple, writing, "I highly recommend having a @oliviadeano dance party!!" Fans were very into it. One commenter called her "an absolute delight," while another wrote, "I miss my '80s boombox."

Others focused on the cozy room around her, with one person asking for a tour of the bookshelves and another calling it "the bookshelf room of my dreams." A few fans also said the post felt peak Drew, with one writing, "Our fave adorable dork," and another adding, "This is the most relatable post ever."

The boombox also gave the video an instant '80s and early '90s feel. For anyone who grew up with cassette tapes, mixtapes or movie scenes where someone showed up with music over their shoulder, the image was easy to understand.

Barrymore has also been leaning into nostalgia a lot lately. Earlier this year, she shared a series of '90s photos on Instagram for her daughters, joking about what she was like back then.

Drew Barrymore Has Been Everywhere Lately View this post on Instagram

The clip also comes during a busy stretch for Barrymore. She was recently at the 2026 Tony Awards in New York City on June 7, joining stars from Broadway, TV and film on the red carpet.

Her daytime show is also sticking around. CBS Media Ventures announced earlier this year that The Drew Barrymore Show was renewed for two more seasons, keeping it on the air through 2028.

Barrymore has built a whole daytime brand around being emotional, nostalgic, silly and unfiltered, and this clip checks all of those boxes.

The Clip Fits Drew's Current Era

Barrymore has also been having some more personal moments on her show recently. In April, she teared up during a fashion segment while discussing body insecurities and how motherhood has changed how she feels in certain clothes.

Barrymore has been very open about the heavier stuff, but she also keeps showing fans the lighter side of herself.

Related: Drew Barrymore's 'Charming' Ceramic Planters Are Under $12 at Walmart Right Now

The throwback also fits Barrymore's own career. She became famous as a child in the '80s and has been part of pop culture for decades, so a nostalgic clip like this does not feel forced.

Barrymore lived through the '80s, worked through it and became one of the faces people still associate with that stretch of Hollywood.

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The Bizarre Mail Rule the U.S. Put in Place 106 Years Ago Today

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 11:45am

Imagine walking into a post office more than 100 years ago and mailing a package—only to find out the “package” wasn’t a package at all. Instead, inside the box was a living, breathing child. Yes, you read that right.

Believe it or not, this actually happened, and it eventually led the U.S. Post Office to create a very unusual rule.

The Post Office’s Parcel Post officially began on January 1, 1913, allowing Americans to send and receive items in a new and exciting way. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, some parents actually tried to ship their children—perhaps to their grandmother's house.

"Just a few weeks after Parcel Post began, an Ohio couple named Jesse and Mathilda Beagle 'mailed' their 8-month-old son James to his grandmother, who lived just a few miles away in Batavia. According to Lynch, Baby James was just shy of the 11-pound weight limit for packages sent via Parcel Post, and his 'delivery' cost his parents only 15 cents in postage (although they did insure him for $50). The quirky story soon made newspapers, and for the next several years, similar stories would occasionally surface as other parents followed suit," the outlet reported.

After a few instances, officials stepped in. On June 13, 1920, the post office decided that children could not "be classified as harmless live animals that do not require food or water," and therefore they could not be shipped, according to The Square PHX.

It’s one of those moments in history that sounds like a myth, but the paper trail proves it really happened. And thankfully, it’s a piece of postal history that stayed in the past.

Tyra Baks Breaks Her Silence on Netflix’s ‘Reality Check’ — With a Lawsuit

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 11:42am

Tyra Banks is clapping back at Netflix for the way Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model portrayed her, breaking her silence since the documentary dropped.

The former host of the series is suing Netflix over the "manipulation" in the documentary, saying that just 16 minutes of her three-and-a-half-hour interview were used. The cutting made Banks to look like the villain, creating a false narrative about her. As soon as the docuseries came out, viewers took to social media to share their thoughts, quickly pointing out that it didn't look like Banks was taking any accountability for her involvement as host and EP. Her legal team says that is not true.

PEOPLE Magazineobtained the court records, which were filed on June 13, 2026, that said Banks originally agreed to be in the documentary, as she believed it was going to be a chance to look back on the legacy of the series. It would focus on the strengths and shortcomings, but the editing has created something entirely different. Former judge and photographer on the series, Nigel Barker, had previously shared that the documentary was going to be about J. Alexander's life and legacy, and that everything changed once Banks was involved.

She did answer questions about some of the criticisms against her throughout the 22-season run of America's Next Top Model, but there were also questions about the show's history that weren't fully used. Part of the complaint is that Netflix sold Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model as a documentary, and that meant viewers were not expecting "manufactured drama or constructed narratives."

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: Tyra Banks attends The FanDuel Party Powered by Spotify 2026 on February 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Spotify)

One of the big moments in the America's Next Top Model three-part docuseries that Banks is highlighting is the way her interview about Shandi Sullivan's time on the second cycle of the series. While filming, Sullivan drank wine while they were all in Italy and ended up sleeping with one of the men involved in the series, and she has since shared that she had blacked out and that the entire situation was sexual assault.

When asked about this on the docuseries, Banks appeared not to have remembered the situation. She also said that she had no involvement in the way the storylines were cut and presented. Now, Banks is saying that there is a moment in the whole interview where she says she did remember the moment. The court documents say that Netflix "did not show viewers in Episode 1: before the upward glance, Ms. Banks nods—affirmatively, unmistakably—and immediately says, 'I do remember her story.' By carving the nod out of the middle of the sequence and cutting off Ms. Banks' comment at the end, the producers ensured that viewers would see only the lie and not the truth."

The complaint says that while Bank's words were true, they were edited out of context. The statement goes on to share that Netflix used "surgical manipulation of continuous footage" and opted for "deliberate omission" to create the narrative director Kay Wicker and Netflix wanted to tell.

Another part of the documents show that Banks acted immediately when someone reported a regular ANTM cast member was acting inappropriately. Production was paused at the time for the "entire cast and crew could undergo sexual harassment training conducted by an outside expert."

The 52-year-old model also states that she was never given a chance to share her side of the story when former judge, J. Alexander, shared that Banks had never visited after his stroke. Banks says that she was in Australia for two-and-a-half years, but she allegedly tried to get in touch with him at the time, getting in touch with multiple people to find out where and how Alexander was.

Banks hasn't noted an amount she is seeking in damages for defamation from the docuseries. She believes that a jury trial should deem what is fair based on the initial "manipulation" and the loss of any future earnings due to the way she has been perceived as being the villain.

When Reality Check initially came out, viewers were shocked by what they viewed as a lack of accountability from Banks, claiming that she kept pushing the buck onto production. Banks would also blame the culture of the 2000s reality TV landscape to justify decisions. Others also complained that the docuseries seemed to be a "soft plug" for a revival of America's Next Top Model.

Walmart's Pretty $3 Cotton-Linen T-Shirt Has a 'Super Comfy,' Breezy Fit and Comes in 8 Colors

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 11:30am

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Nothing beats wearing a breezy linen top during the summer, especially when it comes with an under-$5 price tag. The bestselling Yteetum Cotton-Linen T-Shirt is currently on sale for as low as $3, down from $9, at Walmart, and it features a lightweight, airy design that's perfect for warm-weather wear. 

The versatile closet staple is available in sizes small to 2XL and comes in eight gorgeous color options. Though the pretty green hue is currently on sale for the lowest price at just $3, you can also shop it in beige, black, blue, light blue, navy, purple, and white at $5. 

Yteetym Cotton-Linen T-Shirt, From $3 (was $9) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

Whichever shade you choose, the cute top has a flowy, summery look that can be worn anywhere from the office to a casual lunch date to a backyard barbecue. It features a classic V-neck with button detailing at the front and billowy, elbow-length sleeves with a small slit in the cuff that allows for extra breathability and easy movement. The fit is relaxed and oversized, with shoppers calling it "super comfy" to wear all day long.  

Related: Walmart's 'Cute' $19 Pajama Set Is 'Soft,' 'Comfy,' and Comes in 11 'Whimsical' Prints

Made from 60% cotton and 40% linen, the shirt is designed to be soft, airy, and breathable, so you can wear it on hot summer days without breaking into a sweat. The hip-length hem makes it effortless to pair with just about anything, whether you're donning it with denim shorts or tucking it into a skirt. It's also easy to maintain; simply hand-wash it in cold water and let it hang dry whenever it needs a refresh.  

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If you've been looking for a pretty, breezy top to round out your summer wardrobe, this cotton-linen short-sleeve shirt is a top-rated pick you won't want to miss out on. It's cute, lightweight, and available in a range of colors to suit anyone's style. Grab a couple in your favorite shades for $5 and under before this deal ends at Walmart. 

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1972 Rock Classic, Lasting Over 33 Minutes, Turned a 1967 Hit Into a Jam-Rock Epic

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 11:20am

In February 1972, the Allman Brothers Band released one of their most iconic—and personal— albums of all time, Eat a Peach. The two-disc album was the last with founding member Duane Allman, who died in a motorcycle accident in October 1971.

Eat a Peach includes Allman Brothers classics “Melissa,” “Blue Sky” and the Duane Allman tribute “Ain’t Wasting Time No More.” It also features “Mountain Jam,” an extended all-instrumental jam session that spans the entire second sides of both vinyl records.

Recorded during the band’s iconic 1971 sessions at the Fillmore East concert venue, “Mountain Jam” features epic solos from all six Allman Brothers Band members: Duane Allman (guitar), Gregg Allman (keyboards), Dickey Betts (guitar), Berry Oakley (bass), and Butch Trucks and Jai Johanson (drums).

The live jam, heavily inspired by Donovan’s 1967 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “There Is a Mountain,” spans 33 minutes and 41 seconds. The hit folk-rock song was such a basis for ”Mountain Jam” that songwriting credits for the 1972 release went to all of the Allman Brothers Band members as well as D. Leitch, better known as Donovan.

RELATED: 1975 Classic Rock Anthem, With Extended Guitar Solo, Became Band’s Defining Song

Billboard once noted that “Mountain Jam,” which became an Allman Brothers Band concert staple, was much more than a “meandering” exploration, adding, “[It] was an example of what always set the Allmans apart: no matter where the song would go, it would always come right back to where it started, with its main theme based on Donovan’s 1967 hit ‘There Is a Mountain.’”

In a 1981 interview with Jas Obrecht, Betts said “Mountain Jam” was very much a good representation of the Allman Brothers’ sound at the time.

“We cut it, though, at the same time at the Fillmore,” he added. “There was no overdubs whatsoever on the Fillmore. No vocal overdubs, no repair work. There was some edits in some of the jams. You know, they had to edit it to try to get it on the record, but other than that, there was nothing done to that. It’s just a pure performance.”

Related: 1979 Rock Classic Featuring 3-Minute Twin Guitar Solos Became a Road Trip Anthem

Leonardo DiCaprio Once Gave His Co-Star a Stern Warning About Using Props

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 10:59am

Claire Danes received a stern warning on set from a future Oscar winner.

In her Variety Actors on Actors conversation with Baby Reindeer's Richard Gadd, Claire reminisced about making Romeo + Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio at just 17.

She told a story where she tried to lighten the mood on set by playing with the firearm prop, until the Titanic actor stepped in. They were filming the moment where Juliet finds Romeo dead by poison and shoots herself.

“I remember just blithely playing with the prop gun and putting it to my head, and Leo getting very serious and saying, ‘Claire, we don’t do that. Don’t eff around,’” Danes explained. “He was right, but I was just being a doofus and a girl.”

Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio

Photo by Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Richard Gadd, who was promoting his new HBO show Half Man, told the Homeland star that he wrote an essay at school about the "guttural sob" that Danes' character lets out when she finds Romeo dead.

“I remember that moment very distinctly,” she responded. “I was surprised by it. And the environment was so epic that Baz [Luhrmann] had created. I was moved by the mise en scène, in a way, and the tragedy — but the world he creates helped elicit that feeling.” 

Romeo + Juliet saw Baz Luhrmann adapt and highly stylized Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy for the big screen. At the time, per Far Out Magazine, it was rumored that Leo and Claire didn't get along, as he found the actress "uptight" and she didn't like his pranks.

While they have never spoken about the feud, The Beast In Me star admitted to W Magazine that she had a crush on her co-star, who was 21 years old at the time. “That was problematic. I couldn’t really have a crush on the guy I was professionally having a crush on,” she said.

"There was definitely a spark, but I don’t think either of us knew how to handle it," Claire later told Glamour about her time on set. "So, we sometimes sort of ignored each other. It was too big for us to really accept."

Related: From 'Twin Peaks' to 'My So-Called Life': 10 ABC Shows That Were Canceled Too Early (And We're Still Not Over It)

Jason and Travis Kelce's 'New Heights' Live Show Has One Big Mystery

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 10:57am

Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce are taking New Heights to Los Angeles, but one major detail is still a mystery.

The brothers are set to host New Heights Live in LA at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, June 15. The one-night-only event will bring their hit podcast to a live audience, with the show tied to the energy surrounding the 2026 World Cup.

But the part that may have fans watching most closely is what has not been announced yet: the surprise celebrity guests.

'New Heights Live' Is Coming to Los Angeles

Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

According to the Orpheum Theatre, New Heights Live with Jason & Travis Kelce is scheduled for June 15. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m.

Official event materials describe the show as a mix of the Kelce brothers' "energy and comedy" with the excitement of "a different kind of football." The live event is also expected to include special appearances, interactive opportunities for the audience, giveaways and more.

The Surprise Guests Have Not Been Revealed

The biggest question is who will show up.

The event description confirms "surprise celebrity guests," but no names have been announced. People also reported that the live show will include surprise celebrity guests, interactive fan opportunities and a celebration of soccer and Team USA.

That wording leaves plenty of room for speculation, especially because the Kelce brothers' world now stretches across football, podcasting, pop culture and celebrity circles. Fans are wondering: Will Taylor Swift be there?

Still, no official guest list has been released. For now, the mystery is part of the draw.

Jason and Travis Kelce Are Tying the Show to the World Cup

The live show takes place during the early days of the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

People reported that the Kelces said they "couldn't think of a better time to party with the 92%ers" while the World Cup is bringing people together.

They also said they were excited to have "unforgettable moments" with fans, have a blast with some "friends of the show" and get everyone fired up to cheer on Team USA.

Related: Travis and Jason Kelce Get Nostalgic About the One Thing From the '90s They’d Bring Back

Fans Who Cannot Attend Will Still Be Able to Watch

There is also good news for fans who will not be inside the Orpheum.

According to the Wondery press release shared by Podnews, the recorded episode of New Heights Live in LA will be available on Wednesday, June 17, on YouTube, Prime Video and wherever podcasts are available.

For now, the only thing that is confirmed is that New Heights is going live in Los Angeles with a World Cup tie-in, fan giveaways and at least one major mystery left to solve.

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Daphnée Duplaix Reveals Why 'Young and the Restless' Crossover Was Her 'Hardest Week' Yet (Exclusive)

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 10:21am

Beyond the Gates recently hosted a landmark crossover with the cast of The Young and the Restless, as iconic characters visited for a political rally ravaged by a tornado. Now, actress Daphnée Duplaix is reflecting on her reaction to learning that the crossover would take place and her experience filming the massive event.

In an exclusive interview with Parade, the daytime legend shared that when she heard the concept of the crossover, “It was absolutely amazing. It's such a great idea, especially for being such a new show.”

The actress acknowledged The Young and the Restless’ importance in the daytime landscape, as the number-one-rated soap opera celebrates its 53rd year on air.

“The fans are hardcore for them, and for them to come over and want to grace us with their presence? I thought it was a brilliant idea on CBS's part.”

Reflecting on filming the crossover, Duplaix added, “Of course, we had so much fun, and if you've been watching these characters for so long. I was fangirling, I have to say.”

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Filming the crossover proved to be a daunting task for Duplaix: “I will say, for me, it was the hardest week that we have had to date.” The actress jokingly clarified she said to date “because I don't know what's around the corner.”

The actress continued, “It was intense. They went all out on the script, not just by bringing in The Young and the Restless, but also with the sets and everything that happens. It's exciting, and there were a lot of moving parts.”

With that said, the actress shared that filming the crossover was a lot of fun. “It is a lot of work, but we all really enjoy each other, and to have The Young and the Restless come in, and they just matched our energy, it was honestly amazing.”

The experience was so impactful that Duplaix shared a conversation she had with executive producer Sheila Ducksworth. “I remember Sheila, at the end, sent the core four a text, and she was like, ‘Thank you so much. The energy you had at 9am, you had at 9pm.’”

Duplaix added that it was very long days: “It was a whole week of getting to the studio at 6, we started shooting at 9, but hair and makeup take time, so it resulted in 12 to 14-hour days.”

She added that for the cast and crew to have the same energy at the start of the day as the end, “It was pretty intense, but awesome, and we did the best with it; we had a lot of fun.”

She jokingly added, “But by the end of the week? I was like, ‘I need a massage.’”

Beyond the Gates airs weekdays on CBS with episodes streaming weeknights on Paramount+.

Viewers can catch up on all of the drama from Fairmount Crest from the beginning of the series on Paramount+ or for free on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 Beyond the Gates FAST channel.

This 2003 Pop Rock Anthem Became the Theme Song for a Classic Show—That the Musician Has Never Seen

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 10:07am

Gavin DeGraw is a Grammy-nominated artist who is known for his hits like “Not Over You” and “Chariot.” However, the biggest song that he ever released was his 2003 hit “I Don’t Want to Be,” which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It exploded in popularity after becoming the theme song for One Tree Hill, the classic teen drama that ran from 2003 until 2012.

Although the show helped his song gain more fans, DeGraw revealed to PEOPLE that he never actually watched the series when he was asked whether he was team Lucas or team Nathan. "You can't ask me questions like this," he said. "I've never seen the show physically, so I don't watch TV. Shame, shame on me."

DeGraw continued, "I have a TV. It's more like a nightlight, you know? Just, uh, I'm not a TV watcher... [I haven't watched TV since] 1998. I read a lot of owner's manuals. I'm an owner's manual kind of guy."

Although DeGraw hasn’t watched the series, he claimed that the popularity of the song changed his life. "I think the biggest impact, other than just for me, is seeing how it's helped other people with their own identities,” he said. "When people say, 'Oh, well, this song really helped me. I was 15, such and such. I was battling this and that,' or they got bullied or they didn't know what they wanted to do with their life or whatever it may be... When I hear stories like that, it means something to me. It's very cool."

Related: 1967 Classic Rock Song, With a Distinctive Guitar Riff, Became a Recognizable Anthem

DeGraw shared a similar sentiment with E! News, saying, "I hear the show is amazing. It’s been great to me — and the fans have been amazing to me.”

“I Don’t Want to Be” was the theme song for One Tree Hill during seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. In season 5, DeGraw appeared on screen to perform the tune, and he also performed it during the series finale. Since it was originally released, it has been streamed over 300 million times on Spotify, and the official music video has over 46 million views on YouTube.

Megan Rapinoe Breaks Silence on Her Brother Michael's Death

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 10:05am

There are things that stop even the most relentless competitors cold. For Megan Rapinoe, two-time World Cup champion and one of the most decorated players in the history of women's soccer, that thing was coming home.

On the premiere episode of her new podcast A Touch More: The Beautiful Game, released the same day the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off, Rapinoe sat down with former teammate and close friend Abby Wambach and shared something she hadn't said publicly before about her older brother Michael's death last year.

'I went home last year after my older brother Michael died,' Rapinoe told Wambach. "He had a long battle with alcoholism and it was sad.'

The disclosure came during a wide-ranging conversation about what elite athletic careers cost the people who live them including the time lost and the parts of yourself that go undeveloped while you're busy becoming legendary. Rapinoe, who retired from professional soccer in 2023, said the time she spent at home after Michael's death was unlike anything her career had allowed.

'I just was thinking so much while I was home,' she said. 'Wow, I can't even remember the last time I was home for this long, not for a holiday or a wedding or something.'

What struck her was what dealing with that grief revealed about her brother and herself. 'We now both have brothers that have died,' Rapinoe said, acknowledging that Wambach has experienced a similar loss. 'I see the obsession and compulsion and addiction in myself in him too. And it's like you're searching for something.'

Related: Police Finally Close Hulk Hogan Death Case: What the Report Found

That line, 'you're searching for something,' ran through much of the conversation. Wambach had just finished describing looking at herself in the mirror after breaking the all-time international goals record and asking what she had actually been chasing. Rapinoe's reflection on Michael had a similar undertone, touching on what drives people and what need they're trying to fulfill.

The episode is the launch of Rapinoe's seven-week World Cup interview series, in which she sits down with some of soccer's biggest names to explore what the tournament means to them. But the discussion of grief from personal loss and the often overlooked issues that come with a singular drive is what made this first episode so memorable.

Rapinoe has always been willing to go to the uncomfortable places publicly. That hasn't changed in retirement. If anything, stepping away from the game has given her more room to speak plainly about what the years of competing actually looked like from the inside. And it's likely we'll here more over the coming weeks.

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Everyone Has a Soul Horse—Here's Yours, Based on Your Birth Month

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 10:05am

Horses are some of the most magical creatures, boasting a long history of friendship and collaboration with humanity. Since ancient times, horses have partnered with us for transportation, agriculture, recreation, sporting activities, and most recently, equine-assisted therapy. When we look up at the sky, the horse, as a symbol, can be found in constellations such as the Unicorn, the Centaur, and even the legendary Pegasus. 

According to astrology, your birth month provides beginner-friendly insights into understanding the cosmic energy that was at play at the season of your birth. With each birth month containing two zodiac sign influences, astrologers can determine personality traits that are most associated with you. If you were one of these majestic creatures, what kind of horse breed would you be? Let’s look at the characteristics of your birth month to find out! 

Which Horse Are You, According To The Month You Were Born

Read on to discover more for your birth month.

January: Paint

Combining a stunning, highly recognizable spotted coat with the muscular athletic confirmation of a stock horse, Paint horses bring the best of both worlds. Whether you’re a Capricorn or an Aquarius, you may feel aligned with this strong, unique, and eye-catching horse that truly stands out from the equine crowd. 

MORE: Every Birth Month Has a Spirit Animal — Here’s Yours

February: Shire

Known as the “gentle giant” of the equine world, Shire horses are colossal in both size and strength. But being known for pulling historic records doesn’t equal an intense temperament. Loved for their exceptional calm just as much as the distinctive white feathers, Shire horses mirror the special souls of those Aquarian and Pisces souls born in February

March: Standardbred

Docile, but race-oriented, Standardbred horses are pros at pulling drivers in a two-wheeled cart at lightning speeds. They are the fastest at getting from point A to point B while maintaining a positive disposition. The Standardbred is anything but standard, mirroring the souls of those born in March, either Pisces or Aries, tasked with embracing big, energetic leadership

April: Thoroughbred

Hot-blooded but also elegant, the Thoroughbred horse breed is the perfect mix of speed and stamina. Combining fire (Aries) with earth (Taurus), those born in April relate to this creature known for their agility, but also for showing their natural beauty during dressage competitions. No wonder why this horse breed can be found all over the world! 

May: Andalusian

Known for its dancing movement, the Andalusian horse showcases a special magic involving the elements of earth (Taurus) and air (Gemini). This intelligent horse breed is known for both its quick learning abilities and its fairy-tale beauty, tantalizing everyone it comes into contact with, much like those born in May.

June: Miniature Horse

It’s hard not to love a Miniature Horse, just as much as it's hard not to love someone born in June! Small but mighty, these tiny horses combine Gemini’s crowd-pleasing personality with Cancer’s cuteness. Having longer lifespans than big horses, these sweet companions prove, like June-borns, that playfulness truly is the key to having a good life. 

EXPLORE: These 4 Birth Months Will Drop Everything for Family

July: Drum Horse

Originally bred to carry the Queen's Household Cavalry's heavy kettle drums in royal parades, the Drum Horse is incredibly stoic but simultaneously mellow. This eye-catching black-and-white breed reminds us of the contrasting beauty of the luminaries, the Sun and the Moon, ruling over the zodiac signs Cancer and Leo. People born in July reflect their regal poise.

August: Percheron 

Celebrated for combining immense raw power with surprising agility and elegant movement, the Percheron serves as both a formidable worker and a graceful riding carriage horse. Its agricultural and historic roots align with the earth sign Virgo, while its greatness and popularity respond to the regalness of the fire sign Leo. People born in August boast similar pride.

RELATE?: Your Perfect Midnight Snack, Based on Your Birth Date

September: Morgan

Celebrated for its unmatched versatility, the Morgan breed is a jack-of-all-trades, much like those born in September. It's capable of pulling plows, driving carriages, and serving as cavalry mounts. While this side feels very aligned with Virgo, this breed is also known for its refinement and inclination to cooperate to get the job done—so very Libra

October: Friesian

Majestically galloping with a long flowing mane and thick hair, the Friesian will not go unnoticed. Its unique elegance and people-oriented temperament surely align with Libra. And its imposing size and high-action, elite-competitor trot in carriage and dressage remind us of the winning penchant that only Scorpio energy exhibits. 

READ: These 4 Birth Dates Have Old Soul Depth

November: Clydesdale

Known for its iconic feather hair and its flashy high-stepping trot, the Clydesdale is a world-famous horse breed. Its powerful body and massive strength surely match Scorpio’s fixed, relentless nature. But its “gentle giant” personality and Labrador-like demeanor couldn’t be more aligned with the Sagitarian optimism. Much like November-borns, this breed holds soulful depth and dynamic personalities.

December: Arabian

Being one of the oldest breeds in the world, Arabian horses hold a deep bond with humans, dating back 4,500 years. This horse’s remarkable intelligence and loyalty feel aligned with Capricorn. Similarly, the spiritual connections humans report to have with this breed remind us of the wise and philosophicalSagittarius. Those born in December relate to its timeless elegance.

UP NEXT:

Amazon's Linen Floor Lamp With Shelves Blends 'Style With Practicality,' and It's $30 Ahead of Prime Week

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 10:00am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Every small space needs two essentials to function well: good lighting and smart storage. Without enough light, even a nicely decorated room can feel cramped or unfinished, and without proper storage, clutter builds up fast. Finding pieces that can do both at once is one of the easiest ways to make a space feel more open and intentional. That’s where a floor lamp with built-in shelves comes in — it gives you soft, ambient lighting while also offering a place to store books, decor, or everyday items.

One option that stands out for both style and value is the Partphoner Floor Lamp with whelves. Right now, it’s on sale at Amazon ahead of Prime Week, bringing the price down from $40 to just $30. For a piece that shoppers said blends "style with practicality," it’s a great deal.

Partphoner Floor Lamp with Shelves, From $30 (was $40) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The lamp measures 10.3 inches long and wide and stands 63 inches tall, making it compact enough for smaller spaces while still offering vertical storage. Each of the three shelves has a height of 15.4 inches and can hold up to 50 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about placing heavier items like books or decor.

It’s built with a mix of materials that balance durability and style. The shelves and base are made from sturdy wood with a veneered finish, while metal poles provide structural support. The white linen shade softens the light, creating a warm and inviting glow.

You’ll also have plenty of options when it comes to color. It’s available in 10 finishes, including gray, brown, pink, and white. The black version currently has the strongest discount at 40% off, making it a great pick if you want something sleek and versatile

The lighting features are just as practical. It comes with an included E26 LED bulb that offers three color temperatures: 2700K for warm light, 4000K for neutral light, and 5000K for a cooler tone. The bulb has a memory function so it remembers your last setting, and you can switch between modes easily using the pull chain.

Assembly is quick and straightforward. The lamp includes all the tools you need along with clear instructions, so you can have it set up in about 10 minutes. It’s a simple process that doesn’t require any special skills or extra equipment.

This lamp also earned over 3,300 five-star ratings. One shopper described it as “so cute,” adding, “It's modern and works perfectly! The shelves are strong and big enough for a small plant or picture frame.” Another shared, “This lamp is perfect — exactly what I was looking for. It’s easy to assemble and gives my office just the right amount of light.”

Related: Puma’s ‘Supportive’ Slide Sandals Feel Like ‘Walking on Air,’ and They’re Now $17 at Amazon

If you’re looking for a piece that does more than one job, the Partphoner Floor Lamp With Shelves is definitely worth considering. It combines lighting and storage in a way that feels practical and stylish. With the current 25% discount, you can save $10 and upgrade your space without overspending.

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'Footloose' Songwriter Once Said the '80s Movie Was No 'Gone With the Wind'

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 9:52am

Kenny Logginswas inducted into the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame on June 11. His credits include songs for iconic movies, but there was one he didn't think would be successful before its release.

Kenny Loggins Couldn't Predict the Success of 'Footloose' Kenny Loggins

Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

Loggins, 78, told AXS TV that he befriended John Peters, who did A Star Is Born with Barbra Streisand. He wrote "I Believe in Love" for the 1976 movie. One can probably guess the musical would do well with icon as the lead. But he wasn't sure about other projects.

Related: Why 2026 Songwriter Hall of Famer Says Anger Is ‘Clarifying,’ Not Healing

Footloose starring Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer was unpredictable. Ren (Bacon) moves to a town where dancing isn't allowed. He makes it his mission to change that. Dean Pitchford wrote the coming-of-age movie, and asked Loggins to write music for it. The songwriter read the screenplay for inspiration.

"Well, it's not Gone With the Wind, but--" Loggins said. The songwriter said it's not uncommon for people to ask him to write songs for their movies. But he accepted to do this as a favor for his friend with low expectations.

He wrote "Footloose," and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man) for the dance movie. The titular song was nominated for an Academy Award. "A year later, this is the biggest movie of the summer," Loggins said. "You can't see that coming."

The songwriter also wrote songs for Caddyshack, Over the Top, and Top Gun. However, "Footloose" is his only Oscar nomination, which he lost to Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You" for The Woman in Red.

Of course, the iconic song was used again for the 2011 Footloose remake. Blake Shelton's cover of the hit was used for the new spin on the story.

Related: Sharon Stone Reveals Traumatizing ’90s Role Made Her Sleepwalk

Oncologists Are Begging People To Throw Out This Common Laundry Product

Sat, 06/13/2026 - 9:50am

It's hard to scroll through Instagram or TikTok without seeing at least one post about a common household item that can "cause" cancer, including what you're washing your clothes with.

First, let's get one thing straight: Using one product one time does not cause cancer.

"Patients ask me whether one specific product caused their cancer or dramatically increased their risk," Dr. Krushangi Patel, MD, a medical oncologist at City of Hope, tells Parade. "The reality is that cancer usually develops from a combination of factors over many years, including genetics, lifestyle and environmental exposures. That's why it's important to view everyday products in context."

The goal is to make informed choices about the risk factors we can change.

"The reason it's still so important to understand these risks isn't to create more fear, but to do the exact opposite: to turn that fear into a sense of control," says Dr. Tracy Proverbs-Singh, MD, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. "Ultimately, this knowledge is about empowerment. It's not about living in a state of constant anxiety, but about making informed, proactive decisions for your long-term health."

Dr. Singh explains that information about products that may increase cancer risk helps you take small, actionable steps to navigate the world safely. It gives you agency in protecting your own well-being—and that of your family. To help you step into the power of informed choices, oncologists share one laundry product worth throwing out and why.

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The Common Laundry Product Oncologists Are Begging People To Throw Out

Oncologists warn that it's best not to use dryer sheets and fabric softeners when doing laundry. "The concern is that some of those fragrances may contain or release chemicals that are not fully disclosed on product labels," Dr. Patel warns.

Dr. Adeel Khan, MD, an academic hematologist-oncologist and epidemiologist in Dallas, echoes these sentiments.

"Most fabric softeners do not intentionally contain known human carcinogens as active ingredients," Dr. Khan says. "Rather, the concern is that some may contain fragrance ingredients, impurities or manufacturing byproducts that are known or suspected carcinogens."

Dr. Mohamad Khair F. Khasawneh, MD, a medical oncologist at Loyola Medicine, a member of Trinity Health, says that the chemical residues from these products may remain on clothes and enter our air. It could expose us to:

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A 2016 study suggested that scented laundry products emitted VOCs. "When heated in a dryer, these products vent VOCs into the air," he says. "Scented softeners have been shown to emit compounds like acetaldehyde and benzene, which are recognized carcinogens."
  • Hidden fragrance ingredients. Dr. Khasawneh adds that manufacturers can group hundreds of chemicals under "fragrance" or "perfume" on labels because of trade secret laws.  As a result, consumers may unintentionally expose themselves to harmful chemical mixtures.
  • Continuous exposure pathways. Softeners are designed to stay embedded in fabrics, unlike soaps that we wash away. "This creates two ongoing pathways of exposure: inhalation of the vapors as we breathe in our homes, and skin absorption as our clothes and bedsheets rub against our bodies all day and night," Dr. Khasawneh points out.

Related: Oncologists Are Begging People To Throw Out This Common Kitchen Item

How Much Do Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners Increase Cancer Risk?

So, how big is your cancer risk if you use these laundry products, really? "Typical dryer sheet use doesn't necessarily cause cancer," Dr. Patel clarifies. "Risk depends on factors such as dose, frequency and duration of exposure. But because fragrance-related emissions aren't always obvious from the label, many experts recommend minimizing unnecessary fragrance exposure when practical."

Is there a "safe" exposure to fabric softeners and dryer sheets? TL;DR: Not that we know of.

"They release a complex, undisclosed mixture of chemicals, not a single, measurable substance," Dr. Proverbs-Singh explains. "Everyone's tolerance and overall exposure load is different, so the concept of a universal safe level doesn't apply."

Related: We Asked 3 Oncologists About the Worst Thing You Can Do for Cancer Risk and They All Said the Same Thing

Alternatives to Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets

"The most straightforward approach is to skip fabric softener and dryer sheets entirely," Dr. Khan states. "Most clothing does not need it, and this entirely eliminates a major source of fragrance chemicals."

That said, Dr. Proverbs-Singh says there are many safe, effective alternatives to fabric softeners. She and other oncologists recommend:

  • Wool dryer balls. Dr. Proverbs-Singh says wool dryer balls are a top pick for an all-around recommendation. "They physically soften clothes, reduce static and shorten drying time, and you can even add essential oils for a natural scent."
  • White vinegar. Dr. Khasawneh suggests adding a half-cup of distilled white vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle. "It breaks down leftover detergent residues that make clothes stiff, leaving your laundry naturally soft."
  • Fragrance-free or plant-based products. If you love the convenience of standard laundry sheets and don't want to go the DIY route, Dr. Khasawneh suggests switching to a fragrance-free or plant-based alternative. He advises people to look for "brands explicitly verified as non-toxic or organic by independent watchdog groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG). These utilize plant-derived softening agents and are entirely free from synthetic dyes and mystery fragrances."
  • Aluminum foil (seriously). "For a simple and free hack specifically to combat static, a tightly crumpled ball of aluminum foil tossed in the dryer will discharge static electricity, keeping clothes from clinging," Dr. Proverbs-Singh says.

Keep in mind: It's not possible to achieve "zero exposure" to chemicals like those found in dryer sheets or fabric softeners. Doctors also don't want you to panic if you've been using these products in your laundry all along.

"The goal [is] to reduce unnecessary exposures where you can," Dr. Proverbs-Singh says. "This new information isn't a reason for regret. It's a moment of empowerment."

Up Next:

Related: There’s a Groundbreaking New Treatment for One of the Most Deadly Cancers—Here’s What Oncologists Want You To Know

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