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Fans of the CBS soap opera Beyond the Gates tune in weekdays for brand new episodes to watch all of the drama go down in Fairmount Crest, but with the Labor Day holiday, will there be a brand new episode of the soap opera today?

Is Beyond the Gates New on Labor Day?

Unfortunately, in observance of Labor Day, Beyond the Gates will be airing a repeat of a previously broadcast episode.

The soap opera will rebroadcast episode 301, which originally took place on June 4, 2026.

The episode will see Hayley and Randy discuss how their con against Bill began. Andre consoles Dani while she takes a tough stroll down memory lane. Meanwhile, Bill ruminates on both his past and present romantic relationships. Chelsea and Naomi compare notes on their parents’ rocky marriage.

When do new episodes of Beyond the Gates return? Beyond The Gates on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured: Bonita Brisker as Sharon, Maria Howell as Tracy and Tamara Tunie as Anita Dupree. Photo: CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highest quality screengrab available.

Fans can look forward to seeing brand new episodes of their favorite soap opera returning on Tuesday, September 8, 2026

What will happen in the next episode of Beyond the Gates? Beyond The Gates on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Pictured: Sean Freeman as Andre Richardson and Keith D. Robinson as Ted Richardson. Photo: CBS ©2026 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highest quality screengrab available.

Spoilers for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 indicate that Anita confronts Leslie. Jacob is stuck between work and family. Naomi rides to Smitty’s defense. Sabotage leaves Ted speechless. Shanice’s brothers come to town.

Where to watch Beyond the Gates?

Fans can check out brand new episodes of Beyond the Gates weekdays on CBS and streaming weeknights on Paramount+.

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

It’s one of the most enduring songs in the Eagles‘ catalog—and it once got a country makeover from Alan Jackson.

The country music superstar recorded his own interpretation of the Eagles hit “Tequila Sunrise” for the 1993 tribute album Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles, which was made up of 13 country music covers of some of the most classic Eagles songs.

“Tequila Sunrise” is frequently considered to be one of the defining songs of the Eagles’ discography, with Billboard ranking it as the band’s No. 12 best song ever. Rolling Stone also included it on its roundup of the 40 Greatest Eagles Songs, where it’s ranked at No. 13.

As for Jackson’s take on the track, which was produced by his longtime collaborator Keith Stegall, the early ’90s cover veered away from the song’s original soft-rock sound and instead leaned into a traditional country style.

Jackson’s honky-tonk version came out more than 20 years after the Eagles first released it in 1973, when it reached No. 64 on the Billboard Hot 100. Coincidentally, Jackson also brought the song to the same peak position on another chart two decades later when his rendition topped out at No. 64 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

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Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles Full Track List

Here are all 13 country covers on the 1993 Eagles tribute album, Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles

1. “Take It Easy” Travis Tritt
2. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” Little Texas
3. “Desperado” Clint Black
4. “Heartache Tonight” John Anderson
5. “Tequila Sunrise” Alan Jackson
6. “Take It to the Limit” Suzy Bogguss
7. “I Can’t Tell You Why” Vince Gill
8. “Lyin’ Eyes” Diamond Rio
9. “New Kid in Town” Trisha Yearwood
10. “Saturday Night” Billy Dean
11. “Already Gone” Tanya Tucker
12. “Best of My Love” Brooks & Dunn
13. “The Sad Cafe” Lorrie Morgan

Related: 1983 Talking Heads Song, Never a Major Chart Success, Became One of the ‘Best Songs of the ’80s’

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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 at Walmart, and it features a lightweight, airy design that’s perfect for late summer weather. 

The versatile closet staple is available in sizes small to 2XL and comes in so many 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 classics like beige, black, blue, navy, and white starting at $6. With shipping, you may end up paying slightly more, but for the green version you’ll still pay under $10 overall.

Yteetym Cotton-Linen T-Shirt, From $3 at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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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.  

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.  

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 $6 and under before this deal ends at Walmart. 

Related: Walmart’s Freestanding Storage Cabinet Is an ‘Elegant’ Way to Declutter Kitchens and Entryways

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September 7 is Louise Dittmar’s birthday. And that makes it the perfect time to look back at one of the most fiercely independent and forward-thinking philosophers of the 19th century.

Growing up as the seventh of ten children in a middle-class family in Darmstadt, Germany, Dittmar no formal higher education. Instead, she was entirely self-taught and balanced heavy household chores with an intense passion for writing. In an era when women writers were rarely taken seriously, especially when tackling topics like theology and politics, she pushed past her own self-doubt.

In a massive burst of creativity between 1845 and 1850, Dittmar published nine books and even launched her own feminist journal.Her birthday is the ideal moment to honor her. Especially since, for a long time, history completely forgot her.

Her ideas were so radical, the government censored her work and publishers eventually refused to print it. She spent her final years isolated and withdrawn, to the point where her own family’s obituary for her simply mourned a “good Aunt,” with no mention of the brilliant political activist she used to be. But Dittmar risked everything to speak out for universal human dignity.

What makes Dittmar so inspiring is that she refused to water down her arguments. While other early feminists focused on goals like making women better mothers, Dittmar went straight for the root of the problem. She challenged the idea that there were any “natural” differences between the sexes. She argued that society deliberately crushed women’s self-esteem to keep them dependent. Her work was a very early blueprint for modern equality movements. On the anniversary of her birth we remember a pioneer who who demanded absolute liberation.

Related: https://parade.com/living/quote-of-the-day-angela-davis-uplifting-others

Quote of the Day by Louise Dittmar

“The freedom of women is the greatest revolution, not just of our own day, but of all time, since it breaks fetters which are as old as the world.”

Louise Dittmar wrote this powerful line in her 1849 book, Das Wesen der Ehe (The Essence of Marriage). The book was put together right after her revolutionary journal, Soziale Reform, was forced to shut down after just four issues due to heavy political pressure and censorship. Writing during the democratic German revolutions of 1848 and 1849, she used this quote to declare that a society cannot call itself a true democracy if women are left behind.

This quote also means that political revolutions are completely hollow if they only shift power from one group of men to another. Dittmar was watching male radicals fight for their own voting rights across Germany while expecting women to remain completely submissive and financially dependent at home. With this statement, she reminds the world that you cannot build a free society when there is tyranny. True democracy is impossible if half the population is legally subservient to the other.

The quote also highlights just how massive the fight for equality really is. Governments fall, rulers change, and borders are redrawn all the time, but the subjugation of women has crossed almost every era, culture, and religion in human history. By calling this movement a revolution that “breaks fetters which are as old as the world,” Dittmar is pointing out that overturning inequality means unlearning thousands of years of human conditioning.

Related: https://parade.com/living/quote-of-the-day-harper-lee-empathy-justice-to-kill-a-mockingbird

Deeper Meaning of Louise Dittmar’s Quote

The deeper meaning of Dittmar’s quote lies in how perfectly she exposed the hypocrisy of the political movements around her. She saw right through the grand speeches about “universal liberty,” pointing out the contradiction of fighting for freedom while keeping women disenfranchised.

By calling the freedom of women the ultimate revolution, she was reminding other reformers that oppression is interconnected. You cannot successfully wipe out tyranny in public if you continue to protect and legalize it within the private structure of marriage.This quote also gets at the psychological and cultural shifts needed to achieve real equality.

Ultimately, her words are a reminder that human rights cannot be won in pieces. Dittmar firmly believed that the liberation of women is the foundation for the liberation of all life. That a society can never reach its full potential while holding back the individuality of half its people.

Related: Related: https://parade.com/living/quote-of-the-day-harper-lee-empathy-justice-to-kill-a-mockingbird

More Quotes from Louise Dittmar

“Only what I do voluntarily, in the highest sense of the word voluntarily, is my labor, just as it is at the same time my only true enjoyment.”

“It is a chief concern for us women at present to acquire the means of independence. … It is to rob a woman of human dignity when one takes away her right to self-activity or hinders her in exercising it.”

“Only in free conditions can the feeling of independence take root, and only from this feeling can self-confidence grow, through which one arrives at an unbiased judgment of oneself.”

Today’s NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle covers everything from hockey and tennis to football.

Get excited—there’s another New York Times game to add to your daily routine! Those of us word game addicts who already play Wordle, Connections, Strands and the Mini Crossword now have Connections Sports Edition to add to the mix.

So, if you’re looking for some hints and answers for today’s Connections Sports Edition on Monday, September 7, 2026, you’ve come to the right place.

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Today’s NYT Connections Sports Puzzle for Monday, September 7, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

What Is Connections Sports Edition?

Connections Sports Edition is just like the regular Connections word puzzle, in that it’s a game that resets at 12 a.m. EST each day and has 16 different words listed. It’s up to you to figure out each group of four words that belong to a certain category, with four categories in total.

This new version is sports-specific, however, as a partnership between The New York Times and The Athletic.

As the NYT site instructs, for Connections Sports Edition, you “group sports terms that share a common thread.”

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints for Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories on September 7, 2026

Here are some hints about the four categories to help you figure out the word groupings.

• Yellow: Players on ice, abbreviated.
• Green: Sports gambling with your own team.
• Blue: Men’s tennis tournament greats.
• Purple: Like a second-born or successor.

Here Are Today’s Connections Sports Edition Categories

OK, time for a second hint…we’ll give you the actual categories now. Spoilers below!

• Yellow: NHL TEAMS, ON SCOREBOARDS
• Green: POSITIONS IN FANTASY FOOTBALL
• Blue: US OPEN MEN’S SINGLES WINNERS
• Purple: JUNIOR _____

If you’re looking for the answers, no worries—we’ve got them below. So, don’t scroll any further if you don’t want to see the solutions!

The answers to today’s Connections Sports Edition #714 are coming up next.

Related: 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day

What Are the Answers to Connections Sports Edition Today?

• NHL TEAMS, ON SCOREBOARDS: CAR, EDM, OTT, VAN
• POSITIONS IN FANTASY FOOTBALL: D/ST, FLEX, RB, TE
• US OPEN MEN’S SINGLES WINNERS: ASHE, LAVER, RAFTER, SINNER
• JUNIOR _____: CAMINERO, COLLEGE, SEAU, VARSITY

Don’t worry if you didn’t get them this time—we’ve all been there.

Up next, catch up on the answers to recent Wordle puzzles.

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

 Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine” during a concert on Friday night in New Jersey.

The 43-year-old singer was opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium when he sang the phrase during his set. He then told fans that he hasn’t forgotten about those in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

“I believe that every human being walking on this earth deserves exactly the same freedom,” he said. He also said similar rhetoric during the following nights show.

After Macklemore’s spoke out at the show, the Israeli American Council created a petition for the “Thrift Shop” singer to no longer join Sheeran for the tour.

“At Ed Sheeran’s September 4 concert at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, opening act Macklemore used the stage to deliver an extended political message, called for ‘Free Palestine’ and performed Hind’s Hall while images from Gaza and other political messaging were projected across the stadium screens,” the Council wrote.

“This was an Ed Sheeran concert – not a political rally, not a protest, and not an activist event,” it stated. “The issue is not whether Macklemore has the right to hold political views. The question is where the line should be drawn when an opening act uses a global concert platform to advance a one-sided political agenda.”

The petition continued, “Freedom of expression does not mean freedom from responsibility. Your show. Your stage. Your responsibility. Keep Ed Sheeran’s LOOP Tour about music – not political propaganda.“

The petition does not show how many signatures it has received.

In 2024, Macklemore released the track “Hind’s Hall,” which calls out Israel for its actions in Gaza. The profits from the song are donated to humanitarian efforts from the UNRWA.

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Incorporating daily walks into your routine, especially when you work from home, is a must. There’s no better feeling than the crisp fresh air hitting your face while listening to your favorite songs, dressed head to toe in a cute athletic outfit. Cushioned sneakers will help you achieve the perfect exercise ensemble, and thanks to Walmart, you can shop tons of recognizable brands on sale this Labor Day weekend. 

We’re currently adding the Skechers Zinergy Leopard Print Slip-On Athletic Sneakers to our cart, since they’re 20% off. The footwear originally cost $60, but has been reduced to just $48 ahead of your seasonal adventures. The sneakers are being sold in taupe and black, with both featuring a cool leopard print pattern on the back of the heel. The taupe colorway has a metallic Skechers logo on the side, which will add a fun shimmer to your outfit. 

Skechers Zinergy Leopard Print Slip-On Athletic Sneakers, $48 (were $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The sneakers come in sizes 5 to 11, with some shoppers saying that they run slightly large. Make sure to take advantage of the available size guide and fit predictor to help you figure out which size is best for you on the first try. The sneakers are crafted with vegan materials, including a fabric lining and a shock-absorbent foam midsole that puts less stress on your feet when walking. The outsole has slight traction and is flexible so that you can wear them to the gym, while taking out the dog, and for any other activity that requires you to get active.

Skechers Zinergy Leopard Print Slip-On Athletic Sneakers, $48 (were $60) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The best part about these sneakers is that they have a memory foam insole that’s “super supportive.” One shopper said that the cushion helps when they’re on their feet all day. Plus, there’s no break-in period needed. Another reviewer wrote that after the shoes were delivered, they “wore them the next day, all day, in complete comfort.” 

The sneakers not only provide the “perfect fit,” but are also “very stylish,” so you can sport them with a number of outfits. Wear them with jeans, trousers, leggings, and athletic skirts throughout the fall so that you can move freely but still look fashionable. These are a good option for those who are on-the-go and need to slip on dependable footwear quickly, especially since there’s a convenient pull tab on the back heel. 

Shop More Deals 

• Cambivo Flare Leggings, $18 (was $30) at Walmart
• PrettyGarden Spring Sweater Vest, $33 (was $51) at Walmart
• Moshu Drawstring Waist Sweat Shorts, $14 (was $26) at Walmart

These bestselling Skechers sneakers are incredibly functional while putting a fun spin on a classic shoe style. Considering the affordable price, you can even splurge for both colors. Sizes are selling fast though, so make sure to jump on this $48 Walmart deal while you can! 

Related: Walmart’s $35 Hiking Boots Are ‘Sturdy on Uneven Trails’ With ‘Good Support on the Ankles’

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.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle is easy to solve if you’re willing to compromise.

Move over, Wordle, Connections, Connections Sports Edition, and Mini Crossword—there’s a new NYT word game in town! The New York Times‘ recent game, “Strands,” is becoming increasingly popular as another daily activity fans can find on the NYT website and app.

With daily themes and “spangrams” to discover, this is the latest addictive game to cross off your to-do list before a new one pops up 24 hours later.

We’ll cover exactly how to play Strands, hints for today’s Spangram, and all of the answers for Strands #918 on Monday, September 7.

How to Play Strands

The New York Times

According to the New York Times, here’s exactly how to play Strands:

Find theme words to fill the board.

• Theme words stay highlighted in blue when found.
• Drag or tap letters to create words. If tapping, double-tap the last letter to submit.
• Theme words fill the board entirely. No theme words overlap.

Find the “spangram.”

• The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be two words.
• The spangram highlights in yellow when found.
• An example spangram with corresponding theme words: PEAR, FRUIT, BANANA, APPLE, etc.

Need a hint?

• Find non-theme words to get hints.
• For every three non-theme words you find, you earn a hint.
• Hints show the letters of a theme word. If there is already an active hint on the board, a hint will show that word’s letter order.

What Is Today’s Strands Hint for the Theme: “It’s a deal!”

If that doesn’t help, here’s a hint for today’s Strands game: Sounds good to me!

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Hints?

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

In today’s puzzle, there are six theme words to find (including the spangram). Here are the first two letters for each word:

• NE
• SH
• CO
• AG
• SE
• SH
• ME (SPANGRAM)

NYT Strands Spangram Hint: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?

Today’s Spangram is a mix of horizontal and vertical.

NYT Strands Spangram Answer for September 7

Today’s Spangram answer for today’s NYT ‘Strands’ Hints, Spangram, and Answers for Monday, September 7, 2026, is MEETMEHALFWAY.

What Are Today’s NYT Strands Answers, Word List for Monday, September 7?

• NEGOTIATE
• SHARE
• COMPROMISE
• AGREE
• SETTLE
• SPANGRAM: MEETMEHALFWAY

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

Today’s New York Times Connections puzzle deals with everything from fanatical retellings and popular evergreens to magical childhood characters and women’s undergarments.

There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of completing the daily New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword and Connections Sports Edition word games in one fell swoop. But sometimes that can be easier said than done. If you need help with today’s Connections puzzle, keep reading.

Spoilers ahead! We’ve warned you. We mean it. Read no further until you really want some clues or you’ve completely given up and want the answers ASAP. Get ready for all of today’s NYT ‘Connections’ hints and answers for #1184 on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle for Monday, September 7, 2026 / New York Times

The New York Times

If you’ve been having trouble with any of the connections or words in Monday’s puzzle, you’re not alone, and these hints should definitely help you out. Plus, I’ll reveal the answers further down.

Related: The 26 Funniest NYT Connections Game Memes You’ll Appreciate if You Do This Daily Word Puzzle

Hints About Today’s NYT Connections Categories on Monday, September 7

1. Too good to be true.
2. Vicky Sec’s calling card.
3. Evergreen and fragrant.
4. Characters from the most magical place on earth.

Related: 300 Trivia Questions and Answers to Jumpstart Your Fun Game Night

Ready for the answers? Scroll below this image (the image that represents your very appreciated patience!).

iStock

Today’s Connections Game Answers for Monday, September 7:

1. QUITE THE SAGA: FABRICATION, FISH STORY, TALL TALE, YARN
2. PARTS OF A BRA: CUP, HOOK, STRAP, UNDERWIRE
3. ASSOCIATED WITH PINE TREES: CAR AIR FRESHENER, CHRISTMAS, NEEDLES, TURPENTINE
4. STARTING WITH DISNEY CHARACTERS: PLUTONIUM, SCAR TISSUE, STITCH MARKER, TRAMPOLINE

How’d you do?

Up Next:

– 15 Fun Games Like Connections to Play Every Day
– Hints, Clues and Answers to the NYT’s ‘Mini Crossword’ Puzzle

Did You Miss a Few Days? Let’s Catch You Up With Recent Connections Answers

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

We hate to leave you in the dark, but today’s NYT Wordle answer is one you’ll have to figure out on your own.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1906 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

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How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There is one vowel in today’s five-letter word.

What kind of letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are no double letters in today’s Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today’s Wordle?

A hint for today’s Wordle is: Unknown or hidden.

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle Answer for #1906 on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Sunday, September 6, 2026, is BLIND.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

Not being able to stay asleep might be one of the most annoying things ever, am I right? Lying in bed, tossing and turning, yawning, watching the clock tick…it’s rough, especially when you’re exhausted and had a long day of work or parenting (or both). You might also find yourself calculating how many hours you have until your alarm goes off, which can unfortunately worsen your anxiety, frustration and ability to get extra Zzzs.

If this happens often, you might wonder if you have a sleep condition, such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea. You may have tried various supplements that can help with sleep, such as magnesium and melatonin, or participated in a trend like “dark showering.” Maybe you’ve found some relief with these things, and maybe you haven’t. Even if they do help some, are they addressing the root issue? Probably not.

To help readers address this common issue, Parade spoke to sleep specialists. What is the first thing they ask people who can’t stay asleep, and why? Plus, what are other reasons why people may struggle to stay asleep, and what can help on those fitful nights? All of those questions are answered below.

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The First Thing Sleep Specialists Ask People Who Can’t Stay Asleep

The question is, “Are you using screens before bed?” This goes for adults and kids alike.

“It is one of the first questions because screen use is extremely common, modifiable and an important part of a child’s sleep history,” says Dr. Rupali Drewek, MD, the co-medical director of the sleep medicine program at Phoenix Children’s. “I don’t assume screens are the cause of a child’s nighttime awakenings, but I want to know what they’re doing before bed, and what they’re doing if they wake up during the night.”

Screens can harm the quality and duration of sleep for adults, too. “Light, particularly blue light from electronic devices, harms natural melatonin production and is overstimulating for the brain, with videos, news, texting or social media creating stimulus that disrupts the brain’s resting state,” says Dr. Carleara Weiss, PhD, MS, RN, a sleep scientist and the sleep science advisor at Aeroflow Sleep.

Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, a board-certified behavioral sleep specialist and expert advisory board member for Project Sleep, especially agrees with that latter part. She believes the bigger issue is what you’re doing on the screen.

“If you’re scrolling social media, checking work email, watching something stressful or stimulating, or getting caught up in a news rabbit hole, your brain is staying engaged when it should be winding down,” she explains. “Screens can also make it easy to lose track of time and push bedtime later.”

Related: I Stopped Looking at My Phone Before Bed for 30 Days and I Was Honestly Surprised by the Results

Other Reasons You Can’t Stay Asleep

Besides screens, what else can keep you up at night? Sleep specialists list additional culprits.

• Stress and anxiety
• Erratic or inconsistent sleep schedules
• Drinking too much caffeine or drinking it too late in the day
• Having restless leg syndrome or periodic limb movements
• Environmental factors, such as noise or temperature
• Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Other medical conditions, such as asthma, eczema, acid reflux/GERD, frequent urination, hormonal shifts and chronic pain
• Alcohol consumption
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Certain medications 
• Spending too much time in bed trying to force yourself to sleep

Some nighttime awakenings are normal, Dr. Drewek clarifies. What matters is the frequency, how long someone is awake, whether they can return to sleep and whether the disrupted sleep affects mood, behavior, learning and functioning.

Related: This 3-Minute Habit Could Help You Sleep Through the Night

What To Do if You Can’t Stay Asleep

To address those factors listed above (and hopefully help yourself fall and stay asleep), experts recommend the following. 

Having a wind-down routine before bed

Dr. Drewek suggests reading, taking a warm bath, drawing, doing some gentle stretches, listening to calming music and, of course, turning screens off. Start this between 30 and 60 minutes before you go to sleep. 

Dr. Weiss agrees, also encouraging people to write in a journal or on a to-do list to free up brain space and prevent racing thoughts.

Related: ‘I’m a Cardiologist—This Is the Sleep Position That’s Hardest on Your Heart’

Be mindful of what you’re doing while using screens

Dr. Harris believes you “don’t necessarily need to ban screens before bed,” but rather, “focus on what you’re doing on them and how stimulating it is.” For example, stressful news clips will have a different effect than calming music on Spotify.

And if you wake up during the night, fight the urge to reach for your phone. “The goal is to keep your brain as bored and relaxed as possible,” Dr. Harris explains. 

Additionally, she encourages adjusting the brightness to be dimmer or warmer, which may be labeled in your phone’s settings “night mode” or something similar.

Related: I Asked ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini the #1 Bedtime Habit of the Calmest People—Here’s the Winner

Create a sleep-promoting daily routine

As counterintuitive as it might sound, consider what your day looks like. Dr. Drewek says to  create a predictable bedtime and wake time (even on weekends) to strengthen the body’s circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle. She also mentions getting regular exercise and plenty of exposure to natural light, especially in the morning.

Related: ‘I Have Chronic Insomnia—Here’s Everything I Do When I Can’t Sleep’

Be mindful of your sleep mindset

Feeling frustrated about your lack of sleep, or feeling stressed about how many hours you have until your alarm goes off, can actually worsen sleep outcomes.

“Most importantly, don’t turn sleep into a performance,” Dr. Harris says. “The harder you try to force sleep, the harder it can become.”

This is because the effort increases alertness and makes bedtime stressful—two things that can keep you awake.

Check for an underlying sleep disorder

Still can’t stay asleep? You may want to talk to a healthcare professional, Dr. Drewek says, especially if you do any of the following:

• Snore
• Gasp at night
• Breathe through the mouth when sleeping
• Have unusual movements in bed
• Show significant daytime sleepiness or behavioral changes the next day

Dr. Weiss agrees. “I highly recommend seeking medical evaluation by a sleep doctor if you notice little to no change after making these adjustments,” she says. “I also recommend seeking immediate, personalized medical advice if you experience headache, dry mouth, sore throat, brain fog or extreme daytime sleepiness upon waking, as these may indicate another sleep disorder that will not improve with behavioral changes alone, such as obstructive sleep apnea.”

Up Next:

Sources

• Dr. Rupali Drewek, MD, is the co-medical director of the sleep medicine program at Phoenix Children’s.
• Dr. Carleara Weiss, PhD, MS, RN, is a sleep scientist and the sleep science advisor at Aeroflow Sleep.
• Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD, DBSM, is a board-certified behavioral sleep specialist and expert advisory board member for Project Sleep.
• Why your mind won’t shut off at night, American Academy of Sleep Medicine

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As the weather cools down, few shoes slide from summer into fall as easily as ballet flats. The classic style can instantly pull an outfit together, whether you’re wearing a chic dress, your favorite jeans or a skirt. They’re also comfortable and easy to wear, making them a pair you’ll want to keep reaching for season after season. 

Right now, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Elstree Ballet Flats are on sale at Amazon for as little as $24, down from $60—a savings of up to 60%. These shoes have an effortlessly chic, Parisian-inspired look and are available in twelve designs, including classic shades like cream, gold, tan and black, as well as playful leopard print, stripes and floral patterns. Prices vary by color and size, but you can snag any option for under $52.  Shoppers have called the flats a wardrobe staple, with one reviewer describing them as “super comfortable,” while others praised their “great quality.” 

Kenneth Cole Reaction Elstree Ballet Flats, From $24 (were $60) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

These ballet flats have a square toe and delicate string bow that give the classic style a soft, graceful look. Their versatile design pairs easily with everything from dresses and skirts to jeans and lightweight sweaters, making them a pair you’ll want to reach for again and again. 

They’re also designed with comfort in mind. A memory foam insole provides cushioning and support while giving the shoes a soft, pillow-like feel underfoot. The flats are available in women’s sizes 5 through 12, and shoppers say they run true to size.

Amazon reviewers have plenty of good things to say about the shoes. “Very comfortable and stylish,” one shopper wrote, noting that they “don’t feel like you’re wearing floppy slippers” despite being flat. Another called them “so pretty,” while a third shopper appreciated the “decent arch support” they offered.

Shop More Deals

• Rumia Crewneck Sweatshirt, From $10 (was $25) at Amazon
• Nacome Turtle Statue Solar Light, $26 at Amazon
• Akefun Corduroy Shacket, $18 (was $30) at Amazon

Related: Clarks’ Strappy Sandals Are ‘Perfect’ for Early Fall Travel and 53% Off at Amazon Right Now

Starting at just $24, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Elstree Ballet Flats are a budget-friendly way to add a versatile option to your shoe collection. If you’ve been looking for a comfortable flat that still feels polished, this deal is one worth grabbing while it’s still in stock and on sale!

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.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle covers a variety of topics, including black-tie attire, words hidden in plain sight, toothsome tools, and band lingo.

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Monday, September 7, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, September 7, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Tool with teeth — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”

4 Across: Number of rows on a chessboard — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

6 Across: Common Wordle starting word — HINT: Ends with the letter “U”

7 Across: Kick back — HINT: Starts with the letter “R”

8 Across: Band’s grouping of songs — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: French fries and coleslaw, for two — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”

2 Down: Fleet of foot — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

3 Down: Resource in the game Catan — HINT: Starts with the letter “W”

4 Down: Body part in the heart of “heart” — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”

5 Down: Attire for a black-tie wedding — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, September 7, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Tool with teeth — SAW

4 Across: Number of rows on a chessboard — EIGHT

6 Across: Common Wordle starting word — ADIEU

7 Across: Kick back — RELAX

8 Across: Band’s grouping of songs — SET

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: French fries and coleslaw, for two — SIDES

2 Down: Fleet of foot — AGILE

3 Down: Resource in the game Catan — WHEAT

4 Down: Body part in the heart of “heart” — EAR

5 Down: Attire for a black-tie wedding — TUX

Related: I Recreated the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Every ’90s Kid Loved

In 1965, 25-year-old Judy Collins released a new single written by a songwriter who was rapidly changing the course of popular music: Bob Dylan.

The song was “I’ll Keep It With Mine,” a tender composition Dylan had written the previous year. Collins later revealed in the liner notes to her 1993 Dylan tribute album Just Like a Woman that Dylan told her he had written the song for her.

Curiously, while Dylan would record “I’ll Keep It With Mine” himself more than once, he never released it on one of his regular studio albums. Even more surprisingly, he has never performed the song live.

Dylan first recorded a piano-and-vocal demo of “I’ll Keep It With Mine” in June 1964 for his music publisher, M. Witmark & Sons. That recording would remain officially unreleased for decades, eventually appearing on 2010’s The Bootleg Series Vol. 9: The Witmark Demos: 1962–1964.

Collins got there much sooner.

Already an established presence in the folk world, she released her version as a single on Elektra Records in 1965, becoming the first artist to release a recording of “I’ll Keep It With Mine.”

Dylan, meanwhile, continued experimenting with the song.

During the January 1965 sessions for Bringing It All Back Home, Dylan recorded another solo piano version of “I’ll Keep It With Mine,” then known by the working title “Bank Account Blues.” That performance was eventually released on the 1985 retrospective Biograph.

He returned to the song yet again during the early sessions for Blonde on Blonde in 1966.

A full-band rehearsal from January 1966 was later released on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3. Musicians also worked through a series of instrumental takes during the Nashville sessions for Blonde on Blonde, although Dylan wasn’t present for those recordings. When he arrived, attention shifted elsewhere, and “I’ll Keep It With Mine” never made the album.

Despite all that studio attention, Dylan never took the song onto the concert stage.

Rolling Stone later placed “I’ll Keep It With Mine” at No. 41 on its ranking of the 100 greatest Bob Dylan songs, describing it as a “ballad of friendship” and praising Dylan’s “sweet, plaintive vocal.”

Filmmaker Cameron Crowe was even more effusive about Dylan’s stripped-down performance.

“It’s hypnotic—just Dylan and piano,” Crowe told Rolling Stone, adding that Dylan’s vocal was “kind of heroic.”

What Dylan left largely tucked away, other artists embraced.

Nico recorded “I’ll Keep It With Mine” for her influential 1967 debut album Chelsea Girl, while Fairport Convention included its interpretation on 1969’s What We Did on Our Holidays. Marianne Faithfull later recorded the song for 1987’s Strange Weather.

Susanna Hoffs also tackled it for the 1984 Rainy Day project, an album devoted to covers of songs from the 1960s. Critic Everett True later singled out Hoffs’ performance for extraordinary praise, calling one moment in her vocal “perhaps the sultriest moment committed to vinyl.”

As for why Dylan kept returning to “I’ll Keep It With Mine” without ever giving it a conventional release of his own, he offered a characteristically simple explanation when discussing his shelved recordings with Rolling Stone.

“Maybe it didn’t sound like a record to me,” Dylan said.

But he seemed perfectly content with the song finding an audience without him.

“If people like it, they like it.”

Related: ’60s Rock Legend, From the Band Behind Bob Dylan’s First No. 1 Hit, Turns 82

Bob Marley’s 1978 hit “Is This Love” remains a testament to his legacy after being recognized as one of the greatest romantic classic rock songs of all time, but behind it was a challenging period in the reggae icon’s life.

Securing No. 5 among the best love tracks and power ballads in music history, Collider describes it as the “peak of Marley’s romantic mode,” as the song was featured on his 10th studio album.

At the time of its release, “Is This Love” peaked at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart.

Written by the Jamaican legend and performed alongside the reggae group the Wailers, the hit song explored the themes of love and devotion.

Some reports claimed that it was associated with Marley’s personal relationships, specifically with his wife, Rita.

In addition, “Is This Love” reflects on Marley’s devotion to his spiritual side, as he mentions Jah, a Rastafarian word used as a name for God or as a shortened form of Yahweh or Jehovah, as referenced in Psalm 68:4.

Reggae singer-guitarist Bob Marley in 1979 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Tom Hill/WireImage

At this point, Marley was focused on themes of love and peace, marking a departure from his previous album, which was more politically charged.

Island Records boss Chris Blackwell once expressed how “very happy” he was with Kaya and described “Is This Love” as “a great song.”

“It had a very summery, carefree feel,” he said, as mentioned in the liner notes for Africa Unite: The Singles Collection via Songfacts. “When the album came out, several reviewers said he’d gone soft. But Bob was feeling great at that time, and those songs reflected how he was feeling.”

This was also the time when the singer-songwriter was recovering from the assassination attempt amid the political turmoil in Jamaica.

From early 1977 to 1978, he spent 14 months in exile in London after leaving Jamaica following the 1976 assassination attempt and to escape the political violence and ensure his safety.

During this period, he recorded Exodus and the majority of Kaya, as cited by American Songwriter.

Besides its romantic message, the music video for “Is This Love” was also notable for featuring then-nine-year-old Naomi Campbell.

What began during one of the most challenging periods of Marley’s life ultimately produced one of his most beloved romantic songs, which generations continue to listen to today.

Related: 1967 Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Was Written in a 19th-Century Spanish Home

Jon Small, who collaborated with Billy Joel in his early rock bands and later became an acclaimed music video director, has died.

Aside from his work with Joel, Small also worked with superstars, including Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Run-DMC and Aerosmith on music videos, TV specials and concert films.

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Small’s death was confirmed in a post on Facebook from a longtime friend who shared an announcement that Small died on Sept. 4. His funeral will be held on Sept. 9 in Great Neck, New York. A cause of death was not available. Small was in his late 70s.

Small, who was Joel’s best friend, first collaborated with Joel in the 1960s quartet the Hassles and psychedelic rock band that issued two albums and several singles on United Artists.

After the Hassles demise, Small and Joel formed the hard rock outfit Attila, with Small on drums and Joel on keyboards and vocals. They released a self-titled album in 1970, but the band split later that year after Joel fell in love with Small’s wife, Elizabeth Weber, who he later married.

The drama behind the love triangle was explored in the 2025 HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes. “I was just in love with a woman,” the singer revealed in the documentary. “And I got punched in the nose, which I deserved.”

Though that situation damaged their friendship, it did not end it. Small saved Joel after he tried to commit suicide during the romantic turmoil.

“He never really said anything to me,” Small said in And So It Goes. “The only practical answer I can give as to why Billy took it so hard was because he loved me that much and that it killed him to hurt me that much. Eventually I forgave him.”

Years later, they continued their creative partnership. Small became a music video director and produced Joel’s 1982 Live From Long Island video, 1990’s Live From Yankee Stadium and 2011’s Live at Shea Stadium.

Small’s other video work includes directing the landmark video for the Run-DMC-Aerosmith collaboration “Walk This Way,” as well as videos, TV specials and concert films for Luke Combs, the Beach Boys, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, and dozens of others.

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Though Attila remains a footnote in the careers of Joel and Small, their one record managed to invoke some passionate reactions, both positive and negative.

In a review for AllMusic.com, Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote that “”Attila undoubtedly is the worst album released in the history of rock & roll—hell, the history of recorded music itself. There have been many bad ideas in rock, but none match the colossal stupidity of Attila.”

However, a writer identified as Boy Howdy on cult artist Julian Cope’s Head Heritage website had a different take, writing that the album is “an extremely entertaining joke that Billy wasn’t in on. But I’ve gotta say, I dug his trip, and the record still puts me in a good mood every time.”

The Miss America 2027 competition took place Sunday, Sept. 6, at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, where the reigning Miss America Cassie Donegan of New York  crowned her successor.

Who won Miss America 2027?

After the votes were counted the new Miss America for 2027 was Miss Texas Regan Hutsell. She was awarded the crown and the $50,000 tuition scholarship. Regan is a former Radio City Rockette and a former artist with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

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Who were the runners-up for Miss America 2025?

First runner-up:  Miss Louisiana Shelby Bordelon — $10,000 scholarship
Second runner-up: Miss Illinois Kate Dimmett — $8000 scholarship
Third runner-up: Miss California Sharlize True Trujillo — $60000 scholarship
Fourth runner-up: Miss District of Columbia: Evelyn Smith — $5000 scholarship

Who Made the Miss America 2026 Top 11 Miss California Sharlize True Trujillo Miss District of Columbia Evelyn Smith Miss Hawaii Carly Yoshida Miss Utah Erika Dalton Miss New York Madison Oh Miss Louisiana Shelby Bordelon Miss South Carolina Lindsay Jones Miss Texas Regan Hutsell Miss Iowa McKenzie Kerry Miss Illinois Kate Dimmett Miss Mississippi Jane Granberry

The Miss America competition was hosted by Jennifer Hale and Billy Gilman, with a judging panel consisting of Miss America 1998 Kate Shindle; 18th U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin; Founder of Portia & Scarlett  Vicki Vlahos, Founding editor of InStyle Magazine Hal Rubenstein; RHONYC‘s Ubah Hassan; and Founder & Creator of Orange Theory Fitness Ellen Latham.

Next, All the Intel on Miss America for 2027, Including the 52 Contestants Photo Gallery

Carrie Underwood certainly committed to the bit Saturday night.

The country superstar took the stage at the Velocity Festival at the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa, on Saturday, September 5, where she surprised the crowd with a cover of Limp Bizkit’s 1999 hit “Break Stuff.”

She appeared to channel frontman Fred Durst for the performance, sporting one of his signature looks with a red baseball cap worn backward.

The unexpected cover quickly got people talking, with some fans loving Underwood’s detour into late-’90s nu metal and others not quite sold on her take on the song.

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“I don’t hate it, actually dig it. Carrie is pretty cool,” one said on Instagram.

“Idk why anyone would hate on this. I think she’s cool and this is pretty cool,” another wrote.

“It’s giving that Olympic break dancer vibes,” a third quipped.

“This is like a bad dream,” replied another.

“Nah. If she was a real one she wouldn’t have done the radio edit version,” another commented.

While hearing the “Before He Cheats” singer take on “Break Stuff” might seem like an unlikely combination, Underwood has never been shy about showing off her rock influences.

READ MORE: Carrie Underwood Joins Legendary ’80s Band For ‘American Idol’ Finale and the Internet Has Thoughts

Earlier this year, she teamed up with Mötley Crüe during the May 11 finale of American Idol, where she served as a judge. Underwood joined the glam metal veterans for performances of “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart,” earning a standing ovation from the studio audience.

“Home Sweet Home” also has some history for the singer. Underwood previously recorded her own version of the Mötley Crüe ballad in 2009, when it was used as the farewell song during American Idol Season 8.

She’s ventured even further into the rock world over the years, performing with acts including Guns N’ Roses and Papa Roach.

Pretty Maids is officially back in the studio. The Danish heavy metal outfit recently announced that its latest album is due out in 2027.

The forthcoming Frontiers Music Srl release marks the band’s first full-length since Undress Your Madness, released in 2019. It features the reunited creative partnership between vocalist Ronnie Atkins and guitarist Ken Hammer. It also comes from producer Jacob Hansen, whose resume includes work with Amaranthe, Volbeat, Epica, Primal Fear, and Evergrey.

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Formed in 1981 by Hammer and Atkins, the group started as a cover band called Pretty Pretty Panick. After changing their name to Pretty Maids, they began churning out original material and have spent the last four and a half decades forging a reputation as one of Europe’s most beloved melodic metal acts.

In 1983, Pretty Maids made its debut with a self-titled EP, gaining wider recognition on tour with Black Sabbath. In 1984, they signed with CBS Records and released their debut full-length album, Red, Hot, and Heavy. Their international breakthrough came in 1987 with Future World. That summer, they also appeared at Germany’s Monsters of Rock festival.

In 1992, they scored another international banger with “Please Don’t Leave Me,” a single from their fourth official studio album, Sin-Decade.

After signing with Frontiers Music Srl in the 2010s, the band has continued to release highly acclaimed modern records, including Pandemonium in 2010, Motherland in 2013, and Undress Your Madness in 2019.

Shortly after Undress Your Madness, Pretty Maids stepped away from the stage because Atkins was diagnosed with lung cancer. After treatment, the frontman returned, and Pretty Maids resumed live performances in June 2024.

And that comeback has now evolved into new music. Stay tuned for further details, including the title and track listing.

Related: ’60s Rock Legend and Former Supergroup Member Announces 50th Album, ‘Second Song,’ Out in September

​

“Gut health” and “microbiome” are popular buzzwords these days, and not just because influencers are talking about them on social media. People really do want to know how to best take care of their gut health. A survey by the American Gastroenterological Association found that nearly 40% of Americans stopped routine activities in the last year because of uncomfortable bowel symptoms, including exercise and spending time with loved ones.

Cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases are some of the most common and severe digestive diseases, making it crucial to fill your body with nourishing foods and drinks. Sometimes, though, you’ll want to eat out at restaurants—and one gastroenterologist says that’s absolutely fine and won’t necessarily harm your gut health. However, he adds that people are often hyper-focused on the food they order and choose something gut-friendly and still end up feeling uncomfortable because of what they pick from the beverage menu.

“We don’t always think of drinks as a significant part of our meal,” Dr. Andrew H. Moore, MD, a gastroenterologist with Endeavor Health, tells Parade. “We are usually so focused on the health effects of food that we forget drinks can add significant calories, added sugars, artificial sweeteners and more, all of which can affect digestion and gut health.”

As a gastroenterologist, Dr. Moore is conscious when he orders a drink at a restaurant. For that reason, he says he avoids this popular drink at restaurants to protect his gut health.

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‘This Is the One Drink I Always Avoid at Restaurants as a Gastroenterologist’

Dr. Moore avoids soft drinks with added sugar or artificial sweeteners at restaurants and tells his patients to do the same, saying they can cause short- and long-term digestive health issues.

“The science is still emerging on how sugary soft drinks actually affect the gut microbiome, but sugary soft drinks are very high in calories and added sugars, both of which can contribute to metabolic syndrome and fatty liver metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH),” he says. “For some people, MASH can progress to cirrhosis of the liver.” 

While artificially sweetened and diet sodas may not have added sugar or calories, they don’t necessarily provide a liver-friendly alternative.

“Science on how soft drinks with artificial sweeteners affect gut health is also emerging, but they may contribute to fatty liver and subsequent cirrhosis through changes in the gut microbiome and effects on insulin secretion,” Dr. Moore warns.

Related: Here’s Exactly What Happens to Your Gut Health When You Eat Bananas

Your long-term health matters, but you may start feeling a bit ick within hours of drinking soda. According to Dr. Moore, sugar and artificially sweetened beverages like soda can cause immediate gut health issues—as in, that very day. Short-term digestive issues you may experience after drinking a soda at a restaurant (or even at home, to be honest) include:

1. Bloating, a swollen belly and gas because of the carbonation (and potentially artificial sweeteners)
2. Acid reflux symptoms because of the carbonation
3. Loose stools or diarrhea because of the high sugar content and certain artificial sweeteners

Related: Gastroenterologists Say This ‘Healthy’ Snack Can Be Tough on Digestion

Can I Never, Ever Order Sodas at Restaurants?

Dr. Moore doesn’t usually advise patients to swear off a food or drink they love. “It’s not that you should never have a soda ever again,” he says. “Having this occasionally is likely not going to cause any long-term health consequences.”

Still, it’s not his default order at restaurants. At restaurants, you can find him ordering a much more basic drink.

“I favor plain water or water with natural sweeteners,” he explains. “These don’t add the excess calories that can contribute to long-term metabolic issues and fatty liver. You also won’t experience the negative GI effects that come with carbonation, which can include acid reflux, gas and bloating.” 

Cheers to that.

Up Next:

Related: This Is the Best Dinner To Eat To Help You Poop in the Morning, According to Dietitians

Sources:

• Dr. Andrew H. Moore, MD, a gastroenterologist with Endeavor Health
• Effect of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on the Gut Microbiota. Nutrients.
• Association between diet soft drink consumption and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: findings from the NHANES. BMC Public Health.
• Artificial sweeteners are related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Microbiota dysbiosis as a novel potential mechanism. EXCLI Journal.