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Today's NYT Mini Crossword will have you tasting the rainbow, seeing the Colosseum, and daydreaming of Paris. 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, July 27, 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, July 27, 2026

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

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Rolling series of comments on a Twitch stream — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

5 Across: It wasn't built in a day —HINT: Starts with the letter "R"

6 Across: Flavor of yellow Skittles — HINT: Ends with the letter "N"

7 Across: Store window sign — HINT: Starts with the letter "O"

8 Across: Floating mountain of ice — HINT: Ends with the letter "G"

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

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Parisian pancake — HINT: Starts with the letter "C"

2 Down: Creator of the "Odyssey" — HINT: Ends with the letter "R"

3 Down: "Relax, you're ___ friends" — HINT: Starts with the letter "A"

4 Down: The word "decimate" initially meant to reduce something by a factor of this — HINT: Starts with the letter "T"

6 Down: Defensive tennis shot — HINT: Ends with the letter "B"

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, July 27, 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: Rolling series of comments on a Twitch stream — CHAT

5 Across: It wasn't built in a day —ROME

6 Across: Flavor of yellow Skittles — LEMON

7 Across: Store window sign — OPEN

8 Across: Floating mountain of ice — BERG

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Parisian pancake — CREPE

2 Down: Creator of the "Odyssey" — HOMER

3 Down: "Relax, you're ___ friends" — AMONG

4 Down: The word "decimate" initially meant to reduce something by a factor of this — TEN

6 Down: Defensive tennis shot — LOB

Related: I Tried Reese Witherspoon's Grandma's Corn Salad and It's the Refreshing Ode to Summer That I'll Be Making on Repeat

In 1964, at just 15 years old, Mary Weiss topped the charts with "Leader of the Pack." The song was so controversial it got banned by the BBC, and so influential it helped shape punk rock.

"The Shangri-Las were punk before punk existed. People thought we were tough," Weiss once said of her girl group. Joey Ramone of The Ramones agreed, telling the frontwoman that his band wouldn't have had a chance if it wasn't for The Shangri-Las.

The ‘60s American girl group was made up of Mary, her sisterElizabeth "Betty" Weiss, and twin sisters Marguerite "Marge" Ganser and Mary Ann Ganser. 

Years before The Sex Pistols and other bands were blacklisted by the BBC, the broadcaster had already banned The Shangri-Las' biggest hit, "Leader of the Pack."

Despite the song's eventual success, Weiss wasn't convinced right away. "I really had to sit down with this one. I took it home and listened to it for a very long time before I agreed to do it," she recalled to Fresh Air in 2007.

She also admitted just how controversial the song was back then. "Even at the time it was pretty much out there. I mean, in England, there was a very rigid environment, even globally, I mean the record was banned in England the first time it came out." 

In the song, a girl named Betty is questioned by her friends about whether she's dating Jimmy, the head of a motorcycle gang. She confirms her love for him, though her parents want her to move on to someone new.

"My folks were always putting him down / They said he came from the wrong side of town," the lyrics go. After Betty ends things with Jimmy, he speeds off on his motorcycle in the rain and crashes, dying in the accident.

That violent ending proved too much for the BBC, which pulled the song from airwaves. The broadcaster banned the song out of concern it might spark violence between mods and rockers, two feuding youth subcultures at the time.

Like most banned material, the controversy only made "Leader of the Pack" more popular. 

The song debuted at No. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 in just seven weeks, knocking The Supremes' "Baby Love" out of the top spot after a four-week run.

Its time at the top lasted just a week before Lorne Greene's "Ringo” took its place. 

While The Shangri-Las never topped the chart again, they remained relevant, with "Give Him a Great Big Kiss" climbing to No. 18 and "I Can Never Go Home Anymore" hitting No. 6. 

Related: 1977 Rock Song, With 18-Year-Old Singer, Became a Timeless Underground Anthem

By the time the Band released "Up on Cripple Creek" as a single from 1969's The Band, Bob Dylan's former backing musicians had already cemented their legacy as one of the most important groups of the decade. But the catchy track would end up being the Band's biggest hit, commercially...even if it didn't seem destined for success at first.

A singalong classic, "Up on Cripple Creek" is sort of a hybrid road/love song, about traveling "straight down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Charles, Louisiana," all to see Little Bessie, a girl the narrator "once knew" (a real "drunkard's dream"). Sounds like a page out of the life of a touring musician, but guitarist Robbie Robertson said it wasn't written with a specific experience in mind.

"I don't really write songs with anything other than just a storytelling sense," Robertson told Goldmine in 1998. "You sit down and write the song, and usually when something happens, you just don't even know where it came from, or why it came, or anything like that. That's the best. You know, when something comes out of you that surprises you. And it was one of those. You know, I was just sitting down to see if I could think of anything, and that's what came out. But it was a fun song to write."

According to Robertson, the characters in the song aren't "people at the top of the ladder. We're saying what about that house out there in the middle of that field? What does this guy think, with that one light on upstairs, and that truck parked out there? That's who I'm curious about."

In a separate interview on UDiscover Music, Robertson elaborated on the songwriting process for "Up on Cripple Creek," noting that some of the lyrics were inspired by his travels following the Band's appearance at Woodstock.

"After Woodstock, I went to Montreal and my daughter Alexandra was born," Robertson recalled.

"We had been snowed in at Woodstock and in Montreal it was freezing, so we went to Hawaii, really as some kind of a way to get some warmth, and to begin preparing for making our second album. I think it was really pieces and ideas coming on during that travelling process that sparked the idea about a man who just drives these trucks across the whole country. I don’t remember where I sat down and finished the song, though."

"I just wanted to write something that was stirring inside of me. I didn’t know anything about this man’s journey, except that I had to pursue it in a song," he added.

Recording "Up on Cripple Creek" was a surprisingly challenging process, as drummer Levon Helm (who sang the song) recalled.

"It took a long time to seep into us," Helm explained in the liner notes for the Band's 2000 Greatest Hits compilation. "We cut it two or three times, but nobody really liked it. It wasn't quite enough fun. Finally one night we just got hold of it, doubled up a couple of chorus and harmony parts, and that was it."

The end result, of course, was (and still is) quite a lot of fun. It was also the Band's highest-charting single ever, peaking at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, and made a memorable appearance in the Band's iconic concert film The Last Waltz.

Related: 1969 Rock Classic, Written During Soundcheck, Ranked Among 'Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time'

Dua Lipa tied the knot with Callum Turner earlier this year, a dashing English actor whose latest project was just showcased at Comic-Con.

Fans were already aware that the 36-year-old's new TV series Neuromancer was coming. But on Saturday, July 25, Apple TV unveiled a thrilling first look for attendees of the annual San Diego convention.

The teaser trailer also dropped on YouTube the same day. Take a look at Turner in action below.

Fans have since flooded the upload's comments section to express their excitement for the upcoming release. "Apple TV: the best place for decent sci-fi shows these days," wrote one YouTube user, while another person commented, "I love how cyberspace is shown as an abstract, rapid, low-fidelity thing; it's exactly how it's described in the books."

Regarding the latter comment, the 10-episode show is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by William Gibson, dating all the way back to 1984. Here's the official synopsis, per Apple TV:

"Neuromancer follows a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high stakes crime with his partner Molly (Briana Middleton), a razor-girl assassin to pull a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets."

The ensemble cast also includes big names such as Mark Strong, Joseph Lee and Peter Sarsgaard.

The debut novel by William Gibson, “Neuromancer” has been praised as one of the first and most-respected works within the cyberpunk genre and has received numerous accolades, including the Nebula Award, the Philip K. Dick Award and the Hugo Award.

From One Adaptation to the Next

Another buzzy streaming series that showcased first-look footage over the weekend was Prime Video's Carrie, which premieres October 7 worldwide. Like Neuromancer, the teaser trailer also descended on YouTube the same day, with fans taking to the comments section to shared their thoughts on the Stephen King adaptation. Find out more here.

Sometimes people need a little pressure to help them churn out their best material. This seemed to be the case for the Spencer Davis Group in 1966 before they wrote and recorded the song "Gimme Some Lovin'," which would become their next big hit.

At the time, the band was struggling to pick their next song and felt extra pressure because their last track, "When I Come Home," didn't do that well. Their manager eventually put them in a rehearsal room and told them to come up with their next song.

Bassist Muff Winwood recalled how the song came to be, as shared in the liner notes of Eight Gigs A Week: The Spencer David Group - The Steve Winwood Years. He said that the band started messing around with different tunes around 11 in the morning.

"We hadn't been there half an hour, and this idea just came. We thought, bloody hell, this sounds really good. We fitted it all together and by about twelve o'clock, we had the whole song," Winwood said, describing how quickly "Gimme Some Lovin'" came together.

He went on, "We knocked off 'Gimme Some Lovin' and [our manager] couldn't believe it...  That very night we played a North London club and tried it out on the public. It went down a storm. We knew we had another No. 1."

Related: 1978 Rock Anthem, With 19-Year-Old Singer, Remains a Classic 48 Years Later

The lead singer of the band, Steve Winwood, was only 17 years old when the song was written and released. Just like the band expected, it was a huge hit.

"Gimme Some Lovin'" was a Top 10 hit in the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, New Zealand, and more. It even took the top spot in Canada. Now, over half a century later, it's still a classic. Rolling Stone even named it one of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."

Related: 1999 Classic Ballad, Which Won an Oscar, Remains a Timeless Anthem 27 Years Later

A24’s The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, premiered in theaters earlier this year in April. Now the romantic dark comedy is coming to HBO Max for streaming, which means you can watch it over and over again. The film drew lots of attention, discussion and criticism, with the surrounding theme of school shootings. 

The Drama starts by asking one simple question: “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?” And while characters like Charlie (Robert Pattinson), Mike (Mamodou Athie), and Rachel (Alana Haim) reveal bullying, locking kids in closets, and using ex-girlfriends as human shields during a dog attack, Emma’s answer shocked audiences and caused a stir in the film. After Emma (Zendaya) reveals that she planned a school shooting but decided not to follow through with it, her relationship falls apart mere days before her wedding. 

The movie’s marketing was quite controversial, as viewers were led to believe the film was a lighthearted romantic comedy via the posters and trailer. While the twist was hinted at in the trailers, viewers weren’t quite sure what to make of the plot and Emma’s actions. While some thought the storyline was a bit much, others thought it was a necessary topic. "Art is supposed to make you uncomfortable" is the quote that people used when talking about the heavy theme of gun violence in the film. Despite the backlash, the film grossed over $132 million on a $28 million budget. 

Aside from sparking criticism from audiences, the film also brought up many debates about who the real villain in The Drama is. Was it Emma, Rachel, Mike or Charlie? Considering the fact that Emma is the only one who didn’t actually follow through with her ‘worst thing,’ while the others did, does that make her less of a villain? 

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The Drama, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgliwill, is available to stream on HBO Max on July 31.

Related: A24 and Kane Parsons’ Film ‘Backrooms’ Released on Digital

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If stationary, craft projects, and everyday clutter are starting to take over, rolling storage carts can help bring some order back. Right now, Amazon has the Goflame 10-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart on sale for just $50 — one of the lowest prices we've seen for a 10-drawer organizer at the retailer lately!

With 10 roomy drawers, it gives you plenty of space to sort everything from books and school supplies to craft materials, decorations, office essentials, and household extras. Goflame also offers smaller four-, five-, and six-drawer versions at a slightly lower price if you don't need quite as much storage. Shoppers looking for a more elevated look can also choose a wood-top version in this model for $60.

Goflame 10-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart, $50 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

The rolling cart measures 15 inches wide by 13 inches deep by 34 inches tall. It is designed with a heavy-duty steel frame and durable polypropylene drawers that slide smoothly along metal tracks. The removable drawers make it easy to bring supplies wherever you're working, while the top shelf provides additional storage for books, plants, or other frequently used items. 

Four swivel casters allow the cart to move easily throughout the home, office, classroom, or studio, while two locking wheels keep it stable when parked. It’s available in 13 colors, including peach, black, clear, and multicolor options. 

Reviewers loved that it's easy to assemble and surprisingly sturdy. "Very easy to put together," one shopper shared, while another said it was "great for classroom storage." One parent also called it "perfect" for keeping kids' workbooks and school supplies organized.

Shoppers have found plenty of uses beyond back-to-school storage, including organizing nail polish, beauty products, and craft supplies. One reviewer even bought a second cart, calling it "super cute and handy for my storage."

Shop More Deals

• Bagnizer 6-Pack of Storage Bins, From $27 (was $36) at Amazon
• Giantex Desktop Bookshelf, From $56 (was $70) at Amazon
• Gupuzm Floor Lamp With Shelves, $34 (was $50) at Amazon

Related: Walmart’s $41 10-Drawer Rolling Cart Is a Versatile Storage Option for Papers, Tools, and Crafting Supplies

Whether you're sorting homework supplies, hobby materials, or household clutter, the $50 Goflame 10-Drawer Rolling Storage Cart helps keep everything in its place. Deals like this don't tend to stick around, so grab one before the price climbs back up!

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.

Nearly 40 years after it was first published, Don DeLillo's White Noise continues to be celebrated as one of the defining novels of modern literature.

The acclaimed 1985 book has been included on Pan Macmillan's list of the 50 best books of all time, placing it alongside classics by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Toni Morrison, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The recognition is the latest honor for a novel that has shaped generations of readers and writers alike.

Published in 1985, White Noise marked a turning point in DeLillo’s career.

The novel follows Jack Gladney, a professor of Hitler studies at a small liberal arts college, whose seemingly ordinary suburban life is disrupted by an environmental disaster known as the "Airborne Toxic Event." Blending satire, family drama, and philosophical reflection, DeLillo explores themes of consumer culture, media saturation, technology, mortality, and the anxieties of modern life.

"In White Noise in particular, I tried to find a kind of radiance in dailiness," Delillo said in an interview. "Sometimes this radiance can be almost frightening. Other times it can be almost holy or sacred…. Our sense of fear--we avoid it because we feel it so deeply, so there is an intense conflict at work…. I think it is something we all feel, something we almost never talk about, something that is almost there. I tried to relate it in White Noise to this other sense of transcendence that lies just beyond our touch. This extraordinary wonder of things is somehow related to the extraordinary dread, to the death fear we try to keep beneath the surface of our perceptions."

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The book quickly distinguished itself from other literary fiction of its era.

Rather than offering straightforward social commentary, DeLillo infused the novel with dark humor, sharp dialogue, and surreal moments that reflected the increasingly media-driven world of the late 20th century. Its observations about information overload and society's relationship with technology have only become more relevant in the decades since its publication.

"I always carry a pencil and a notebook," Delillo told The Guardianin a rare interview. "Coming on the train today I had an idea for a story I'm writing and jotted it down – on just a little scrap of paper. Then I clip these together. I'll look at them in, say, three weeks' time, and see what I've got. You know, I've never made an outline for any novel that I've written. Never."

White Noise also earned widespread critical acclaim.

The novel received the 1985 National Book Award for Fiction, firmly establishing DeLillo as one of America's most important contemporary novelists. It has since become a staple of college literature courses and regularly appears on lists of the greatest English-language novels ever written.

Its influence has extended well beyond the page.

In 2022, filmmaker Noah Baumbach adapted White Noise into a feature film starring Adam Driver and Greta Gerwig, introducing the novel to a new generation of audiences. The adaptation renewed interest in DeLillo's work and highlighted just how prescient many of the book’s themes had become.

Now, four decades after its debut, White Noise has received another significant accolade with its inclusion on Pan Macmillan's list of the best books of all time. For Don DeLillo, the novel remains a landmark achievement, one whose exploration of fear, family, and the constant hum of modern life continues to resonate with readers around the world.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 1989 Novel Ranked Among Best Books of All Time

The cast of Little Miss Sunshine is reminiscing about making the film, 20 years after it hit cinemas. The indie movie follows a dysfunctional family as they travel across the country to enter their daughter into a pageant.

Speaking to People at Sundance earlier this year, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Paul Dano and Abigail Breslin revealed some "dangerous" behind-the-scenes facts about making the beloved comedy/drama.

Greg Kinnear declared the film, which also starred Steve Carell and the late Alan Arkin, "the most dangerous movie ever made." The actor explained that every scene filmed in the iconic yellow van involved him actually driving.

When he was driving the van, the movie's directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris “contorted” in the car “with a headset listening.” It is uncommon for the actor to drive the vehicle; usually, these scenes are shot by towing a car or mounting it onto a platform driven by another person.

Paul Dano, Alan Arkin, Abigail Breslin, Directors Jonathon Dayton and Valerie Faris and Greg Kinnear attends the LAFF closing night premiere of "Little Miss Sunshine" at the Wadsworth Theatre on July 2, 2006 in Brentwood, California. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

Paul Dano also recounted to the outlet about a prank Kinnear pulled on Arkin early on in the shoot, which included the actor breaking a traffic law. “I remember the second the van took off from the production office — with Greg driving — Alan said, ‘I have to pee,’” the There Will Be Blood actor recalled. “And Greg refused to pull over."

Dano added that Kinnear either drove through “a full red light,” or “close to a red light if not one. You didn’t want to give Alan the chance to get out of the van to go, and so you blew right through it.”

“I like the idea that this was the most dangerous film ever made,” joked Abigail Breslin, who was just 10 years old when she starred in Little Miss Sunshine.

In 2022, Kinnear joked about the dangers of making Little Miss Sunshine during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show. “You can count every Michael Bay movie ever made, this is the most dangerous film ever made,” he joked to the singer on her chat show.

“Nobody was wearing seatbelts,” the As Good As It Gets actor admitted, highlighting just how risky the production was. He added that they “didn’t have clearance on the highway” to drive with “billions of dollars of cargo,” a joke in reference to his star-studded co-stars.

Related: Aw Alert! The Awkwardly Flirtatious Way Steve Carell Charmed His Wife Nancy Is Too Cute

Asia, the all-star band, delivered a defining track of the 1980s with the hit song “Only Time Will Tell,” which continues to inspire generations of listeners.

The quartet, recognized as one of the "best supergroups" of all time, exploded onto the music scene after releasing its self-titled album.

Formed by John Wetton, a former member of King Crimson, Steve Howe of Yes, Geoff Downes of Yes and The Buggles and Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, the band's first album became a commercial success after Billboard named it the No. 1 album in the U.S. for 1982. It also remained the band's best-selling record.

While some of their famous tracks include the lead single "Heat of the Moment" and "Sole Survivor," it was "Only Time Will Tell" that further established Asia as more than a “one-hit wonder” supergroup.

Supergroup Asia members Carl Palmer, John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe.

David Tan/Shinko Music/Getty Images

It was their second single to enter the Billboard Hot 100 after "Heat of the Moment," which peaked at No. 17 and stayed on the chart for 14 weeks.

Moreover, the 1982 song received heavy rotation on MTV, boosting the band’s popularity.

Written by Wetton and Downes, the song was inspired by a personal heartbreak after Wetton lost the one he loved to another man.

Moreover, the lead vocalist also mentioned another iconic musician who influenced his songwriting style.

“‘Only Time Will Tell’ is about a relationship falling apart because of infidelity,” he mentioned in an interview as cited by Progarchy. “My complete change-around as far as lyric-writing came in 1971 when I had three records that I listened to all summer. One was Joni Mitchell’s Blue, the other one was What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye and the last one was Surf’s Up by The Beach Boys.

Forty-four years after its release, “Only Time Will Tell” still resonates with listeners.

@replaymusic___

Asia _ Only time will tell 1982 #musicaparatodos #musicalidade #thebestmusic #videoclip #videomusical #musicaanos80 #musicforever

♬ som original - Replay_music

On Reddit, fans continue to praise the track for its timeless charm, with many calling it one of the supergroup’s finest songs.

“Everybody loves “Heat of the Moment,” but I think “Only Time Will Tell” is my favorite of these guys. Great songwriting. The brightest ring around the moon will darken when I die!” one wrote.

“I remember when this came out. It was all over the radio. For whatever reason, the critics did not like this supergroup, but the fans loved them,” a commenter added.

“Total agreement. I adore this song,” a Reddit user wrote in response to a post about Asia's "Only Time Will Tell."

To this day, it remains one of the supergroup’s standout tracks despite the band's major lineup changes and hiatuses since forming in 1981.

Related: ’80s Rock Band, With Classic No. 1 Hit, Ranked Among 'Best Supergroups' of All Time

Dr. Trump is back at it again. But this time he’s not taking on liberal celebs with fake AI videos of himself helping them through TDS (a.k.a., Trump Derangement Syndrome). Instead, the President recently posted a meme targeting his own party.

Donald Trump isn’t holding back (and really, when does he ever?) in a new post on Truth Social. 

The commander-in-chief recently shared a ‘doctored’ photo of himself in a white lab coat, wearing a stethoscope, and holding a skeletal spine model. But that’s not all. 

The pic also features a word bubble with “You see this spine? This is what I want to put back in Republicans” inside.

This isn't the first time Trump has bashed members of his own party. In the past, he’s publicly criticized Republicans, saying, “We got some real losers, mostly great. But I wouldn’t use the name Romney because I’m in his territory. But I would never use that name. All right, I’ll use it. They don’t have a Mitt Romney that votes against everything.”

Trump continued, “They don’t have a Rand Paul that votes against everything. I got him elected twice. He was a stone-cold loser. I went to Kentucky, where I won by a lot. I did rally for him. And did another rally; he won. Then I went the second time, he won. And he votes against all the time. It’s just crazy; I don’t get it. And you have Lisa Murkowski, and you have Susan Collins, disasters.” 

He went on to say, “But it’s a shame. And we have some others, but not many. We have a great party.”

Even though Trump’s new Truth Social post is a clear call to his own party, it looks like he’s still busy slamming his liberal foes. At the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the President roasted CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, saying, “I want to personally congratulate CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on receiving her award.” 

He continued, “It was all about me. It’s a fake. She shouldn’t get the award, it was a fake. But I didn’t mind. I said, ‘Kaitlan, congratulations.’ But it was a fake, there’s no question about it.”

Trump went on to compare Collins to trans actress Dylan Mulvaney in a bizarre dig: “I thought Kaitlan had really made it big with a major new sponsorship. But then I informed her that it wasn’t her on the Bud Light can, it was Dylan Mulvaney.” 

Along with Collins, Trump also took jabs at actress Rosie O’Donnell, saying, “But she’s one of the greatest sufferers of Trump Derangement Syndrome. She’s a sick young woman. Sick older woman, I guess now I have to say.”

The Odysseystar John Leguizamo is highlighting a film from his past that he believes more people should have seen.

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar was met with mixed reviews and made less than $50 million at the box office. In recent years, it has earned a cult following with many appreciating how pioneering the movie about drag queens was.

The 1995 movie starred John Leguizamo, Wesley Snipes and Patrick Swayze as drag queens with opposing personalities who take a road trip between New York and LA to attend a pageant.

On the way to the drag pageant, the trio has a run-in with a homophobic cop, and after their car breaks down, end up stuck in a Midwestern town. The town doesn't realize they are drag queens and accepts them into their small community. Soon the group adds their own flair and brightens the lives of the inhabitants of this impoverished town.

Leguizamo believes the release of another film with similar themes stopped To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar from becoming the hit it should have been. “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert stole our thunder because it came out just before,” the Moulin Rouge! actor told Bustle in a recent interview.

The Australian film, which starred Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce, also features a trio of drag queens on a road trip. “There was only room back then for one drag queen movie. We didn’t get the accolades that we deserved, I feel.”

“I think Patrick did an amazing job, and Wesley and I crushed it, too. And we took it seriously, and we really wanted to give these characters integrity,” he added, explaining how the actors went to a drag coach to perfect their performances.

“She was from the Bronx, and she was trying to help me do my accent correctly. And she taught me how to do it all right. I loved her, and I borrowed as much from her as I could,” the Ice Age voice actor said regarding his coach, Laritza Dumont.

Chi-Chi was written especially for Leguizamo, with the actor even embarking on a vegan diet to lose his muscles. “I got all soft and girly,” he wrote in his 2007 autobiography, per Attitude. “Little jelly rolls under my arms, round little tummy. Oh, I was cute.”

Why The Film Still Resonates With The LGBTQ+ Community Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo and Patrick Swayze stand outside a run down building in a scene from the film 'To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar', 1995. (Photo by Universal/Getty Images)

While the film might not have been a box office smash, it still holds great importance with the LGBTQ+ community. “LGBTQ+ teenagers came up to me a lot and said that that movie gave them the courage to come out to their family," Leguizamo explained.

"That’s what you hope your work does: gives people a sense that they’re seen, that they’re important, that their lives matter. You know, that’s what you hope that you do with your work,” the Romeo + Juliet star explained.

In 2015, The Advocate wrote a piece about how revolutionary the movie was for the community, especially during the AIDS crisis. "I think of what it meant to make a movie about three out and proud gay men back in the mid-1990s," Mitch Kohn wrote.

"What it meant to have a major studio finance and release it. What it meant to have one of the preeminent men in the history of the film industry support it from day one, without any begging or convincing," Kohn added.

During a hectic workday, it's easy to feel like you're simply spinning your wheels. As your to-do list continues to grow, carving out time for focused work can become increasingly challenging, let alone finding time to brainstorm a bit. Still, career coaches say highly productive people always block off one specific hour every day to silence all the noise around them.

This critical hour is often called the "proactive strategy hour," and it's one of those time-blocking techniques that can help you reclaim a small portion of your day.

To better understand the benefits of a proactive strategy hour, Parade chatted with two career coaches and asked them to explain the difference between reactive versus proactive work. We also asked them to describe some of the many ways you can spend this blocked out time to reap the most benefits.

During our discussions, we were curious to know if career coaches have any calendar-blocking strategies to help you stay sane when your schedule is chaotic—whether at your job or in your personal life. Luckily, they share several time management skills for professionals who might be wondering how to prevent burnout at work.

If you've ever been curious to know more about the habits of highly productive people, you might just be tempted to emulate them after reading these tips from the pros.

Related: 6 Things Successful People Never, Ever Do at the Start of Their Day

The Secret Hour: Why Coaches Recommend the 'Proactive Strategy Hour'

If you've never heard of the proactive strategy hour before, it's pretty straightforward.

"The proactive strategy hour is a block of time that is protected and dedicated to brainstorming, strategizing, problem solving or thinking, rather than reacting to the items that have already landed on your plate through instant messaging, your inbox, phone calls and any other form of communication," Loren Margolis, an executive coach and a contributing author in Executive Coaching: Perspectives Across the Field, tells Parade. "I like to call it 'strategic thinking time.'"

She shares that the topic of a proactive strategy hour comes up often in her executive coaching sessions.

"The leaders with whom I work are pulled in so many directions—answering questions, putting out fires, attending meetings—that long-term planning and strategic thinking suffers," she states. "They work too much in the weeds. When your strategic thinking suffers, so does your organization's competitive edge."

Related: Here Are the Top Second-Act Career Change Ideas for Women at 40, According to Career Experts

The Psychology of 'Reactive' vs. 'Proactive' Work

When you log into your email first thing in the morning, you jump right into reactive mode and start addressing everything that requires your immediate attention. Margolis says reactive work is "driven by others," with examples including text messages, phone calls, emails and requests from team members.

"Unfortunately, reactive work tends to get rewarded more than strategy work because it is visible," Dr. Heather Maietta, a coach for career professionals, explains. "We see people attend meetings, answer messages and emails, put out fires, handle daily crises. Also, it is easier to feel productive completing reactive work since there’s a sense of immediate gratification."

On the other hand, proactive work is "driven by your judgment about what truly matters," per Margolis.

"The main difference is who sets the agenda. We are reactive when we answer an unplanned phone call. We are proactive when we plan and use thinking time," she shares.

Strategy work doesn’t always have immediate output, as Dr. Maietta notes, but "has the biggest long-term impact."

That's because the strategy hour gives you time to channel your peak cognitive energy to achieve your own goals.

Related: The 50 Best Remote, Work-At-Home Jobs You Can Get Right Now

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How To Implement the 'Strategy Hour' in a Busy Schedule

When you feel like you're drowning in work, it's easy to make excuses for why you don't have time to focus on forward-thinking matters. But the career coaches we spoke with say there are a few simple ways to incorporate a strategy hour into a busy schedule.

1. Set it in stone in your calendar

If you're ready to commit to a daily strategy hour, make it a nonnegotiable in your calendar.

"Literally place it as a repeating spot on your calendar with a reminder so you and others are aware of it," Margolis says.

2. Tell your colleagues how important it is

If you don't explain how a strategy hour fuels your productivity, your teammates have no way of understanding how it inevitably benefits them and the organization at large. And more often than not, they're likely to interrupt you during your quiet time.

"Some could see it as office hours where they can knock on your door and ask you questions, but it's not," Margolis says. "So, you need to clearly share that it's uninterrupted time."

3. Find the ideal spot to get your best work done

Where you physically spend your strategy hour can influence how much brainstorming you get done. If you're working in an area where you're bound to be interrupted during your strategy hour, find a spot where distractions are minimal.

"Environment might also be dictated by the type of work you want to complete," Dr. Maietta notes. "For example, I need a quiet space to write my weekly newsletter, but I can complete planning work at a coffee shop. If I am in problem-solving mode, a walk is ideal."

4. Plan ahead

Going into a strategy hour blind is never a good way to make the most of your one hour of focus time.

"You won't use that time or work at your highest level if you have nothing planned. So, plan the business questions that you'll answer, the problem that you'll solve, the idea that you'll brainstorm around," Margolis says. "Deliberately give yourself structure so this time serves you best. You can't rely on willpower alone. You must have something planned."

5. Strategically select the best time on your calendar

Dr. Maietta, who likes to refer to strategy hours as "tiger time," says there's no one-size-fits-all time for focus.

"Tiger time should be scheduled when your brain does its best work," she tells Parade. "For some people, this is at the start of the day. Others work better midday, and some people work best at night."

Related: Feeling Stuck in Life? Career Coaches Swear by This One Simple, Unexpected Question To Find Your Passion

Multitasking vs. Time Blocking: What the Data Says

Dr. Maietta describes time blocking as "a method of creating focused attention."

"So whether you call it strategy hour, white space or tiger time, you’re making a commitment on your calendar to perform deeper work," she says.

On the other hand, multitasking (aka task switching) is "counterproductive to time blocking."

"Every switch of task requires the brain to reconfigure goals and rules, creating measurable switching costs," the career coach shares.

Overall, she says multitasking "has its place in our work but should be minimized." 

Related: The 6 Best Things To Put On Your LinkedIn Profile, According to a Recruiter

Scripts for Defending Your Time When Your Boss Asks for a Meeting

You may manage your own calendar, but when your boss decides they want to host a meeting during your daily strategy hour, things can get a bit awkward. You may think you only have two options—agree to the meeting or push back—but Dr. Maietta says it's important to reframe the way you think about this conundrum.

"I do not think the goal is to convince your boss to respect your boundaries. It is to demonstrate that protecting uninterrupted time benefits the work itself," she states. "Pitch to your supervisor that you’ve found that when you have one uninterrupted hour each day, you make better decisions, complete complex work faster and reduce the amount of rework. Mention that you’d like to keep that block protected whenever possible."

She adds that it's important to tell your boss that you do better work with this setup; therefore, the organization reaps greater rewards.

Margolis also suggests reframing the conversation to say you're taking time for "risk reduction" and explaining how this "will benefit the department and your organization."

Of course, flexibility is also important, so be prepared to make compromises when necessary.

"If your strategy hour is daily at 9 a.m., and every Monday there is a standing meeting at 9 a.m., maybe your strategy hour is moved up or down an hour, or it is relocated to the afternoon," Dr. Maietta states. "The point is not to impose rigid constraints that are impossible to adhere to. Instead, commit to one hour per day of focused time. That hour might need to float from time to time, but it always exists nonetheless."

Up Next:

Related: I’ve Tried 9 Free ‘Productivity Apps’—Here Are the 2 That Surprised Me the Most

Sources:

• Dr. Heather Maietta is a coach for career professionals.
• Loren Margolis is an executive coach and a contributing author in Executive Coaching: Perspectives Across the Field.

When it came time for Emma Roberts to choose the designer for her wedding dress to actor Cody John, she knew it had to be famed bridal designer Monique Lhuillier. The American Horror Storystar and her actor beau married this weekend at a private residence in Idaho, in front of family and friends, including the actress' famous aunt, Julia Roberts.Vogue gave fashion lovers a preview of Emma Roberts' chiffon gown, leaving viewers stunned—and emotional.

Emma Roberts' Final Wedding Dress Fitting Left Friends in Tears @voguemagazine

Tears were flowing for the reveal of #EmmaRoberts custom Monique Lhuillier wedding gown. Ahead of her wedding to actor Cody John, #Vogue tagged along for her #FinalFitting at the bridal salon where she tried on her two looks for her family and friends. Tap the link to watch the full video.

♬ original sound - Vogue

Emma Roberts was accompanied to her final wedding dress fitting by her mother, Kate Cunningham, and a collection of her closest female friends. Vogueshared footage of the final fitting, revealing Emma's breathtaking Monique Lhuillier gown and archival party dress.

Made from off-white chiffon, Roberts' strapless, floor-length gown featured a detachable chiffon wrap, along with a cathedral-length veil that stylishly rested just below her eyes. The Scream Queens star left her mother and best friends speechless as she revealed her look, joking, "Are people actually crying?" as her friends became emotional during the dress reveal.

Fans React to Emma Roberts' Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress

Social media followers were equally captivated by Roberts' Monique Lhuillier gown.

"That dress is so Emma Roberts, looks stunning," gushed one fan.

Another added, "Yes to the veil. It's very mysterious and editorial and I love, love, love it."

Not all viewers were fans of Roberts' dramatic veil.

"The veil/mask is absurd," wrote one viewer.

Another commented, "Love the dress, but I'm not feeling the veil/mask. I don't get it."

While Roberts' choice of veil divided the comment section, fans were overwhelmingly enamored with her wedding-day look.

Why Monique Lhuillier Remains One of Bridal Fashion's Biggest Names View this post on Instagram

Monique Lhuillier has long been one of the most influential names in bridal fashion. A custom wedding gown reflects months of collaboration between the designer and the bride to create a one-of-a-kind look that fully captures the bride's vision for her wedding day.

Emma Roberts' gown is classic Monique Lhuillier—luxurious, featuring delicate embroidery, elegant detailing, and the designer's signature romantic silhouette.

Related: Steve Jobs’ Daughter, 27, Stuns in Just-Released Wedding Photo: ‘Absolutely Radiant’

Celebrity Wedding Dresses Continue to Influence Bridal Fashion

Celebrity wedding dresses, fromKate Middleton's to Serena Williams', have long served as inspiration for future bridal trends. Silhouettes, necklines, fabrics, veils, accessories, and even color palettes often find their way into bridal collections after a high-profile wedding.

Emma Roberts' veil may have divided the comment section, but it could also inspire future brides looking to recreate her distinctive bridal style.

Related: The Most Expensive Celebrity Wedding Dresses, Ranked, After Taylor Swift's Wedding

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Kim Kardashian just shared a heartfelt post, wishing her grandmother, MJ Shannon, a happy heavenly birthday. Kris Jenner’s mom passed away on July 16, 2026. She would have turned 92 on July 26. 

The reality star/entrepreneur recently wrote on Instagram, “Happy Heavenly 92nd Birthday grandma! It’s only been a week but wow the amount of things I’ve learned about you this week from going through all of your stuff with mom has been beautiful!”

Kim continued, “I thought I knew it all! Makes me respect you and love you more if that’s even possible. Today we celebrate you! I miss you like crazy and I love you endlessly my sweet grandma MJ.” Kardashian also posted a series of sweet snapshots with her children, MJ, and Kris. 

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Fans, friends, and family flocked to Kim’s post, sending their love to the family: “It’s amazing how someone can spend a lifetime teaching us…and still have lessons waiting after they’re gone. That’s a beautiful legacy”, “You look genuinely happy and at peace in all of these photos. A true testament to the love your grandmother brought into your life,” and “She was so special. I’m sorry for your loss. She was so loved by all of you.”

The recent passing of MJ was a blow to the Kardashian-Jenner clan. On July 16, Kim shared (on Instagram) a gut-wrenching tribute to her late grandmother: “My sweet Grandma MJ, my best friend, my gossip buddy, my forever twin…You taught all of us the importance of family, and those values are something we’ll carry with us forever!”

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She also gave fans a deeper look into MJ’s background and how she impacted Kim’s entrepreneurial attitude, adding, “You were the woman who showed me what it meant to be a hardworking businesswoman. You gave me my very first job at your store in San Diego and taught me lessons about work ethic, strength, and confidence that I’ve carried with me ever since. You always believed in me, championed me, and were my safe place.”

Kardashian goes on to point out the special place her grandmother held, and will always hold: “You were truly the matriarch of our family, and your love is woven into all of us.”

Born Mary Jo Campbell, MJ grew up in Arkansas and later worked as a teen model. At 18, she married her first husband, her high school sweetheart. The marriage didn't last long, and MJ remarried in 1954. She had two daughters, Kris and her late sisterKaren Houghton, with Robert True Houghton. 

MJ divorced Houghton in 1962 and married again several years later. She remained married to her third husband, Harry Shannon, for 40 years. 

In 1980, MJ opened a children’s clothing boutique where, as Kim stated, she gave the eldest Kardashian sister her first job. 

Before her death in 2026, MJ survived colon and breast cancer. Despite her health issues, MJ remained a vibrant, independent woman who was loved by everyone around her.

Marvel fans were shocked and delighted when Industry actor David Jonsson was revealed as the new Black Panther at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026.

Marvel Studios has admitted that they knew David Jonsson would appear in Black Panther 3 "five or six months" ago after director Ryan Coogler updated Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) head Kevin Feige on his casting decision.

Feige explained, per IGN, that the the studio was officially looking for an actor to play the son of the late Chadwick Boseman's character, T'Challa, when Coogler got in touch. The Sinners director had his own "secret meeting" with Jonsson and brought the idea of casting him to the studio.

"We hadn’t started a search yet. Ryan was working on Sinners, and when Ryan works on a project he’s all in. So the presumption very much was we would sit with him after Sinners came out, after the Academy campaign. We were waiting 'til after the Academy Awards to sit with Ryan and begin that process," Feirge explained to Empire.

"A month and a half or so before that process, he called me and said, 'I found him.' I said, 'What do you mean?' He goes, 'I found him. He's this guy, David Jonsson.' He mentioned his movies. I had seen some of them. I watched more. He goes, 'I'm going to meet him.'"

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Jonsson found fame starring in the first two seasons of HBO drama Industry. He later appeared in rom com Rye Lane, Alien: Romulus and Stephen King adaptation The Long Walk.

"A privilege, an honour," the 32-year-old wrote on Instagram after the announcement.

Little else is known about Black Panther 3 asides from Jonsson's casting. We also know that Denzel Washington will appear in the movie, but no details on his character has been released. We expect a time jump or something ontowards to have happened in Doomsday or Secret Wars as last time we saw T'Challa's son Toussaint he was a small child.

Black Panther III is scheduled to be released on December 15, 2028.

Tim McGraw's latest concert came with a surprise fans definitely didn't see coming. 

During the show on Friday, July 24, the country star welcomed a very special guest to the stage: his youngest daughter, Audrey McGraw. 

The appearance quickly became one of the night's most talked-about moments, with Audrey later revealing just how meaningful the experience was for her. Following the concert, the 24-year-old took to Instagram to reflect on sharing the stage with her dad while performing one of her mom Faith Hill's songs.

"I don’t have words to express the honor I [felt] to sing my mama’s song last night, and for it to be at dad’s show," Audrey wrote. "To be your daughter is an infinite gift. I love y’all so much, I am always so proud and so inspired by you. Thank you for sharing this crazy life with us. Proud to be a road dawg forever. ♾️."

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Alongside the message, Audrey shared a black-and-white video of herself belting out Hill's 2002 song "Stronger." She also posted several photos from the night, including one with Tim, writing, "LOVE YOU DAD!!! Jone’s Beach rocked! Thanks for having me out there. So proud of you. 🖤🪽✨."

“This brings up so much emotion. I love your mom and you’ve always had 'it' since you were like 6 and we were all doing karaoke in the Bahamas ❤️,” fellow singer Martina McBride wrote in the comments of the video.

Tom Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson wrote, “Oh Audrey. Mesmerized.”

Fans were equally as impressed, with one saying, “I need to hear her and mom sing together; it would be difficult to tell who’s who…. Both wonderful singers !!! So much soul!”

Another wrote, “She’s her mama’s daughter with a deep touch of Cher in her soul.”

READ MORE: Tim McGraw Reveals How Wife Faith Hill Saved His Career

Hill has largely stepped away from performing and public life. In 2025, Tim, 56, also revealed that the couple had both been dealing with significant health issues, sharing that Hill, 58, had undergone "five neck surgeries" as well as "a couple of hand surgeries." While she has never officially announced her retirement, she's made only a handful of public appearances in recent years, and has stayed off social media.

Meanwhile, Audrey continues to make a name for herself as a singer. Last year, she announced the release of her debut single, a cover of Neil Diamond's "I Am... I Said," explaining what drew her to the song. Tim couldn't have been more supportive, sharing the announcement on his own Instagram with the proud message, "Our baby girl’s first single! Out this Friday!"

Audrey is the youngest of Tim and Faith's three daughters. The couple, who married in 1996, are also parents to Gracie and Maggie McGraw.

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If there's one thing most homes aren't short on, it's wall space. Whether you live in an efficiency apartment or a multi-story house, you've got walls. Taking advantage of this space with shelving can add extra organization, and shelves with the right aesthetic can double as home decor. Acrylic shelves are a smart home storage solution that earns points for both their decorative appeal and usefulness. While they're super practical for storing items in any room, the transparent design lets your items take center stage, making them ideal for displaying books, plants, toiletries, decor, or collectibles. 

Right now, Walmart has a limited-time flash deal that slashes the price of the Sindcom 5-Pack Acrylic Floating Shelves by nearly 60%. Normally $32, the set is currently on sale for just $13, which means you can add five chic shelves to your home for less than $3 apiece. 

Sindcom 5-Pack Acrylic Floating Shelves, $13 (was $32) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Each shelf measures 15 inches long and 4 inches deep and can support up to 9 pounds, making them ideal for organizing smaller items. You could use them to store toiletries in the bathroom, organize office supplies, display picture frames, or hold spices in the kitchen. They can be used individually or arranged in different configurations to fit your space. They’re also a great, lightweight option if you’re looking to display records, CDs, or other media without shelling out for specialized shelving.

The clear design blends seamlessly with a variety of decor styles, adding to the versatility of these shelves. When hung, they nearly disappear into the wall, which also allows any decor you might want to place on them to stand out.

Walmart shoppers have used these "versatile" floating shelves to organize bathrooms, nurseries, bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Beyond their ability to tackle clutter, customers were impressed by the "sleek and cute" acrylic design, noting the durable, easy-to-clean construction and aesthetically pleasing appearance. "They actually look like glass," one reviewer raved.

Multiple shoppers also mentioned that the shelves are "easy to hang," taking less than five minutes each to install with the included hardware. 

Shop More Deals

• Yoobure 4-Tier Ladder Shelf, $36 (was $65) at Walmart
• Ophanie 2-Pack Wood Floating Shelves, $23 (was $45) at Walmart
• Best Office 4-Shelf Wire Shelving Unit, $39 (was $66) at Walmart

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

Stylish, practical, and seriously affordable at just $13, the Sindcom 5-Pack Acrylic Floating Shelves is the organization upgrade you're going to wish you'd made sooner. Add the set to your Walmart cart now before this flash deal is gone! 

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.

Searching for healthier beverages doesn't always happen in the aisles of a large supermarket or specialty health food store. For millions of Americans, discount retailers like Dollar General are a convenient place to grab groceries, pantry staples and drinks while staying within budget.

Whether you're stopping in for a quick errand, stocking up between larger grocery trips or living in a rural community where Dollar General serves as one of the closest food retailers, the beverage aisle offers more choices than many shoppers might expect.

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The challenge is figuring out which options actually support your health goals. Colorful packaging, words like "natural," "lite," or "vitamin-enhanced," and celebrity-backed products can make almost every bottle look like a healthy choice.

However, a closer look at the nutrition label often tells a different story. Many beverages marketed as healthy are loaded with added sugars, while others provide meaningful nutrition, hydration or protein with very little added sugar.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Elizabeth Shaw, M.S., RDN, CPT, says shoppers should start by asking themselves what they want a beverage to accomplish before putting it into their cart. Instead of thinking of drinks as either "good" or "bad," she recommends viewing them as tools that serve different purposes, whether that's hydration, post-workout recovery, digestive health, or simply replacing sugary drinks with lower-sugar alternatives.

"I always encourage people to start by asking themselves one simple question: 'What job do I want this drink to do?' Not every beverage needs to serve the same purpose," Shaw explains. "The best beverage isn't the one with the trendiest label — it's the one that matches your goal."

With that advice in mind, we looked at Dollar General's current beverage selection alongside Shaw's expert recommendations to identify some of the healthiest drinks worth picking up on your next shopping trip.

What to Look for When Buying Drinks at Dollar General

Bloomberg / Getty Images

Hydration should be your first priority, according to Shaw. Water remains the gold standard, but she recognizes that not everyone enjoys drinking plain water all day. Low- or no-sugar flavored beverages can make it easier to stay hydrated without consuming unnecessary calories or added sugar.

"As a general rule, look for drinks with little to no added sugar and don't be swayed by long ingredient lists packed with vitamins, herbs or other compounds your body may not actually need," she says.

That doesn't mean every beverage containing calories or naturally occurring sugar should be avoided. Shaw points out that context matters. Drinks like 100 percent fruit juice provide naturally occurring nutrients and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols, while beverages like prune juice have been extensively studied for digestive health benefits. Research has shown that polyphenol-rich beverages may support overall wellness, while prune juice has demonstrated benefits for people experiencing chronic constipation.

Instead of relying on front-of-package marketing claims, Shaw recommends checking the nutrition facts panel. Terms like "lite," "natural," or "made with real fruit" don't automatically mean a beverage is low in sugar. She recalls helping her father evaluate a "Lite" Arizona Arnold Palmer after discovering that the bottle contained two servings. Drinking the entire container meant consuming 33 grams of added sugar — nearly a full day's recommended limit for men according to the American Heart Association.

Ultimately, Shaw encourages shoppers to focus on beverages that align with their personal health goals, provide evidence-based benefits and fit comfortably within their budget.

Related: 4 Taco Bell Items You Should Skip, According to Dietitians

7 Best Drinks to Buy at Dollar General Right Now, According to a Dietitian1. Good2Grow 100% Juice, 6 Ounces, $3.25 at Dollar General

Dollar General

For families looking for a kid-friendly beverage, Shaw recommends Good2Grow 100 percent Juice.

"As a mom of two, 100 percent juice is a regular part of our grocery cart," she says. "It adds a fun touch to mealtimes while also providing nutrients found in fruit."

She emphasizes choosing products made with 100 percent fruit juice rather than juice drinks containing added sugars. Dollar General frequently carries good2grow at an affordable price, making it a budget-conscious option for parents.

2. Clover Valley 100% Prune Juice, 32 Ounces, $4.95 at Dollar General

Dollar General

Prune juice has earned a permanent place in Shaw's own kitchen. "Even though I consistently eat well above the recommended 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day, I still struggle with chronic constipation," she says. "Adding a small serving of 100 percent prune juice to my morning smoothie is an easy, evidence-based habit that helps support regularity."

Beyond digestive support, prune juice contains antioxidants known as polyphenols along with vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall wellness.

3. Muscle Milk Zero Sugar, 14 Ounces, $3.25 at Dollar General

Dollar General

Protein shakes can be a practical solution when preparing a balanced meal isn't realistic. "I always keep a few ready-to-drink protein shakes on hand for my husband," Shaw says. "Between work, family and squeezing in workouts, a balanced post-exercise meal isn't always realistic."

Muscle Milk Zero Sugar provides 25 grams of protein along with beneficial carbohydrates and other nutrients that support muscle recovery after exercise.

4. Clover Valley Natural Spring Water, 1.5 Liter, $1 at Dollar General

Dollar General

Sometimes the healthiest beverage is also the simplest. Shaw says bottled water remains one of the best choices for staying hydrated throughout the day.

"While I encourage clients to carry a reusable water bottle whenever possible, there are times when a recyclable bottled water is the more practical choice, especially if you won't have access to wash your bottle regularly," says Shaw.

Clover Valley Natural Spring Water offers an inexpensive option that makes meeting daily fluid needs easy without added sugars, calories or artificial ingredients.

5. Polar Raspberry Lime Seltzer Water, 1 Liter, $1 at Dollar General

Dollar General

For shoppers who want more flavor than plain water, Shaw recommends no-sugar-added flavored or unflavored seltzer water.

"Naturally flavored sparkling water is a great staple to keep on hand. If you're craving something with a little more flavor but want to avoid added sugars and unnecessary calories, it's a refreshing choice," Shaw says. "It also makes an excellent base for mocktails, adding fizz and flavor while helping you stay hydrated."

6. Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea, 18.5 Ounces, $2.35 at Dollar General

Dollar General

Tea offers more than hydration. According to Shaw, unsweetened black tea delivers antioxidants while providing a gentle energy boost. Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea contains approximately 31 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce serving without the added sugars commonly found in bottled tea drinks.

"Unsweetened tea is a staple in my home. Brewing your own with tea bags is an affordable everyday option, but for added convenience, a ready-to-drink unsweetened tea like Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea is a great choice to keep in the refrigerator," Shaw says.

For anyone looking for an afternoon pick-me-up without the sugar crash, it's a smart alternative to sweet tea or soda.

7. Stok Black Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee, 48 Ounces, $5.95 at Dollar General

Dollar General

Many bottled coffee drinks contain significant amounts of added sugar and flavored syrups.

That's why Shaw recommends Stok Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee instead. With a single ingredient and no added sugars, it's a healthier option for coffee drinkers who prefer to customize their own cup at home or drink it black.

"Choosing an unsweetened variety lets you customize your coffee with the milk or creamer of your choice while keeping added sugars and calories in check, or simply enjoy it black," suggests Shaw.

Bottom Line

dowell / Getty Images

Healthy beverage choices don't have to come from expensive grocery stores or trendy wellness brands. Shaw says the key is matching your drink to your needs instead of marketing claims.

Her advice is simple — don't let flashy packaging or celebrity endorsements make the decision for you.

Instead, prioritize beverages with little to no added sugar, choose options supported by scientific evidence and remember that affordable choices like water, unsweetened tea, 100 percent juice and seltzer water can all have a place in a balanced diet.

The best beverage "is the one you'll enjoy, can afford, and that supports your health goals," says Shaw.

Source

Elizabeth Shaw, M.S., RDN, CPT is a registered dietitian nutritionist, certified personal trainer, internationally based health journalist, and four-time cookbook author. As the founder of Shaw Simple Swaps, she translates the latest nutrition research into practical, evidence-based advice and healthy recipes. Shaw is a frequent contributor to national media outlets, helping consumers make informed, realistic choices about food and wellness.

Related: The 6 Healthiest Snacks To Buy at Dollar Tree Right Now, According to a Dietitian

The gang is back!

The cast of The Sandlot — including Patrick Renna, Tom Guiry, Chauncey Leopardi, Marty York, Brandon Quintin Adams, and Victor DiMattia — is back in the first official trailer for their upcoming comedy series.

Dugout Dads — produced by Renna's production company, Hambino Media — follows Renna's real-life experience coaching his son's baseball team.

The stars of the 1993 classic play competing coaches in the little leagues.

Renna, who played Hamilton "Ham" Porter in the coming-of-age film, pays tribute to his iconic character in the first trailer, which dropped on Sunday, July 26.

"When you're a kid, baseball is your life. Then one day, you and your friends go out to play for the very last time. Only nobody knew it," his character says in the trailer. "Well, I have news for you...That was not the last time."

The series, which also stars Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel and will stream on YouTube, was first announced in June.

"After years of coaching Little League, I've witnessed some truly epic meltdowns on the field, and it's always the adults (I'd be lying if I said it was never me). I just knew those experiences had to become a show," Renna told Deadline.

Dugout Dads premieres August 26.