Technology

Devices that once shipped with awkward barrel plugs are now switching to USB-C, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s now something I look for whenever I buy everyday gadgets that I know I’ll have to plug in and recharge regularly.

I write about tech for a living and spend much of my life being tech support for various family members. That’s why I was completely ashamed about how long it took me to figure out how to solve a basic volume issue in both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

YouTube is the streaming platform I use the most, both as part of my job and just for my own entertainment and education.

"Just install Linux" is popular advice when someone needs to squeeze a little bit more life out of an old PC. It also leads many to believe that any old computer, no matter how ancient, can be revived by simply installing any Linux distribution on it. However, that isn't really true—lightweight options exist, but a large share of modern distros are actually fairly demanding.

Devices that once shipped with awkward barrel plugs are now switching to USB-C, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s now something I look for whenever I buy everyday gadgets that I know I’ll have to plug in and recharge regularly.

Giving up dedicated productivity apps sounds like chaos, but switching to Excel replaced my entire task management setup. I built a personalized to-do system that recreates the core features of premium task apps using Excel's built-in tools, with no extra subscriptions.

TL;DR: The New York Knicks 2026 NBA championship parade starts on Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET. If you can't make it to Lower Manhattan, you can livestream the entire celebration via FuboTV or DirecTV, both of which offer free trials for new users.

It actually happened. After a painful 53-year wait, the New York Knicks are NBA Champions.

Finals MVP Jalen Brunson put away the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, ending the longest active championship drought among teams that had previously won an NBA title. Predictably, the city has lost its mind. Now it's time to party.

Whether you plan on skipping work to stand 10-deep on the sidewalk or want to stream the entire historic moment from the comfort of your living room, here is everything you need to know about the logistics, the route, and how to watch.

What time does the Knicks parade start?

The parade is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026. The floats are set to begin rolling at exactly 10 a.m. ET.

What is the Knicks parade route?

The procession will follow New York City’s legendary Canyon of Heroes pathway in Lower Manhattan. The parade kicks off at The Battery (Bowling Green) and travels directly north along Broadway before culminating at City Hall Park.

SEE ALSO: Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mike Brown thank fans on 'The Tonight Show'

Following the float progression, Mayor Mamdani will host a civic ceremony outside City Hall to present keys to the city to Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and the rest of the roster. Keep an eye out for Mitchell Robinson driving his own custom raised pickup truck in the parade lineup. That's the kind of unhinged energy that Knicks fans relish.

How to watch the Knicks parade from home

If you aren’t willing to brave the swarms of fans taking over the subways (we get it), you will need a reliable livestream. The parade will be broadcast locally on New York news and sports networks (including MSG Network, FOX 5, and ABC 7). If you don't have a cable box, your best bet is a live TV streaming service.

How to live stream the Knicks parade: Our top pick for cord-cutters FuboTV 7-day free trial Get Deal Best Alternative DirecTV 5-day free trial Get Deal

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're into folklore.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 17, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Crevice

• Green: Getting smart

• Blue: Ancient folklore

• Purple: Classification

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Alcove

• Green: Bodily words for attitude

• Blue: Figures in Greek myth

• Purple: Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1102 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Alcove: CAVITY, NICHE, NOOK, RECESS

• Bodily words for attitude: CHEEK, LIP, MOUTH, NERVE

• Figures in Greek myth: CALLIOPE, ECHO, IRIS, NEMESIS

• Starting with synonyms for "Ilk": CLASSIC, KINDLE, SORTIE, TYPEFACE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 17, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you tend crops.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for June 17, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: In the barnyard

The words are related to agriculture.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a farmer's work.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Farming.

NYT Strands word list for June 17

• Pitchfork

• Sawhorse

• Farming

• Tractor

• Wheelbarrow

• Bucket

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a collector.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for June 17, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 17, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A keepsake.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

TOKEN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Best early Prime Day deals Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 (Save $69.01) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sony WH-CH720N $94 at Amazon (Save $85.99) Get Deal Best speaker deal Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $799.99 at Amazon (Save $699.01) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,397.99 (Save $300) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 (Save $300) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 (Save $30) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 (Save $26.50) Get Deal

No matter what type of shopper you are, whether you use sales to stock up on household essentials like dish soap and paper towels or as a time to splurge, the time is nigh because Prime Day is coming.

Usually taking place in early July, Amazon has decided to shake things up this year and run the sale in June. Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from June 23 to 26, and while the timing may have changed, we're still expecting the same great savings.

We're still a week away from the official start of Prime Day, the deals kicked off as soon as the sale was announced. Each day we get closer to the sale, more deals go live. Look for early savings on Amazon devices, toys and games, kitchen appliances, and gadgets from Sony, Sonos, and Apple.

So if you're eager to start saving, we rounded up the top early Prime Day deals to start shopping now — including nearly the lowest price ever on the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Best early Prime Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $69.01   Get Deal

Leading up to Prime Day, we're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals, and a major one just dropped. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are down to $179.99, which saves you $69.01 off its $249 price tag. That's just $0.99 more than the earbud's lowest price ever.

This is the type of deal we normally see during Prime Day, so the fact that it's coming two weeks early is something to celebrate.

Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $219 $249 (save $30)

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) — $299 $399 (save $100)

AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $499 $549 (save $50)

iPad deals

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $299.99 $349 (save $49.01)

• Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) — $474 $499 (save $25)

Best early Prime Day headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $94 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $85.99   Get Deal

When Prime Day actually starts, our attention will be on the big names in headphones: the Sony WH-1000XM6s and the Bose QuietComfort Ultras. But leading up to it, those big brands still have lots of savings to give. Right now, the best deal on headphones is on the Sony WH-CH720N, an affordable pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Normally $179.99, the WH-CH720N just dropped under $100 ahead of Prime Day. Snag them now for as low as $94 and save $85.99.

More headphone deals

• Sony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (save $31.99)

• Soundcore Space Q45 — $139.99 $149.99 (save $10)

• Logitech G735 — $142.53 $259.99 (save $117.46)

• Sennheiser Momentum 4 — $219.99 $299.99 (save $80)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $278 $399.99 (save $121.99)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra — $329 $429 (save $100)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — $398 $459.99 (save $61.99)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $499.99 $549 (save $49.01)

More earbud deals

• Soundcore V20i Open-Ear Headphones — $26.99 $49.99 (save $23)

• Sony WF-C510 — $48 $69.99 (save $21.99)

• Technics AZ100 Earbuds — $232.99 $299.99 (save $67)

Best early Prime Day speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon
$479 Save $100   Get Deal

Whether you're hosting summer movie nights or dinner parties, if you want to upgrade your home's audio, early Prime Day deals are coming in clutch. The advanced Sonos Era 300 is equipped with Dolby Atmos and powered by six drivers for surround sound. Right now, grab it for just $379, saving you $100 off its $479 price tag.

More speaker deals

• JBL Go 3 — $29.95 $39.95 (save $10)

• JBL Go 4 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)

• Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 — $51.44 $99.99 (save $48.55)

• Ultimate Ears Miniroll Ultra — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)

• Sony ULT Field 1 — $88 $139.99 ($51.99)

• Sonos Roam 2 — $134 $179 (save $45)

• Sonos Beam Gen 2 — $369 $499 (save $130)

• Sonos Move 2 — $399 $499 (save $100)

Best early Prime Day portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $799.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $699.01   Get Deal

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Right now, there's an outstanding deal on the Anker Solix C2000, which is 50% off. That takes it from $1,499 all the way down to $749. Ahead of Prime Day, that saves you $750.

More portable power station deals

• Jackery Explorer 1000 — $429 $799 (save $350)

• Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $799 (save $299.01)

• Bluetti Elite 200 V2 — $799 $1,070 (save $271)

• Anker Solix F3800 Plus — $2,199.99 $2,699.99 (save $500)

Best early Prime Day TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,297.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $400   Get Deal

Getting ready for the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then shop the early Prime Day deal on the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV. Normally $1,697.99, it's down to $1,397.99, saving you $300. That also means it's just $100 away from its lowest price ever. It's an exceptionally crisp TV with deep contrast and built-in AI.

More TV deals

• Google TV Streamer — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Roku 65-inch QLED 4K Smart TV — $399.99 $449.99 (save $50)

• TCL 75-inch T7 QLED 4K Google TV — $739.99 $899.99 (save $150)

• Hisense 65-inch U7 ULED 4K Google TV — $947.99 $1,499.99 (save $552)

Best early Prime Day vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Mashable in-house vacuum expert Leah Stodart named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, and delivers spotless cleans. Ahead of Prime Day, get the Eufy C28 for just $499.99. That's the vacuums lowest price ever, and provides $300 in savings.

More robot vacuum deals

• iRobot Roomba 105 Robot Vacuum — $248.98 $449.99 (save $201)

• Dream X50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop — $899.99 $1,049.99 (save $150)

• Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum and Mop — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)

More vacuum deals

• Bissell Little Green Mini — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Shark HV343AMZ Rocket Corded Stick Vacuum — $119.99 $179.99 (save $60)

• Shark IZ363HT Cordless Vacuum — $219.99 $349.99 (save $130)

• Bissell PowerClean FurGuard Cordless Vacuum — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120)

Best early Prime Day home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $30   Get Deal

Here's a summer hack to keep your house cool: Don't turn on the oven. That doesn't mean only eating cold salads all summer. What you really need is an air fryer. My air fryer has saved me countless times in the summer, letting me cook dinner without breaking a sweat. Ahead of Prime Day, grab the Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer for just $59.95 and save $30.

More home deals

• Levoit 36-inch Tower Fan — $54.95 $74.99 (save $20.04)

• Dreo 36-inch Tower Fan — $69.96 $79.99 (save $10.03)

• Lasko 42-inch Tower Fan — $75.64 $88.99 (save $13.35)

More kitchen deals

• Ninja Blast Max Portable Blender — $69.95 $99.99 (save $30.04)

• Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker — $64.99 $109.99 (save $45)

• Instant Pot 6-Quart Vortex Plus Air Fryer — $69.99 $149.99 (save $80)

• Ninja Pod and Grounds Single Serve Coffee Maker — $99.98 $129.99 (save $30.01)

Best early Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $26.50   Get Deal

While novelty Lego sets are fun, there's something special about a set that gives you full creative control. The Lego Classic Large Brick Box has 790 pieces to build the neighborhood of your dreams. Just in time for summer break when kiddos need some entertainment, this box set is on sale for 44% off. Grab it now for under $30 ahead of Prime Day.

More Lego deals

• Lego Botanicals Happy Plants — $18.39 $22.99 (save $4.60)

• Lego Botanicals Mini Orchid — $23.95 $29.99 (save $6.04)

• Lego Botanicals Bonsai Tree — $39.98 $49.99 (save $10.01)

• Lego Botanicals Tiny Plants — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon — $67.99 $84.99 (save $17)

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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, June 17, 2026:

AcrossWitty one-liners

• The answer is Quips.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Common poster in a geography class

• The answer is US map.

Country that's won the World Cup four times (but failed to qualify in 2018, 2022 and 2026)

• The answer is Italy.

The one for Starbucks has a wavy-haired mermaid

• The answer is Logo.

___ socks (1970s fad)

• The answer is Toe

DownPatchwork blanket

• The answer is Quilt.

"We feel the same!"

• The answer is US too.

Word after spitting or mirror

• The answer is Image.

___ Alto, Calif.

• The answer is Palo.

Secret agent

• The answer is Spy.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require baseball knowledge.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Arena of the mind maneuvers

• Green: Football game locations

• Blue: Athletic gear brands

• Purple: Specific team-related

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Fantasy football moves

• Green: NFL stadiums

• Blue: Soccer cleat makers

• Purple: Cincinnati Reds to win MVP

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #632 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Fantasy football moves: ADD, DROP, SIT, START

• NFL stadiums: ARROWHEAD, HIGHMARK, METLIFE, SOFI

• Soccer cleat makers: ADIDAS, DIADORA, LOTTO, PUMA

• Cincinnati Reds to win MVP: BENCH, LARKIN, MORGAN, VOTTO

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Bestseller lists are great and all, but a lot goes into them and just because people are buying books, it doesn't mean people are actually reading them. So how do you find the books that people are actually reading and not just talking about? Goodreads. The site reports over 45 million users a month and those dedicated readers log everything they read on the site, which provides some incredible data for what people are reading and loving.

Now that we're halfway through the year, Goodreads has released the most popular books of 2026. The Goodreads team determined this list by how many members added this book to their currently reading or want-to-read shelves as well as how books were rated (out of five stars) and the list only includes books with at least a 3.5-star average rating.

So without further ado, these are the most popular 2026 releases according to Goodreads users.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke $19.50
$30 Save $10.50   Shop Now

It's no surprise to see Yesteryear on the list of the most popular books. A satire on tradwife culture in which an influencer wakes up to find herself in 1855, Yesteryear is a novel of the internet and people can't stop talking about it. With over 300K reviews on Goodreads, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke has a 4.0-star rating.

Strangers by Belle Burden Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Strangers' by Belle Burden $18.74 at Amazon
$30 Save $11.26   Shop Now

Belle Burden's memoir, Strangers, is a personal, revealing story of the unraveling of her marriage. It's clearly touched many readers as it reckons with heartbreak and divorce and coming out the other side of a major betrayal. It has a 4.2-star rating on Goodreads from nearly 175K reviews.

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Dear Debbie' by Freida McFadden $19.08 at Amazon
$32.99 Save $13.91   Shop Now

The bestselling author of The Housemaid, Freida McFadden, is back with her next twisted thriller. Dear Debbie centers on Debbie Mullen, the author of the Dear Debbie advice column. As her life falls apart around her, she decides to take matters into her own hands with killer consequences. Dear Debbie has an impressive 4-star rating from 483K reviews.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Our Perfect Storm' by Carley Fortune $20.98 at Amazon
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Carly Fortune's bestselling book, Every Summer After is now a Prime Video series, but her latest book Our Perfect Storm was released May 5. In Fortune's latest, best friends Frankie and George make the most of Frankie's called off wedding, taking her honeymoon to Tofino to heal Frankie's heart. It's chance to repair their friendship too, even if it means confronting long hidden feelings. With 108K reviews on Goodreads, Our Perfect Storm has a 4.1-star rating.

My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'My Husband’s Wife' by Alice Feeney $19.87 at Amazon
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The twists keep coming in Alice Feeney's My Husband's Wife. In the novel, Eden Fox returned to her home, Spyglass, to find a woman answering the door. A woman who Eden's husband claims is his wife. In one house, there's one husband, two women both claiming to be his wife, but someone is lying. With a 4-star rating from 329K reviews, it's safe to say it was a fan favorite.

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Calamity Club' by Kathryn Stockett $24.01 at Amazon
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The author of The Help, Kathryn Stockett has finally returned with her next novel The Calamity Club, in which a group of unbreakable women in 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, come together to fight for freedom, despite the consequences. Even though it was just released in May 5, it already has nearly 42K reviews and a 4.6-star rating.

Into the Blue by Emma Brodie Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Into the Blue' by Emma Brodie $23.56 at Amazon
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Emma Brodie's Into the Blue is a decades spanning romance beginning in small town Massachusetts to New York City. It tells the story of AJ Graces and Noah Drew who found each other by chance and now must confront what happened between them all those years ago. With over 42K reviews, it has a 4.1-star rating.

Kin by Tayari Jones Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Kin' by Tayari Jones $19.04 at Amazon
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Amazon book editor's named Kin by Tayari Jones the best book of 2026 (so far), and Goodreads users agree, giving it a 4.2-star rating from over 45K reviews. The novel centers on Vernice and Annie, best friends and neighbors since childhood, the pair a bound to different futures as each navigate the complexities of being a woman in the south.

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Lady Tremaine' by Rachel Hochhauser $19.92 at Amazon
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Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine reimagines the evil stepmother myth, as Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley uncovers a secret hidden in the depths of a royal family. The royal family that Lady Tremaine's stepdaughter is meant to marry into. This fairytale reimagining has earned a 4.2-star rating from over 47K on Goodreads.

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Midnight Train' by Matt Haig $20.98 at Amazon
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Author Matt Haig is expanding his Midnight World with his latest, The Midnight Train. In this time-traveling love story, the Midnight Train takes you back to relive the moments that mean the most, letting you go back and have the chance to relive it all.

Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Keeper of Lost Children' by Sadeqa Johnson $20.51 at Amazon
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According to Goodreads users, the historical fiction release of the year is Sadeqa Johnson's Keeper of Lost Children. The novel centers on three perspecitives. Ethel Gathers, the proud wife of an American Officer, who discovers an orphanage of abandoned mixed-race children of German women and Black American GIs. Ozzie Phillips, a volunteer in the now desegregated army who meets a local woman, Jelka, while serving in Manheim, Germany. And finally, Sophia Clark, attending a prestigious all-white boarding school, who discovers a secret that threatens to upend her entire identity. Johnson's Keeper of Lost Children has 28K ratings with a 4.4-star rating.

A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'A Parade of Horribles' by Matt Dinniman $22.38 at Amazon
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The eighth book in Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series, A Parade of Horribles, made a splash this year with fans giving it a 4.7-star rating out of 51K reviews. With the Faction Wars underway, Carl and Donut find themself on the 10th floor of the dungeon, and the stakes have never been higher.

Famesick by Lena Dunham Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Famesick' by Lena Dunham $25.99 at Amazon
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Lena Dunham was living the dream in the midst of her hit HBO series Girls. At least that's what it looked like from the outside. Because despite the awards shows and Met Gala appearances, Dunham felt that existing in her body was “like towing a wrecked car across town at midnight.” In Famesick, Dunham confronts if her ambitions were worth the cost of so much pain, in a book that's earned a 4.3-star rating on Goodreads from 50K reviews.

The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Burning Side' by Sarah Damoff $25.48 at Amazon
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What starts with a fire, unfolds into a family saga of heartbreak and forgiveness in Sarah Damoff's The Burning Side. In the face of their house burning in the middle of the night, April and Leo retreat to April's childhood Dallas home with their two young children. But that's just the beginning as the aftermath of the fire, exposes the cracks already present in their marriage. The Burning Side, has a 4.3-star rating from 18K reviews on Goodreads.

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Caretaker' by Marcus Kliewer $20.30 at Amazon
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Macy Mullins is intrigued when she sees the Craigslist post: Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY. But little does she know, this job on the wild Oregon Coast brings her face to face with grave danger and soon she will be the only thing standing between evil and humanity. That all takes place in Marcus Kliewer's The Caretaker, which has a 3.7-star rating from 25K reviews.

Obsession has had a phenomenal run at the Box Office, managed to get the entire internet talking, and achieved 94 percent from both audiences and critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

But what does horror legend Stephen King make of it?

SEE ALSO: 5 horror movies Stephen King recommended in 2025

On Tuesday the author took to Threads to share his thoughts, posting a two-line review that suggested he liked it but maybe didn't love it — and nonetheless can't get it out of his head.

"I gave OBSESSION a B+ in my movie book, but I keep thinking about it," wrote King. "That weird mixture of humor and horror."

View on Threads

The buzzy horror movie from YouTuber turned feature filmmaker Curry Barker follows a man called Bear (Michael Johnston) who uses a "One Wish Willow" novelty toy to ask for his heart's desire: his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). But being careful what you wish for is just the tip of the discourse iceberg here.

Mashable's Kristy Puchko also had a mixed reaction to the movie, praising Navarrette's performance while questioning the film's perspective.

"Obsession explores an incel's twisted idea of romance through scenes of brutal violence and gross-out gags involving blood, vomit, piss, and a cat corpse," she wrote in her review. "Barker and his cast go hard into the darkness, creating scenes that are visually disturbing and emotionally harrowing. For all that, I can imagine this becoming one of those movies horror fans dare each other to watch. However, even as the audience may come to understand that Bear is not the hero of this story but the villain, Obsession's cinematography favors his perspective, turning the female characters into fleshy, dehumanizing spectacles until the end." 

Meanwhile, if you want some more Stephen King horror movie recommendations, here are some of the films he shouted out in 2025.

SAVE $50: As of June 17, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,049 at Amazon. That's $50 off the list price and the best-ever deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,049 at Amazon
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There's been a lot of talk about the restrictions on DJI products in the U.S., but buyers can actually still purchase and use drones that are already available through normal retailers. The new rules only impact future imports. Devices that are already in stock are not affected.

If a new DJI drone is on your Prime Day wish list, you're in luck. As of June 17, there's already a stunning deal on the DJI Mini 5 Pro. It's down to its best-ever price, dropping to a new low of $1,049 at Amazon.

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This model is an ultra-light, palm-sized foldable drone that easily fits into your pocket. But despite its small size, it still offers 42GB of internal storage. It features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that records 4K/60fps HDR video, alongside a 225° flexible gimbal that lets you take vertical shots and from multiple angles.

It's a great option to use for night filming thanks to its nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing with forward-facing LiDAR that helps detect obstacles. It also has an upgraded ActiveTrack 360° which keeps the subjects of your shot in frame.

Get this DJI drone deal from Amazon now.

Friends, I'm not ready.

Three years since Season 1 hit Netflix, followed by two sublime seasons, Heartstopper is coming to an end with a movie, dropping one hell of a moving trailer for Heartstopper Forever. Dammit Olivia Rodrigo and your perfect "Stupid Song" scoring this thing! I need to work!

High school is almost over but Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) aren't, with our protagonists preparing to go long distance as university looms. But they're not the only ones facing the future, with Tao (William Gao), Elle (Yasmin Finney), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), Tara (Corinna Brown), Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), Imogen (Rhea Norwood), and Tori (Jenny Walser) all figuring out their next chapters.

SEE ALSO: 'Heartstopper’s Joe Locke and Kit Connor talk teenage vulnerability

Heartstopper Forever will be based on the sixth volume of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, which is set to be released on July 7. Directed by Still Alice's Wash Westmoreland with series director Euros Lyn executive producing, the film is unlikely to leave us without a few major cinematic "hi" moments.

Honestly, I'm not ready to say goodbye to the Paris Crew, but growing up is inevitable. Here's to Heartstopper and the joyous exploration of queer identity and figuring yourself out that it is. Happy Pride!

Heartstopper Forever is streaming on Netflix July 17.

Want more of the latest entertainment news, reviews, trailers, and interviews? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

SAVE $250.99: As of June 17, the EcoVacs Deebot X11 Pro robot vacuum is on sale for $749 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoVacs EcoVacs Deebot X11 Pro $749 at Amazon
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Prime Day officially gets underway on June 23, so if you're hoping to grab a bargain on a robot vacuum, there's not long to wait. But if your current model has already given up, you'll be pleased to know that there are already some early deals available, including this latest discount on the EcoVacs Deebot X11 Pro.

This popular model has dropped to a new record-low price. Normally $999.99, this model is currently reduced to $749.

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This robot combines vacuuming and mopping for completely clean floors, with next to no effort required from you. For picking up dirt, it delivers up to 19,500Pa suction alongside 38 CFM airflow to remove dust, debris, and pet hair from hard floors and carpets, and it doesn't miss those hard-to-reach areas.

The Triple Lift System automatically separates wet and dry cleaning tasks by lifting brushes when liquids are detected and raising the roller when it moves onto carpet. The TruEdge 3.0 even extends the roller to clean along skirting boards and into corners, while the TruePass 4-Wheel Climbing system enables the robot to cross thresholds like steps or gaps.

This vacuum comes with a docking station. This is where it recharges, empties dust, refills mop water, and cleans the brushes.

This robot vacuum deal is available at Amazon now.

House of the Dragon is finally back, with a spectacular third season you won't want to miss.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' review: Season 3 atones for the sins of Season 2

However, after a two-year wait for Season 3, some of the details from Season 2 may have gotten hazy. Don't worry: If you can't tell your dragons from your dragonseeds, or you just need a quick refresher, we're here to catch you up to speed in just 60 seconds.

Here, you'll find all the information you absolutely have to know going into the Season 3 premiere, from Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) new squad of dragonriders to the deal she struck with Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) in the Season 2 finale. Pop this on before diving into Season 3, and you'll be ready to return to Westeros in no time.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

The first round of group-stage games from the 2026 World Cup is coming to an end. Eight teams are yet to compete, but that all changes today. And this final batch of fixtures is particularly interesting, with some of the biggest clashes on the schedule.

Today, June 17, is another huge day for the tournament. The action starts at 1 p.m. ET. The schedule is relentless, so we've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 17

• Group K: Portugal vs. DR Congo (Houston Stadium) — kickoff at 1 p.m. ET

• Group L: England vs. Croatia (Dallas Stadium) — kickoff at 4 p.m. ET

• Group L: Ghana vs. Panama (Toronto Stadium) — kickoff at 7 p.m. ET

• Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia (Mexico City Stadium) — kickoff at 10 p.m. ET

How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Portugal vs. DR Congo

A lot of fans think Portugal could go far in this competition, but DR Congo are a strong team. They've got the talent to produce a shock result at the NRG Stadium. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch England vs. Croatia

England will need the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to be at their best if they want to secure three points against Croatia. These teams are likely to battle it out for top spot in the group, so this opening game is vital. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Ghana vs. Panama

Most of the attention is on England and Croatia in this group, but Ghana will like it that way. They'll fancy their chances of advancing into the knockout rounds, but they need to start well against Panama. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Uzbekistan vs. Colombia

Colombia are strong favorites to win this opening game, but there are few genuinely easy games in this competition. They will still need big performances from star names if they want to progress from a tricky group that includes Portugal and DR Congo. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

• YouTube TV — 10-day trial, then $67.99/month for 3 months

• Fubo Sports — 1-day trial, then $45.99/month for 1 month

• Hulu + Live TV — 3-day trial, then $89.99/month

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup for free. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal