Technology

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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 Mini crossword answers, hints for July 18, 2025 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: Pregame activities

• Green: Clubs

• Blue: Geographically specific

• Purple: Same second word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Get ready for a game

• Green: Golf wedges

• Blue: Connecticut teams

• Purple: ____ Board

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 #301 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Get ready for a game - GET LOOSE, PREPARE, STRETCH, WARM UP

• Golf wedges - GAP, LOB, PITCHING, SAND

• Connecticut teams - SUN, UCONN, YALE, YARD GOATS

• ____ Board - BACK, LEADER, SKATE, SURF

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.

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 today's Connections.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 21, 2025:

AcrossCeremonial band

• The answer is Sash.

First official state hand gesture, following a 2024 Hawaiian bill

• The answer is Shaka.

Deck with the Major and Minor Arcana

• The answer is Tarot.

Just love

• The answer is Adore.

Boardwalk has the highest one on a Monopoly board

• The answer is Rent.

DownCool place to be on a sunny day

• The answer is Shade.

Name that might come first during an alphabetical roll call

• The answer is Aaron.

Hybrid athletic garment

• The answer is Skort.

Just loathe

• The answer is Hate.

One whose name is in lights

• The answer is Star.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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 today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $150: As of July 21, the 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $849 at Amazon. That's a 15% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 Apple MacBook Air M4 $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150 Get Deal

Prime Day is well and truly in the rear-view mirror by now, but that doesn't mean all the deals are gone. Amazon has surprised us this year with some Prime Day prices still lingering around. One of the best deals still live is on the 2025 MacBook Air, on sale for the low price of $849 (as of July 21). That's a $150 discount on the list price.

The deal applies to all colors, so you can choose between starlight, midnight, silver, and sky blue. This price is specific to the 16GB MacBook, but there's discounts on other models.

SEE ALSO: The 11-inch Apple iPad is still available for under $300 at Amazon

This MacBook is powered by Apple's new M4 chip, meaning it's both fast and efficient. It can handle video editing, jumping between apps, and working through heavy multiple-tab workloads. It’s also created with Apple Intelligence, Apple's personal AI system that helps you get more work done in less time.

This model also boasts a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display that supports 1 billion colors, so enjoy seriously high-quality pictures at all times. Other standout features include a 12MP Center Stage camera, a three-mic setup, and a four-speaker system with Spatial Audio, so work calls will always help you look your best. And you get 18 hours of battery life, so you can work on the go without a worry.

Who knows how long this deal will stick around, so head to Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

SAVE $600: As of July 21, the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is on sale for $899 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 $899 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $600 Get Deal

You can never really go wrong with a portable power station. Whether it's for staying connected on camping trips or remaining prepared for power cuts, having something stashed away is always a good idea. And if you've been shopping around, now is the time to buy. As of July 21, you can get the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 for $600 off at Amazon. Right now it's priced at $899 (40% off).

This generator weighs just 39.5 lbs, so it's perfect for taking on the go for road trips or camping vacations. It also has a massive 2042Wh capacity and 2200W output across three AC ports, plus fast USB-C PD 100W charging.

SEE ALSO: Just hours left to grab MS Office Pro 2021 for $40

And the charging is seriously fast: 66 minutes with AC Fast Charging, full charge in 102 minutes with Emergency Super Charging via the app, or silent overnight charging in five hours at just 30dB.

It's also built to last, too. It comes with a LiFePo4 battery that promises to last up to 10 years, so you know you're prepared for any power emergencies.

This is a limited-time deal, so don't miss out.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

TL;DR: Unblock ePorner for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced restrictions for online adult content. After the introduction of these age verification laws, some porn sites blocked users from those locations. The same situation is now taking place in France.

So where does that leave frustrated users? Desperately seeking a solution, that's where. Fortunately, you can still access all your favorite porn sites in just a few simple steps. There's a quick and easy hack that can secure access to restricted content from any location or network.

If you want to unblock porn sites like ePorner for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock ePorner for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process tricks porn sites into providing you with access even if there is a block in place over your network.

Unblock ePorner from anywhere in the world by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to ePorner

4. Connect to ePorner from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most leading services do offer free trials or money-back guarantees.

By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like ePorner without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it means you can temporarily unblock porn sites like ePorner and then recover your investment.

What is the best VPN for ePorner?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like ePorner, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Unblock ePorner for free with ExpressVPN.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Done to a turkey on Thanksgiving.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

BASTE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To entice.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 21, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TEMPT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To draw blood.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 21 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 21, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BLEED

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Precise.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 21 Hurdle Word 4 answer

EXACT

Final Hurdle hint

Loud.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

NOISY

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

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from South Carolina with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The world of porn is still being rocked by the fact that more than a third of U.S. states have restrictions in place for online adult content. Millions of potential users are locked out of their favorite sites after Pornhub responded to the introduction of age verification laws by banning users from those locations.

There are complicated reasons for this restriction, but the workaround is straightforward. If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from South Carolina, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in South Carolina

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Pornhub for free in South Carolina with ExpressVPN.

Windows Recall, the AI-powered assistant that takes regular screenshots of your screen so that you can ask it about things you've done in the past, is back for good after (yet again) being recalled for privacy concerns. Here's how Windows 11 Pro users can disable it (again, and this time hopefully forever).

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim wasn't just another RPG—it set the standard for what a first-person fantasy game could be. With Oblivion Remastered rekindling interest in the genre, the question remains: why hasn’t anyone tried to make a Skyrim clone?

How safe is this URL? That's the question you should be asking before clicking on random links. A friend of mine on X shared how she learned this lesson the hard way after getting locked out of her Snapchat account. Don't make the same mistake. Here are seven of the best free URL checkers that'll help protect you from malicious links online.

If you’re building a website, setting up custom email accounts, or even running your own FTP server, you’ll need a domain name and hosting. That can easily set you back hundreds of dollars. So I went on the hunt for a truly free domain name service, and here’s what I found out.

Medical dramas such as the Emmy-nominated The Pitt are making just as many waves this year as crime dramas are, and I, for one, have been loving it. Over the years, medical shows have seen a big shift from mere procedurals to shows with more realistic and often-controversial perspectives, compelling fictional characters, and unique spins, including comedies!

Usually, it's a worrying sign when a game is best known for being divisive, but some games were always meant to polarize. While that may sound like a bizarre, potentially terrible idea, some of the most influential games of all time were designed to be hated by some and loved by others.

When you're starting a homelab full of self-hosted services, it's hard to pick just one. I've tried several, but these three have been my mainstays for a few months or more, and I'll show you how I'm using them too.

There's a lot we can agree on that goes into making an attractive phone. When a phone comes along that does something different, many of us are put off—but the more I think about it, the more I start to feel that these phones, for better or worse, are the best-looking ones.

Too often, the most powerful features of an operating system are tucked away in the accessibility settings. But what if those features could revolutionize how everyone interacts with their devices?

The latest update to the Home Assistant smart home powerhouse has introduced a new feature called the Ask Question action. The feature allows you to get your local voice satellite to ask you a question without you needing to speak to it first.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, July 20, 2025:

AcrossThe heart of summer?

• The answer is EMS.

Emotional request

• The answer is Plea.

Word before aching or dancing

• The answer is Belly.

Many fans of Premier League clubs

• The answer is Brits.

Nacho topping that rhymes with 3-Down

• The answer is Queso.

DownLeading role on "The Last of Us"

• The answer is Ellie.

Gooey diner sandwiches

• The answer is Melt.

Authoritative approval

• The answer is Say so.

Country on one side of Lake Titicaca

• The answer is Peru.

Orange-and-brown chip flavor, for short

• The answer is BBQ.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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 today's Mini Crossword.

While watching a show week-to-week or year-to-year can make you love a show more, the wait can be agonizing. We’ve all been there; you fall in love with a show but must wait until new episodes are released. The wait can be hard, especially if you’re waiting several years for that new season.

There’s no anime franchise quite like Gundam, the iconic king of the giant robot genre. Since debuting in 1979, Gundam has become incredibly prolific with several TV shows, movies, comics, and model kits. The distinct robot design made cameos in Hollywood movies like Ready Player One and Pacific Rim: Uprising.