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Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 8, 2026 Purple meaning

A color that combines red and blue.

Stripes meaning

A combination of lines, frequently in a similar color or pattern of colors.

Skort meaning

A combo of shorts and a skirt.

Gloves meaning

Clothing designed to cover the hands.

Corvette meaning

A popular sports car made by Chrevrolet.

Artichoke meaning

A vegetable.

Doves marker meaning

A variety of different kinds of bids.

Marsh meaning

Terrain that tends to be wet and muddy.

Sacred meaning

Something hallowed.

Beret meaning

A particular kind of headwear.

Viper meaning

A kind of snake or a model of car made by Dodge.

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Twixt meaning

To be between.

Suspenders meaning

Something used to hold up trousers.

Firebird meaning

A type of muscle car.

Mustang meaning

A type of horse or muscle car.

Take to meaning

To grow fond of something.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

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

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

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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like cars.

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 September 6, 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: Vehicles

• Green: Clothing items

• Blue: Same second word

• Purple: Almost sweet

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Classic American performance cars

• Green: Features of a mime costume

• Blue: __ heart

• Purple: Candy bars plus a letter

Play our Big Guessing Game: Make your predictions now for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Time's running out!

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 #1185 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Classic American performance cars: CORVETTE, FIREBIRD, MUSTANG, VIPER

• Features of a mime costume: BERET, GLOVES, STRIPES, SUSPENDERS

• __ heart: ARTICHOKE, PURPLE, SACRED, TAKE TO

• Candy bars plus a letter: DOVES, MARSH, SKORT, TWIXT

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

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

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

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints involve a common shared experience.

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 September 8, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's elementary!

The words are related to schooling.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things found in educational settings.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is diagonal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Back to School.

NYT Strands word list for September 8

• Desk

• Markers

• Cubby

• Easel

• Globe

• Back to School

• Whiteboard

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

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 today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you don't have good eyes.

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 September 8, 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 September 8, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To be more lively.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

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...

LIVEN

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.

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

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 Wordle.

Over four days, I walked the crowded Messe show floor to find the coolest innovations worth your attention.

Read more from Mashable’s tech coverage: The 5 best new tech products we've seen at IFA 2026
The FCC banned foreign routers, drones, robots: What it means for you

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction to IFA 2026 tech
0:27 iRobot Roomba 875
1:59 RGB-mini LED TV technology
2:49 Kodak Barbie camera
2:58 Primebot Q1 humanoid robot
4:10 Reolink OMVI 2I ultra security camera
5:10 DJI Osmo 360 II camera
6:03 Antigravity A1 drone
6:21 Dyson Camerajet toothbrush
7:13 Conclusion and wrap-up

Video credits
Host: Angela Moscaritolo
Scripted by: Angela Moscaritolo
Producer: Dillon Lopez
Camera: Dillon Lopez
Video editor: Dillon Lopez
Thumbnail designer: Dillon Payne

Home From robot arms to bumper cars, I found the best home tech I'd put inside my smart home of the future

Read more about the latest tech from IFA 2026: The 5 best new tech products we've seen at IFA 2026
First look: Hypershell is launching the world's first full-leg exoskeleton at IFA 2026

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction: IFA smart home overview
0:30 Home theater
1:00 Smart lights
1:15 Home brewing machine
1:40 Xiaomi smart home
3:40 Pool cleaner & lawn mower
4:35 Bumper cars
4:45 Robotic arm
5:20 Smart litter box
5:45 Smart bird feeder
5:56 Power Solutions
6:17 Final thoughts

Video credits
Host: Andrew Lanxon
Scripted by: Andrew Lanxon
Producer: Dillon Lopez
Camera: Dillon Lopez
Video editor: Dillon Lopez
Thumbnail designer: Cole Kan

The world's largest gun belongs to Longshot Space, which plans to go even bigger in the hopes of harnessing its technology to shoot satellites into space instead of using rockets.

Explore more space and science coverage: Roman telescope's data deluge will change who gets to do big astronomy
The Milky Way's center holds the ruins of another ancient galaxy

Timecode chapters
0:00 The problem with rocket launches
0:38 Longshot Space’s kinetic launch concept
1:30 How the giant space gun works
1:59 Testing the 6-inch prototype gun
3:14 Scaling up to the full-diameter version
3:42 The physics behind horizontal launches
4:33 Can satellites survive the high G-forces?
5:07 Future testing and next steps

Video credits
Host: Andy Altman
Scripted by: Andy Altman
Producer: Andy Altman
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video editor: Jon Gomez
Thumbnail designer: Cole Kan

If you want to stream every NFL game this regular season, this is all you need to know. From cable options to streamers, Wes Ott covers everything that will have you watching every NFL game. He's even got a few tips that might help you save. Are you ready for some football?

Read more about watching and streaming the NFL: How to watch out-of-market NFL games: Is NFL Sunday Ticket worth it?
How to watch every NFL game this season (and the cheapest ways to do so)
Fox finally launches its own streaming service just in time for football season

Timecode chapters
0:00 Intro
0:17 NFL streaming services
1:13 NFL streaming costs

Video credits
Host: Wes Ott
Producer: JD Christison & Jon Gomez
Camera: Owen Poole
Thumbnail designer: Cole Cook

AMD is shifting the paradigm from computers that just execute commands to Agentic AI that understands your goals. From the jaw-dropping Strix Halo and Gorgon Halo chips to running 125-billion parameter models locally on Windows, local compute is getting a massive upgrade. Plus, a special appearance from Microsoft's Pavan Davuluri to announce Project Zenith, and the ultimate reveal of the Threadripper Halo Station — a 96-core local supercomputer.

Read more about IFA 2026: The 5 best new tech products we've seen at IFA 2026
Lenovo takes the wraps off 2 new Nvidia RTX Spark laptops at IFA 2026

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction to IFA 2026 and the evolution of computing
0:25 The rise of personal AI and token processing growth
1:10 Shifting the architecture: local compute vs. cloud
1:51 Defining personal AI: local, private, and contextual
2:46 Strix Halo and Gorgon Halo: breaking the memory bottleneck
4:18 Lenovo ThinkCenter X powered by Gorgon Halo
4:45 A new class of laptops: code name “Sunday” (HP ZBook)
5:12 Real-time 3D world generation demo
6:11 Partnership with Microsoft: making AI more accessible
6:40 Windows as an open platform for secure agentic experiences
7:14 Introducing project zenith for developers
7:53 The Threadripper Halo station: a personal supercomputer
9:03 Closing remarks: The future of personal AI

Video credits
Producer and video editor: Vatsal Upadhyay
Thumbnail designer: Zain bin Awais

Apple's rumored foldable iPhone could be here very soon, and there's a playbook already written for it. I've used a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold as my daily phone for three years, so I know exactly what makes a foldable worth it. Here's what Apple needs to nail: multitasking, screen software, desktop mode, durability, cameras and the price.

Read more about Apple's upcoming iPhones: What would really 'surprise' at Apple’s iPhone event
3 last-minute Apple iPhone 18 event rumors

Timecode chapters
0:00 Intro
1:00 Apple busts
2:00 My foldable
3:00 Samsung DEX
4:00 Apple upgrade
5:00 Durability
6:00 The foldable phone crease

Video credits
Hosted and scripted by: Iyaz Akhtar
Producer and camera: Carly Marsh
Video editor: Wes Ott
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

South Park celebrated its Emmy win with a public dig at Donald Trump.

Following the series' win for Outstanding Animated Program at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday, the official South Park X account posted a jubilant message, congratulating creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and their team.

However, the message was accompanied by an image, showing a photo of the president's face attached to a cartoon body with his pants down, holding an Emmy. He's surrounded by South Park characters including Cartman, Kyle, Stan, Kenny, Mr. Garrison, PC Principal, Jesus Christ, and Satan.

"You finally got your Emmy," the image proclaims.

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South Park's dig at the president is a one-two punch. Trump has been nominated for two Emmys — in 2005 and 2004 as executive producer of Outstanding Reality-Competition Program nominee The Apprentice — but has not won an award. South Park has now won six Emmys, with 21 nominations and Stone and Parker inducted into the 28th Television Academy Hall of Fame earlier this year.

SEE ALSO: 'South Park' closes Season 28 with a horrifying Jeffrey Epstein twist

However, the bigger upset to the president could be that South Park won this year's Emmy after a particularly anti-Trump Season 27, the premiere of which was the show's biggest in years. And it was this controversial opening episode, "Sermon On The 'Mount," which won the show its 2026 Emmy.

The episode was slammed by the White House for its depiction of Trump, portrayed in bed with Satan and later stumbling through the desert naked and revealing a talking micropenis in a deepfake PSA sequence. The episode also makes references to the Trump's urging for people to move on from the so-called "Epstein list".

When Parker and Stone were asked about the episode at San Diego’s Comic-Con International in July, they responded, "We’re terribly sorry," staring out to the audience.

Featured Video For You Will Forte, John Cena & Lana Condor draft the ultimate 'Coyote Vs. Acme' squad

And it wasn't the only anti-Trump moment of Season 27 (or 28 for that matter), with multiple episodes dedicated to lampooning the president and his administration.

Trump or the White House has not responded to South Park's Emmy win or the X post as of this publication.

South Park Season 29, meanwhile, is set to premiere Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. ET on Comedy Central, before streaming on Paramount+.

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Picture it: Prediction markets like Kalshi, platforms which allow users to make "predictions" on almost anything for financial gain, platforms which are plagued with accusations of insider trading, are actually regulated by U.S. state governments under gambling laws.

It could be a future possibility, if the Supreme Court could be convinced to make it happen.

As reported by The Hill, multiple states have filed petitions to enforce sports gambling laws on Kalshi and platforms like it, including New Jersey and Nevada, which are respectively home to gambling hubs Atlantic City and Las Vegas. And the outcomes of each case could potentially see the eventual involvement of the Supreme Court.

SEE ALSO: France orders Polymarket blocked over illegal gambling promotion

In the U.S., each state regulates its own gambling laws, including sports betting, which is legal in 39 states and Washington DC as of May 2026. However, Kalshi and "prediction market" platforms like it are federally regulated, sitting under the watch of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which oversees America's financial derivatives markets. (Polymarket is actually not registered in the U.S. or regulated by the CFTC, though it has established a U.S. outpost which is.) This means these platforms can operate in all 50 states and currently do not answer to state gambling laws — Kalshi has argued it offers "legal sports event contracts," not bets.

However, a bipartisan coalition of 44 states signed a letter in July, declaring prediction market platforms "a new form of casino used primarily for a few to manipulate others — the type of harms squarely within States' historic police powers to regulate gambling."

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has insisted "it is critically important that the CFTC's exclusive authority over Prediction Markets is maintained, and that they will thrive," even considering his own platform. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., not only has a financial stake and an advisory role in Kalshi, but is also set to see his venture capital firm invest $300 million in Polymarket.

Featured Video For You How prediction markets got people betting on nuclear war

On Sept. 2, New Jersey officials petitioned the Supreme Court to enforce sports gambling laws on Kalshi. "Kalshi bills itself as 'the first app for legal sports betting in all 50 states' and believes it can offer that 'legal sports betting' without following the sports-gambling laws of any of those 50 States," the petition read.

The petitioners — New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement interim director Mary Jo Flaherty — said that Kalshi and platforms like it had "discovered a major sports-gambling loophole in the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act" enacted after the 2007–2008 financial crisis. The Act, they said, allows Kalshi to define its offerings as financial "swaps" instead of "bets."

The important part here is that in April, the New Jersey case was actually ruled by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in favor of Kalshi, meaning the platform could keep on offering its "legal sports event contracts" on college sports within the state's jurisdiction. However, that decision clashes with another decision made in Aug. by the Ninth Circuit, which covers Nevada among other states. An appeal from the Nevada Gaming Control Board saw the Court of Appeals siding not with Kalshi but with the state gaming regulator, which "sent a cease-and-desist letter notifying Kalshi that it was running a sports betting platform in violation of Nevada statutes and gaming regulations." Essentially, the differing state results could get SCOTUS' attention on a federal level.

Similar cases have been filed in Connecticut, New York, Arizona, Minnesota, and more states.

Next stop? The Supreme Court appeal from the New Jersey regulators. However, actually getting SCOTUS to consider the request isn't guaranteed, with the court receiving thousands each year and granting very few for consideration.

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Grindr has agreed to pay £26 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the gay hookup app shared users' personal information, including HIV status, with third parties, the BBC reports.

Mashable first reported that Grindr did this in 2018, based on an initial investigation from BuzzFeed News. Soon after that report was published, Grindr told Axios it would stop sharing HIV status with third parties.

SEE ALSO: We went to Madonna's steamy Grindr London party. Here's what happened.

In April 2024, UK law firm Austen Hays sued Grindr on behalf of thousands of UK users, claiming that the app breached the country's privacy laws by sharing sensitive information with third-party vendors prior to 2020. In April 2025, Austen Hays served Grindr's U.S. offices. By June 2025, over 11,000 claimants signed up, according to the firm.

In a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Sept. 2, 2026, Grindr stated that it resolved the class action, and that it occurred "when Grindr was owned and controlled by the Chinese conglomerate Kunlun."

"The settlement includes no findings or admission of liability. While Grindr disputes the allegations, it recognizes and acknowledges the distress and loss of trust expressed by some of its UK users regarding that pre-2020 period," the statement reads.

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The filing goes on to state that six years ago, Grindr was sold to new owners and appointed new management, with the company going public two years later.

"Since 2020 Grindr has overhauled its privacy program with a keen focus on the unique needs of its community. Grindr is and remains a safe space for users, committed to transparency, user control, and responsible data practices," Grindr stated in the filing.

Grindr has agreed to pay £13.0 million to claimants by Dec. 31, 2026, and £13.0 million by March 31, 2027.

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Some officials in Miami-Dade County dream of turning Miami into Vice City for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, The Miamian reported, but law enforcement isn't a fan of the idea.

GTA 6 takes place in the fictional, Miami-inspired Vice City, and county officials are trying to spin it into a marketing opportunity for the destination, according to the news outlet. On June 29, they reportedly submitted a pitch deck to Rockstar, the makers of GTA, which The Miamian obtained through a public records request.

SEE ALSO: Palms, neon, and Vice City vibes: How to preorder the limited-edition 'GTA 6' PS5 controllers

The slides include ideas such as transforming Miami International Airport and parts of the Metromover system with Vice City branding, to creating a Vice City Radio Lab in downtown Miami's Main Library. Carlos Suarez, a spokesperson for Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, confirmed to The Miamian that the mayor's office has had conversations with Rockstar about potential opportunities, but that nothing has been formalized or agreed upon.

The Miamian reported this on Aug. 27, and by Sept. 3, Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz criticized the idea (per Axios), saying, "Miami-Dade County is not Vice City," adding her view that GTA is a "video game franchise built around criminal activity…that the men and women of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office work every single day to prevent."

Featured Video For You We Got a GTA 6 PC Before We Got GTA 6

As reported by Axios, Cordero-Stutz also stated:

At a time when law enforcement is working every day to reduce violent crime, prevent robberies and car thefts, combat drug trafficking, and build stronger relationships between our deputies and the communities we serve, I believe we need to seriously consider the message we send when our own government promotes a fictional identity centered around many of those same crimes.

Miami-Dade District 12 Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez is also against the partnership. "I still cannot believe that we are even considering temporarily rebranding important County assets, including Miami International Airport, as 'Vice City Airport,'" he said, according to Axios.

The following day, The Miamian reported that a different commissioner wants big promotions of the game in the city.

City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo is sponsoring an ordinance on the Sept. 10 city commission agenda that would grant Rockstar waivers to advertise GTA 6 with temporary banners, building wraps, and promotional displays. These waivers are usually reserved for events like the 2026 World Cup, according to The Miamian. The money received by Rockstar would go towards developing 33 acres of open space called the Rev. Edward T. Graham Heritage Trail, according to Pardo.

Whether Miami will become Vice City this fall remains anyone's guess. Mashable has reached out to Rockstar Games for comment.

The Moon is looking even slimmer again tonight as it continues towards the New Moon. There's now less of its surface lit by the Sun, which means we're not far away from the next lunar phase.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, Sept. 7, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in Waning Crescent phase, with 18% of its surface visible.

With just your naked eye, you'll able be able to make out the Aristarchus Plateau. If you have binoculars or a telescope, however, you should be able to see the Grimaldi Basin and the Gassendi Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon's appearance gradually changes as it travels around Earth, completing a full lunar cycle in approximately 29.5 days, NASA tells us. What we see from Earth depends on the Moon's position in relation to the Sun, which affects how much of its illuminated side is visible. As the cycle progresses, the Moon passes through a series of phases, from a thin crescent to a half Moon and then a Full Moon, before starting over.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

The best Ryobi Labor Day deals from Home Depot: Best beginner deal Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver Kit with Compact Battery and Charger $49.97 (save $108.97) Get Deal Best angle grinder deal Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder with 4.0 Ah High Performance Battery $99 (save $149) Get Deal Best multi-tool deal Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool with 4.0 Ah High Performance Battery $99 (save $149) Get Deal Best circular saw deal Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw with ONE+ 18V 4.0 Ah High Performance Battery $139 (save $129) Get Deal

There's a version of every home project where you end up making three trips to the hardware store because you're missing one specific tool. Home Depot's Labor Day sale is a good chance to close that gap for good — it's taking up to 69% off Ryobi's 18-volt cordless tools, and since Ryobi's batteries are compatible with over 300 different tools, getting one today means you're already set up for future buys.

We rounded up the best deals from the sale below, from a circular saw that can handle your bigger cuts to a driver kit that covers everything else on your list.

Best beginner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/4 in. Hex Screwdriver Kit with Compact Battery and Charger $49.97 at Home Depot
$158.94 Save $108.97   Get Deal Why we like it

Every DIY kit needs a reliable driver, and the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 1/4-inch Hex Screwdriver Kit covers the basics: driving screws, drilling holes, hanging shelves, or fixing a fence. It's lightweight, making it easy to handle for smaller jobs, and its design reduces hand fatigue during overhead or tight-space work, while an onboard LED worklight illuminates dark work areas. Swapping bits is also effortless thanks to the 1/4-inch keyless quick-connect collet.

Best angle grinder deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder with 4.0 Ah High Performance Battery $99 at Home Depot
$248 Save $149   Get Deal Why we like it

An angle grinder isn't the flashiest tool, but it's the one you reach for when you need to cut or shape metal, or just nip off the end of a screw that's poking through where it shouldn't. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP 4-1/2-inch Angle Grinder can make up to 210 cuts on a single charge, so you're not stopping mid-project to recharge, and comes with an 18-volt, 4-amp-hour battery.

Its smart brushless motor keeps the tool cool so it lasts longer, while an updated design lets you make flat cuts easily against surfaces. With a comfortable grip, quick tool-free guard adjustments, and a battery that works across hundreds of other Ryobi tools, it’s built to handle tough DIY projects with total ease.

Best multi-tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool with 4.0 Ah High Performance Battery $99 at Home Depot
$248 Save $149   Get Deal Why we like it

The Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V cordless oscillating multi-tool with 4.0 Ah high-performance battery does a little bit of everything: cutting wood, PVC, metal, or drywall, plus sanding and polishing depending on which attachment you swap in. It comes with a plunge-cut blade, a flush-cut blade, and a sanding attachment right out of the box, and you can adjust the speed depending on what you're working on, useful for anything from rough cuts to more delicate jobs like refinishing furniture.

Best circular saw deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw with ONE+ 18V 4.0 Ah High Performance Battery $139 at Home Depot
$268 Save $129   Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't have a table saw, the ONE+ HP 18V Cordless 7-1/4-inch circular saw is basically your stand-in for one. It handles long, straight cuts through materials like plywood and two-by-fours, which covers a lot of ground for woodworking or repair projects. It also has an attachment port for a shop vac or dust collection system, so you're not left cleaning up sawdust for the rest of your weekend.

The best deals in Jackery's Labor Day sale: Best entry-level home backup Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus v2 $1,649 (save $190) Get Deal Best for all-around home backup Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + SolarSaga 500 X $2,459 (save $270) Get Deal Best for heavy-duty appliances Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus $3,149 (save $350) Get Deal

Power outages have a nasty habit of showing up when you least want them to — during a storm, in the middle of the night, or right when you’re working from home. If a home backup battery has been sitting on your “I should probably get one” list, Jackery’s Labor Day sale is a good excuse to finally invest.

Jackery is offering up to 50% off its home backup lineup through Sept. 8, with deals starting at $1,659 for the HomePower 2000 Plus V2. There are also bigger systems like the best-selling HomePower 3600 Plus and Solar Generator 5000 Plus, depending on how much of your home you want to keep running during an outage.

Best entry-level home backup Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus v2 $1,659 at Jackery
$1,849 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been putting off buying a backup battery because the whole category feels overwhelming, this is your sign to stop waiting. The HomePower 2000 Plus v2 is plug-and-play, and starts at a 2,048Wh capacity but scales up to 12kWh — you can stack on more batteries later without an electrician or a rewiring project.

The 2,400W rated output (4,800W peak surge) is enough to run a fridge for 48 hours or an AC unit for 2.5 hours on its own, and Priority Routing automatically funnels whatever charge is left to your most essential devices as the battery drains. At 34% lighter than the previous generation, it's also just easier to live with day to day, not something you dread hauling out of the garage.

More HomePower 2000 Plus v2 deals

• Battery Pack 2000 Plus v2 — $899 $999 (save $100)

• HomePower 2000 Plus v2 + 500W — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)

• HomePower 2000 Plus v2 + Battery Pack 2000 Plus v2 x2 + 500W — $3,919 $4,359 (save $440)

Best for all-around home backup Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus + SolarSaga 500 X $2,459 at Jackery
$2,729 Save $270   Get Deal Why we like it

There's a reason the HomePower 3600 Plus is Jackery's top seller, and it's not just hype: 3,600W of output and a 3,584Wh capacity (expandable up to 21kWh) means it can carry your fridge, WiFi, and home office through a multi-day outage — anywhere from 15 hours to 9 days, depending on your setup. Connect two units together to run 240V appliances like a well pump or a dryer.

It's quiet enough (about 30 decibels) to run right next to you overnight without disturbing your sleep, and built-in wheels and a pull handle mean you can roll it wherever it's needed instead of wrestling it into place.

More HomePower 3600 Plus deals

• HomePower 3600 Plus (solar panel not included) — $1,709 $1,899 (save $190)

• HomePower 3600 Plus + SolarSaga 200W x 2 — $2,289 $2,549 (save $260)

• HomePower 3600 Plus + SolarSaga 200W x 2 + Manual Transfer Switch — $2,649 $2,949 (save $300)

• HomePower 3600 Plus (7.2kWh) + SolarSaga 500 X — $3,499 $4,139 (save $640)

• HomePower 3600 Plus Double Kit — $3,579 $3,979 (save $400)

Best for heavy-duty appliances Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus $3,149 at Jackery
$3,499 Save $350   Get Deal Why we like it

The 5000 Plus is for people who don't want to be the one flipping switches when the power goes out. Paired with the Jackery 60A Smart Transfer Switch, it can automatically power up to 12 circuits at 120V or 6 at 240V the moment the grid drops.

With 7,200W of rated output and surge power up to 14,400W, it's one of the few home batteries that can take on heavy hitters like a well pump, a water heater, or a 5-ton AC unit without blinking. The 5,040Wh capacity expands up to a massive 60kWh, giving you up to 13 days of backup instead of just an overnight buffer, and it recharges from both high- and low-voltage solar panels in about 2 hours with up to 4,000W of input.

More Solar Generator 5000 Plus deals

• Explorer 5000 Plus + SolarSaga 500 X x 2 — $4,639 $5,159 (save $520)

• Explorer 5000 Plus + SolarSaga 500 X x 2 + Smart Transfer Switch — $5,479 $6,089 (save $610)

• Explorer 5000 Plus (10kWh) + SolarSaga 500 X x 2 + Smart Transfer Switch — $7,909 $8,789 (save $880)

• Home Backup Kit 5000 Plus (20kWh) — $12,139 $13,489 (save $1,350)

SAVE UP TO 30%: The Ruggable Labor Day sale is live and takes up to 40% off sitewide, including popular collaborations with Star Wars, Disney, Iris Apfel, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Ruggable Labor Day Sale   Shop Now

We're not in spring-cleaning mode, but back-to-school season and crisp fall air always evoke the feeling of a fresh start. If you've been looking around your home thinking a rug would really pull the room together, there's a fantastic Labor Day sale in store for you.

The Ruggable Labor Day sale takes up to 40% off sitewide, including some of the brand's most popular options. Sale rugs include doormats, outdoor rugs, indoor rugs, and even rugs suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

It's hard to decide on the perfect rug. Ruggable's expansive selection might not make that task any easier, but it sure is enjoyable. The popular rug brand focuses on the idea that you can, in fact, machine-wash a rug. In addition, Ruggables are stain-resistant. That means they're great for homes with pets, kids, or anyone who's lived through the heartbreak of spilling red wine on a rug.

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RJ Andersen's review of Ruggable explained that not only do they win on cleaning points, but they're also "surprisingly thick and soft." Spot cleaning was also easy for spills that didn't require a wash, and durability was great.

In addition to having thousands of design options, Ruggable has some incredible collabs that are included in the sale, like Disney, Star Wars, Jungalow, and plenty more.

Shop Ruggable's Labor Day sale to score savings of up to 40% off top sellers. Consider it a home refresh before the holidays.

The best deals from Bissell's Labor Day sale: Best carpet cleaner deal Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $89.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best stick vacuum deal PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum $259.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best Hydrosteam cleaner deal Bissell Revolution HydroSteam $349.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Labor Day sales are back, offering a whole stack of fresh deals on outdoor gear, power tools, mattresses, and much more. Leading vacuum cleaner brand Bissell has joined in the fun with a bunch of discounts on cleaning products, including advanced stick vacuums and carpet cleaners.

Some of the discounted items are already top sellers, so you can rely on their quality and performance. These cleaning products are popular for a reason. They get the job done. And with the Labor Day sale already live at Bissell, you can save up to $100. Here are some of our favorites:

Best carpet cleaner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $89.99 at Bissell
$99.99 Save $10   Get Deal Why we like it

Perfect for smaller homes and pet owners, the Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner is a scaled-down version of Bissell’s flagship carpet cleaning model. It’s also the brand’s lightest, most compact portable deep cleaner. It’s designed to spray, scrub, and shift stains entirely with surprisingly powerful suction. The size-and-power combo makes it especially good for spot-cleaning messes — particularly if you have messy kids or pets. It comes equipped with a HydroRinse hose tool and a 4-inch Tough Stain tool, both of which work on carpets, furniture, car interiors, and pet beds.

Best stick vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum $259.99 at Bissell
$359.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The PowerClean DualBrush Cordless Stick Vacuum is one of Bissell’s premium stick models, made all the better by an impressive $100 discount for Labor Day.

It’s essentially a 3-in-1 vacuum that converts between full-size and handheld modes, with two brush heads and a nozzle attachment to choose from. It uses both DualBrush Technology and AutoAdapt Power Boost, which detect dirt and automatically increase suction, giving you up to 75% more power. And pet owners will appreciate the FurFinder headlights, which help you locate hidden pet hair and other debris.

Best Hydrosteam cleaner deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Revolution HydroSteam $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is one of the brand’s most powerful and innovative carpet cleaners. This upright machine delivers a deep clean using Hydrosteam Technology, which combines water, steam vapor, and a highly effective cleaning solution to tackle embedded dirt and tough stains. You can also crank up the power with its even more powerful SteamWash Max Clean Mode. And as with other Bissell models, it’s tested and proven for pet homes, with DirtLifter brush heads packed with 12 rows of bristles and a 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool.

The best deals in Nectar's Labor Day sale Best budget mattress deal Nectar Classic Memory Foam Twin Mattress $349 (save $694) Get Deal Best mattress deal Nectar Classic Memory Foam Queen Mattress $699 (save $916) Get Deal Best for custom comfort Premier Adjustable Base and Mattress Set $1,398 (save $2,536) Get Deal Best bundle deal Bamboo Bed Frame and Mattress Bundle $1,447 (save $2,764) Get Deal

Labor Day is one of the best times of year to buy a new mattress, and Nectar's sale is evidence of that. Right now, you can save up to 50% on mattresses and up to 66% on bundles, with prices starting at $349 for a limited time.

Bundles include a bed frame and bedding, so if your whole sleep setup could use a refresh, not just the mattress, this is the moment to do it.

Here's what's worth grabbing.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day mattress and bedding sales are already live: We found deals at Purple, Naturepedic, Saatva, and more Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nectar Nectar Classic Memory Foam Queen Mattress $699 at Nectar
$1,615 Save $916   Get Deal Why we like it

The Nectar Classic strikes the medium-firm balance that works for most sleepers, whether you're a back sleeper, side sleeper, or a good mix. The contouring memory foam relieves pressure on your back and hips instead of just sinking flat, and the cool-to-the-touch cover means you're not waking up sweaty at 3 a.m., which can be more common with memory foam than people expect.

Five layers packed into 12 inches give the Nectar Classic real support without feeling like you're sleeping on a marshmallow, and it's fiberglass-free with CertiPUR-US-certified foams, so you know exactly what you're sleeping on.

More mattress deals

• Nectar Premier — $999 $2,316 (save $1,317)

• Nectar Luxe — $1,399 $2,175 (save $776)

• Nectar Ultra — $1,999 $3,299 (save $1,300)

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nectar Bamboo Bed Frame and Mattress Bundle $1,447 at Nectar
$4,211 Save $2,764   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bamboo bed frame and mattress bundle gets you a full sleep setup in one order: your choice of Nectar mattress, a solid bamboo bed frame, and a bedding set with sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector.

The frame is built with traditional Japanese joinery, so there are no nails and no tools involved, just interlocking pieces that slide together in minutes. It's also engineered for quiet, sturdy support, so you won't end up with a bed frame that creaks every time you move.

More bundle and bedroom set deals

• Socalle Bedroom Set — $946 $1,331 (save $385)

• Calverson Bedroom Set - Platform Bed Frame and Nightstands — $1,105 $1,811 (save $706)

• Cadmori Complete Bedroom Set — $1,197 $1,438 (save $241)

• Mornington Bundle — $1,228 $3,096 (save $1,868)

• Lumea Bedroom Set - Platform Bed and Nightstands — $1,397 $2,054 (save $657)