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Hundreds of U.S. government officials with the FBI, ICE, and the DOJ have allegedly had their personal information doxxed by a notorious hacker group.

Members of the group known as the Com, a community of hackers with ties to another well-known hacking collective, Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters, are currently sharing the leaked data on private Telegram channels. As 404 Media reports, it's unclear how this leaked data was obtained, as it could be compiled from previous leaks, the result of a new yet-to-be-announced government breach, or other means

The hackers have already shared multiple spreadsheets full of private data purportedly belonging to 680 DHS officials, 170 FBI agents, and 190 DOJ officials. The doxxed information spans from government email addresses to personal names, phone numbers, and residential addresses, per 404 Media.

The hacking group behind the leak and their associates have been behind some high-profile data breaches in recent years. The group is believed to be responsible for the recent Salesforce data leak, the Ticketmaster data breach, the AT&T leak, breaches at major airlines, and even the Grand Theft Auto VI footage leak.

Many hackers connected to the Com come from various close-knit groups such as Scattered Spider, ShinyHunters, and Lapsus$. These threat actors have begun operating under the joint name Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters, and they're some of the most infamous English-speaking hacking groups operating today.

The Trump administration has gone to great lengths to stifle any speech regarding the identities and movements of ICE agents, many of whom now cover their faces with masks to hide their identities when making arrests.

The Trump administration has moved aggressively to deport undocumented immigrants, including those without criminal records. In fact, The Guardian recently reported that undocumented immigrants with no criminal record now make up the largest group of people in ICE detention. And in numerous cases, ICE has wrongly detained U.S. citizens in its sweeps.

As a result, ICE actions have faced protests in communities across the country. Activists created apps to help monitor ICE, which have since been banned from Apple's App Store after requests from the Trump administration. One such app, ICEBlock, a crowdsourced ICE tracker, was for a time one of the most downloaded apps on the App Store. Another banned app, Eyes Up, allowed users to log and archive videos of ICE activity in order to hold agents accountable.

As 404 Media reports, one user in the Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters Telegram channel jokingly referenced recent unfounded claims from the DHS that drug cartels in Mexico were offering bounties for the doxxing of U.S. government agents.

SAVE $115: As of. Oct 17, get the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for just $284.99 at Walmart. That saves you $115 off its $399.99 MSRP for 29% savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones $284.99 at Walmart
$399.99 Save $115   Get Deal

Sony dropped their WH-1000XM6 headphones back in May to much acclaim. We rate them the best sound-first headphones, but that doesn't diminish Sony's previous models. The WH-1000XM4 and XM5s are both still available, delivering exceptional sound. But why go for older tech when the newer models are right there? One word: savings.

As of Oct. 17, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones (aka the predecessor to the XM6s) are down to $284.99. That's $115 less than its $399.99 MSRP, for 29% off. This deal is only on the XM5 headphones in black, however, other colors are on sale but the savings aren't as grand.

The Sony WH-1000XM5s are stellar headphones, in fact, we rated them higher than the XM6s in our review. They bring top-tier noise cancellation and sound that puts your right in the studio. If you're working in the office, they'll block out every last noise so you can keep out distractions. Plus, they have touch controls so you can turn up the volume or take calls without pulling out your phone.

Shop the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for $284.99 at Walmart and save $115.

SAVE $1,000: Put down a $100 deposit before Nov. 2 to save $1,000 on the new Valerion VisionMaster Max 4K projector.

Opens in a new window Credit: Valerion Valerion VisionMaster Max 4K projector   Pre-order Here

Building a home theater (like, the kind that actually feels like going to the movies) usually costs a small fortune, especially if you're interested in adding a 4K laser projector to your setup. But we just found a pre-order deal that might put your dreams within reach.

SEE ALSO: The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 Projector throws visuals so hypnotic you can almost feel the lasers

From now until Nov. 2, you can put down a $100 deposit on the Valerion VisionMaster Max projector, and they'll knock a full $1,000 off the $4,999 price tag. Your deposit counts toward the final cost, so you'll owe the remaining $3,899 when it launches in November.

Reviewers are already calling it the "best projector of 2025." It's a true 4K model with a next-gen triple-laser setup, which basically means it's super bright (3500 ISO Lumens) and has incredibly vivid colors. What's really cool is its "NoirScene™ System," designed to make black tones really black, giving you the super high contrast (36 percent more darkness) you need for dark movie scenes.

Bonus deal: The more people who put down a deposit, the more freebies everyone gets (e.g., 3D glasses, mounts, etc.). These gifts stack up and could add around $1,677 in extra value, so it might be worth telling your movie-buff friends about it.

SAVE $150: As of Oct. 17, get the GEEKOM A8 Max Mini for $499, down from its usual price of $649. That's a discount of 23% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon GEEKOM A8 Max Mini $499 at Amazon
$649 Save $150   Get Deal

Looking to buy a new PC but don't want to get anything full-sized? It's understandable, especially since some are so unwieldy it can be difficult to find a place for your machine. A mini PC is a fantastic alternative that gives you plenty of room to work with. Plus, it has all the power you need, just downsized into a small package. And you can get an especially great one right now thanks to this Amazon deal.

As of Oct. 17, get the GEEKOM A8 Max Mini for $499, down from its usual price of $649. That's $150 off and a discount of 23%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Add the GEEKOM Mini PC AX8 Max to your PC setup for its lowest price yet

This model boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 processor with Radeon 780M GPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD that's also expandable, so if you happen to need more space, you can easily add it in. It comes with Windows 11 Pro installed so you don't have to add anything else when setting it up, and it's about the size of a Mac mini in that it's a small square you can put just about anywhere.

It's housed in a durable aluminum chassis as well, so it's not only sturdy, but it's protected from the elements and any potential drops or spills you might have here and there. It has plenty of built-in ports as well, with a 40Gbps USB4 port, dual Gbps Ethernet options, and more. So even if you have multiple things to add to your setup, you can do so easily.

If you're tired of dealing with large desktop cases and want to give yourself some more room, this is a great way to do it, especially at this price.

When we first tested Sora, the new AI video app from OpenAI, we noted that the app's social feed was full of memes depicting Martin Luther King Jr.

And on Thursday, OpenAI announced that it has now paused the ability for users to create AI-generated videos featuring the likeness of the civil rights icon. In the year 2025, deepfakes like this are a well-known problem, and it's a frankly predictable issue to arise.

The move comes after critical comments from the King family, who objected to offensive depictions of the American hero on Sora.

OpenAI wrote in a statement on X:

"The Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr., Inc. (King, Inc.) and OpenAI have worked together to address how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s likeness is represented in Sora generations. Some users generated disrespectful depictions of Dr. King’s image. So at King, Inc.'s request, OpenAI has paused generations depicting Dr. King as it strengthens guardrails for historical figures.

While there are strong free speech interests in depicting historical figures, OpenAI believes public figures and their families should ultimately have control over how their likeness is used. Authorized representatives or estate owners can request that their likeness not be used in Sora cameos."

The Washington Post reported King's likeness was being used in a variety of racist ways. For example, some videos depicted MLK making monkey noises during his "I Have A Dream" speech and wrestling activist Malcolm X. Popular YouTuber Hank Green also railed against Sora 2, notably referencing a video of MLK doing the 6-7 meme in a particularly crass version of AI slop.

SEE ALSO: What does '6-7' mean? Here's why kids are saying 'six, seven' over and over.

Dr. Bernice King, King’s daughter, posted on Instagram asking people to "please stop" using AI to create fake recreations of her father, concurring with Robin Williams' daughter, Zelda, who recently spoke up about this issue as well.

While Sora users may no longer be able to create videos of MLK — at least for now — it seems clear that AI deepfakes of famous people will be an ongoing issue.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 17, the Nothing Phone (3) is on sale for only $699 as a Lightning Deal at Amazon. That's 13% off its list price and its biggest discount to date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Phone (3) $699 at Amazon
$799 Save $100 Unlocked, 256GB Get Deal

If you're in the market for a new phone and want something a bit different than the usual suspects, the Nothing Phone (3) is the quirky handset you've been searching for. And as of Oct. 17, it's down to its best price ever.

Usually $799 for the base model, you can pick up an unlocked Nothing Phone (3) with 256GB of storage for just $699 at Amazon. That's 13% off the list price and its biggest discount on record since its July debut. As a Lightning Deal, the discount will disappear once all units have been claimed or the deal timer runs out — whichever comes first. So if you want to secure the best price, we suggest adding it to your cart ASAP.

The UK-based tech startup Nothing is known for its eccentric products that deliver flagship-like experiences at relatively affordable prices. And the Nothing Phone (3) is no exception. Its unconventional design features three misaligned camera lenses on the back with a glyph interface that uses a pixel-based circular window to do things like tell the time, operate a stopwatch, or even play games with you.

Its specs are solid for a phone at this price: Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, 6.7-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB RAM, 50MP cameras, 15-hour battery life. It's not going to blow you away by its performance, but it will offer something iPhone and Samsung don't: a fun, unique user experience that's unlike anything else. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) tested out the Nothing Phone (3) and called it "the company's best yet, thanks to its beautiful screen, strong performance, capable cameras, and standout design."

A U.S. government entity is pleading with customers to stop using certain NordicTrack home rowing machines. The recall affects about 44,800 rowing machines, the vast majority of which were sold to U.S. customers.

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission (or CPSC) issued a recall statement this week alerting consumers to a fire hazard caused by some iFit home workout equipment from NordicTrack. According to the CPSC, the specific machines in question are black, grey, and white, and have "NordicTrack" written in black on the front part of the device. On the back, you should see "RW900" written in white.

The screen console on these machines may overheat and ignite, potentially causing personal injury or property damage.

"There have been eight reported incidents including two reports of fire, six reports of smoking or melting, and at least $6,000 in property damage. No injuries have been reported," the CPSC statement reads.

SEE ALSO: Anker adds 5 more power banks to its recall list

If you want to get more specific, here are the model numbers of each unit that has been identified as a hazard. You can find the model number on a decal on the lower portion of the machine:

• NTRW19147.0

• NTRW19147.1

• NTRW19147.2

• NTRW19147.3

If you own one of these machines, the CPSC says to immediately unplug and stop using it. You should also call iFIT (which makes the screens for NordicTrack) and ask for an authorized technician to come and replace the screen module for you.

Be safe out there, folks. Your workout isn't worth burning down the house.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 17, get the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for just $199, bringing them under $200. Shop Bose's open earbuds for $100 off and 33% savings at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open earbuds $199 at Amazon
$299 Save $100   Get Deal

The earbud dichotomy used to be wired and wireless, then things leveled up with the addition of active noise cancellation. Now the earbud field is crowded with sleep earbuds and now, open earbuds. The latter, offers transparent sound, ideal for those exercising outdoors or anyone wanting to be more aware of their surroundings. And Bose makes one of our favorite pairs.

As of Oct. 17, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are down to $199. That's their lowest price ever, knocking $100 off its MSRP and saving you 33%.

The Bose Ultra Open earbuds clip onto ears like an ear cuff, and despite their transparent audio, they still deliver clear, rich sound. When we tested the Bose Ultra Open, we rated them our pick for best upgrade pick among open earbuds, as their $299 price tag was just a little steep. Luckily, the Bose Ultra Open just hit their lowest price ever.

Shop the Bose Ultra Open earbuds for $199 at Amazon and save $100.

For too long, playing Santa for the holidays has been man's work. But that stops with My Secret Santa. Alexandra Breckenridge plays the jolly gift-giver in red in this daffy Netflix romantic comedy whose trailer begins by channeling Mrs. Doubtfire.

Yes, in that much-loved Robin Williams movie, a father of three sought to get closer to his kids — and pay his bills — by masquerading as a warm and British nanny named Euphegenia Doubtfire. In My Secret Santa, screenwriters Carley Smale and Ron Oliver gender-bend this premise with a Christmas-y twist for some fresh fun.

When a single mom (Breckenridge) needs some extra work to get her teen daughter the gift she wants most, there's only one solution: becoming a Santa for a luxury ski resort. With the help of prosthetic make-up, a white wig and matching beard, and a seasonal make-over, she's ready to brave the crowds of kids and parents to make her holiday wish come true. But what she couldn't have predicted is a handsome bachelor catching her eye, and complicating this unusual double life.

From Mike Rohl, director of The Princess Switch trilogy, My Secret Santa is sure to delight fans of holiday rom-coms — especially those who loved Mrs. Doubtfire and even the flirting in Disney's Mulan. Ryan Eggold, Tia Mowry, Madison MacIsaac, and Diana Maria Riva co-star in this nutty offering, coming soon.

My Secret Santa debuts on Netflix on Dec. 3.

SAVE $249: As of Oct. 17, the 13-inch Apple iPad Air (M3, 512GB, WiFi + Cellular) is on sale for just $999.68 in the starlight colorway at Amazon. That's 20% off its list price and the lowest price on record for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, 512GB, WiFi + Cellular) $999.68 at Amazon
$1,249 Save $249.32   Get Deal

The M3 iPad Air — one of our favorite tablets of 2025 — saw some impressive discounts earlier this month for Prime Big Deal Days. But most of those record-lows were on the WiFi-only models. If you were hoping to score the M3 iPad Air with WiFi and cellular connectivity, as well as beefed up storage, your patience has been rewarded with a new price drop.

As of Oct. 17, you can get the 13-inch Apple iPad Air in starlight with the M3 chip, 512GB of storage, and WiFi and cellular connectivity for only $999.68. Not only is that 20% savings and the first time it's dipped below $1,000, but it's the lowest price on record. That's also cheaper than the list price of the 256GB configuration.

Besides an upgrade in processing power from the M2 to the M3 chip, the 2025 iPad Air has a boosted battery life (over 14 hours), a more advanced Magic Keyboard (optional add-on), and pass-through charging. While it's not a major upgrade from the previous generation, that's not necessarily a bad thing. We loved the M2 Air as well.

While the M4 iPad Pro (and undoubtedly the new M5 iPad Pro) is also great, it's a bit overkill for the majority of folks. The M3 Air hits the sweet spot for streaming, reading, creative projects, work, and more. We think it's the best iPad choice for most people, especially now that you can pick up one with boosted storage and cellular connectivity for under $1,000.

Meta has unveiled its plan to address teen use of its AI characters: More content guardrails and expanded parental oversight.

In addition to new moderation controls designed to reflect PG-13 movie ratings, announced earlier this week, parents will be able to access summaries of teen chat use, limit their children to specific AI avatars, or block their child from interacting with AI companions completely.

Teen Accounts will still be allowed to interact with Meta's AI assistant if they are blocked from conversing with AI avatars, the company noted.

SEE ALSO: Instagram Teen Accounts: Is it just PR?

In August, Meta announced a temporary lockdown on its AI avatars after an investigation by Reuters found that the company's chatbots were able to engage young users in "romantic or sensual" conversations, impersonate celebrities in flirtatious exchanges, and generate sexually suggestive images. At the time, Meta spokesperson Stephanie Otway told TechCrunch the products were being trained not to engage in conversations about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating, or potentially inappropriate romantic conversations. Meta formalized the guardrails a month later, drawing a line between allowing a subject to discuss a subject — such as abuse or intimacy between fictional characters — and the chatbot's ability to "describe, enable, or encourage it."

OpenAI announced similar controls for ChatGPT that same month, with additional limits on the bot's voice chat, chat memory, and image generation. Both approaches to teen AI oversight require young users to sign up for supervised accounts and parents to proactively monitor their children's chat use.

"We believe AI can complement traditional learning methods and exploration in a way that feels supportive, all with the proper age-appropriate guardrails in place," the company wrote in a blog post. "We recognize parents already have a lot on their plates when it comes to navigating the internet safely with their teens, and we’re committed to providing them with helpful tools and resources that make things simpler for them, especially as they think about new technology like AI."

The new AI companion controls won't be available to supervising accounts until early next year, and will roll out exclusively to Instagram accounts in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia before expanding to other countries and Meta platforms.

SAVE 39%: As of Oct. 17, you can get the Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop for $549.99, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 39% discount and $350 in savings.

Roborock Qrevo S5V $549.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $350   Get Deal at Amazon

As the proud (and tired) owner of two beagles, my floors are in a constant state of chaos. Between the shedding, the muddy paw prints, and whatever treasures they decide to drag in from our walks, keeping things clean is a full-time job. A robot vacuum and mop combo has always been on my wishlist, and this deal on the Qewvo S5V might be the thing that finally gets me to commit.

SEE ALSO: What's the best robot vacuum and mop combo? After testing at home, I have 5 picks that actually scrub.

As of Oct. 17, you can get the Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop for $549.99, down from $899.99, at Amazon. That's a 39% discount and $350 in savings. While this isn't a new deal (we saw it at this price around mid-September), it's still a really solid price if you're looking for a high-end robot vacuum that can actually mop, not just drag a wet cloth around.

The Qrevo S5V has dual spinning mop pads that mimic hand-mopping and features a little extendable arm (the FlexiArm) to get right into corners and along edges — places most robot mops miss. Plus, it lifts its mops 10mm when it detects carpet, so you don't end up with soggy rugs.

For vacuuming, you'll get 12,000Pa suction and a zero-tangle brush system that's certified to handle pet hair (without clogging). And the all-in-one dock is truly hands-off: it empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mops, and refills the water tank automatically.

SAVE $90: As of Oct. 17, shop the Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station for just $169. That's the power station's lowest price ever, saving you $90 for 35% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 300 $169 at Amazon
$259 Save $90   Get Deal

Even if the colder months are slowing down your outdoor adventures, it doesn't mean you're not thinking about the next trip. In fact, fall and winter is a great time to take stock of your equipment and upgrade where needed. If you find yourself in need of a new power station, let us point you in the direction of the Jackery Explorer 300.

Right now, the Jackery Explorer 300 power station is down to $169. According to Camelcamelcamel, that beats its previous low price of $189. This deal saves you $90 off its $259 MSRP, bringing it to 35% off. But what's so special about the Jackery?

This portable power station is truly portable, weighing just seven pounds and measuring nine inches long and seven inches tall. It has 300 watts of power and can recharge to 80% in just two hours. For outlets it includes two AC outlets, one PD 60W USB-C port, one fast-charge 3.0 port, one USB-A port, and 1 DC car port. All of those ports and the power it stores can charge up to six devices. Not to mention you can recharge the power station with solar.

Shop the Jackery Explorer 300 power station now for just $169 at Amazon.

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 17, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329, down from their usual price of $429. That's a discount of 23% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100   Get Deal

Ready to grab a new pair of headphones? There are tons of options out there, but in our opinion, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra cans are some of the best, especially from Bose. They're on sale now for an excellent price, and it would be a good idea to lock in a pair before they go back up.

As of Oct. 17, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $329, down from their usual price of $429. That's $100 off and a discount of 23%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: We tested the best headphones and earbuds for working out

These headphones come with thick, plush ear cups, a comfortable band that doesn' dig into your head, and some of the best noise cancellation you'll find in a pair of over-the-ear headphones. They also support Bose Immersive Audio, which is spatial audio support that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of your favorite song. There's also CustomTune tech, which can calibrate sound to fit your ears specifically.

In terms of noise-cancelling, they support three modes: Quiet, Aware, and Immersion, so you can choose how much of the real world you want to let in while you're listening: a little, or a lot. Plus, the built-in mic sounds great while making calls in addition to the audio from taking them. And with a 15-minute charge topping you up to 2.5 hours of playtime, you can listen to your heart's content before having any interruptions.

If you're ready for a comfortable and practical pair of headphones, take the plunge with this Bose model. It's a decision you'll be glad you made.

Izzy Roland's independent film D(e)ad is truly a family affair.

An actor and comedian known for her work with Dropout and The Sex Lives of College Girls, Roland wrote D(e)ad based on an idea from her mother, Claudia Lonow. Lonow, who starred in Knots Landing and was the showrunner for projects like Showtime's Rude Awakening, went on to direct the film. The mother-daughter pair also stars alongside Roland's grandparents and Lonow's parents, Mark Lonow and JoAnne Astrow; Roland's stepfather and Lonow's husband, Jonathan Schmock; and Roland's husband, Brennan Lee Mulligan.

SEE ALSO: 'Good Boy's dog, Indy, and filmmakers play Choose Your Squad

The family focus behind the camera extends to the actual plot of D(e)ad. Roland plays Tillie, a young woman working through a complicated relationship with her father, Daniel (Craig Bierko). When Daniel passes away unexpectedly, his ghost pops up in the mirrors of everyone in his family. Everyone, that is, except for Tillie. What follows is a charming portrait of a dysfunctional family, and the many different ways in which its members work through the grief that literally haunts them.

In a Say More interview with Mashable Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards, Roland delved into the process of making D(e)ad alongside her mother, starting with Lonow giving her the idea in the first place.

"This was originally an idea for a TV show that was about this mother character whose husband dies, and then she's haunted by him — just her — in the mirrors. She called it My Crappy Soulmate," Roland explained. "I thought that idea was really cool, and thankfully we have a relationship and she was working on something else where she was able to be like, 'Yeah, sure, write it.'"

As for actually making a film alongside her family and close friends, Roland described the experience as completely rewarding — and not far off from her usual creative process.

"I am friends with the most talented people in the entire world, thankfully, so that is a place that I feel pretty comfortable," Roland said. "It's not without its complications, but it's definitely somewhere that I like to be."

Watch our full Say More video to learn more about Roland's experience writing and filming D(e)ad, why she decided to go the independent film route, and what Real Housewives taglines each of D(e)ad's characters would have.

You can find a list of upcoming D(e)ad screenings on the film's website, where you can also request a screening near you.

D(e)ad will also play at the Lower Manhattan and Downtown Los Angeles Alamo Drafthouse locations from Nov. 14 to Nov. 20.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you have a sweet tooth.

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 October 17, 2025 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: Illustrating a point

• Green: Mementos

• Blue: Fictional characters

• Purple: Outdoor jargon

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

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

• Yellow: Used during a presentation

• Green: Items in a souvenir shop

• Blue: Folktale characters

• Purple: Weather terms

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 #859 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Used in a presentation: CLICKER, LASER POINTER, PROJECTOR, SLIDES

• Items in a souvenir shop: FIGURINE, KEY RING, MAGNET, POSTCARD

• Folktale characters: CHICKEN LITTLE, JACK, THUMBELINA, TOM THUMB

• Weather terms: BEAUFORT SCALE, DEWPOINT, HEAT INDEX, WIND CHILL

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 October 17, 2025

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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you know a lot of fun facts.

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 October 17, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 17, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Gait keeping

The words are related to a movement.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things to amusing locomotion.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Silly Walks.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 17

• Scuttle

• Caper

• Cavort

• Prance

• Silly Walks

• Traipse

• Galumph

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've seen Mean Girls.

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 October 17, 2025 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 October 17, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Unpleasant.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GROSS

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 17, 2025

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 today's Wordle.

SAVE OVER $2: As of Oct. 17, the Pokémon TCG White Flare Binder Collection is $49.98 at TCGPlayer, compared to $52.78 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company White Flare Binder Collection $49.98 at TCGPlayer
$52.18 Save $2.20   Get Deal

The White Flare Binder Collection is perfect for kicking off your Unovan Illustration Rare and Secret Art Rare collection, which is a long road by the way. Each Pokémon found in Pokémon Black and White 1 and 2 has either one or the other, so everyone is getting the full art treatment. Imagine how amazing your binder will look with a collection like that?

Whilst Black Bolt and White Flare is a stunning end to the Scarlet and Violet Pokémon TCG era, everyone has their eyes on Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames. I'm focusing on Black Bolt and White Flare right now, which has some of the highest value cards in the Scarlet and Violet era which you can pull or buy separately right now (see below).

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

The White Flare Binder Collection is a Reshiram-themed soft binder with six pockets on each page with five booster packs. At this price it's worth it if you're after a unique-looking binder, and even if you're not, it's still not a bad price when thinking about the single booster pack prices at the moment.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're just interested in pulling the big guys in this set, it's going to cost you hundreds of dollars if you're lucky. Don't get me wrong, some people have ridiculous mythical powers and could pull a Black-White Rare on their first pack, but don't bank on that happening. Buying singles is a good way to hedge your bets against ripping boosters.

Here's the top chase cards in Black Bolt and White Flare alongside their market value, current pricing, and last sold price to give you a bigger picture:

1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $431.98
   Market price: $446.04
   Most recent sale: $549.99

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $390
   Market price: $432.16
   Most recent sale: $400

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $378.27
   Market price: $398.49
   Most recent sale: $377

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
   Market price: $369.17
   Most recent sale: $353.21

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210.99
   Market price: $208.89
   Most recent sale: $200

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $180
   Market price: $178.19
   Most recent sale: $175

SAVE OVER $5: As of Oct. 17, the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Binder Collection is $50.89 at TCGPlayer, compared to $55.94 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Black Bolt Binder Collection $50.89 at TCGPlayer
$55.94 Save $5.05   Get Deal

Every Unovan Pokémon from the fifth generation of Pokémon games (Black and White 1 and 2) either has an Illustration Rare, Special Illustration Rare, or a ridiculously rare Black White Rare. My 10-year old Pokémon League-rocking self wouldn't believe what I was seeing with so much stunning artwork in one set.

Black Bolt and White Flare is a stunning end to the Scarlet and Violet Pokémon TCG era. Everyone has their eyes on Mega Evolution / Phantasmal Flames, but I'm focusing on Black Bolt and White Flare right now, which has some of the highest value cards in the Scarlet and Violet era (more on that below).

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

In this Black Bolt Binder Collection trainer will find a Zekrom-themed soft binder with six pockets on each page with five booster packs. It's a cheap and cheerful way to start collecting the set in style.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you're looking to collect the higher-end cards of this set, all the luck in the world to you. The problem is the top chase cards are rarer than usual due to how many Illustration Rare cards are in Black Bolt and White Flare, so it might work out cheaper to just buy the single Pokémon cards you'd like. Here's the top chase cards in Black Bolt and White Flare to get you started:

1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $431.98
   Market price: $446.04
   Most recent sale: $549.99

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $390
   Market price: $432.16
   Most recent sale: $400

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $378.27
   Market price: $398.49
   Most recent sale: $377

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $367.95
   Market price: $369.17
   Most recent sale: $353.21

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $210.99
   Market price: $208.89
   Most recent sale: $200

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $180
   Market price: $178.19
   Most recent sale: $175