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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025:

AcrossOnly U.S. president born in the month of September

• The answer is Taft.

"I'll ___ it" ("Fine, I guess")

• The answer is Allow.

Material for a reusable diaper

• The answer is Cloth.

Land of Seoul and Pyongyang

• The answer is Korea.

One might be "Forever"

• The answer is Stamp.

DownMetal pins on a bulletin board

• The answer is Tacks

Separate into portions

• The answer is Allot.

Fauna's counterpart

• The answer is Flora.

___ pole (symbolic carving)

• The answer is Totem.

Sound from a fly swatter

• The answer is Whap.

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

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

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

TV specs are notoriously confusing to people who don't test them for a living. Luckily, we happen to know some people who actually do test TVs for a living: Ty Pendlebury, CNET's TV and home video editor, and Will Greenwald, PCMag's home theater and AR/VR expert. CNET and PCMag are both owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis, and both have dedicated labs for testing TVs.

SEE ALSO: If dark scenes are too dark on your TV, play around with these settings

TL;DR: Live stream Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions for free on 5Action. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

With just a few weeks left of the NFL season, both the Steelers and Lions are aiming to keep themselves in playoffs contention. The Steelers are in the hunt for a playoffs spot, currently placed as the No. 4 seed, while the Lions could bump themselves into a better position with a win over Pittsburgh.

On paper the teams look evenly matched — both are currently at 8-6 — but the Lions have faced tougher competition. They're placed third in NFC North while the Steelers are at the top of AFC North with the same record.

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The Lions took a loss last week to the Rams so are looking to get back on track — and they've got a home record of 5-2, so should have a home field advantage. Pittsburgh won't roll over easily though, with eyes on a third straight win.

If you want to watch Steelers vs. Lions in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Steelers vs. Lions?

Buffalo Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions takes place at 4.25 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This fixture will be played at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

How to watch Steelers vs. Lions for free

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 5Action.

5Action is geo-restricted to the UK, but you can access this free streaming platform from anywhere by using a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, allowing you to unblock 5Action from anywhere in the world.Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with 5Action

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Steelers vs. Lions and other NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns for free on TVNZ+. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's Week 16 in the NFL and there's a big game lined up on the road for the Buffalo Bills. Currently at 10-4 and set to clash with the Cleveland Browns, the Bills are in the hunt for the playoffs as the No. 6 seed.

The Browns are at 3-11, so their season is a write-off — they're just playing for pride at this point. The stakes are high for the Bills though as they look to take the top spot from the Patriots in AFC East.

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If you want to watch Bills vs. Browns in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Bills vs. Browns?

Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This fixture will be played at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

How to watch Bills vs. Browns for free

Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns in the NFL is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but you can access this free streaming platform from anywhere by using a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, allowing you to unblock TVNZ+ from anywhere in the world.Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with TVNZ+

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Bills vs. Browns and other NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos for free on 7Plus. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's south vs. west in this Sunday Football fixture, as the Jacksonville Jaguars travel to the Denver Broncos. The teams are respective division leaders in AFC South and AFC West. With the Jaguars at 10-4 and the Broncos at 12-2 this could serve as a taster for the postseason.

The Jaguars are in solid form thanks to a five-game winning streak. But the Broncos will be seriously tough competition. They're unbeaten in 10 games and have already clinched their second consecutive playoffs appearance.

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If you want to watch Jaguars vs. Broncos in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Jaguars vs. Broncos?

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos takes place at 4.05 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This fixture will be played at the Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

How to watch Jaguars vs. Broncos for free

Jaguars vs. Broncos in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone around the globe can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in Australia, allowing you to unblock 7Plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with 7Plus

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Jaguars vs. Broncos and other NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers for free on 7Plus. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Sunday Football features an intriguing battle in Week 16, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers clash over control of NFC South. Carolina are currently top on a technicality but the franchises are evenly matched this season with a record of 7-7 each.

This game will decide the top spot and both teams are looking to bounce back after blowing leads and taking losses in Week 15. The teams are due to play each other again in Week 18, so a win could secure a psychological advantage for that fixture too.

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If you want to watch Buccaneers vs. Panthers in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Buccaneers vs. Panthers?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This fixture will be played at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How to watch Buccaneers vs. Panthers for free

Buccaneers vs. Panthers in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone around the globe can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in Australia, allowing you to unblock 7Plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with 7Plus

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Buccaneers vs. Panthers and other NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: For a limited time, score a lifetime subscription to 1minAI for $74.97 and get access to an all-in-one AI toolkit.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $74.97
$540 Save $465.03   Get Deal

If you’re bouncing between subscriptions just to write, design, edit, or get basic work done, you’re basically running a full-time membership circus. And let’s be honest — all those monthly charges add up faster than anyone wants to admit.

Check out this lifetime subscription to 1minAI on sale for $74.97 — it’s a single platform packed with the tools you’d normally need a bunch of apps to accomplish. From content writing and image editing to data analysis, 1minAI has you covered — all in one convenient spot.

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1minAI makes it easy to handle a variety of tasks with a user-friendly setup, so you’re not wasting time hopping between different tools. It includes everything from AI-driven writing assistance to design and photo editing options, letting you switch between projects without the constant app shuffle. Plus, 1minAI gives you 4,000,000 credits each month, plus the chance to earn up to 450,000 extra credits monthly, giving you plenty of space to test, create, and explore without worrying about extra fees.

While AI tools are incredibly helpful, they aren’t perfect — and 1minAI is straightforward about that. You’ll get support with drafting, designing, and brainstorming, but human editing and oversight can bring your projects to the next level. Think of it as an AI sidekick that keeps things running smoothly, while you remain the creative mastermind.

Simplify your creative process and boost efficiency with 1minAI’s Business Plan lifetime subscription — all for $74.97 (reg. $540), with no monthly fees.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: My Notes AI Pro gives you unlimited transcription, instant AI summaries, meeting recording, and smart organization across iPhone, iPad, and Mac — for a one-time $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: My Notes AI My Notes AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription - AI Note Transcriber & Summarizer $39.99
$299 Save $259.01   Get Deal

If “Get more organized this year” is at the top of your mental to-do list, this might be the easiest win of the upcoming new year. My Notes AI Pro takes everything you wish note-taking apps would do and actually does it.

And since the lifetime subscription is just $39.99 (reg. $299), it’s a simple upgrade that pays off every time you open your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

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Think of My Notes AI as your always-on assistant for meetings, lectures, interviews, brainstorms — basically anything that requires your attention. The app handles unlimited transcription, whether you’re recording live audio or uploading files after the fact, and transforms them into clean, readable notes with zero effort on your end.

Mac users get an especially slick perk: Effortless Meeting Recording. Audio from Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, or other apps can be captured automatically — no bots, no clunky plugins.

Once you’ve got your transcription, My Notes AI does the heavy lifting. You can convert long conversations into instant, concise summaries that highlight key points and next steps. And thanks to smart folder organization, your notes stay neatly categorized by project, date, or topic.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or anyone trying to tame a chaotic workflow, this app may become your new secret weapon.

One lifetime license, unlimited productivity. Get lifetime access to My Notes AI Pro while it’s just $39.99 (reg. $299) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

One thing about tech these days: there aren't enough buttons. Our phones and tablets are all touchscreen, and even e-readers have lost their buttons. That's why I love the Kobo Libra Colour so much. It's one of the few e-readers that still features page-turning buttons since the Kindle Oasis was discontinued. Since Kobo understands the value of a button, it's no surprise that it's the first e-reader maker to launch a page-turning remote.

Page-turning remotes for e-readers are the hottest accessory. They're especially coveted in the colder months when all you want to do is keep your hands under a blanket but still be able to read your book. On Dec. 2, Kobo launched its very own remote, making a device that's native to its e-readers.

As a lover of the page turner I got for my Kindle, I was thrilled to try out Kobo's new remote. And guess what? Amazon better watch out and start working on a Kindle remote — stat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Remote $29.99 at Kobo
  Shop Now The best remote page turner — Kindles better watch out

The most popular remote page turners for e-readers are two pieces: one piece clips onto the side of the e-reader, and the other is the actual remote to turn the pages. Kobo ditches that design and is just a standalone remote that connects via Bluetooth to Kobo e-readers. Additionally, where most remotes have only one button, the Kobo Remote has two. One moves pages forward and a second turns pages back.

The top button on the Kobo remote turns pages forward while the bottom button turns the page back. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Kobo nailed the design of the remote. Having both page forward and back buttons is so clutch. Other remotes have only a single button, so if I accidentally click forward a few pages, to go back, I have to tap the screen. However, the Kobo allows you to do both, meaning your hands don't need to leave the blankets once.

The remote also stays connected between sessions. Other e-reader remotes require you to reconnect every time you use them, but the Kobo remote stays connected, just like a TV remote stays connected to your TV.

All this to say, Kobo nailed its e-reader remote right out of the gate.

Perfectly designed for a comfortable hold and no screen interference The Kobo Remote has a slightly curved design to fit nicely in your palm. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Beyond the buttons, the Kobo Remote measures just under four inches in length. It has a slight bend to it, replicating the curve of your palm. It's very comfortable to hold, even for extended periods of time. I put my Kobo Libra Colour on my bedside stand and used the remote to read for a few hours, never experiencing fatigue while holding it.

Because the device connects to Kobo e-readers via Bluetooth, you don't need a separate clip to turn the page. This means that, unlike most page turners, there's no screen interference.

It won't work with Kindles

Most page-turning remotes you can buy will work with any e-reader or tablet, as they're made mainly by third-party manufacturers and not by the e-reader manufacturers themselves. Since the Kobo Remote is the first remote designed by an e-reader maker and the best-designed remote thus far, I wanted to see if it would work with a Kindle.

The answer — no. Whomp whomp. I tried to connect the Kobo Remote to my Kindle's Bluetooth settings, but unfortunately, even when the remote was in pairing mode, my Kindle couldn't find the device. So until Amazon gets it together and makes its own Kindle remote, you're stuck using a third-party remote.

Should you buy the Kobo Remote? Put your Kobo e-reader in a stand, grab the remote, and get cozy this winter. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you're a Kobo e-reader owner, you should absolutely buy the Kobo Remote. It conveniently connects to the device and is the best-designed remote out there. The curved design of the remote will help prevent hand cramps during extended reading sessions, and with its two included buttons, you can easily turn to the next page or go back a page.

The Kobo Remote costs $29.99. You can find page-turning e-reader remotes ranging from $15 to $35, which technically puts it toward the upper end of the market. That being said, I think it's a great value at $29.99, given its stellar design and functionality. It's the best-designed page-turning remote I've tested, and at $29.99, it's a great value.

Amazon better watch out because Kobo has mastered the page-turning remote. While we usually prefer Kindles over Kobo e-readers, the brand's new remote gives its e-readers a leg up.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kobo Kobo Remote $29.99 at Kobo
  Shop Now

Sometimes, the most thoughtful holiday gift is the practical one. Electric car drivers will tell you that a reliable charging solution for their vehicle is priceless. Though electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common in the U.S., the charging infrastructure still hasn’t fully caught up. The at-home electric-vehicle charging market, in particular, has been stuck in a frustrating place, with consumers being forced to choose between durability, compatibility, performance, installation, and price.

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

To chew.

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

CHOMP

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To break

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

SPLIT

Hurdle Word 3 hint

No animal products.

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

VEGAN

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Striped cat.

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

TIGER

Final Hurdle hint

To get rid of.

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

PURGE

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: Live stream Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The festive NBA action continues with Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls. Both sides are hovering around the middle of the Eastern Conference standings, with eyes on avoiding the play-in. They'll need to string together a good patch of form to make the playoffs, and that starts with this busy period of games.

If you want to watch Hawks vs. Bulls in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Hawks vs. Bulls?

Hawks vs. Bulls in the NBA starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 21. This game takes place at the State Farm Arena.

How to watch Hawks vs. Bulls for free

Hawks vs. Bulls in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure

• Fast connection 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 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

The Moon is finally starting to come back into view, which means we're in a new lunar cycle. It will now be getting bigger and brighter each night as we work towards the next Full Moon.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Dec. 21, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent (if you're in the U.S). According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 2% of the moon will be lit up tonight. With so little of the Moon illuminated, there’s still nothing to see on its surface tonight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. This is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:

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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love a cuppa.

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 December 21, 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: A kettle

• Green: Book haven

• Blue: To come up

• Purple: To fall

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Features of a teapot

• Green: Library sections

• Blue: Arise

• Purple: ___ Drop

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 #924 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Features of a teapot: HANDLE, LID, SPOUT. STRAINER

• Library sections: CIRCULATION, PERIODICALS, REFERENCE, STACKS

• Arise: EMERGE, FLOW, ISSUE, RESULT

• ___ Drop: AIR, EAVES, GUM, RAIN

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 December 21, 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 yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you like it just right.

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 December 21, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 21, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Big bad wolf

The words are related to books.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a popular children's story.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Three Little Pigs.

NYT Strands word list for December 21

• Huff

• Three Little Pigs

• Puff

• Sticks

• Blow

• Down

• Bricks

• Straw

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love to knit.

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 December 21, 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 December 21, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A thick blanket.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter Q.

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...

QUILT

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 December 21, 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 yesterday's Wordle.

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When the holidays roll around, one festive flick is at the top of many people's to-watch lists: Home Alone. And for good reason! However, its sequel should also be a priority, seeing as it's the better choice.

We've all done it—waited until the very last minute to do our holiday shopping, thanks to the convenience of modern internet-powered shopping. Online retailers even give us little indicators to show whether an item will arrive in time for Christmas. Heck, they might even wrap it for you.

When people talk about the best used sedans, the conversation usually sticks to the usual suspects: Honda Accord, maybe a Mazda6, and a few German picks from people who haven’t paid for a water pump in years. But one car quietly flies under the radar—cushioned, unbothered by the crossover craze, and built to last.