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The AI revolution is here, and it's already changing the world. AI has shaken up the labor market, supercharged stocks and shares, and flooded the internet with memes (of varying quality). But did you know it's also rewiring the world of online dating?

Large language models (LLMs) have put the power of sophisticated chatbots into the hands of ordinary people, including ordinary scammers, leading to a massive surge in fake profiles and bots taking over dating sites. Now, online dating isn't just about being witty or taking a great selfie; it's also about spotting AI-generated writing or photographs to avoid being scammed every other match. 

That said, the same AI technology has made it much easier and more affordable for dating apps and sites to enforce moderation policies. Indeed, some dating apps have actually harnessed AI to improve the user experience. See how Bumble uses AI to weed out spammers and scammers, for instance. In other cases, AI helps refine matchmaking or acts like a "digital wingman" by helping you improve your profile. This kind of AI can suggest which photos to share or even pick out potential matches based on your online dating history and past preferences.

But not everyone wants their online dating experience to be infiltrated by AI trickery. If you're suspicious of the technology or just want a break from the AI revolution, we're here to help. Here are three AI-free hookup apps.

3 hookup apps without AI featuresFeeld

Billed as a "dating app for the curious" and the place "where curiosity meets connection". Feeld allows you to find anything you're looking for, and even some things you didn't know to look for. Feeld also stands out from the crowd by rejecting the algorithm-driven swiping frenzy that has become the standard on so many other apps. It prefers to function like an online house party where you might strike up a convo with anyone who catches your fancy. 

As of this writing, Feeld has not yet embraced AI, and if its CEO is to be believed, they don't have any plans to, either. 

Pure

Pure, the "open-minded dating app," is designed for short-term fun, with an emphasis on anonymity and "turn-ons" and kinks, which are prominently displayed. It's also bucked the carousel-style matchmaking trend made popular by Tinder.

There are two main ways to connect with potential matches: You'll either be shown one profile at a time, forcing you to properly assess each person for compatibility, or you can opt for the "Devil's Bones" gamble, which drops you into an anonymous chat with a total stranger, adding an extra layer of excitement.

If you're sick of the indirect approach of most dating apps and want to avoid AI's influence in the algorithms, Pure is a great, straightforward alternative.

AdultFriendFinder

If you're really anti-AI, you're probably safest sticking with AdultFriendFinder, not because it has any ethical or philosophical objections to artificial intelligence, but because its site architecture has hardly changed in the 25+ years since its founding. 

Even better, AFF doesn't have an algorithm-based matchmaking system. Instead, it allows you to search for people based on criteria like their location, gender, age, or favorite kinks, or create online communities and discussion boards where you can meet like-minded people and start conversations organically. The only thing to note is that, while the site doesn't use AI, there are plenty of AI bots floating around. But that shouldn't matter — as long as you know how to navigate and avoid them.

If you don't like the idea of artificial intelligence playing a role in your hookups, the above three apps and sites are a great way to resist the technological tide.

If the weather plays nice, NASA plans to launch its next flagship space observatory today, and viewers can watch the coverage live online from home. 

NASA and SpaceX are targeting the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope no earlier than 7:26 a.m. ET on Aug. 30 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The infrared telescope's ride, a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, will lift off from the historic Launch Complex 39A pad, the same that sent Apollo 11 and the maiden voyage of the Space Shuttle into orbit. 

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

Roman, with a lifecycle cost of about $4.3 billion, combines Hubble-like sharpness with a field of view at least 100 times larger, allowing scientists to map billions of galaxies, probe dark energy and dark matter, and discover exoplanets at an unprecedented scale. 

The telescope sees the universe in infrared light, which human eyes cannot see. Its wide surveys let astronomers track how structures, such as stars, galaxies, and galaxy clusters, grow over time, as well as measure how the universe expands. 

Mission planners expect Roman images from a major survey to include more than 2 billion galaxies and, over time, reveal tens of thousands of supernova explosions and many new planets. 

SEE ALSO: NASA's Roman telescope is built to find what Hubble and Webb miss

On launch day, NASA plans a full suite of coverage. The U.S. space agency will stream commentary and views of the rocket on NASA TV and its Youtube channel, beginning at 6:20 a.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30. Simultaneously, viewers can monitor live updates on the Roman launch blog. 

Or, you can bookmark this story, and watch the event unfold live at the broadcast below: 

Members of the public can also sign up to be "virtual guests" of the launch. The program sends launch information, notices about schedule changes, and a digital stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport afterward. 

As the launch provider, SpaceX also plans to provide live launch coverage from its website and on X, the social platform also owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk. 

• Want more science and tech news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Light Speed newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

After separation from the rocket, Roman heads for the second sun–Earth Lagrange point, or L2, about 1 million miles away from Earth. This is also the James Webb Space Telescope's home. From there, the mission teams plan a five-year primary science phase, with a goal of operating for 10 years. 

Each launch window for the mission is instantaneous, meaning the rocket must lift off at an exact second. Even a minor delay on the launch pad requires a complete cancellation for the day. That strict time constraint is based on orbital geometry and physics. 

If for any reason NASA must postpone or scrub the launch, there is a backup opportunity at 7:22 a.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 31.

The best REI Labor Day deals at a glance: Best camping deal REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent $197.39 (save $131.61) Get Deal Best watersports deal Bote Wulf Aero Inflatable Paddle Board with Paddle $399.99 (save $179.01) Get Deal Best apparel deal Darn Tough Socks sale prices start at $14.19 Get Deal

Summer camping is out. Fall camping is in. According to the temperatures, camping in September, October, and maybe even November could be more comfortable and enjoyable than summer adventures. Whichever you prefer, a great camping adventure requires great gear, and REI has been a longtime leader in providing the essentials we need.

Just in time for cooler temps, the REI Labor Day Sale is packing in the deals on camping gear like tents and camp chairs. There are also great discounts on watersport toys like kayaks and SUP. If your old clothing items are getting worn out, take advantage of 25% off all Darn Tough socks or get some new kicks while saving 25% with Keen and Altra.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day outdoor deals let you stock up on camping and backyard gear for less: Shop Coleman, Yeti, and Ninja

In addition to these sales, tons of REI's own brand items are also 25% off. If you've never tried out REI Co-op items, I can't recommend them enough. They often rival competitor items but cost a fraction of the price. Here are some of the best deals to shop during the REI Labor Day Sale.

Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent (Earthen Grey) $197.39 at REI
$329 Save $131.61   Get Deal Why we like it

The REI Half Dome 2 Tent has been a favorite among the outdoor crowd for generations. If you could use the upgrade and you don't have your heart set on a particular colorway, the Earthen Gray option is on sale for a huge 40% off during the REI Labor Day Sale. The tent is easy to set-up thanks to the color-coded poles, and it comes with a protective rainfly and a durable footprint.

Best watersports deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bote Bote Wulf Aero Inflatable Paddle Board with Paddle $399.99 at REI
$579 Save $179.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Getting out on the water during a crisp fall morning is the ultimate form of refreshment. The Bote Wulf Aero SUP will take you out on the lake in comfort, and the design is great for beginners. The $399.99 sale price includes everything you need for an on-the-water adventure, including the Aero repair kit, hand pump, travel bag, and coiled leash.

TL;DR: Live stream Safiullin vs. Alcaraz in the 2026 U.S. Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 U.S. Open is up and running, and all eyes will be on the return of Carlos Alcaraz. We're sorry Sinner, but nobody gets the people going like Alcaraz.

The second seed faces off against Safiullin in the first round. Fans will expect a confident win from the Spaniard, but he's been out of action for some time, and a shock result could be on the cards.

If you want to watch Safiullin vs. Alcaraz in the 2026 U.S. Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Safiullin vs. Alcaraz for free

Safiullin vs. Alcaraz in the 2026 U.S. Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can stream the 2026 U.S. Open for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 U.S. Open for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Australia

4. Connect to 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 U.S. Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Roland-Garros without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2026 2026 U.S. Open before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Australia

• 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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan 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 $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Safiullin vs. Alcaraz in the 2026 U.S. Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Marseille vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Ligue 1 returned last week with the first batch of games from the 2026/27 season. And it's been a promising start for Olympique de Marseille, who hammered opponents Strasbourg 4-0 in the first game of the season. Monaco could prove tougher opposition this week. Indeed, Monaco look to be in good form after beating Le Havre 1-0 in their opening match. This is definitely one to watch.

If you're interested in watching Marseille vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Marseille vs. Monaco?

Marseille vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 kicks off at 2:45 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the Stade Louis II.

How to watch Marseille vs. Monaco for free

Marseille vs. Monaco in Ligue 1 is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Marseille vs. Monaco for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Marseille vs. Monaco for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Marseille vs. Monaco for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Marseille vs. Monaco without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Ligue 1?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Marseille vs. Monaco for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with the French Open or Wimbledon, but you could feel the absence of Carlos Alcaraz. We missed his all-action style, his passion, and his rivalry with top seeds. Fans will be desperately hoping he's back to defend his US Open title, and the good news is that he's officially on the entry list.

Barring any late injuries, we should finally get to see Alcaraz in a Grand Slam singles draw. Of course, that's not the only story. Sabalenka will be looking to defend her title against a host of talented players, including Americans like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Questions will also be asked of Zverev and Djokovic as they look to bridge the gap to the game's biggest stars.

If you want to watch the 2026 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the US Open?

The US Open Tennis Championships (or US Open) is a hardcourt tennis tournament held annually in Queens, New York. It is the fourth and final of the four Grand Slams, held after the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

The defending singles champions are Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka.

When is the 2026 US Open?

The 2026 US Open is the 146th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from Aug. 30 to Sept. 13.

How to watch the 2026 US Open for free

The 2026 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 US Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the US Open without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the entire tournament before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the US Open?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Australia

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 80% off for a limited time. This plan 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 $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 US Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Napoli vs. Como in Serie A for free on SportyNet. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Serie A is back for another weekend of action. The 2026/27 season has only just kicked off, so it's too early to say which team looks the best so far, but Napoli are always one to watch — they placed second last season and won the league title the season before that. They also opened up this season with a 2-0 win over Genoa and are now looking to make it two wins in a row when they host Como.

If you're interested in watching Napoli vs. Como in Serie A from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Napoli vs. Como?

Napoli vs. Como in Serie A kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

How to watch Napoli vs. Como for free

Napoli vs. Como in Serie A is available to live stream for free on SportyNet.

SportyNet is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Napoli vs. Como for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Napoli vs. Como for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit SportyNet

5. Watch Napoli vs. Como for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Napoli vs. Como without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Serie A?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SportyNet, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Napoli vs. Como for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

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

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

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

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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

A lack of judgment.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

FOLLY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A small wind instrument.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 30, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

KAZOO

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A thick chocolate.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 30, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Aug. 30, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FUDGE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

More unique.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

RARER

Final Hurdle hint

A jacket flap.

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

LAPEL

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: Watch Real Madrid vs. Málaga in La Liga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

La Liga returns today with another selection of top fixtures. The biggest matchup in today's lineup sees the Real Madrid all-star team — which includes Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior — face Málaga.

It's still early days, but Real Madrid are already firmly focused on winning their first league title in three years. And the campaign is off to a good start after an opening-game win against Espanyol and a confident victory over Real Sociedad. Málaga, on the other hand, are looking for their first three points of the season.

If you're interested in watching Real Madrid vs. Málaga in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. Málaga?

Real Madrid vs. Málaga in La Liga kicks off at 11 a.m. ET on Aug. 30. This fixture takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Málaga for free

Real Madrid vs. Málaga in La Liga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, 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 Brazil, meaning you can live stream Real Madrid vs. Málaga for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Málaga for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

4. Visit CazéTV

5. Watch Real Madrid vs. Málaga for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Real Madrid vs. Málaga without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Real Madrid vs. Málaga for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You don't need lots of fancy equipment to get a good look at the Moon. A clear sky can be enough to reveal plenty of detail across its surface. So, what could you see when you look up tonight? Keep reading to find out.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, Aug. 30, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in Waning Gibbous phase, with 95% of its surface visible.

Tonight with just your naked eye, you'll be able to see the Mare Serenitatis, the Copernicus Crater, and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you do have viewing equipment, such as binoculars, you'll also see the Mare Frigoris, the Archimedes Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. If you have access to a telescope, you'll also be able to see the Apollo 15 and 16 landing spots, and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on September 26.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon's appearance changes throughout the month as it moves through its different phases. It takes roughly 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full cycle as it orbits Earth, according to NASA. The phase we see depends on the Moon's position relative to the Sun and Earth, which determines how much of its sunlit side is visible to us. Over the course of the cycle, the Moon changes from a slim crescent to a half Moon and eventually a Full Moon, before beginning the process again.

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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you're a fan of baseball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Moves with grace

• Green: Defensive sets

• Blue: French soccer

• Purple: Spurs

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Agile

• Green: Football Defensive Terms

• Blue: Ligue 1 Clubs

• Purple: San Antonio Spurs

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #706 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Agile: ATHLETIC, LIMBER, LUTHE, SPRIGHTLY

• Football Defensive Terms: 4-3, COVER 2, NICKEL, PREVENT

• Ligue 1 Clubs: ANGERS, LENS, LILLE, NICE

• San Antonio Spurs: CASTLE, CHAMPAGNIE, VASSELL, WEMBANYAMA

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

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

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

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

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 30, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for August 30, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for August 30 Pips

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 1-2, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for August 30 Pips

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically; 2-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed vertically.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for August 30 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 1-0, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.

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

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 August 30, 2026 Cadbury meaning

A famous British chocolate.

Energized meaning

Amped up.

Playboy meaning

A popular adult magazine.

Trix meaning

A colorful cereal brand.

Gymnasium meaning

A large indoor sports room.

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

Health club meaning

A membership-based fitness center.

Rec center meaning

An accessible fitness center.

YMCA meaning

A community resource center.

Aerator meaning

A piece that adds air to something.

Corkscrew meaning

A tool used to remove corks from bottles.

Decanter meaning

A glass bottle used to hold alcoholic drinks.

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Stopper meaning

A plug to close a bottle opening.

Alias meaning

A fake name.

Outlaw meaning

A criminal.

Reward meaning

An incentive for doing something (well).

Wanted meaning

Desired.

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.

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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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love a vineyard.

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 August 30, 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: Work up a sweat

• Green: Pour a glass

• Blue: "Hop in!"

• Purple: Wild Wild West

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Exercise facilities

• Green: Wine accessories

• Blue: Brands with bunny rabbit mascots

• Purple: Words on an old west wanted poster

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 #1176 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Exercise facilities: ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, ENGINE, RADIATOR

• Wine accessories: CHOPPED, GREEK, HOUSE, WEDGE

• Keyboard keys: CONTROL, ESCAPE, SHIFT, SPACE

• Starting with figures from Greek myth: AT LAST, HERALD, HYDRANT, TRITONE

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 yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're never satisfied.

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.

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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 August 30, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hardly eager

The words are feelings related to dislike.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe not being a fan of something.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is I'd Rather Not.

NYT Strands word list for August 30

• Loath

• Reluctant

• I'd Rather Not

• Averse

• Unwilling

• Hesitant

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 yesterday's Strands.

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

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 August 30, 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 August 30, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Secret information.

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 I.

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

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...

INTEL

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 yesterday's Wordle.

Waze packs a lot of personality and utility into its phone app, but a chunk of that gets left behind once you plug into Android Auto. Here are three features that still don't make the jump.

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