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Car theft in the United States hit a decades-long low in 2025, a 23% drop from 2024, according to the latest data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require some sports and pop culture knowledge.

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.

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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.

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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: 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: NFC North

• Green: Allegedly an East Coast-based conference

• Blue: Too many Jalens in the NBA

• Purple: Caps. financial or fashionable

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: An NFC North Athlete

• Green: An ACC Athlete

• Blue: Ja(y)lens in the NBA

• Purple: ___Cap

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 #601 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• An NFC North Athlete: BEAR, LION, PACKER, VIKING

• An ACC Athlete: CAVALIER, EAGLE, HOKIE, MUSTANG

• Ja(y)lens in the NBA: BROWN, BRUNSON, DUREN, GREEN

• ___Cap: BASEBALL, GUARDIAN, RALLY, SALARY

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.

When I first started setting up my smart home, I focused on Wi-Fi devices. They were easy to set up, and I didn't need any equipment other than the router I already owned. If I had my time over again, I'd do things very differently.

Most online Excel tutorials are obsessed with flashy new functions, complex formulas, or clever hacks that solve simple problems in overly complicated ways. But the real upgrade isn't new or exciting at all. Excel tables are old, unglamorous, and one of the most powerful features in the ribbon—and they'll transform how you work.

At this point in time, if your PC still has certain ports, it's officially too old. But that doesn't mean that those ports (and your PC by extension) weren't genius in their own right, or that they weren't (in some ways) better than USB.

TL;DR: T-Mobile has dropped new deals on the latest iPhones. Score the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and more for free right now at T-Mobile.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro Free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan. Shop Now

There's a battle going on right now to offer you the most competitive mobile deals. The likes of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are constantly dropping new deals in an effort to tempt you into switching, and that includes offers on the latest iPhones.

In fact, T-Mobile has just dropped a new batch of live iPhone deals that are particularly tempting:

• Apple iPhone 17e — free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number on most plans.

• Apple iPhone 17 — free when you switch and trade in an eligible phone on an Experience More or Experience Beyond plan.

• Apple iPhone 17 Pro — free when you trade in an eligible phone in any condition on an Experience Beyond plan.

The value of these iPhones is applied as 24 monthly credits to your bill, so you're still paying for the phone but you're getting paid back in full over time. We should also note that you do need to pay taxes and a $35 device connection fee with these offers, but that's always the case with this type of limited-time mobile deal.

The latest iPhone lineup is seriously impressive, with something for everyone.

In Mashable's review of the iPhone 17, Stan Schroeder said it's an "excellent phone that matches the iPhone Pro models in many ways that matter." When Schroeder took a close look at the iPhone 17e, he said: "The iPhone 17e is a decent upgrade over its predecessor, and a good choice if you want the cheapest new iPhone you can get."

Upgrade to the iPhone 17 lineup for free with T-Mobile.

When Lexus launched its LS 400 sedan in 1989, it introduced a new car with a new philosophy: deliver levels of refinement normally reserved for European luxury manufacturers, beat them on price, and back it with a level of quality the industry hadn't seen before. That philosophy underscores every Lexus product to this day, including the LX, the brand's full-size flagship SUV.

Most Excel users never look beyond the ribbon, which means they miss some of the app's most powerful workflow tools. From live-updating dashboard snapshots to hidden shortcuts that prevent data-entry mistakes, these four off-ribbon features will completely change how you use Excel.

I have a cloud-synced calendar on my phone and computer, which I use to track work, plans, and reminders. I figured Home Assistant's built-in calendar was surplus to my requirements.

As someone who has watched a lot of television over her twenty-something years, I’ve noticed a trend in the industry: many comedic actors, who were primarily known for sitcoms, sketches, or other hilarious work, have shifted into dramatic roles. While this isn’t necessarily a new thing, it’s still intriguing to see the difference in the actors' style — and just be in complete awe of their talents.

Homelabbing is a great way to escape an ever-increasing number of subscription services, and there are dozens of great free and open-source self-hosted alternatives out there. However, there is some software that is worth paying a one-time fee for, especially if you're looking for a setup that minimizes tinkering.

The ESP32 is a cheap microcontroller that powers sensors, toys, communication devices, and all manner of low-power electronics. It’s a favorite among hobbyists thanks to its versatility, price, and excellent software and hardware support.

Adobe has had a stranglehold on photo editing for a long time, and for most people, that means paying a monthly subscription for tools they may not fully use. The alternatives that exist tend to either cap out at basic adjustments or fall apart once your files get large enough. DaVinci Resolve was already the best free video editing software, but now it has got an upgrade.

It can be scary to leave the Apple ecosystem, but whatever your personal reasoning may be, I drew on my experience as a headphones and earbuds tester to ease the transition. For the purposes of this guide, I focused on the AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro 3. (If you want alternatives to the AirPods Max or AirPods Max 2, might I suggest any other pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones? I promise you'll get better bang for your buck).

SEE ALSO: AirPods Max 2 vs. Sony WH-1000XM6: Which headphones win?

After going back through testing notes and existing reviews, I came away with three options for the best AirPods alternatives: the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and the EarFun Air Pro 4.

It can be scary to leave the Apple ecosystem, but whatever your personal reasoning may be, I drew on my experience as a headphones and earbuds tester to ease the transition. For the purposes of this guide, I focused on the AirPods 4 with ANC and AirPods Pro 3. (If you want alternatives to the AirPods Max or AirPods Max 2, might I suggest any other pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones? I promise you'll get better bang for your buck).

SEE ALSO: AirPods Max 2 vs. Sony WH-1000XM6: Which headphones win?

After going back through testing notes and existing reviews, I came away with three options for the best AirPods alternatives: the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and the EarFun Air Pro 4.

TL;DR: The AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription is on sale for $15.97 (reg. $169.99) through May 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT and covers up to nine devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02   Get Deal

If constant pop-ups, autoplay videos, and banner ads are making the internet feel more annoying than useful lately, an ad blocker can make a noticeable difference. What you need is the AdGuard Family Plan. Its family lifetime subscription is on sale for $15.97, discounted from $169.99, through May 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

AdGuard is great for people who are tired of incessant ads disrupting everyday browsing. Whether you’re trying to watch YouTube videos without interruptions, read articles without giant pop-ups covering the screen, or shop online without trackers following you afterward, this ad-blocking software creates a cleaner, less cluttered experience up across your devices.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The Family Plan covers up to nine devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, so households can use it across phones, laptops, and tablets under one subscription.

Along with blocking ads, AdGuard also includes tracker protection, phishing and malware safeguards, and parental controls. That added layer of privacy may appeal to families looking to cut down on both distractions and data collection while browsing. Parents can also restrict adult content on shared devices for younger users.

Mashable regularly covers tools that help simplify digital life, whether that means productivity apps, cybersecurity software, or privacy-focused tech. If you’ve already explored browser upgrades or online security tools, this deal lands in a similar category of practical quality-of-life improvements.

One of the more appealing parts of this offer is the lifetime access. Instead of adding another monthly subscription to your budget, you pay once and keep access permanently, including future updates.

For anyone frustrated with ads slowing down websites, interrupting videos, or cluttering nearly every corner of the web, the AdGuard Family Plan may be worth a look while it’s discounted to $15.97 (reg. $169.99) through May 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

TL;DR: The AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription is on sale for $15.97 (reg. $169.99) through May 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT and covers up to nine devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02   Get Deal

If constant pop-ups, autoplay videos, and banner ads are making the internet feel more annoying than useful lately, an ad blocker can make a noticeable difference. What you need is the AdGuard Family Plan. Its family lifetime subscription is on sale for $15.97, discounted from $169.99, through May 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

AdGuard is great for people who are tired of incessant ads disrupting everyday browsing. Whether you’re trying to watch YouTube videos without interruptions, read articles without giant pop-ups covering the screen, or shop online without trackers following you afterward, this ad-blocking software creates a cleaner, less cluttered experience up across your devices.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The Family Plan covers up to nine devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, so households can use it across phones, laptops, and tablets under one subscription.

Along with blocking ads, AdGuard also includes tracker protection, phishing and malware safeguards, and parental controls. That added layer of privacy may appeal to families looking to cut down on both distractions and data collection while browsing. Parents can also restrict adult content on shared devices for younger users.

Mashable regularly covers tools that help simplify digital life, whether that means productivity apps, cybersecurity software, or privacy-focused tech. If you’ve already explored browser upgrades or online security tools, this deal lands in a similar category of practical quality-of-life improvements.

One of the more appealing parts of this offer is the lifetime access. Instead of adding another monthly subscription to your budget, you pay once and keep access permanently, including future updates.

For anyone frustrated with ads slowing down websites, interrupting videos, or cluttering nearly every corner of the web, the AdGuard Family Plan may be worth a look while it’s discounted to $15.97 (reg. $169.99) through May 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is on sale for $9.97 (reg. $199) through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT and includes a lifetime license with upgraded security, multitasking, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

If your computer’s been dragging lately — slow load times, awkward multitasking, outdated features — an operating system upgrade might be just what you need to give it new life, no new hardware required. Grab Microsoft Windows 11 Pro while it’s on sale for just $9.97 (reg. $199), through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Windows 11 Pro is all about smoother performance and a better experience, especially if you’re still on an older version. The interface is cleaner and easier to navigate, but the big upgrade happens behind the scenes. Snap layouts, virtual desktops, improved search, and seamless redocking make multitasking way less of a hassle, whether you’re working, studying, gaming, or doing a bit of everything.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Windows 11 Pro includes tools such as TPM 2.0 support, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, and biometric login protection to help guard against malware and unauthorized access. For business users or anyone handling sensitive information, those built-in protections may make the upgrade worthwhile on their own.

Gamers and creative users also get access to DirectX 12 Ultimate, which helps newer games and graphics-heavy applications run more smoothly by maximizing your hardware performance. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s built-in AI assistant, Copilot, can help summarize web pages, answer questions, generate writing ideas, and assist with coding tasks directly within Windows.

If your laptop still works but just feels dated, upgrading the operating system is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to breathe new life into it. It’s a smart move if you’re looking to stretch your device’s lifespan without spending a fortune on new hardware.

You’ll need at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage to run Windows 11 Pro. And since this is a lifetime license for one device, it can’t be transferred to another computer down the road.

If you’re hoping to revitalize an older PC without dropping hundreds on upgrades, Windows 11 Pro is just $9.97 for a limited time through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is on sale for $9.97 (reg. $199) through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT and includes a lifetime license with upgraded security, multitasking, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

If your computer’s been dragging lately — slow load times, awkward multitasking, outdated features — an operating system upgrade might be just what you need to give it new life, no new hardware required. Grab Microsoft Windows 11 Pro while it’s on sale for just $9.97 (reg. $199), through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Windows 11 Pro is all about smoother performance and a better experience, especially if you’re still on an older version. The interface is cleaner and easier to navigate, but the big upgrade happens behind the scenes. Snap layouts, virtual desktops, improved search, and seamless redocking make multitasking way less of a hassle, whether you’re working, studying, gaming, or doing a bit of everything.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Windows 11 Pro includes tools such as TPM 2.0 support, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, and biometric login protection to help guard against malware and unauthorized access. For business users or anyone handling sensitive information, those built-in protections may make the upgrade worthwhile on their own.

Gamers and creative users also get access to DirectX 12 Ultimate, which helps newer games and graphics-heavy applications run more smoothly by maximizing your hardware performance. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s built-in AI assistant, Copilot, can help summarize web pages, answer questions, generate writing ideas, and assist with coding tasks directly within Windows.

If your laptop still works but just feels dated, upgrading the operating system is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to breathe new life into it. It’s a smart move if you’re looking to stretch your device’s lifespan without spending a fortune on new hardware.

You’ll need at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage to run Windows 11 Pro. And since this is a lifetime license for one device, it can’t be transferred to another computer down the road.

If you’re hoping to revitalize an older PC without dropping hundreds on upgrades, Windows 11 Pro is just $9.97 for a limited time through May 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best HBO Max deals and bundles in May 2026: Best Disney+ Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Hulu Bundle Deal Hulu and HBO Max Bundle Add HBO Max from $10.99/month Get Deal Best Student Deal HBO Max Student Save 50% on HBO Max Basic With Ads Get Deal

Looking for some exciting new films or shows to watch this spring? HBO Max is the place to find them. With a new season of Euphoria dropping weekly on the platform and a brand new season of House of the Dragon coming in June, there's plenty to watch right now.

If these have caught your eye, the good news is that HBO Max has a few different bundles available at the moment that are worth checking out, including a popular bundle with Disney+ and Hulu. With streaming prices on the rise, a bundle like this can be a great way to save some cash while retaining access to your favorite services.

SEE ALSO: How Sydney Sweeney surprised Trisha Paytas during her 'Euphoria' cameo

Alongside bundles, we've also broken down HBO Max's standard plans in case you're interested in its service on its own.

Best Disney+ bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle $19.99/month with ads, $32.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu bundle is a top-tier choice for those looking to have access to some of the biggest streaming services around. Starting at $19.99 per month, this bundle grants you access to Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max's streaming services for a much lower price than what you'd pay for them on their own. If you've already got Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, this bundle is worth every cent. If you're interested, there are two plan options to choose from:

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (with ads) — $19.99 per month (save 42%)

• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (no ads) — $32.99 per month (save 41%)

Best Hulu bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu and HBO Max Bundle Add HBO Max to your Hulu base plan from $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not interested in the Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max mega bundle, you can just get Hulu and HBO Max together if you already have a Hulu base plan, which starts at $11.99 per month. HBO Max Basic with Ads can be added onto your plan for $10.99 per month, or you can splash out on the HBO Max Standard plan for $18.49 per month.

• Hulu with HBO Max add-on — from $10.99 per month

Best student deal Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student Discount Students save 50% on HBO Max Basic With Ads Get Deal Why we like it

It's always nice when streaming services have a deal for students, and HBO Max's offer is definitely worth taking advantage of. Students who can verify their status with UNiDAYS are eligible to get the HBO Max Basic With Ads plan for just $5.49 per month. That's a 50% discount off its $10.99 monthly price. After verifying your status, you'll receive a unique code that can be used to redeem the discounted plan on HBO Max.

• HBO Max Student Discount — $5.49 per month (save 50%)

HBO Max's monthly plans

HBO Max offers a few different subscription plans. If you don't mind having to sit through ads, HBO Max's Basic With Ads plan starts at $10.99 per month or the annual plan runs for $109.99 per year. If you can't stand ads and don't mind throwing down a bit more cash, the Standard plan will cost you $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year. If you really want to go big on an HBO Max plan, you can spring for the fancy Premium plan, which costs $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year.

Below we've broken down what comes with each of these plans, per HBO Max's website, so you can know a bit more before you buy.

Basic With Ads — $10.99 per month, $109.99 per year

• Stream on two devices at once

• Full HD 1080p resolution

Standard (Ad-free) — $18.49 per month, $184.99 per year

• Stream on two devices at once

• Full HD 1080p resolution

• 30 downloads to watch on the go

Premium (Ad-free) — $22.99 per month, $229.99 per year

• Stream on four devices at once

• 4K Ultra HD video quality (as available)

• Dolby Atmos immersive audio (as available)

• 100 downloads to watch on the go

If you're wondering where to start once you've set yourself up with a HBO Max subscription, we've got an excellent selection of recommendations to point you in the right direction. Looking for a great TV show to kickstart your next binge-watching session? Have a look through our roundup of the 20 best TV shows streaming on HBO Max. Or if you prefer movies, we narrowed down the 25 best movies on HBO Max to make your next movie night a spectacular one.