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TL;DR: Create stunning AI images, videos, and avatars with this three-year subscription to the ARTA AI Premium Plan, now only $39.99 (reg. $119.99) with coupon code AI20.

Opens in a new window Credit: AIBY ARTA AI Premium Plan: 3-Year Subscription $40
$119.99 Save $79.99   Get Deal

It may not seem like it at first glance, but AI can actually give you the tools to express your creativity. Turn an idea into a professional-grade image in seconds with some help from ARTA AI. This tool helps you create images, videos, avatars, and photo edits easily, even if you have no prior design experience.

Right now, you can secure a three-year subscription to ARTA AI’s Premium Plan for just $39.99 with coupon code AI20.

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If you’re looking to create AI-generated images, your usual AI model probably leaves you hanging. That’s where ARTA AI comes in, offering an all-in-one content studio that lets your imagination run wild.

Whether you’re looking to create AI images and videos, avatars, or photo edits, ARTA can help you handle it all with no prior design or technical experience needed. All you have to do is grab your smartphone, provide an idea or a reference photo, and sit back and watch ARTA work. There are 45 art styles to choose from — from retro pop to anime — so there’s something for every aesthetic.

With ARTA, you can generate scroll-stopping content that you can use for social media posts, business reasons, or personal projects. It can make you everything from realistic, studio-quality portraits to AI-powered photoshoots and viral-ready videos, thanks to some help from top-performance AI models like Flux, GPT-4o, and Nano Banana.

You can edit whatever ARTA spits out — adding, removing, or replacing objects as you like. You can also enhance details and modify other visual elements right from your phone. ARTA also doubles as a platform for experimenting with AI fashion, makeup, and outfits.

Your subscription includes 500 credits every week to help you create whatever you’d like. Different creations take different amounts of credits, and your balance will automatically refresh at the end of each week.

There are over 15 million creators already taking advantage of ARTA’s tools. Join them all now with this three-year subscritpion to ARTA AI’s Premium Plan for just $39.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: If you need some help sending large files, take advantage of this one-year Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer subscription for just $39.99 (reg. $179).

Opens in a new window Credit: Drime Transfr Pro Fast & Secure File Transfer Subscriptions $39.99
$179 Save $139.01   Get Deal

Sending large files doesn’t have to be a headache. Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer keeps it easy, allowing you to send them quickly and professionally without sacrificing quality or control.

Right now, you can snag a one-year subscription and try out this service for just $39.99.

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You deserve better than a basic file-sharing service. Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer provides an optimized global infrastructure for quickly uploading and sending large files.

When you’re sending large files, reliability and privacy are top of mind. Transfr was created to provide both, with end-to-end encryption for transferred files and GDPR-compliant hosting. You can rest easy knowing this tool was built by the team behind Drime, a well-trusted European cloud storage platform.

With an unlimited transfer size, there are no restrictions. There’s also unlimited file storage for up to 60 days. You also don’t have to worry about compatibility — Transfr works in modern browsers with no desktop installation needed.

Aside from making the sending process simple, you’ll also get to take advantage of features like send and track analytics, which provide real-time information on views, downloads, visitor locations, and transfer activity. You can also use address book integration to send files faster without re-entering recipient details. If you want a more professional aesthetic, Transfr also offers custom branding.

Grab a one-year Transfr Pro Fast and Secure File Transfer subscription for just $39.99 (reg. $179).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Two's company, three's a crowd. And in this case, the third wheel in your relationship happens to be lurking in your back pocket. Yep, it's your phone.

We spend a great deal of time thinking about our relationship with our smartphones — our shame-inducing screen time, our inability to watch our favourite TV shows without second-screening, our over-reliance on AI to complete everyday tasks.

But, what about the role our phone plays in our relationships? Is your iPhone inadvertently creating friction in your once-harmonious union? Does your significant other secretly resent just how often you look at your phone when they're talking to you? Does your partner annoy you intensely when they lie in bed and scroll on their phone next to you?

It's no secret that we spend a lot of time on our phones. Research shows that couples spend over a quarter (27 percent) of their time together using their smartphones. Not only that: in the same study, researchers also found that when partners choose to interact with their phone instead of their significant other, it can decrease relationship satisfaction and wellbeing.

SEE ALSO: Dating apps feel broken. But these couples found love anyway.

The impact of tech on our relationships is something we shouldn't ignore. 35 percent of people say that being on their phone makes them feel less willing to be intimate with a partner, according to research by sex toy brand Lovehoney. For millennials, that figure is even higher — 45 percent of whom feel this way.

I spoke to psychotherapists and couples counsellors to find out which of our phone habits could be damaging our relationships.

Reaching for your phone after sex

Reader: it happened to me. I was lying in bed with a man after getting intimate. We were both naked, our legs entwined. Usually, this is a time for deep chats, laughter, and softness. But, instead of enjoying this moment of tenderness, he reached for his phone and began scrolling. Any closeness that I'd felt in that moment immediately evaporated. The moment was gone.

My experience is not unique — 25 percent of people are reaching for their phone straight after sex, according to Lovehoney research.

Matthew Bernarda, licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) at Twelve South Recovery, advises against using your phone after intimacy. "This is the moment of greatest vulnerability between two partners. When one of them immediately reaches for the phone that moment does not end naturally," says Bernarda. "It is abruptly interrupted. The partner without the phone feels ignored and feels like that moment was less important than the notification that just arrived. Unfortunately, what I see in practice is that that feeling is remembered for a very long time."

"This is the moment of greatest vulnerability between two partners."

Bernarda adds: "The most expensive thing you can give your partner costs nothing. It is your full presence. And ironically the thing that is stealing it fits in your pocket."

Phubbing

The term "phubbing" is a portmanteau of the words phone and snubbing and it refers to the act of ignoring your partner to scroll on your phone instead. Phubbing can show up in various forms: answering phone calls or scrolling on one's phone during a conversation, texting others while you're in the middle of quality time together, or checking social media. You might not even realise you're doing it, but it can leave your partner feeling unimportant, ignored, disconnected and even disrespected.

"Even the smallest distractions from communication can make another person feel ignored," says Bonnie Lambert, LMFT at Crestview Recovery.

Lambert says "partial attention" in relationships can cause problems even if it's unintentional. "It is possible to be physically in one place, but mentally somewhere else, which can slowly erode the emotional bond between people," she says.

Natasha Davalt, licensed associate marriage and family therapist, says "micro-disconnection" is a big problem in relationships. "It is not about a single event, but rather an ongoing one, where a person keeps checking the phone in the middle of a conversation, does not really listen, and responds slowly," says Davalt. "After a while, this will signal to the other person a competition for their attention, thus losing connection."

Featured Video For You My awkward first date with an AI companion Checking your partner's phone without permission

Trust is foundational in relationships. Bernarda says reading your partner's messages without permission is the digital version of going through their pockets.

"It ruins trust in a relationship and it shows that the person going through the phone is looking for proof that everything is okay," he says. "But here is the thing. The act of going through the phone is proof itself that something is wrong. And that something has nothing to do with the phone."

Repeated monitoring of a person's online communication is a coercive control behaviour. If you feel unsafe and have been experiencing coercive control, call the National Domestic Violence Helpline (U.S.) 800.799.SAFE (7233). If you're based in the UK, call 0808 2000 247.

Parallel scrolling for hours on end

I happen to be a fan of spending time in companionable silence — that delicious shared quiet where neither person feels the need to talk because you're so comfortable with one another. And sometimes, that harmonious comfort can take the form of parallel scrolling, both of you dissociating as you have a bit of time on TikTok or Insta. In short bursts, it can be lovely.

"...the illusion of closeness..."

But clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Glazer, co-founder of U.S. Therapy Rooms, advises against parallel scrolling for hours on end.

"The majority of couples I have worked with as a clinical psychologist did not start out with phone usage as an issue within their relationship; however, it is how many couples will allow themselves to use their phones that may ultimately be the downfall of their relationship," he says.

If parallel scrolling goes on for too long, it allows both individuals to "into separate digital world for hours."

"In psychological terms, parallel scrolling allows the partners to create the illusion of closeness while at the same time decreasing the emotional connection between them," he says. "Over time, many couples begin to stop sharing random thoughts, laughter, or brief periods of intimacy due to the lack of spontaneity created by digital distractions."

Using your phone to avoid conflict

It's not fun having difficult conversations. And for the conflict-avoidants in the room (hi!), our phones can become a crutch; a means to avoid getting into the nitty gritty of it all.

"The phone has also become a shield," says Kendall Maloof, who holds a PhD in clinical psychology and is clinical director at Eagle Creek Recovery. "When partners need to have an uncomfortable conversation, in most cases, one of them reaches for the phone."

Using your phone like this means you're physically present but emotionally unavailable. "What I find interesting as a therapist is that in most cases, the partner who does this is not even aware that they are doing it. It is simply a learned defense mechanism that activates every time the situation becomes uncomfortable," says Maloof.

What to do instead

Now that I've told you what NOT to do, with therapists' advice, it would only be fair to give you some alternatives. Here are a few small, achievable tweaks that can make all the difference in your relationship.

• If you and your partner enjoy parallel scrolling, consider giving yourself a finite window of time before stopping and doing something else.

• Lambert says "one of the healthiest things a couple could do is to find ways to set apart time each day without their phones." You could try not using phones at mealtimes, keeping phones out of the bedroom, or scheduling dedicated quality time sans phones. Davalt echoes this, recommending setting up phone-free periods, even if they're just short breaks.

• After sex, avoid reaching for the phone. Enjoy the closeness between you and your partner.

• If you notice that you've been on your phone a lot, don't beat yourself up. Instead: turn to your partner and ask them a question about your day.

• "When your partner talks to you, physically put your phone down, turn towards them and make eye contact," says Ruta Drungilaite, founder of A Twist of Date, which specialises in creative date night ideas.

• When your partner enters a room or returns home, acknowledge them or greet them instead of continuing to look at your screen, suggests Drungilaite.

• "Say good morning to your partner before you check your phone," Drungilaite adds.

JLo once sang "my love don't cost a thing" (banger). And she was right. Some of the most valuable things in a relationship are time and attention. Give them to your partner, not your phone.

The best Memorial Day portable power station deals at a glance: Best overall deal Anker Solix C1000 $449.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best waterproof portable power station Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $899.10 (save $99.90) Get Deal Best power station deal for creators DJI Power 1000 V2 $386.10 (save $42.90) Get Deal

If you go by the calendar, the official start of summer is June 21. But we won't hear anything of the sort. We prefer to celebrate the unofficial start, aka Memorial Day weekend. And as the season turns to outdoor activities and adventures, now's the time to think about upgrading any relevant tech and devices — the kinds of things to get the fun going all summer long.

If you've yet to jump on the portable power station bandwagon, this is the moment to do it. Camping season is very nearly here, so it's worth snagging a powerful model to stay fully charged. It'll keep your phone juiced up, along with Bluetooth speakers, laptops, and anything else you might need on that camping trip. You can also use the electric air pump for the inflatables before hitting the beach or pool.

The great news is that Memorial Day not only marks the unofficial start of summer, it also means a whole bunch of deals and discounts as retailers jump aboard the festivities with sales. We've rounded up all the best discounts we could find on power stations below.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 $449.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 here.

For weekends at the campground, it's impossible to go wrong with the Anker Solix C1000. It has 1,056Wh of capacity for keeping your phones charged up and for plugging in the string lights. If you're feeling like more of a glamping experience, pack along the coffee maker and air fryer for comforts from home and easy camping meals. Unlike plenty of models, the Anker Solix C1000 has a built-in LED light which is excellent for both visibility for getting your devices plugged into the ports but also for illuminating the campsite.

Best waterproof portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra $899.10 at Amazon
$999 Save $99.90   Get Deal Why we like it

If your summer camping trips might involve wet weather, head out with the waterproof Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra. Rare for portable power stations, it comes with an IP65 waterproof and dust-proof rating. That means it'll hold up to light splashes or sitting near a pile of sawdust in the work shed.

Best portable power station deal for creators Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $386.10 at Amazon
$429 Save $42.90   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the DJI Power 1000 V2 here.

We're all familiar with DJI cameras, drones, and mics, but the brand has been building its lineup of portable power stations in the recent years. The DJI Power 1000 V2 comes with great features for creators, especially those who use DJI drones. The quick-charging SDC ports means super quick recharging of drone batteries.

Even if you're not a creator, the sale price of $386.10 is excellent for a portable power station that offers 1,024Wh of capacity. It also focuses on quiet operation which is great if you'll be using this at home during an outage in a bedroom at night.

More Memorial Day power station deals

• EcoFlow Trail 300 — $146.99 $249 (save $102.01)

• Anker Solix C300 — $169.99 $249.99 (save $80)

• EcoFlow River 3 — $195.99 $239 (save $43.01)

• Bluetti Elite 30 V2 — $218.98 $299 (save $80.02)

• EcoFlow River 2 Max — $289 $449 (save $160)

• Jackery Explorer 500 — $339 $449 (save $160)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 — $428.99 $799 (save $370.01)

• Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 —  $499.99 $799 (save $299.01)

• DJI Power 2000 — $719.99 $1,299 (save $579.01)

• EcoFlow Delta 2 with Smart Extra Battery — $797.98 $1,099.99 (save $302.01)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 V2 — $798.99 $1,499 (save $700.01)

• Bluetti Elite 300 — $1,098.99 $1,449 (save $350.01)

• Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,169 $2,499 (save $1,330)

• Anker Solix F3000 — $1,298.99 $1,699.99 (save $400.01)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,619 $2,799 (save $1,180)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus with 2x 200W solar panels — $2,148.99 $3,699 (save $1,550.01)

• Anker Solix F3800 Plus – $2,294.99 $2,699.99 (save $405)

The best Memorial Day mattress deals at a glance: Best mattress deal overall DreamCloud Classic Hybrid (Queen) $649 (save $1,243) Get Deal Best mattress deal for people with back pain Saatva Rx (Queen) $2,799 (save $650) Get Deal Best organic mattress deal Avocado Green Mattress (Queen) $1,359 (save $240) Get Deal Best bedding deal Quince Classic Organic Percale Deluxe Bedding Bundle (Standard) $146.01 (save $48.69) Get Deal

Memorial Day is one of the best times of the year to buy a new mattress — that's just a fact of life. Discounts during this extended holiday weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer, typically drop prices by $400 (or more in some cases), and brands love to throw in free add-ons — things such as pillows, sheets, and bedding bundles. It's gentle on your bank balance — not to mention your back, neck, and sense of relaxation.

SEE ALSO: Saatva is already taking $650 off luxury mattresses for Memorial Day

It's true that sleep is no place to place to cheap out. I recently upgraded to the Saatva Rx, which has been one the best decisions I've made all year. But while investing in a good bed is important, there's no reason to pay full price when with all these great a holiday discounts currently available. So, if your current mattress is sagging, overly springy, or you're just tired of waking up stiff as a board, now's the time to scope out the mattress deals and take advantage.

Best Memorial Day mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Classic Hybrid (Queen) $649 at DreamCloud
$1,892 Save $1,243   Get Deal Why we like it

The best deal you can get right now is on a DreamCloud. The brand's top-rated hybrid Queen mattress — which features six layers, a CloudQuilt quilted cover, cooling fiber technology, and 1 inch of "pressure-relieving" memory foam — is on sale for just $649 (!!) right now. Or, if you need a base and all, the company's basically giving away bundles. You can score a bundle that includes the mattress, an adjustable bed frame, and a full sheet set (pillows and all) for under $2K.

More Memorial Day mattress deals

• Amerisleep: Get up to $1,000 off all mattresses and 40% off bundles

• Bear: Get 35% off sitewide, plus $275 worth of free accessories

• Casper: Get up to 35% off select mattresses and 35% off bundles

• Coyuchi: Get 20% off sitewide

• Helix: Get 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

• Leesa: Get 30% off select mattresses

• Mattress Firm: Get up to 60% off select mattresses with Queens starting at $189.99

• Mattress Warehouse: Get up to 70% off select mattresses

• Nectar: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and 66% off bundles

• Nolah: Get up to 35% off select mattresses

• Plank: Get 30% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL30

• Purple: Get up to $900 off a mattress and a base

• Serta: Get up to $600 off select mattresses

• Siena: Get up to 60% off select mattresses

• Sleep Number: Get up to $1,200 off select mattresses

• Tempur-Pedic: Get 40% off the TEMPUR-Cloud mattress and Ease Power Base, plus a $200 instant gift, or save up to $500 on select adjustable mattress sets and get a $300 instant gift

• WinkBeds: Get up to 30% off select mattresses

Best Memorial Day mattress deal for people with back pain Opens in a new window Credit: Saatva Saatva Rx (Queen) $3,074 at Saatva
$3,449 Save $375   Get Deal Why we like it

I'm only 32, but because I live with endometriosis and interstitial cystitis, I experience back pain on the reg. Like, chronic, can't sleep, going to rip my hair out, back pain. This month, I decided to switch from Purple (my former go-to mattress brand) to Saatva, and I couldn't be happier. For someone with chronic, debilitating back pain, the Saatva Rx is the mattress to get, and right now, you can get it (or any mattress on the Saatva site) for $375 off.

Best organic Memorial Day mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avocado Avocado Green Mattress (Queen) $2,039 at Avocado
$2,399 Save $360   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're trying to be a little greener, Avocado is offering up to 20% off select mattresses, including its luxury mattress collection, and 15% off its Avocado Green Mattress (a best-seller). The Avocado Green Mattress is the "most certified organic mattress" and has a 4.5 average star rating with around 19,439 reviews. It's formaldehyde-free (you'd be surprised how many products contain this nasty stuff!), OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, and is available in five comfort levels. Of course, the price will vary depending on the size you get, but a Queen with a "medium" top will cost you $2,039 with the discount.

More organic mattress deals

• Essentia: Get 25% off sitewide plus a free, luxury sheet set (worth $749) when you buy the Dormeuse REM9 Active or Classic REM5 Active

• Birch: Get up to 25% off sitewide with code MEMDAY25

• Naturepedic: Get up to 20% off sitewide

• Plush Beds: Get up to 50% off select mattresses and free white-glove delivery, plus 25% off all toppers and bedding through May 18

Best bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Quince Quince Classic Organic Percale Deluxe Bedding Bundle (Standard) $146.01 at Quince
$194.70 Save $48.69   Get Deal Why we like it

Quince is one of my all-time favorite bedding brands. I love, love, love my bamboo sheet set — it's ridiculously soft, cooling, and feels oh-so-good against your skin. But that hotel-like quality usually comes at a premium, which is why I only own the one set. So whenever the brand has a sale, I want to shout it from the rooftops. Right now, you can save up to 25% when bundling some of Quince’s best-selling bedding, including their European Linen, Bamboo, and Percale collections.

More Memorial Day bedding deals

• Breescape: Get 30% off sitewide, plus 50% off Ivory Comforters

• Brooklinen: Get 25% off sitewide

• Cozy Earth: Get 25% off sitewide or 30% off your entire order when you buy three or more items

• Litanika: Get up to 27% off select bedding, plus 10% off your first order with code SOFTLIVING

• Mellanni: Get up to 30% off select sheet sets through May 31

• Parachute: Get up to 70% off sale and 25% off everything else

• PeachSkinSheets: Get 25% off sitewide through May 25 with code PATRIOTIC

• Riley Home: Get up to 25% off select bundles with code MEMORIAL25

• Silk&Snow: Get 40% off sitewide

Memorial Day is an important moment to mourn and honor deceased service men and women.

To mark this occasion, a number of popular restaurants and retailers offer freebies, food deals, and discounts over Memorial Day weekend. Some of these offers are exclusive to active-duty members and veterans, but some are available to everyone.

We've checked out everything on offer from 7-Eleven, Dunkin’, Subway, Starbucks, and more popular names. We'll be updating this list with any new free food deals that drop over the weekend.

SEE ALSO: Best Memorial Day deals at Amazon — Save $550 on Hisense TVs, $130 on Bose headphones Memorial Day 2026 food deals7-Eleven

On Memorial Day, customers can score $20 off $30+ delivery orders with the promo code MONDAY20.

Applebee’s

Score an All-You-Can-Eat meal for $15.99 at Applebee’s over Memorial Day weekend. This offer is valid for dine-in only.

Bojangles

Get a free strawberry cobbler with the purchase of a biscuit sandwich combo.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Save $10 on $50+ orders with the code MEMDAY85 online or in-app.

Dunkin’

Get 50 bonus points each day with purchases after 1 p.m. from May 25-31.

Fazoli’s

Get a complimentary whole pizza when you order a Fazoli’s Family Meal. To qualify, use the promo code Memorial26 on the online or in-app checkout. This offer is valid from May 22-27.

Firehouse Subs

Buy one sub and get another for 50% off at participating locations from May 22-25.

Grubhub

Grubhub+ members can score Memorial Day weekend deals from May 18-24:

• Starbucks: $10 off $20+ order

• Buffalo Wild Wings: BOGO Wings with $20+ order

• Wendy’s: Free Baconator with $20+ order

• Jack in the Box: BOGO 50% off Build Your Own Munchie Meal with $15+ order

IKEA

On Memorial Day weekend (May 23-25), IKEA is running free hands-on activities with complimentary snacks.

Kona Grill

Veterans, active-duty military, reserves, and first responders can get a complimentary entree with the purchase of an appetizer or starter from May 22-25.

Logan’s Roadhouse

From May 21-27, guests can purchase $50 in gift cards for $40 online.

Love’s

Get a free Chomps Original Beef on May 25.

Newk’s Eatery

Score a $20 meal deal with two pizzas and a salad from May 22-25.

Olive Garden

Get the delivery deal during Memorial Day weekend when you enter the promo code OGDELIVERS during online or in-app checkout.

Pokeworks

Get a free Spam Musubi with any Pokeworks entree when you use promo code MAYSPAM during online or in-app through May 25.

Potbelly

Through May 24, Perks Members can get their choice of a free bag of chips, a fresh-baked cookie, or a fountain drink with any entrée purchase.

Shake Shack

Get a free ShackBurger when you make an online, in-app, or in-store kiosk purchase of $10 or more with the promo code FREEBURGER at checkout. This offer is valid from May 25-31.

Smalls Sliders

Military members with valid ID can get 10% off on Memorial Day (May 25).

Subway

Get a Footlong for $6.99 with the code FOOTLONG699 through May 31.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Get two Signature Angus Burgers and fries for $26 from May 24-26. To qualify, order online for takeout or delivery.

TGI Fridays

VIP members can save 30% off Memorial Day orders from May 26-27.

White Castle

Craver Nation Rewards can get 20% off all orders in-app. This offer is valid from May 23-25.'

SEE ALSO: Last chance to shop 60+ of the best Memorial Day deals: We found TVs, mattresses, headphones, and more on sale

When your team is busy, overwhelmed, and focused on immediate demands, career development can feel easy to put off. But helping people grow is part of your job as a leader—and it matters more than ever right now. Here’s how to help.  Focus on learning, not ladders. Encourage your team to build adaptable skills instead of chasing rigid […]

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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.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators 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

Example.

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

MODEL

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A thick material.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TWEED

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Parent's sister.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 25 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 25, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

AUNTY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Australian dog.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DINGO

Final Hurdle hint

Octo.

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

EIGHT

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

The Moon is brighter again tonight, with most of its surface now illuminated as we head towards the Full Moon.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, May 25, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Tonight, 69% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

When you look up tonight, without any visual aids, you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis, as well as the Tycho Crater. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, Apennine Mountains, and the Clavius Crater. Finally, with a telescope you'll see the Apollo 16 and 17 landing spots and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main 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 if you love a good deal.

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 May 25, 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: On sale

• Green: Just a smidge

• Blue: Phone lingo

• Purple: I see you

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Common promo items

• Green: Tiny bit

• Blue: Texting abbreviations

• Purple: Eye___

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 #1079 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Common promo items: CAP, PIN, SHIRT, STICKER

• Tiny bit: JOT, SCRAP, SHRED, WHIT

• Texting abbreviations: ATM, CYA, LOL, TIA

• Eye___: BALL, BROW, LASH, LID

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 May 25, 2026

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you served your country.

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 May 25, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Thank you

The words are related to a holiday.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a military day of observation.

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 Memorial Day.

NYT Strands word list for May 25

• Service

• Virtue

• Protecton

• Sacrifice

• Memorial Day

• Honor

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you like to stop by.

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 May 25, 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 May 25, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To drop by.

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Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter I appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter V.

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...

VISIT

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.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Babbel through this exclusive StackSocial offer for $159 with promo code LEARN before the deal ends June 2.

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When you’re in the mood for a movie that trades jump scares for dread, explosions for unease, and clear answers for unnerving ambiguity, nothing beats a psychological thriller. The good ones don’t just tell a story — they burrow into your brain and force you to consider whether the real danger lies within the characters on screen or within your perception of reality.

Good old CDs, how I miss them so. I miss when an optical drive bay was a standard thing in every single PC, and when instead of Spotify and YouTube, we all had to buy the albums and deal with the songs we didn't love quite as much. But I'm not here to rant about the state of the world, nor am I here to go on and on about my never-ending nostalgia for old storage media.

The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling small SUV in America, one with an ironclad reputation for reliability, practicality, and resale value that few vehicles in any segment can match. Since arriving in the U.S. in 1996, Toyota has sold millions of units, and comparing anything to the RAV4 might seem like a bold move. To suggest the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos can stand toe-to-toe with the mighty RAV4 is a bold claim.

Listening on AirPods used to sound great. Lately, however, I've noticed I'm missing something. Was it the quality of the CD rip I was using, or the device?

Compact SUVs are one of the most competitive segments in the automotive market, where value, comfort, efficiency, and technology all matter just as much as badge appeal. Even small shifts in pricing, supply, or equipment can have a noticeable impact on sales, especially when shoppers are cross-shopping the usual segment leaders. In 2026, that balance has started to shift in a way few expected.

After a recent phone upgrade, I had my old Moto G 2025 just lying around, waiting for a fun experiment or project to give its newly disconnected life purpose. Smart TVs and devices like the Nvidia Shield have their issues, but I thought, "Why not mess with Android TV a bit and set up an ATV experience on my phone?"

Planning a family road trip means finding an SUVthat can do more than simply carry people and luggage. Comfort, cargo space, efficiency, ride quality, and long-distance refinement all become much more important when you’re spending hours on the highway. The best road-trip SUVs are the ones that make those long drives feel effortless while still offering enough practicality for the entire family.