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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 19, 2026:

AcrossGhost's word

• The answer is Boo.

Magician's "And just like that, it's gone!"

• The answer is Poof.

With 7-Across, it's full of stars

• The answer is Night.

White bills in Monopoly

• The answer is Ones.

See 5-Across

• The answer is Sky.

DownScore of 4 on a par 3

• The answer is Bogey.

___ and aahs

• The answer is Oohs.

Frequently, in poetry

• The answer is Oft.

Like the sands of Harbour Island, Bahamas

• The answer is Pink.

Dissenting votes

• The answer is Nos.

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

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

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

iPads are not the end-all be-all of tablets. There's a wide world beyond iOS, and Android tablets are just as suitable for all your streaming and work needs. OnePlus, purveyor of Android smartphones and smartwatches, also makes tablets.

The brand's latest, the OnePlus Pad Go 2, is a tablet under $500. On the surface, it looks a lot like Apple's iPads, but how do they compare under the hood? Well, that's where the differences come to light.

I tested the OnePlus Pad Go 2, a tablet for students and creatives alike, to see how it stacks up.

OnePlus Pad Go 2 specs and price While it doesn't have the best computing power for creatives, you can still draw and doodle away on the OnePlus Pad Go 2. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is the brand's approachable tablet. It doesn't quite have the computing power and memory we'd expect in a laptop, but it still has more than you'll get in a phone.

• Price: $399.99

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra

• Memory: 8GB RAM

• Storage: 128GB ROM

• Display: 2.8k resolution, 900 nits brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate

• Ports: 1 USB-C port

• Camera: 8MP front and rear camera

• Audio: 4 speakers

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo review: I think Apple's going to sell millions of these Ideal interface for those switching over from iOS

After testing a variety of Android tablets, I declare the OnePlus Pad Go 2 the most iPhone-user-friendly. Upon turning on the OnePlus Pad Go 2, I was pleased to see how familiar the home screen looked, with its widgets and sleek display. The biggest difference is that Apple uses square app icons, while OnePlus tablets use round ones. The gestures are essentially the same, too, pulling down to access menus or swiping up to close apps.

Compared to other Android tablets I tested, it felt far more intuitive. It's not quite fair to credit it only for being similar to iOS, since the OnePlus Pad Go 2 has plenty of features that iPads don't. On the bottom app bar on the Pad Go 2, there's a directory so you can quickly browse your apps alphabetically rather than swipe through all your display pages.

Split screen feature is lacking The Pad Go 2's split screen feature isn't nearly as functional as other tablet's multi-window functions. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The hot feature on tablets is multi-window displays — now available on iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Rather than true adjustable windows, on the OnePlus, you can use split-screen displays that split the screen in half, though you can slide the divider to adjust the split. What you can't do is move organic windows around to create a fully customizable workspace.

You can also use OnePlus's floating window feature; however, the windows still lock to one side of the screen, so you don't have total freedom to move them around. The OnePlus Pad Go 2's split-screen function is good in a pinch, but not quite as usable as other tablets' multi-window functions.

High-quality streaming with just OK speakers The tiny speakers on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 deliver disappointing audio. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I spent a lot of time streaming on the OnePlus Pad Go 2; it became my companion while I was working or cooking in the kitchen. I was never once disappointed by the streaming quality. It's a quick processor that never buffers, leaving me on an unintended cliffhanger. Its 2.8k resolution and 900 nits of brightness result in clear, bright picture quality.

What I was less impressed with on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 was its speakers. The tablet has four speakers, but I found the audio wasn't very flattering. It sounded similar to a smartphone speaker, mostly clear but a little fuzzy and tinny.

Disappointing computing power

For daily use, I found the OnePlus Pad Go 2 to be a speedy, well-equipped device. It loads pages easily and requires very little buffering. I expected it to be on par with the Apple iPad with the A16 chip, but I was surprisingly disappointed.

On the Geekbench 6 test, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 scored 3,030 in the multi-core test. That's less than half of the iPad's score of 6,233. That score isn't weighing the Pad Go 2 down; for light activities like streaming, reading, mobile games, and internet browsing, it has plenty of power. But I wouldn't use this tablet for photo or video editing or any other high-demand tasks.

Extensive battery life

One of the most impressive features of the Pad Go 2 is its battery life. Performing a battery rundown test, it lasted 13 hours and 57 minutes. That's an impressive amount of time, meaning you won't have to charge it every day, and it can keep you company on long-haul flights.

The cameras aren't flattering anyone — human or animal Front-facing camera Feeling a little washed out with the front-facing camera. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Rear camera The OnePlus Pad Go 2 Camera made my dog Milly look a little oversaturated. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I'm only side-eyeing you a little if you're taking photos with your tablet. But hey, there's a time in the place. The front and rear cameras on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 leave a lot to be desired. I know it's winter, but when I took a selfie, I felt pale and washed out. The rear camera isn't any better. I went to take a picture of my pup, Milly, and I found it didn't do her much justice — the photo still came out washed out and grainy.

Should you buy the OnePlus Pad Go 2? The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is good enough Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a pretty good tablet. For basic tasks, it performs well. I had no trouble while using it for streaming and browsing. For a budget Android tablet, it definitely gets the job done. That said, there's still room for improvement with its camera, computing power, and speaker.

I do recommend the basic iPad over the Pad Go 2. It's nearly identical in shape and interface; however, it has a higher Geekbench 6 score and is $50 cheaper (and often on sale for even less).

But if you're not down with iOS, the Pad Go 2 is a comparable, although less powerful, Android option.

OnePlus Pad Go 2 $399.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at OnePlus Shop Now at Best Buy

For practically as long as NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has circled Earth, astronomers have wanted to use it to see a comet as it's breaking apart. 

Many researchers have proposed such observations in the past, but because comet breakups are hard to anticipate, no one had achieved it — until now. By a stroke of luck, a team of scientists has, at long last, caught one in the act. 

The researchers looked at the comet, C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), only because there were some technical issues preventing them from observing their first choice. When John Noonan, the co-investigator on the study, saw the images Hubble had taken, he was in for the ultimate surprise. Instead of one space snowball, he saw four. 

"We knew this was something really, really special," said Noonan, a research professor at Auburn University, in a statement. 

Astronomers have sought a fragmenting comet for years because it's one of the few opportunities they have to see what's hidden inside these ancient icy objects. Such observations could be compared to a geologist taking a core sample of the early solar system. 

SEE ALSO: Space-traveling microbes? An unusual experiment shocked skeptics.

Comets formed about 4.6 billion years ago, when planets were still developing around the sun. Scientists think of these relics as time capsules because their interiors can still hold relatively unchanged ice, dust, and chemicals from that era. 

Scientists are tracking over 4,000 known comets, but countless others are likely flying in orbits beyond Neptune in a disk known as the Kuiper Belt or from an even more distant realm about 50 times farther, referred to as the Oort Cloud. The region remains a theory because the comets there have been too faint to be directly observed.

Astronomers normally only observe the outside of a comet, which has seen the abuse of heat and radiation. That makes it difficult for them to know whether they're looking at primitive properties from the solar system's birth or properties changed by time and environment. 

"By cracking open a comet, you can see the ancient material that has not been processed," said Dennis Bodewits, also a professor at Auburn and the lead investigator. 

In the new Hubble images, each of the fragments of the comet, called K1 for short, had its own glowing halo of gas and dust — a coma — that forms when sunlight heats the icy surface and instantly turns the material into gas. 

The telescope observed K1 over the course of three consecutive days in November. That was about one month after the comet swung closest to the sun — even closer than Mercury. The team's findings were published in the journal Icarus. 

Before K1 shattered, it was probably a bit larger than an average comet, perhaps the size of Key West, Florida, or the Los Angeles International Airport.

​​The inner edge of the main part of the Oort Cloud, a theorized region surrounding the solar system, could be as close as 1,000 astronomical units from the sun, with one astronomical unit equal to the distance between Earth and the sun. The outer edge is estimated to end about 100,000 AU away from the sun. Credit: NASA Goddard infographic

The team believes the breakup began roughly eight days before Hubble's first image, then caught another chunk splitting as it happened. 

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

The timing revealed a new mystery. Telescopes on Earth saw the comet brighten later than predicted. The delay may happen because a comet's brightness is more closely linked to sunlight reflecting off dust rather than on newly revealed ice. Scientists think fresh ice may need time to warm up, build pressure below the surface, or accumulate a dusty cover that eventually blows away in space.

Early measurements also suggest K1 contains unusually low amounts of carbon compared with other comets. Further studies of its gases could help explain why. 

"Sometimes the best science happens by accident," Noonan said.

Now reduced to scattered bits about 250 million miles from Earth, K1 is heading out of the solar system and will probably never return.

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Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

12. 1000 Women in Horror

"There's this crazy idea that horror is not for women, or that women are not fans of horror." So says actor Kate Siegel (Hush, The Haunting of Hill House) in the trailer for Shudder's 1000 Women of Horror, a documentary exploring the role women have had in shaping the horror genre. Taking Alexandra Heller-Nicholas' book 1000 Women in Horror 1895 – 2018 as a starting point, the film sees director Donna Davies speaking to a variety of women working in front of and behind the camera who have helped shape the horror genre into what it is today. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

Starring: Roxanne Benjamin, Akela Cooper, Mattie Do, Brea Grant, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Mary Harron, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Cerise Howard, Kier-La Janisse, Natasha Kermani, Roseanne Liang, Annalise Lockhart, Toby Poser, Sara Risher, Lin Shaye, Kate Siegel, Chelsea Stardust, and April Wolfe

How to watch: 1000 Women in Horror debuts March 20 on Shudder.

11. The Lady

Mia McKenna-Bruce (How to Have Sex) leads this true crime miniseries as Jane Andrews, who spent the late '80s/early '90s as the royal dresser for Sarah Ferguson (Game of Thrones' Natalie Dormer), the former Duchess of York and then-wife of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

In 2001, Andrews was convicted of the murder of her boyfriend Tommy Cressman (Outlander's Ed Speleers), a case that has seen more than a few documentaries made about it. Written by Debbie O’Malley (Harlots), The Lady is a four-part dramatisation of Andrews' life before and during her relationship with Cressman and through to her murder conviction, though as the Centre for Women’s Justice notes, Andrews was not involved in the series at all. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Mia McKenna-Bruce, Natalie Dormer, and Ed Speleers

How to watch: The Lady is now streaming on BritBox.

10. STEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure continues with STEEL BALL RUN, the anime adaptation of the seventh arc of Hirohiko Araki's manga series. The year? 1890. The place? The United States. The member of the Joestar family we'll be following? Johnny Joestar, a former jockey who's been paralyzed from the waist down. When he allies himself with outlaw Gyro Zeppeli, the pair will set off on the titular horse race across the U.S., all in the hopes of winning $50 million. Nail-biting races and unforgettable Stands are sure to follow. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Daman Mills, Kaiji Tang, Damien Haas, Frankie Kevich, Jamieson Price, Alejandro Antonio Ruiz, and Cedric L. Williams

How to watch: STEEL BALL RUN JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Nanny, Seasons 1-6

The flashy girl from Flushing, a queen in Moschino minis, the lady in red while everybody else is wearing tan, Fran Drescher's Fran Fine is a '90s icon like no other. And this week on Hulu, you can start or revisit all six sublime seasons of The Nanny.

You know the story: Fran was working in a bridal shop in Flushing, Queens, 'til her boyfriend kicked her out in one of those crushing scenes. Over the bridge from Flushing to Broadway producer and widower Maxwell Sheffield's (Charles Shaughnessy) door, Fran was there to sell make-up but he saw more: a carer for his three kids Maggie (Nicholle Tom), Brighton (Benjamin Salisbury), and Gracie (Madeline Zima). She had style, she had flair, she was there, that's how she became The Nanny. If you haven't lived through the fashion and comedic excellence of Fran Fine — and her exquisite mother, Sylvia (Renée Taylor) — you'd better cancel those plans. — S.C.

Starring: Fran Drescher, Charles Shaughnessy, Daniel Davis, Lauren Lane, Nicholle Tom, Benjamin Salisbury, and Madeline Zima

How to watch: All six seasons of The Nanny are now streaming on Hulu.

8. Imperfect Women

Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara star in Imperfect Women, based on the novel by Araminta Hall. The three play decades-long friends Mary, Eleanor, and Nancy, whose lives are shattered when Nancy is murdered. As the investigation into her death plays out, dark secrets and betrayals come to life, testing the bonds of Mary and Eleanor's friendship and other relationships. If you love Big Little Lies, this should be up your alley.* — B.E.

Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, Joel Kinnaman, Corey Stoll, Leslie Odom Jr., Audrey Zahn, Jill Wagner, Rome Flynn, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Violette Linnz, Indiana Elle, Jackson Kelly, Keith Carradine, Ana Ortiz, and Wilson Bethel

How to watch: The first two episodes of Imperfect Women are now streaming on Apple TV, with new episodes every Wednesday.

7. Wicked: For Good

Wicked fans, rejoicify! Wicked: For Good hits Peacock this week, along with a sing-along version and director Jon M. Chu's commentary version. The second half of this musical adaptation sees Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) on separate sides of the fight for Oz. While Elphaba rebels against the tyrannical Wizard (Jeff Goldblum), Glinda stands firm by his side. Get ready for a witchy showdown between these two best friends, complete with forever bangers like "No Good Deed" and "For Good." (Let's be honest, we've already forgotten those two new originals, right?)

While Wicked: For Good didn't match the box office success or Oscars acclaim of the first film, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko still found a lot to love in the movie. As she wrote in her review, "Wicked: For Good is sure to enthrall fans of the Broadway show, the first movie, and just about anyone who loves a splashy movie musical. Despite its faults, it's still good." — B.E.

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater

How to watch: Wicked: For Good launches March 20 on Peacock.

6. Last One Laughing UK, Season 2

There are many good comedies out there, but shows that actually make you laugh out loud are difficult to find. Last One Laughing UK is one of the rare few that manages this, a feat made all the more impressive because it's actually a show about not laughing. Season 1 saw Jimmy Carr assemble a team of UK comedians and place them all in a room together for six hours. The rules? While they could try as hard as possible to make each other laugh, they weren't allowed to laugh themselves. Anyone who laughed twice was eliminated until there was only one person left. Season 2 promises more of the same, with Philomena Cunk/Diane Morgan, Peep Show co-creator David Mitchell, and Celebrity Traitors UK winner Alan Carr all joining the cast. — S.H.

Starring: Jimmy Carr, David Mitchell, Mel Giedroyc, Alan Carr, Romesh Ranganathan, Amy Gledhill, Maisie Adam, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Sam Campbell, Diane Morgan, and Bob Mortimer

How to watch: Last One Laughing UK Season 2 begins streaming on Prime Video March 18.

5. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

Grab your flat caps and throw on your best attempt at a Brummie accent, because Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is back.

He returns in new film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, written by series creator Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper. The Immortal Man picks up years after Peaky Blinders' series finale, in which Tommy faked his own death and exiled himself. However, when his estranged son Duke (Barry Keoghan) gets involved in a Nazi plot, he'll return to Birmingham for more destruction, more contemplation of his legacy, and yes, more fookin' fighting. Critical buzz around the film is solid, and Knight and Murphy say it's the ending they've always wanted for the story, so it's sure to be a treat for Peaky Blinders fans. — B.E.

Starring: Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Barry Keoghan, Stephen Graham, Sophie Rundle, Packy Lee, Jay Lycurgo, Ned Dennehy, and Ian Peck

How to watch: Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man hits Netflix March 20.

4. Deadloch, Season 2

Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan's outstanding crime-comedy Deadloch earned every last skerrick of high praise for its debut season. Described by Caitlin Welsh for Mashable as "the feminist Australian buddy-comedy-murder-noir you didn't know you needed" and "Broadchurch crossed with Letterkenny, but with way more lesbians," Deadloch carved out its own glorious TV niche in 2023.

In Season 2, directed by Beck Cole and Gracie Otto, polar opposite detective duo Dulcie Collins (Kate Box) and Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami), trade in Lutruwita (Tasmania) for the crocodile-populated waters of Australia's Top End, with a second season that’s just as consistently hilarious, sharply constructed, and deeply Australian as its first. With more twists and turns than a Viennetta, McCartney and McLennan's series spins overused murder-mystery tropes into something new: a breath of fresh, hot, thick, mid-summer air, if you will.

Deadloch once again proves it's one of the best crime-comedies on TV, with new overlapping cases, suspicious locals, and impeccable insults you’ll scramble to write down. Ultimately, thank fuck for this show.* — S.C.

Starring: Kate Box, Madeleine Sami, Nina Oyama, and Alicia Gardiner

How to watch: The first two episodes of Deadloch Season 2 premiere March 19 on Prime Video, with new episodes every Friday.

3. Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat

How can you recapture the lightning in a bottle that was Season 1 of Jury Duty? By going even bigger.

Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat follows a hot sauce company about to go on their annual retreat. They've hired temp worker Anthony Norman to help them out, but there's one big catch: Neither the company nor the retreat are real. Everyone but Anthony is an actor. So begins a warm-hearted prank show that feels like what would happen if you threw a random bystander into an episode of The Office. The actors are pitch-perfect as Company Retreat's new cast of heightened characters, and Anthony is charismatic as can be as the show's unwitting hero. Props to Jury Duty's team for proving you can pull off the same magic trick twice. — B.E.

Starring: Anthony Norman, Alex Bonifer, Blair Beeken, Emily Pendergast, Erica Hernandez, Jerry Hauck, Jim A. Woods, LaNisa Renee Frederick, Marc-Sully Saint-Fleur, Rachel Kaly, Rob Lathan, Ryan Perez, Stephanie Hodge, Warren Burke, and Wendy Braun

How to watch: The first three episodes of Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat premiere March 20 on Prime Video, with new episodes every Friday.

2. Invincible, Season 4

Prime Video's critically acclaimed superhero show Invincible returns for its fourth season this week, which promises to get even darker than its predecessors. This time around, the fight comes to Viltrum, introducing the show's terrifying new antagonist Thragg (voiced by Lee Pace). Brace yourself for killer action with a side of emotional devastation. — B.E.

Starring: Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, J.K. Simmons, Gillian Jacobs, Seth Rogen, Walton Goggins, Lee Pace, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jason Mantzoukas, Zazie Beetz, Grey DeLisle, Zachary Quinto, Chris Diamantopoulos, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ben Schwartz, Clancy Brown, Jay Pharoah, Mark Hamill, Matthew Rhys, Danai Gurira, and Melise

How to watch: The first three episodes of Invincible are now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Best of Streaming this week: The Comeback, Season 3

Well, she's still got it! Lisa Kudrow returns as sitcom star Valerie Cherish in the third and final season of The Comeback, which remains as sharp and prescient as ever about the state of Hollywood. (Seasons 1 and 2 aired in 2005 and 2014, respectively.) This time around, The Comeback is confronting one of the hottest topics in the entertainment industry: AI. 

In Season 3, Valerie lands the lead role in a promising new sitcom, only to learn that it's being written entirely with generative AI. What follows is a biting examination of how AI would be an "extinction event" for human artists all over Hollywood. As I wrote in my review, "That AI focus lends The Comeback Season 3 an urgency that sets it apart from its prior two outings. Yes, it's still hilarious, cynical, and a remarkable showcase for Kudrow in her best role. But on top of all that, it's also something else: a warning." — B.E.

Starring: Lisa Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman, Damian Young, Tim Bagley, Matt Cook, Jack O’Brien, Ella Stiller, John Early, Barry Shabaka Henley, Abbi Jacobson, Tony Macht, Brittany O’Grady, Zane Phillips, Julian Stern, and Andrew Scott

How to watch: The Comeback Season 3 premieres March 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

No question: Ready or Not was a sensational movie. Full of outrageous action sequences and a twisted sense of humor, the 2019 horror comedy from filmmaking collective Radio Silence hit audiences like the gloppy, full-bodied explosions in its climax.

Now, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are reteaming with screenwriters Guy Busick and R. Christopher Murphy and leading lady Samara Weaving for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, a sequel that's bigger, bloodier, and even more star-stuffed. This time around, Weaving's playing opposite Kathryn Newton, David Cronenberg, Elijah Wood, Kevin Durand, Shawn Hatosy, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. And the result is a gnarly winner-takes-all battle that will have audiences howling with shock and laughter. 

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is a direct sequel to Ready or Not.  Nestor Carbonell, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Shawn Hatosy, Elijah Wood, and Nadeem Umar-Khitab in "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come." Credit: Searchlight Pictures / Pief Weyman

As in, this movie begins exactly where the last one ended, on the steps of the burning Le Domas mansion. Grace Le Domas (née MacCaullay) has survived a deadly game of hide-and-seek against her in-laws, a Satan-worshipping empire of board game scions. She's won her life, while they all got exploded to gruesome bits by a demon known as Mr. Le Bail. However, game time isn't over. 

Barely stitched up in a hospital bed, Grace must not only face her estranged younger sister Faith (Newton) and a smirking detective who is investigating the Le Domas deaths, but also a new batch of affluent cultists, ready to play for power. 

An unnamed lawyer (Wood in a bemused Dungeon Master role), explains that because "the bride" survived, the whole of Mr. Le Bail's High Council families are able to vie for the top seat. A new game of hide-and-seek will commence. If Grace survives the night again, she'll be the ruler of the cult — and, by extension, much of the world in an evil Illuminati way. But one member from each of the five remaining families can steal that seat by hunting her down and killing her. Naturally, Grace doesn't want to play. But forcing her sister onto the field assures she'll do her best to at least get Faith through the night alive. So, let the games begin. 

Double the hunted heroines, double the family drama.  Samara Weaving and Kathryn Newton in "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come." Credit: Searchlight Pictures / Pief Weyman

In Ready or Not, Grace's backstory was vague, beyond she was drawn to the Le Domas clan because they seemed like the kind of close-knit family she wished she had. A surly introduction of Faith unearths more backstory, but none of it beyond the bounds of cliche. This makes their various squabbles about Grace being a bad sister feel pretty toothless, and even frustrating as they frequently slow down the cat-and-mouse chase of the premise. 

Newton, who made her mark with wacky horror comedies like the slasher body-swap movie Freaky and the campy teen love story Lisa Frankenstein, flails through the first act, shackled by a sulking little sister part. But once Faith get acclimated to this wild Most Dangerous Game world, where the rich hunt humans as a depraved form of fun, Newton is more able to shine. Where Weaving digs into a Sigourney Weaver "Get away from her, you bitch" intensity, Newton snarls with the intensity of an irate Yorkie — peppy, great hair, surprisingly pugnacious. This makes the two a solid double act, whether they're battling armed heirs and heiresses or scouring an evacuated resort for tools of survival. 

Shawn Hatosy and Sarah Michelle Gellar are devilish fun together in Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.  Daniel Beirne, David Cronenberg (portrait) Shawn Hatosy, and Sarah Michelle Gellar in "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come." Credit: Searchlight Pictures / Pief Weyman

While Newton brings frenzied attitude, and Weaving goes gnarlier in this sequel, it's vintage hotties Shawn Hatosy and Sarah Michelle Gellar who make Ready or Not 2: Here I Come work, playing the Biggest Bads on the golf resort. Cast as twins Ursula (Gellar) and Titus (Hatosy), they must live up to the expectations of their Machiavellian patriarch (Cronenberg). Other ultra-rich baddies and buffoons will enter the fray as well, like the night-club-loving, London-based Rajans (Nadeem Umar-Khitab, Varun Saranga, and Masa Lizdek); the spoiled rotten, Milan-based El Caidos (Néstor Carbonell, Maia Jae, and Juan Pablo Romero); the lawyered-up, Shanghai-based Wan Chens (Olivia Cheng and Antony Hall); and the cocaine-fueled Atlantic City family run by Bill Wilkinson (Kevin Durand). 

Each of these supporting players brings new energy that creates a thrilling chaotic atmosphere. But no matter what weapons or killer fashion flourishes the others wield, Titus and Ursula are the scariest. Part of that is the dissonant breeziness with which they commit to the disruptive and even devilish business at hand to ready for the games. Watching the twins be so cavalier in moments of murder and mayhem is thrillingly chilling. But more than that, Gellar and Hatosy carry added weight for Gen Xers and elder millennials, who remember them from such beloved horror offerings as the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series and The Faculty. 

There's an undeniable exhilaration in seeing Gellar bring back that toxic rich-girl energy from Cruel Intentions, curdled here into a devilish, poised opportunist. By contrast, Hatosy has had fans of The Pitt swooning over his Dr. Abbot, who altruistically bends the rules to do the best for his patients and casually flashes his pecs for some welcome eye-candy in the stressful ER setting. In Ready or Not 2, he begins as a cocky oaf who serves as a sort of attack dog for his brainy twin. But as the MacCaullay sisters scurry through the night, narrowly avoiding death again and again, Hatosy's beefy arms become more than a sexy spectacle as they're flexed as weapons in one truly shocking sequence after another. At its SXSW premiere, these scenes earned gasps and gulps from a jolted audience.

Ready or Not 2 goes harder than the original.  Elijah Wood in "Ready or Not 2: Here I Come." Credit: Searchlight Pictures / Pief Weyman

With the first film, Radio Silence delivered brutal blows onto Grace, which were all the more shocking because she was running around in a lace wedding dress and yellow Converse sneakers. Focusing on the infliction of specific injuries made the audience squeal and wince to sensational effect. But for the sequel, violence will come in forms more inventive and visually repulsive than the plentiful gunshot wounds of the original. Plus, with new rules in play that can get a family disqualified, there'll be fatal, fleshy explosions throughout the film, not just in the climax. 

Like in the first film, some of this violence is grisly fun, utilizing accidental slayings, unexpected means of violence, and a dueling bride fight for a bit of ghoulish levity amid the murders. But Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin seem to channel their Scream/Scream VI energy in two particular sequences, where the violence goes from joking to genuinely shocking. This makes the stakes of the climax hit differently. The playfulness of the game, the thrill of the chase is mercilessly cut down for a big swing of an ending that's proved polarizing out of the film's SXSW world premiere. 

Without spoilers, I'll admit to being conflicted. Part of me admires Radio Silence going so far afield from the first film for a third act that delivers much more darkness than macabre laughs. And the other part of me pined for a final act that kept up the energy, rather than suffocating it for a bleaker tone. This shift puts the twins in the driver seat, rather than Grace. And while that is exciting, it means the ending feels a bit out of place, even as it delivers exactly what fans of the first film might crave most.

Still, I don't think many fans will find this sequel better than the first. However, the first one had the advantage of being so original that fans had no expectations going in. That's the curse and the inherent paradox of the sequel, which is expected to do more than the first film did, but still satisfy in the same ways.

To the credit of Radio Silence, they do deliver on star power, dizzying gore, a higher body count, and big swigs in terms of plot and major tonal shifts. Not all of these gambles pay off. Yet Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is a winner when it comes to being a totally batshit good time. 

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come was reviewed out of SXSW. The film opens in theaters March 20.

As one of the oldest and largest online dating sites, AdultFriendFinder has a massive community of singles and non-monogamous kinksters looking for fun, but that doesn’t mean using the site is easy. On the contrary, a lot of their web interface seems dated and counterintuitive, with key features or functions buried under multiple menus and sub-menus. 

Getting the most out of this site requires some trial and error, or at least an experienced guide, which is why we’ve got four essential tips to help you improve your AFF experience and connect with more people. That being said, it also helps to keep an open mind. If you enter your AFF experience with a narrow idea of exactly what you want, you’ll quickly find yourself disappointed. But if you start your search from a place of curiosity and allow yourself to be surprised, you may just discover new things about yourself in the process.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More

Here are four essential steps for getting the most out of your AdultFriendFinder experience:

Fill out your full AFF profile 

Sure, this is an obvious step with every online dating service, but it’s even more important on AFF, since the site doesn’t entirely rely on a carousel-style presentation of dating profiles. Everything from your age to your gender to your sexuality to your list of personal kinks can help make you more discoverable to other AFF members, so the less you fill out, the harder it is for the site to make your profile discoverable. 

This is true even if your personal kink list is short or leans towards the conventional, or if it’s exhaustive and leans towards the exotic; trust us when we say there are people out there looking for whatever combination of quirks and kinks makes up your sexuality, so taking your time to be precise here can pay serious dividends in the long run.

SEE ALSO: Is Hinge really 'designed to be deleted'? I tested it to find out.

Also, don’t sleep on videos. Unlike many dating sites that allow only photos, AFF allows its members to upload short videos to their profile. This can be a fantastic way of not only showing others that you’re a real person but also highlighting your personality in a different way. You can also speak on some aspect of your personality that isn’t covered by the generic profile options.

Verify your AFF account as soon as possible

AdultFriendFinder throws up very few barriers to account creation. That makes it very easy for anyone to make an account, but it also means there is a large amount of spam and bot accounts lingering on the site. To combat this, they’ve also created a profile verification system using the Confirm ID service. 

You will need to be comfortable sharing government ID with the site, but the benefits to your profile are massive: photo authentication, age confirmation, and location verification, all of which help others trust that your profile is authentic. When you complete the process, your profile will receive a blue checkmark underneath your profile photo, to the right of your username, which not only helps people identify your profile at a glance but also boosts your visibility in the search results, as preference is given to verified users.

Be selective with your search criteria

If you do opt to use the site’s search function, you’ll quickly realize that you can be extremely selective in who you do and don’t include. And if you know exactly who and what you want, by all means, narrow your search, but if you’re on AFF to be surprised, it’s also worth being less selective from time to time.

For example, if you know you want an in-person date for next week, it obviously makes sense to narrow your location search to people who live near you. But what if you don’t know exactly what you want, or if you’re open to a sultry chat with a stranger half a world away? In that case, distance is irrelevant and you should consider turning that filter off.

SEE ALSO: All your Tinder questions, answered

On the other hand, there are quite a few filters that are turned off by default that we actually recommend you turn on. For example, the default profile filter shows you all people who have bothered to upload photos, but while that’s a good start, it’s not enough to help you wade through the huge number of users. We strongly recommend searching by Verified/Confirmed users, since those people all proved their identity the same way you did (see previous step), by uploading government-issued identification. 

Another good filter to use is the Last Visit, which by default is set to "All." Because so many people create an account but rarely check it, or go inactive for weeks or months at a time for any number of reasons, it’s a good idea to hone in on accounts that have been active in the last month, as otherwise you risk never hearing back from the people you message. 

Explore the live-chat communities

AdultFriendFinder isn’t a traditional dating website, so you shouldn’t use it like one. The search-and-swipe dating app method is tried and true, but it’s also a bit played out, and one of AFF’s biggest strengths is its larger community offerings.

You can explore its many forums, organized around common interests, or you can venture into a user’s live stream and interact with them and others there. AFF even has a dedicated Stories section, where users can share their memories or try their hand at writing erotica. If this is a talent of yours, you can easily attract people to your profile through your writing, or if you’re a more visual person, you can always host your own webcam stream and see who tunes in. 

For all of the above, AFF tracks not only which stories/streams/group chats are new but also those that are trending, which makes it very easy to jump into a popular discussion or keep up with the latest site news.

Upgrade your AFF membership tier

Unfortunately, it has to be said: you really can’t get the most out of AFF without a paid membership. It is possible to use the site and interact with others without giving them your credit card information, but the site’s best features and functions are all restricted to paying customers, and the advantages in terms of profile visibility, communication options and site functionality are all too great to ignore.

Not only do Gold and VIP members receive special icons on their profiles, but these profiles are given priority in every search, based on any criteria, and because there are thousands of potential profile options for almost every search criteria that isn’t location-based, it’s very difficult to stand out from the crowd as a basic user of the site. 

Additionally, if you opt for the upgraded VIP membership, you’ll unlock an entire section dedicated exclusively to VIPs, which is a bit like entering the velvet-roped area of a night club; it’s where all the most glamorous people are hiding. VIP members even get additional points to spend on digital gifts or lavish on live streamers who catch your attention, which is another great way of standing out from the crowd. 

The learning curve on AdultFriendFinder is steeper than most other dating sites, and much steeper than most dating apps, but if you follow the above tips and are willing to experiment with its vast array of offerings, you’ll encounter more than a few fun surprises along the way. 

TL;DR: On March 19, fans can score a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations nationwide.

The birds are singing, the temperature is climbing, and yes, that is the sun you can see peeping through the clouds. Spring is just around the corner, and so is Free Cone Day.

Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is making a triumphant return in 2026. On March 19, you can celebrate this special occasion by enjoying a free vanilla soft-serve cone at participating Dairy Queen locations. Simply stop by your local DQ restaurant to score this delicious treat — there's really no catch.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Steering Wheel for free. Here’s how to get yours on March 9.

We recommend visiting Dairy Queen or downloading the Dairy Queen App to find a local restaurant before March 19. When the day comes, you don't want to be messing around online. You want to be prepared. On Free Cone Day, the focus should be on free ice cream and nothing else.

The promotion runs all day while supplies last and there's a limit of one free cone per person. This free giveaway is not valid on delivery or mobile orders and it's worth noting that U.S. Mall locations require a purchase to qualify.

Celebrate Dairy Queen's Cone Day with a free vanilla soft-serve cone on March 19.

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

Released in August 2025, the 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 onto 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 for 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 March 19, 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 March 19, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for March 19 Pips

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for March 19 Pips

Greater Than (9): Everything in this space must be greater than 9. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-1, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for March 19 Pips

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

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

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

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

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

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

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

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people knowledgeable about the NFC East.

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. 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.

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: Formerly known as the NFL Capitol Division

• Green: GOAT WRs

• Blue: Shining NCAA stars

• Purple: Famously went dancing

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: NFC East

• Green: Hall of Fame Wide Receivers

• Blue: Stars in this Year's Men's NCAA Tournament

• Purple: Notable NCAA Tournament Cinderellas

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 #542 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• NFC East - COMMANDERS, COWBOYS, EAGLES, GIANTS

• Hall of Fame Wide Receivers - BRUCE, MONK, MOSS, RICE

• Stars in this Year's Men's NCAA Tournament - ACUFF, BOOZER, DYBANTSA, PEAT

• Notable NCAA Tournament Cinderellas - PATRIOTS, PEACOCKS, RAMBLERS, RAMS

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 today's Connections.

In a volatile environment, many board directors feel a heightened responsibility to keep their companies on track. But when your board starts stepping into operational work, you risk slowing decisions and eroding trust. Here’s how you can reset the dynamic without creating friction.   Diagnose what’s driving the board’s behavior. Look at what problems the board is trying to solve. Next, identify […]

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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.

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 beginner.

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

PLEBE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To move.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BUDGE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A geek.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 19, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

DWEEB

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A marine animal.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

MANTA

Final Hurdle hint

A piece of clothing.

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

SHIRT

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

It's the New Moon tonight, which means the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The side facing Earth isn’t illuminated at all, so it’s essentially invisible in the night sky.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, March 19, the Moon phase is New Moon. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 0% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

When is the next Full Moon?

In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.

What are Moon phases?

NASA says the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, going through eight different phases. We always see the same side, but the Sun lights up different portions as it moves, which is why it can look full, half, or just a thin sliver. These changing shapes are called the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

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 story.

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.

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 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.

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: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 19, 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: Children's stories

• Green: Lucky charms

• Blue: Ever-changing

• Purple: Music to my ears

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Folk tale characters

• Green: Good luck symbols

• Blue: Things that change color

• Purple: Ending in music genres

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 #1012 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Folk tale characters: CHICKEN LITTLE, FROG PRINCE, GINGERBREAD MAN, GOLDILOCKS

• Good luck symbols: EVIL EYE, FOUR-LEAF CLOVER, HORSEHOE

• Things that change color: CHAMELEON, MOOD RING, SUNSET, TRAFFIC LIGHT

• Ending in music genres: BABY BLUES, PET ROCK, SCRAP METAL, SODA POP

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 March 19, 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're good if you love a get together.

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 March 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Bring a plate

The words are related to food.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe food courses.

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 Potluck.

NYT Strands word list for March 19

• Veggies

• Casserole

• Dessert

• Potluck

• Beverage

• Appetizers

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're in recovery.

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 March 19, 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 March 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An Amy Winehouse song.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

REHAB

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.

If you've spent more than a day on LinkedIn in your life, you may have noticed that the networking service has developed a language all of its own. If you were a tad unkind, you might say LinkedIn users self-promote every tiny career moment in such a cliched way, it's a wonder that their words aren't written by AI.

Or, if you wanted to turn that last sentence into more, uh, proactively positive LinkedIn speak: "We’re seeing so many thought leaders lean into the hustle, celebrating every micro-win with such a growth-oriented narrative that you’d swear it was automated. It’s all about that personal branding and staying humble while scaling your impact! #GrowthMindset #PersonalBranding #HustleCulture."

SEE ALSO: Even your side hustle isn’t safe from AI

The English-to-LinkedIn translation service, in this case, was automated. Kagi, a premium search service where you pay for what is essentially an ad-free, pro-privacy Google that actually works (our sister website Lifehacker swears by it), also offers free AI-based language translation.

And in a smart marketing move worthy of a LinkedIn update, Kagi has introduced more humorous internet subculture "languages" among its translation options. LinkedIn, launched Wednesday, is only the latest: there's Reddit speak (lots of "weird-ass," "cringe" and "banana for scale"), Pirate Speak ("tis a wonder their words aren't written by some mechanical ghost"), and complete fictional languages like Klingon (you'll be glad to know Klingons hunt for work on "LinkedInDaq.")

But it's the LinkedIn lingo making waves on social media this week. I can see why, because this is more than a novelty — it's a hilarious and actually useful translation service. When it comes to human-style AI speak taking over our digital lives, the LinkedIn translator is touching the same nerve as Your AI Slop Bores Me — not to mention George Orwell's Newspeak.

There's a game-like aspect to the translations, and the game is: is there any human activity that couldn't be made to sound doubleplusgood in a LinkedIn post? If there is, I haven't found it yet.

Wasted the afternoon in bed? No, you "decided to prioritize a strategic recharge to optimize cognitive performance and long-term productivity." Started injecting heroin? Call it "a high-intensity, daily commitment to a specialized chemical routine" that taught you about "supply chain consistency" and "a relentless focus on personal objectives, no matter the cost." Murdered a co-worker? Nonsense, my friend, you "successfully offboarded a team member ... to optimize long-term headcount."

The translation works the other way around, too: LinkedIn speak into plain English. That's right — the next time your boss writes a 10,000-word LinkedIn epic that could have been a three-line email, there's no need to Google all the obscure marketing or management jargon. Just Kagi the whole thing.

And if you need to write a comment in response, know that "I hated this and I am dumber for reading it" can also be rendered as "’While I’m always looking for ways to challenge my current mindset, this particular content reminded me of the importance of being intentional with the information we consume. Grateful for the learning opportunity!"

Hey, maybe AI will save white collar workers' jobs after all.

A quick look at the best deals on self-emptying robot vacuums at Amazon Best budget robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ $299.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best roller mop robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $549.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best premium robot vacuum deal Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,499.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

The question isn't whether it's worthwhile to get a self-emptying robot vacuum. It's simply which self-emptying robot vacuum you should get. And the list of potential options in your budget is much longer around Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which will run between March 25 and 31. A ton are already severely discounted in the week before the sale, including a few of my favorites that I've tested so far this year.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is stale in 2026, but at least Shark is trying to revive its robot vacuum line

Automatic emptying isn't at all reserved for the best of the best robot vacuums as was the case five years ago — I'd argue that it's the most normalized feature outside of the vacuuming itself, even in the realm of cheap robot vacuums under $300. The unspoken agreement is that if you're buying a robot vacuum to avoid vacuuming by hand, you're not going to feel like manually dumping a dust bin every day, either.

Below, I'm tracking the best self-emptying robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's 2026 spring sale. More good deals are likely to drop in the coming days, and I'll be updating this post accordingly.

Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Eufy C28 $549.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy Why we like it

I tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out in February 2026. And I have a feeling it'll remain one of my most recommended robot vacuum and mop combos for the next year or so.

On sale for less than $600, the Eufy C28 is probably the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find. The fluffy roller spans the entire bottom of the vacuum and rinses itself with fresh water as it's mopping, making it a far more reliable choice for soaking up large liquid spills (without smearing them around) than other cheap mopping robot vacuums. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning, so it's easier to forgive how painfully loud it is.

Its small obstacle avoidance was surprisingly accurate during my testing — it avoided slippers and hand towels, cat toys, and (most) phone chargers as well as many premium vacuums.

Robot vacuum mop combos with self-washing mopping pads

• Roborock Qrevo QV35A — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Dreame L40 Ultra (Gen 2) — $479.99 $649.99 (save $170)

• Eufy X10 Pro Omni — $499.99 $699.99 (save $200)

• Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni — $599 $1,099.99 (save $500.99)

• Eufy C28 — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)

• Eufy E25 — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)

• Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller — $999.99 $1,599.99 (save $600)

• Roborock Saros 10R — $1,099.99 $1,599.99 (save $500)

• Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete — $1,299.99 $1,499.99 (save $200)

SEE ALSO: I tried the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow: It's cracked the code to roller mopping along edges Robot vacuum and mop combos

• Dreame D20 Plus — $259.99 $359.99 (save $100)

• Roborock Q7 M5+ — $249.99 $329.99 (save $80)

• Narwal Freo S — $279.99 $349.99 (save $70)

• Roborock Q5 S10+ — $299.99 $549.99 (save $250)

• Mova P10 Pro Ultra — $399 $499 (save $100)

SAVE UP TO $9.01: The new Apple MacBook Neo is on sale on Amazon as of March 18. Save $4 on the 256GB base model (now $595) and about $9 on the 512GB version with Touch ID (now $689.99). Hey, it's something.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $595 at Amazon
$599 Save $4   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 at Amazon
$699 Save $9.01   Get Deal

It ain't much, but it's honest work: Amazon just put the brand-new Apple MacBook Neo on sale for the first time since its March 11 launch. The 256GB base configuration is marked down to $595, and the upgraded 512GB version with Touch ID is sitting at $689.99 in — a savings of $4 and $9.01, respectively.

Amazon will probably dish out much better discounts on the MacBook Neo this summer during its Prime Day sale. (I can't see it getting dramatically cheaper than this between now and next week's Big Spring Sale.) But to date, this is the best deal on new models with no strings attached.

Best Buy has some Neos that are around $20 off, but they're open-box, i.e. returned. The Apple Store will give you $100 off, but only if you're a college student, a parent of one, or school faculty.

We tested an indigo MacBook Neo. We loved it. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The MacBook Neo is powered by a capable A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM. It's not as good for multitasking as a MacBook Air with more memory, but its perfect for folks who only have a couple tabs open at any given time. It can churn through basic tasks as fast as last year's M4 MacBook Air — think web browsing and sending emails.

In heavier workloads like video editing, it's just as zippy as an M1 MacBook Air from 2020. It offers around 15 hours of battery life per charge.

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo review: I think Apple's going to sell millions of these

Features-wise, the Neo comes with a 13-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p webcam, a clicky mechanical touchpad, and Dolby Atmos speakers. Its all-aluminum chassis comes in four colors: indigo, silver, blush, and a punchy "citrus" yellow-green. (Amazon's deal only applied to the silver one at the time of writing, but that might change by the time you read this.)

"For students, young people, and casual users, there's nothing else like [the Neo] at this price," writes Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth, who rated it a 4.8/5. (Check out his full review.)

If you're not sure whether the Neo is right for you, read our analysis of how it stacks up against the new M5 MacBook Air and older M-series models.