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TL;DR: Simplify your cell phone with this Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone, on sale now for just $111.99 (reg. $269.99) while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kyocera Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone AT&T + GSM Unlocked (Refurbished) $111.99
$269.99 Save $158   Get Deal

Sometimes it’s best to go back to basics. If you’ve been looking for an easier way to stay connected, with fewer distractions and more reliability, it may be time to return to a good old flip phone.

The Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone gives you a simple way to stay connected, and right now you can snag one for only $111.99 (reg. $269.99).

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It’s time to step away from the apps. We need to stay connected to our loved ones, but that doesn’t have to come with a device that keeps you doomscrolling until midnight. The Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone makes it easier to talk and text, while remaining rugged enough to keep up with your busy life.

Our smartphones today aren’t exactly life-proof. From shattered screens to water incompatibility, it’s easy for one to be out of commission. But you don’t have to worry about this Kyocera DuraXE; it’s shock-resistant and ready to withstand drops, dust, and even water exposure.

The Kyocera DuraXE’s battery offers 10 hours of talk time and 16 days of standby time. When you need to power it back up, it charges via USB-C. The battery is also removable, so it can be swapped on the go for longer device life.

While this flip phone simplifies your communication, it’s not slacking in the power department. A 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor can keep up with your calls, messages, and other basic phone functions.

You can use this phone with AT&T, or if you’re with another carrier, it’s GSM-compatible. It has a 5MP camera to snap photos, and you can save them with 16GB of storage. The Kyocera DuraXE also offers expandable memory support up to 512GB via microSD if you need it.

You’re saving big on this Kyocera DuraXE thanks to its Grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive on your doorstep in near-mint condition while you score the low price.

Snag a Kyocera DuraXE Epic E4830 Flip Phone for only $111.99 today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

An advertiser paid for editorial consideration of this deal. Our editorial experts vetted the deal based on our independent expertise. Because we determined that the deal will save money for the consumer, we wrote the content.

Whether you're the parent of a Lego-obsessed child or an avid builder and collector yourself, there's no better time to shop for new sets than the Lego Insiders Days event.

Conceived of as a thank-you to Lego loyalists, the Insiders Days sale runs from July 9-12 and unlocks special privileges for Lego Insiders including exclusive sets, special discounts, and double or even quadruple the usual loyalty points on select offers. There are even special perks you can unlock with each order, from free shipping on orders over $35 to special gift sets unlocked with purchases over $100 (a Lego Airplane) or $180 (a Lego Sea Serpent ship).

Not a member yet? No problem: you can sign up here to unlock access to the sales event. Being a member is totally free (though you must be 18+ to register) and a no-brainer if you like Lego and want to be rewarded for every new purchase or gain access to member-exclusive sets. 

Here are some of our favorite Insiders Days picks for Lego builders of all ages and abilities:

Team Spidey Webquarters Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Team Spidey Webquarters $49.99 at LEGO
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Suitable for ages: 2+

If you're shopping for a toddler, safety and simplicity are your top priorities, followed by something that appeals to their imagination. We love this Team Spidey Webquarters set, inspired by the popular kids show Spidey and His Amazing Friends. This 65-piece set features miniatures of Spidey, Miles Morales, and their arch-nemesis Rhino, plus two vehicles — Rhino's Wrecker and a motorbike, as well as a host of fun, thematic accessories, from a giant web to a full pizza. Your toddler can recreate scenes from the show or imagine new adventures for these budding superheros. 

Buy now for $49.99 at LEGO.com

Moon Mission Science Kit Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Moon Mission Science Kit $49.99 at LEGO
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Suitable for ages: 8+

This relatively simple set, suitable for young children, nonetheless allows parents to teach some pretty complex concepts to their kids, and maybe even instill in them a love of science. It centers around two astronaut figurines and a space ship, with plenty of accessory pieces like a lunar greenhouse and a launchpad with a moving lever that are sure to stoke imaginations and encourage exploration and problem solving. 

Buy now for $49.99 at LEGO.com

Elphaba & Glinda Figures from Wicked Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Elphaba & Glinda Figures $54.99 at LEGO
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Suitable for ages: 10+

Part musical, part fantasy adventure, Wicked has been nothing short of a sensation, and fans of the movie will love this Elphaba and Glinda figurine set. Don't be fooled by the seemingly simple setup: each figurine comes with moving limbs and multiple accessories, including Glinda's tiara and handbag and Elphaba's broom and witch's hat. There's even a hidden QR code that, once scanned, lets users sing along to the movie's hallmark song, "Defying Gravity." 

Buy now for $54.99 at LEGO.com

Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Dinosaur Fossils: Tyrannosaurus rex $249.99 at LEGO
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Suitable for ages: 18+

Inspired by the Jurassic Park film franchise and featuring history's most famous apex predator, this Tyrannosaurus rex fossil set features more than 3,000 pieces plus two figurines based on characters from the first film. Once built, this 1:12 scale model stands more than 12.5 inches/33 centimeters tall and would complement any desk or bookshelf. Lego even included a plaque with important dino facts as well as some film references hidden in the display stand. 

Buy now for $249.99 at LEGO.com

Hogsmeade Village – Collectors' Edition Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO Hogsmeade Village – Collectors' Edition $399.99 at LEGO
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Suitable for ages: 18+ 

Every true Harry Potter fan has spent some time daydreaming about a stroll through the winter wonderland that is Hogsmeade Village, so being able to bring the set to life through Lego is incredible. And with more than 3,000 individual pieces, three buildings and 12 figurines, there's an endless variety of possible scenarios to play out in your mind, from a shopping trip to Zonko’s Joke Shop or a shared pint of Butterbeer at the Hog's Head pub. Iconic characters featured in this set include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Dumbledore and Draco Malfoy, but one of the set's best features is its two-way design: from the front, you get the exterior of each building, but flip it around and you get a cutout view into the interior, where the real magic happens. 

Buy now for $399.99 at LEGO.com

OpenAI's ChatGPT revolutionized the artificial intelligence industry with an intelligent bot that can chat with you. However, chatting with ChatGPT (as with most competitor models) doesn't feel like a real conversation; it's more of a Q&A session with a really knowledgeable nerd.

On Wednesday, OpenAI launched GPT-Live, a new model that has a "full-duplex architecture," allowing it to listen and speak at the same time. This enables it to keep a far more realistic conversation, including giving you faster answers, and letting you know it's paying attention with an occasional "mhmm."

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's GPT-5.6 finally set for public release after delays

We haven't been able to test it out yet, though OpenAI posted a video showing the model's capabilities. The conversation does sound more natural, though the additional chatter probably takes some getting used to.

Google has a similar feature called Gemini Live, which can also keep up a longer conversation, though it doesn't seem to be as chatty as GPT-Live.

OpenAI says GPT-Live is the smartest voice model it has launched. Currently, it uses GPT-5.5 in the background, but the company says that will be "continuously updated" as new models are released. This is notable, as OpenAI is scheduled to launch its most powerful model yet, GPT-5.6, today.

Right now, GPT-Live is being rolled out to users globally, in two flavors: GPT-Live-1 and GPT-Live-1 mini (it's not yet available for us). OpenAI says it'll bring these models to its API "soon."

Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

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, July 9, 2026:

AcrossSomething to look for while circling the block

• The answer is Spot.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Grow weary

• The answer is Tire.

This clue number x 2

• The answer is Dozen.

Rice-shaped pasta

• The answer is Orzo.

December 25th, for short

• The answer is Xmas.

DownCalm before the ___

• The answer is Storm.

Favorite food of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

• The answer is Pizza.

Black-and-white cookies

• The answer is Oreos.

(This clue number x 2) + 2

• The answer is Ten.

Release personal information about, informally

• The answer is Dox.

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.

The Moon has now entered its final stretch of the lunar cycle before the New Moon. Over the next few nights, the illuminated portion visible from Earth will continue to decrease until it disappears completely from view.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, July 9, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in its Waning Crescent phase, with 34% of its surface visible.

Tonight when you look up without any visual aids you'll see just the Oceanus Procellarum and the Kepler Crater. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll see this plus the Grimaldi Basin, Mare Humorum, and the Gassendi Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth, passing through eight distinct phases during that time. While the same hemisphere of the Moon is always turned toward Earth, the portion lit by the Sun changes as it moves along its orbit. This shifting illumination makes the Moon look like it’s changing shape over the course of the month, cycling through crescents, quarter phases, and the bright Full Moon. This regular sequence is known as the lunar cycle.

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.

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

A ringed treat.

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

DONUT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Hello!

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

HOWDY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Copy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 9 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CLONE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Sway.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SWING

Final Hurdle hint

A chump.

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

PATSY

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 will be easier if you watch baseball.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Hit it with a net

• Green: Pro wideouts

• Blue: Lacrosse

• Purple: How to spell FIFA

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Racket/Paddle Sports

• Green: NFL Wide Receivers

• Blue: Lacrosse Terms

• Purple: FIFA

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 #653 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Racket/Paddle Sports: BADMINTON, PADEL, SQUASH, TENNIS

• NFL Wide Receivers: HIGGINS, LAMB, OLAVE, WADDLE

• Lacrosse Terms: CLEAR, CRADLE, CREASE, RIDE

• FIFA: ASSOCIATION, FOOTBALL, FEDERATION, INTERNATIONALE

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 the latest Connections.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 9, 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 July 9, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 9 Pips

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 51-5, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 9 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (7): Everything in this space must be greater than 7. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 9 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this red space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 22-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

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

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (7): Everything in this space must be greater than 7. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically.

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a car collector.

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 July 9, 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: Sober

• Green: Media outlets

• Blue: Floor coverings

• Purple: Car types

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Non-alcoholic designators

• Green: Music publications

• Blue: Kinds of rugs

• Purple: Pontiac models

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 #1124 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Non-alcoholic designators: NA, SPIRIT-FREE, VIRGIN, ZERO-PROOF

• Music publications: BILLBOARD, PITCHFORK, ROLLING STONE, SPIN

• Kinds of rugs: PERSIAN, PRAYER, SHAG, THROW

• Pontiac models: FIREBIRD, G6, GRAND PRIX, TRANS AM

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 9, 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 love a full beat.

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 July 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the lips

The words are related to beauty.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe mouth makeup.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Kiss and Makeup.

NYT Strands word list for July 9

• Stick

• Liner

• Stain

• Gloss

• Kiss and Makeup

• Balm

• Tint

• Plumper

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 a historian.

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 July 9, 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 July 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To change.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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...

AMEND

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Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

The automaker has launched the Topolino in the United States, but it's not a car in the traditional sense. It's the brand's first entry into the country's growing micromobility segment, a category built around golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles rather than for everyday roads.

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FIFA officially has Bieber fever.

The World Cup governing body and the action platform Global Citizen announced July 8 that Justin Bieber will co-headline the World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. He'll share the stage with Madonna, Shakira, and BTS in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

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The 11-minute show will also feature Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, the Staten Island elementary school choir, performing alongside Coldplay. The show is also set to feature Sesame Street characters, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets, as part of the broadcast's education-focused message. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is curating the performance.

"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can," Bieber said in a statement. "I'm grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it's already helping expand access to education for children around the world."

The halftime show is the first of its kind in FIFA World Cup history. While major soccer events often include opening ceremonies or pre-match performances, FIFA is introducing a halftime performance for this year's final.

The show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to expand access to education and soccer for children worldwide. According to Global Citizen, the fund has already raised more than $50 million. Throughout the tournament, $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches is being donated to the fund.

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Bieber's addition expands a lineup that already included several major global artists. Madonna, Shakira, and BTS were previously announced as headliners for the show back in May, while Burna Boy brings another connection to the tournament through "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 World Cup, which he performs with Shakira.

"The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together," Burna Boy said in a statement. "To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly."

The announcement has not been universally embraced, especially among soccer fans who already feel this World Cup has been "Americanized," especially with the addition of brand-sponsored hydration breaks that interrupt the usual rhythm of matches. Adding a Super Bowl-style performance in the middle of the New Jersey final feels, to some, like another step in that direction.

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That experiment will get its first test next week, and FIFA is hoping they don't have to say "Sorry."

The computer market just faced one of its grimmest periods in recent memory. IDC analysts estimate PC shipments fell 4.9 percent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, representing the first decline in over two years — although one company remained unscathed.

Between match attendance and the sheer number of viewers watching at home or at fan events, there's no doubt that this year's World Cup is going to break many records.

However, this latest record-breaking achievement from the 2026 World Cup is truly astonishing.

According to Google, Google Search saw its highest usage ever on Tuesday immediately after Argentina scored the winning goal in its comeback victory against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16 match. This moment surpassed all prior Google Search usage periods in the company's near-28 year history.

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"Google Search broke all prior usage records and saw its highest usage in history right after Argentina scored their winning goal in yesterday’s match!" said Google SVP of Knowledge & Information Nick Fox alongside the exploding head emoji in a post on X. 

Google confirmed to Mashable that the measure is based on the number of search queries per second that occurred on its search engine during the game, immediately following Argentina's third goal.

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, were on the brink of elimination as Messi and the rest of the team were losing 2-0 up until the 79th minute of the game. Argentina pulled off a miraculous comeback, scoring three goals within 14 minutes, with the winning goal scored in the third minute of extra time after the 90th minute.

Google tells Mashable that the top search query after Argentina’s winning goal was “argentina vs egypt,” with users ostensibly searching for results of the match.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai's Atlas robot debuts on the biggest stage of all: The World Cup

Google also shared global Google Trends data with Mashable that shows other search queries that contributed to the record-breaking Google Search usage after Argentina's third goal.

In addition to “argentina vs egypt,” these queries include:

• argentina x colombia 

• how many world cup goals does messi have

• who else is playing in the world cup today

• how many world cups have argentina won

• what is it called when a player hits another player in game

• is it messi's last world cup

• where is the final world cup game being played

• how many assists does messi have in world cup 2026

• who is the best football player in the world

• who will argentina play in the world cup

As you can see, there was clearly lots of interest in Messi specifically, who scored the second goal and was credited with the assist for the first goal. Messi's goal was his eighth overall in this World Cup tournament so far. Also, based on the search data, it appears many users thought Argentina would go on to face Colombia next. However, later that day, Switzerland eliminated Colombia in penalties.

There is still plenty of World Cup left — and plenty more records to potentially break — with four quarterfinal matches, two semifinals, and then the final game left to go.

Argentina will now face Switzerland next on Saturday, July 11.

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Netflix's library of hit movies, award-winning TV shows, and unique originals is one of the reasons why the streamer remains so popular. Shows like Suits, which had a successful run on cable TV, exploded in viewership on Netflix. While Netflix would love to keep its licensed programming forever, it's an unrealistic ask, meaning many notable shows eventually leave for other streaming services.

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