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The best Presidents Day Apple deals — huge discounts on AirPods, MacBooks, iPads, Apple Watches, and more

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 08:00
The best Presidents' Day Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) $299 (save $200) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $489.99 (save $109.01) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple accessory deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen) $17 (save $12) Get Deal

If you were disappointed that you missed out on any decent Apple deals during the last Black Friday or Prime Day, Presidents' Day has come through with the good stuff. Compared to the Apple store's usually skippable price drops through sale seasons, third-party retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart can offer you far better prices for the same high value the brand is known for.

SEE ALSO: All the new products Apple could release in March: iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBooks

Pro tip: Opt for a last-gen model to save the most. Walmart has an Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity on sale for $200 off, which makes it the same price as a non-cellular Series 11. The big-box store is also selling first-gen AirTags for only $17 a pop. They sold out on Amazon earlier this week after falling to the same price there.

For more good Presidents' Day deals on non-Apple stuff, check out our dedicated guides to Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart's sales this weekend.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon and Walmart
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

The non-ANC AirPods are some of our top budget earbuds. They connect seamlessly with iPhones, sound great, and last for up to five hours at a time. (Their included charging case offers up to 30 total hours of juice.) Amazon and Walmart both have them on sale for $99, or 23% off. They're 99 cents pricier at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4.

More Presidents' Day deals on AirPodsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) $299 at Walmart
$499 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

The previous version of Apple's flagship wearable has a thin, bright OLED display, fast charging, and tons of built-in health sensors, including a blood oxygen monitor. It supports all the latest watchOS 26 features like Workout Buddy, Sleep Score, and hypertension notifications. Compared to the newer Series 11, the only "upgrades" the Series 10 lacks are a slightly better battery life and more scratch-resistant glass.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

More Presidents' Day deals on Apple WatchesBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $489.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $109.01   Get Deal Why we like it

With a speedy processor and a long battery life, the M3 iPad Air is our favorite Apple tablet for most people. (The regular iPad is pokier and better for kids, while the iPad Pro is overkill.) "It will be your new go-to device for streaming, reading, or creative projects," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino. The base model with 128GB of storage is on sale for $489.99 on Amazon, which is its lowest price since Black Friday. It's nearly $60 more expensive at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple iPad Air (M3).

More Presidents' Day deals on iPadsBest MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849.99 at Amazon
$999 Save $149.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's current MacBook Air is an exceptional value at full price, so it's a no-brainer recommendation whenever it goes on sale. It features a nice 12MP webcam, a snappy keyboard, and a crisp display, and its M4 chip is miles faster than any other Windows laptop at its price point. It also comes in a slightly pricier 15-inch size if you want a bigger screen and better audio quality. That one's on sale for $150 off at Amazon, too. (Both versions are $50 more expensive at Best Buy, so stick with Amazon.)

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More Presidents' Day deals on MacBooksDeals on MacsBest Apple accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen) $17 at Walmart
$29 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

The original AirTag has fallen to its lowest price ever in the wake of its successor's release last month. They're very similar Bluetooth trackers; the newer one just adds a bigger tracking range and a louder speaker. If you need a couple extra for your keys, wallet, or pet, you can snag a four-pack on sale for only $64 at Amazon and Walmart (another all-time low). That works out to just $16 per AirTag. For reference, Best Buy is selling them individually for $24.99 and bundled for $69.99.

Read Mashable's breakdown of the differences between the first- and second-gen Apple AirTags.

More Presidents' Day deals on AirTagsDeals on Apple PencilsDeals on iPhone cases and accessoriesDeals on Apple chargers, charging cables, and adapters

Good Luck, Have Fun, Dont Die cast confesses which apps have them addicted to their phones

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 07:49

As the internet debates the pros and cons of AI, Gore Verbinski's outrageous action comedy Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is not afraid to take sides. And while some filmmakers (like Darren Aronofsky) are all too happy to toy with this technology, this movie has major beef with the rise of artificial intelligence.

Written by Matthew Robinson (The Invention of Lying), Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die stars Sam Rockwell as a time traveler who crashes into a Los Angeles diner looking for a motley crew to help him stop the rise of an AI tyrant. Joining him in his quest are a pair of high school teachers, played by Zazie Beetz and Michael Peña, who've learned the hard way not to get between their students and their cell phone addictions.

In a virtual interview, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko asked Rockwell, Beetz, and Peña about what apps have them addicted to their phones and what the future of AI in filmmaking is as they see it.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is now playing in theaters.

John Oliver returns to Last Week Tonight and rips into ICE and DHS

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 07:23

John Oliver returned to late night on Sunday with one hell of a Thomas Jefferson-style "so what'd I miss?"

Last Week Tonight premiered Season 13 on Sunday night after a three-month hiatus, with Oliver acknowledging that quite a bit has happened.

“We’ve been off for the last three months, and we have missed a lot. And I mean a lot, a lot," Oliver said before quickly recapping the news, from the latest release of Epstein files to Donald Trump threatening to take over Greenland / Iceland, Zohran Mamdani being elected New York mayor to Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Lægreid confessing to cheating at the Winter Olympics.

SEE ALSO: 8 of the biggest late night moments of 2025

Then, in one of his signature, 30-minute deep dives, Oliver ripped into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), examining their colossal budgets and $100 million 'wartime recruitment' media blast that Oliver called a "disturbing pattern of what sure seems like white nationalist dog whistles." The host noted that Last Week Tonight did reach out to the department on this.

"We reached out to DHS for comment and they angrily denied any dog whistles, adding 'We will not apologise for using patriotic messaging and symbolism in our advertisements,'" he said. "They also told us, and I quote, 'One could say, we are Homelandmaxxing by removing illegal aliens and defending our borders' is a sentence I genuinely feel dumber for saying out loud."

Oliver also spent time unpacking Donald Trump's DHS secretary, social media promo opportunist, and insistent cosplayer Kristi Noem, who has faced fierce criticism from Republicans and Democrats after the fatal shootings of civilians Renée Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

"Noem's been put in charge of DHS at the moment when it's experiencing an unprecedented funding surge," Oliver explained. "Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill last summer essentially doubled DHS' funding over the next four years, and it's worth looking at where all of that money is and, equally importantly, isn't going. Because DHS' resources are now being pointed at immigration more heavily than ever before, to the point that has been called a 'veritable Department of Deportation.' ICE alone was handed an extra $75 billion to spend over Trump's term, tripling its annual budget."

Oliver concluded the segment with a strong statement about the future.

"We need to get rid of ICE, period. Public trust in it right now is hovering somewhere between the Purdue Pharma and the Titan submersible. It is just not salvageable," he said.

"And if you're thinking, well, who will force immigration law if ICE is gone? I don't know, maybe the agencies that did it for decades before 2003? As for DHS as a whole, I would argue it's no longer tenable in its current form. And while maybe there is an argument for having a larger agency coordinating different federal departments, it should probably be redesigned from the ground up — and deliberately, this time, not by suddenly gluing together org charts in a blind panic."

"Even if you get rid of Kristi Noem, which you should, Stephen Miller will still be there," Oliver continued. "And even if you get rid of him, this administration will remain. But even if they are gone and we get rid of ICE and DHS, we're still going to be left with the broken immigration laws that gave them permission to do what they have done. Millions of people will continue to be vulnerable, because, as we've discussed repeatedly before on this show, our current immigration system makes it somewhere from difficult to impossible for many to come in 'the right way.'"

The Amazon Presidents Day sale is live — score huge deals on Apple, Lego, Roborock, and more

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 06:19
The best Presidents' Day deals at Amazon: Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) $179.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best TV deal Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) $179.99 (save $170) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum-mop combo $299.99 (save $250) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine $110.49 with on-page coupon (save $19.46) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $429.99 (save $569.01) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet (10313) $47.98 (save $12.01) Get Deal

Presidents' Day is the latest big 2026 sale to look out for if you missed the chance for great Amazon deals at the previous Cyber Monday and Black Friday. In particular, this holiday sale has a reputation for dropping major discounts on larger technical appliances, furniture, mattresses, kitchen gear, outdoor gadgets, and much more — but it can be tough navigating through all those product categories to find the right offer for you.

To make bargain hunting all the easier, we've dived into Amazon ourselves and rounded up the very best Presidents' Day deals you can find with the retailer right now.

SEE ALSO: The best Presidents' Day streaming deals: Starz, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more

Here’s everything we know so far about Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale, including the deals you can shop right now.

When is Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale?

Presidents’ Day is Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, but Amazon isn't making us wait. The sale is already live, and there are tons of deals available ahead of the long weekend. As we get closer to the weekend, we anticipate even more markdowns, particularly on Amazon devices (e.g., Echos, Kindles, Fire Sticks) and floor-care brands like Roborock and Dyson.

When does Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale end?

As with previous sales events, Amazon’s Presidents’ Day deals will run through the three-day weekend, likely capping off late Monday night. In true Amazon style, we expect some Lightning Deals to pop up in the days leading up to the holiday, but don't expect the best inventory to linger past Monday.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best Presidents’ Day deals we could find:

Best Presidents' Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) is down to $299 right now. That’s a $100 discount, which isn't too shabby for a deal this early in the year. It's the lowest price we’ve tracked on this model (according to CamelCamelCamel, it last hit this price on Dec. 30, 2025).

The Series 11 is a Mashable Choice Award winner that features advanced health tracking, up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge (normal use), and a more durable exterior that’s 2x more scratch-resistant than the previous generation.

Best headphones and earbuds dealsBest iPad dealsBest MacBook dealsBest Presidents' Day Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) $179.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $40   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Show 11 (2025 release) was just announced this past October as part of Amazon’s big smart home refresh, and it’s already hitting its lowest price ever. Right now, you can grab it for $179.99, which is an 18% discount off the list price of $219.99.

It features a vibrant 11-inch Full-HD display (offering 60% more viewing area than the Echo Show 8) and room-filling spatial audio, making it a legitimate kitchen TV for streaming Netflix or Prime Video while you cook. It runs on the AZ3 Pro chip for faster responses and includes Alexa+ integration. Plus, the camera is upgraded with auto-framing and zoom for better video calls.

More Amazon device deals Best Presidents' Day TV deal Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) $179.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $170   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Insignia 55-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-55F501NA26) is 49% off right now, bringing its price down to an impressive $179.99. That’s a solid deal for a 55-inch TV with smart capabilities (it’s also an Amazon’s Choice product with a 4.3-star rating from over 6K+ Amazon reviews).

The F50 Series includes an Alexa Voice Remote and features a 4K Ultra HD display with dynamic range, DTS Virtual:X sound, and Amazon’s Fire TV experience built in for seamless streaming. You’ll find your favorite streaming platforms, including Netflix and HBO Max, plus millions of free movies and TV episodes.

More TV deals Best Presidents' Day robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop $299.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250   See It at Amazon See It at Amazon Why we like it

Right now, you can get the Roborock Q10 S5+ robot vacuum-mop combo for $299.99, down from $549.99. This is the lowest price we've ever tracked for this model, and it's our all-time favorite "quietest" robot vacuum.

Mashable's vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, says this combo vac offers the best bang for your buck. With 10,000 Pa of suction and an auto-lift feature for the mop (so it doesn't wet your carpets), you honestly can't go wrong with the Q10 S5+.

More robot vacuum deals More cordless vacuum dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine $120.68 at Amazon
$129.95 Save $9.27   Get Deal Why we like it

It might still be cold in your area in mid-February, but we promise spring is on its way, and once the warmer weather hits, it's time for an ice cream celebration. Make your own sweet treats this year with the fan-favorite Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine. Thanks to Amazon's coupon, the ice cream maker is on sale for $96.87, down from the regular price of $129.95.

The insulated freezer bowl means you'll be on your way to a frozen treat in under 30 minutes. Each batch can produce two quarts of your favorite ice cream, gelato, sorbet, or sherbet.

More kitchen dealsBest outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 portable power station $429.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $369.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Before we know it, we'll be back to spending weekends at the campground. But this year, upgrade your setup with a portable power station. This will allow you to keep phones charged up, recharge the drone batteries, and have a functional coffee maker. I've tested dozens of power stations, and it's hard to go wrong with the Anker Solix C1000. It has plenty of ports for keeping gadgets charged up while camping, and there's even a lightbar for better illumination.

On Anker's website, the Solix C1000 has a list price of $999, but it's on sale at Amazon for only $397. Grab a solar panel to also pack along while camping, and you'll be in line for unlimited battery power.

More outdoor dealsBest Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet $47.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Spring is on its way and with it will come stunning blooms. If you feel like bringing some of that inside without worrying about keeping it alive (or pollen), Amazon is full of Lego deals this Presidents' Day. The Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet is on sale for 20% off, bringing it down to $47.98 compared to the list price of $59.99.

The bouquet features eight species of wildflowers, all on adjustable stems. You'll be adding lavender, poppies, daisies, lupins, and larkspur to your home thanks to this cheery Lego set.

More Lego deals

The best Presidents Day TV deals: Save big on TCL, Samsung, Hisense, and more

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 06:13
The best Presidents' Day TV deals at a glance: Best 43-inch TV deal Hisense 43-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $159.99 (save $140) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 (save $180) Get Deal Best 65-inch tv deal TCL 65-inch QM6K QD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $529.99 (save $470) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED 4K TV $996.99 (save $1,003) Get Deal

If a TV is on your tech upgrade list, Presidents' Day is proving to be a great time to snag a deal. While it's not traditionally the best time to upgrade, we're seeing plenty of massive discounts on models from 2025 — including some of our favorites from TCL, Hisense, and more.

I did some digging into Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart's Presidents' Day sales to uncover all the best TV deals to shop. Recommendations are organized by retailer and size to make it easier to find exactly what you're looking for. Whether you want a budget-friendly pick for your bedroom or a massive screen for your living room, there's a deal waiting to be added to your cart.

Shop the best Presidents' Day TV deals on top brands below. Oh, BTW, if you're not sure what to do with your old TV, you can recycle it at most Best Buy stores at no cost.

Best Presidents' Day 43-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 43-inch QD6 QLED 4K TV $159.99 at Best Buy
$299.99 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

Hisense is one of our favorite TV brands for its premium features at budget prices. For instance, this QLED 4K TV with built-in Alexa, Dolby Vision HDR and DTS Virtual X audio for less than $200. It may not wow you like more upscale models, but the 43-inch QD6 is a well-rounded budget TV that's great for bedrooms, smaller living rooms, or apartments. Plus, if you're used to a regular old LED TV, you'll definitely notice a difference from the quantum dots.

Best Presidents' Day 55-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $180   Get Deal Why we like it

It's not the most advanced TV in Amazon's Fire TV lineup, but the 4-Series is the most popular. It was redesigned in 2025 with an extra slim bezel that brings your content front and center and a new quad-core processor that speeds up navigation and load times. It also features 4K UHD picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Sound, Omnisense technology for ultra-personalized experiences, and the wildly smart Alexa+. At $279.99, it's down to its lowest price ever by a long shot, beating its previous low by $80.

Best Presidents' Day 65-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM6K QD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $529.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $470   Get Deal Why we like it

The TCL QM6K checks all the boxes you want in a new TV, from impressive picture quality to a smooth streaming interface to a killer price tag. Its mini LED backlight allows for a wide and accurate color spectrum with deep contrast — even in bright rooms. Our friends at CNET (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed it the "best TV under $1,000" last year and its current discount makes it an absolute steal. At $529.99, it's just $32 away from its lowest price ever (from Black Friday). Mashable's own TV expert says it's "mind-blowing it doesn't cost more than it does."

Best Presidents' Day 75-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini-LED 4K TV $996.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,003   Get Deal Why we like it

Combining mini LED backlighting with a 165Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos, the Hisense U7 is a force to be reckoned with. It also features an AGLR-Antiglare low-reflection panel, up to 3,000 nits of brightness, and HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, and Dolby Vision IQ. Translation: it looks brilliant, with deep contrast and shadows in any lighting scenario. It's designed to be the "ultimate mid-premium" TV in Hisense's 2025 lineup and this Presidents' Day deal knocks it down almost into budget territory at under $1,000.

More Presidents' Day TV deals at Amazon43-inch TVs50-to-55-inch TVs65-inch TVs 75-inch TVs and upMore Presidents' Day TV deals at Best Buy43-inches and smaller50-to-55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and upMore Presidents' Day TV deals at Walmart43-to-50-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up

NYT Pips hints, answers for February 16, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 06:10

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 February 16, 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 February 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically; 4-6, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Feb. 16 Pips

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

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

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

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

Equal (5): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed vertically; 0-6, placed vertically; 1-0, 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.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 16, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:48

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is easy if you know baseball pitchers.

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.

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

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

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

  • Yellow: Regionally specific basketball

  • Green: Visual elements

  • Blue: Linked by leadership

  • Purple: Baseball soundalikes

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: California NBA teams

  • Green: In a "Sportscenter" broadcast

  • Blue: Coached by Jim Harbaugh

  • Purple: Homophones of CY Young Award winners

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 #511 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • California NBA teams - CLIPPERS, KINGS, LAKERS, WARRIORS

  • In a "Sportscenter" broadcast - ANCHOR, CHYRON, HIGHLIGHTS, TICKET

  • Coached by Jim Harbaugh - 49ERS, CHARGERS, MICHIGAN, STANFORD

  • Homophones of CY Young award winners - BURNS, COAL, COLOGNE, SAIL

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

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

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

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

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 16, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:36

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 Monday, Feb. 16, 2026:

AcrossWhat some people solve the Mini for

  • The answer is Speed.

Chat, informally

  • The answer is Convo.

Fire truck attachments

  • The answer is Hoses.

What other people solve the Mini for

  • The answer is Fun.

"Are we there ___?"

  • The answer is Yet.

DownAcademy or university: Abbr.

  • The answer is Sch.

Like a voluminous winter jacket

  • The answer is Poofy.

Come next

  • The answer is Ensue.

___ planner (occupation)

  • The answer is Event.

Number before tres

  • The answer is Dos.

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

The best Presidents Day streaming deals: Starz, YouTube TV, Hulu, Spotify, and more

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:29
The best Presidents' Day streaming deals at a glance: Starz $2.99 per month for 3 months (save $24) Get Deal YouTube TV free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months $82.99/month (save $46) Get Deal Disney+ and Hulu bundle $9.99 for 1 month (save $3) Get Deal Spotify Premium Spotify Premium free for 2 months (save $25.98) Get Deal

While we typically see the best streaming deals of the year around Black Friday, it's not the only time streaming services offer discounts. Now that Presidents' Day weekend has arrived, we've got our eyes locked on our favorite streaming platforms for any deals that pop up.

These discounts aren't technically labeled as Presidents' Day streaming deals, but they're live for a limited time around the holiday, so that's what we're calling them. While the prices won't wow you quite like Black Friday, we could all use any savings we can get. If you're looking to sign up for a streaming service this season, you might as well save some money, right?

There aren't many, but we've rounded up all the best Presidents' Day streaming deals live right now — as well as some evergreen deals we think are worth snagging. We've also included the best streaming device deals in case your TV isn't as smart as you'd like.

Best Presidents' Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz $2.99/month for 3 months (save $8/month) Get Deal Why we like it

One of the most slept on streaming services, this Starz Presidents' Day offer allows you to diversify your movie and TV lineup for only $2.99 per month for three months. It typically costs $10.99 per month, so you'll save about $24. Not only does Starz have its own original series like Sweetpea and Three Women, but it's also the first stop Lionsgate theatrical releases make in the streaming circuit. Recent additions include The Long Walk and The Strangers: Chapter 2, while upcoming films include The Housemaid and Greenland 2: Migration.

More Presidents' Day streaming deals

  • DirecTV MySports — $59.99/month for 2 months $69.99/month (save $10/month)

  • Disney+ and Hulu bundle — $9.99/month for 1 month $12.99/month (save $3/month)

  • NFL Sunday Ticket — $16/month for 12 months $31.50/month (save $186)

  • Spotify Premium — Free for 2 months $12.99/month (save $12.99/month)

  • Sundance Now — $3.99/month for 3 months $7.99/month (save $4/month with code SN50)

  • YouTube TV — free 10-day trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months $82.99/month (save $23/month)

Evergreen streaming dealsStreaming device deals

The best Presidents Day mattress deals — save up to 60% on mattresses, beds, sheets, and pillows

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:11
The best Presidents' Day mattress deals at a glance: Best overall deal DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress with free accessories (queen) $1,099 (save $1,397) Get Deal Best organic mattress deal Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,599.20 (save $399.80) Get Deal Best foam mattress deal Bear Original Mattress (queen) $649 (save $349) Get Deal

As much as we try to ignore it, sleep is a major part of life. Ask any parent of a young child or someone who's dealing with jet lag and they'll confirm that sleep makes a big difference. It impacts our mood, cognitive ability, and even the immune system.

We have tons of great tech that helps us get restorative slumber like sleep earbuds that are comfortable enough for side sleepers, smart beds that adjust temperature automatically, sleep trackers, and air purifiers that help with breathing in healthy air. But those probably won't help all that much if your mattress is uncomfortable. A good bed is both supportive of your back, shoulders, and hips while also being comfortable enough to keep you sound asleep. If that's not happening, it might be time for a new bed.

Just like how there's a best time of the year to buy a new TV, mattresses have a few standout sale times. Presidents' Day happens to be one of the best times to score a major discount on a new mattress, bedding, and pillows. If you bedroom or your guest room has been asking for a refresh, check out these deals. These upgrades are a great way to kickoff spring cleaning season.

Best overall mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,099 at DreamCloud
$2,496.01 Save $1,397.01 mattress protector, sheet set, and two cooling pillows included Get Deal Why we like it

Last spring when I tested the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress, I was shocked by the quality to price ratio. It feels like a luxury mattress you'd encounter at a 5-star hotel, but its price falls into the affordable range. In fact, a single night's stay at some 5-star resorts would cost more than this mattress.

The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid bed that combines a plush pillow-top with ultra supportive memory foam and coil layers. The edge-support is also noteworthy. When testing, I felt like this was a great option for couples thanks to the motion isolation or anyone who's a combination sleeper and needs support in several positions.

The DreamCloud Presidents Day Sale tosses in a mattress protector, bamboo sheet set, and two cooling pillows. If you're shopping for a queen-size, you'll be able to get the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid with these accessories for $1,099.

Best organic mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Naturepedic Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress (queen) $1,119.20 at Naturepedic
$1,999 Save $879.80   Get Deal Why we like it

If you shop for organic food and look for clothing made of natural materials, you might want to opt for an organic mattress. The Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress is on sale during the brand's winter refresh sale. The eight-inch tall mattress uses certified organic latex, wool, and cotton, which eliminates the need to use chemical-derived foam or flame retardants.

Aside from the all-organic materials and glue-free design, one of the highlights of the Naturepedic Serenade Organic Hybrid Mattress is its customization options. You can get the mattress in plush, cushion-firm, or firm to best suit your sleeping style and needs. Plus, wool and cotton are naturally breathable materials, so this could be excellent if you tend to sleep hot.

Best foam mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bear Bear Original Mattress (queen) $649 at Bear
$998 Save $349 mattress protector and two pillows included Get Deal Why we like it

An all-foam bed is a great option for tons of people, and Bear makes some of the best if you're looking for an excellent value. In a queen size, the Bear Original Mattress usually costs $998, but it's on sale for $649 during the Bear Presidents Day Sale. Plus, the brand is throwing in two free pillows and a free mattress protector.

Bear uses three layers of foam on the Bear Original that are designed to provide great support and comfort to pressure points. This could also be a great option for a kids' room thanks to its affordability. In a twin size, the Bear Original is on sale for $463.

More mattress and bedding deals

  • Amerisleep — save $1,000 on a mattress with code PD2026

  • Avocado — take up to 20% off organic mattresses and 10% off organic bedding and pillows

  • Awara — save 50% on select mattresses

  • Bear — save 35% off sitewide

  • Beautyrest — save up to $1,000 on select mattress and adjustable base sets

  • Big Fig — get $500 off any mattress + 25% off everything else with code PRES

  • Birch — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25

  • Brooklinen — take 20% off sitewide

  • Brooklyn Bedding — save up to 35% on mattresses

  • Bryte — save up to $1,000 off sitewide

  • Casper — take up to 30% off on mattresses and 35% off bedding bundles and pillows

  • Coop Sleep Goods — save up to 40% sitewide

  • Helix — take 25% off sitewide with code PRES25

  • Eight Sleep — save up to $350

  • Essentia — take 21% off sitewide

  • Eli & Elm — buy one pillow, get a second for 50% off

  • FluffCo — take 20% off sitewide

  • Layla — take up to $200 off mattresses and get two free Layla Pillows and free bamboo sheet set

  • Leesa — take 30% off mattresses and 25% off bedding

  • Linenspa — save 20% off mattresses sitewide

  • Lull — save 60% on all mattresses and get free sheets, pillows, and a mattress protector

  • Naturepedic — take 20% off sitewide

  • Nectar — save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

  • Nest — save up to 15% on mattresses and 20% on pillows

  • Nolah — take 35% off sitewide with free in-home set-up and removal on qualifying orders

  • Puffy — save up to $1,350

  • Purple — take up to $500 off a mattress and earn up to $300 in gift credit

  • Siena — save up to 60% on mattresses

  • Silk & Snow — get a free sleep bundle with mattress purchase

  • Sleep Number — 50% off Limited Edition mattress

  • Tempur-Pedic — save up to $500 and get $300 in free accessories; BOGO pillows and sheets bundles

  • Tuft & Needle — save 20% sitewide

  • Westin — save 20% on mattresses

  • WinkBeds — save 30%

  • Woolroom — save up to 40%

Walmart is running a huge Presidents Day sale — find live deals on TVs, Apple, laptops, and more

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:05
The best Walmart Presidents' Day deals at a glance: Best tech deal Apple AirTag 1st gen (4-Pack) $64 (save $35) Get Deal Best headphones deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30.99) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 85-inch QM7K QD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,798 (save $701.99) Get Deal Best home deal Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum $299.99 (save $300) Get Deal

The first big shopping holiday of 2026 has arrived and all the major retailers have deals popping up across all sorts of categories. While you may think of mattress deals when you think of Presidents' Day, there are plenty of other discounts on everything from TVs to headphones. If you prefer to shop at Walmart, we've rounded up all the best Presidents' Day deals you can shop now.

We'll update this list with any new noteworthy deals. For now, here are the best Presidents' Day deals to shop at Walmart. Don't see what you're looking for? Check out the best deals at Amazon and Best Buy.

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $64 at Walmart
$99 Save $35   Get Deal Why we like it

The AirTag is the ring leader when it comes to Bluetooth trackers. As long as there's an Apple device nearby with Find My turned on, AirTags allow you to locate whatever you attach your AirTag to with ease. Now that a newer model has arrived, you can snag a four-pack of the still-great first-generation trackers for much less.

More tech dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$129.99 Save $30.99   Get Deal Why we like it

It's not everyday you can score a pair of AirPods for under 100 bucks. While the basic AirPods 4 don't offer noise cancellation, they do offer personalized spatial audio, voice isolation, Siri interactions, improved sound quality, and a comfier and more snug design. Mashable's reviewer said the sound is "like honey."

More headphones and earbuds dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-inch QM7K QD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,798 at Walmart
$2,499.99 Save $701.99   Get Deal Why we like it

According to our pals at ZDNET (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis), "This QD Mini-LED display delivers stunning brightness and impressive contrast on par with OLED TVs at a far more accessible price." It combines QLED and OLED technologies to deliver a picture that's rich, deep, and bright in any circumstance. It also features a 144Hz refresh rate, Game Accelerator 288, Dolby Atmos Audio elevated by Bang & Olufsen speakers, and AIPQ Processor PRO. All in all, the 85-inch model is an excellent value for under $1,800.

More TV dealsBest home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V9 Motorbar Cordless Vacuum $299.99 at Walmart
$599.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

Dyson isn't exactly known for its affordability, but this $300 discount on the V9 Motorbar cordless vacuum makes luxury more accessible. It features a trademark Motorbar head, which glides across all floor types, as well as a hair screw tool that can detangle pet hair as it sucks it up. And of course, in true Dyson form, it can convert to a handheld device instantly.

More home and kitchen deals

The Best Buy Presidents Day sale is live — shop deals on AirPods, TVs, laptops, headphones, and more

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:02
Best Buy Presidents' Day deals at a glance: Best TV deal 55-inch Insignia Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $179.99 (save $170) Get Deal Best laptop deal Lenovo 16-inch Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $649.99 (save $400) Get Deal Best headphones deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $209.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum-Mop $339.99 (save $360) Get Deal

The Best Buy Presidents' Day sale is officially live. The official sale runs through Feb. 16, meaning you can grab discounts on Apple, Sony, and Samsung right now.

A quick heads-up: Amazon is matching most of these prices, so your decision really comes down to shipping speed and preference. I combed through the listings to find the best deals on TVs, laptops, and headphones you can shop now.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia 55-inch Insignia Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $179.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $170   Get Deal Why we like it

Insignia is Best Buy’s house brand, and while people love to hate on generic labels, the 55-inch Insignia Class F50 Series has a pretty good track record. It's known for being budget-friendly, but it doesn't lack in performance. I'm considering buying this for my living room because the price is right and it hits all the specs I want, like DTS Virtual-X audio and Fire TV integration. It currently holds a 4.7-star rating across thousands of reviews on Best Buy and Amazon, proving that you don't need a premium nameplate to get a reliable, wall-mountable smart TV.

More TV deals

Shop more Presidents' Day TV deals at Best Buy.

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo 16-inch Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (Intel Core Ultra 7 155U, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $649.99 at Best Buy
$1,049.99 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

The Yoga 7i gives you enough screen real estate for multitasking while also being portable enough to throw in your bag, and the 360-degree hinge lets you prop it up for movies without the keyboard getting in the way. At $400 off, the specs are hard to beat: you get the snappy Intel Core Ultra 7 and a 1TB SSD, which is double the storage you typically see in this price bracket. It's a little heavy to use as a handheld tablet for long, but as a flexible workstation, it’s solid.

More laptop and tablet deals

Shop more Presidents' Day laptop deals at Best Buy.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $209.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

There's a reason we named these the "Best AirPods" in our 2026 headphone roundup. Apple claims the noise cancellation is twice as powerful as the previous generation, and our testing backs that up — reviewer Adam Doud found they could silence a crowded room instantly. They also feature a new built-in heart rate monitor and live translation, making them a major functional upgrade over the Pro 2. At $40 off, they're an easy buy.

More headphone deals

Shop more Presidents' Day headphone deals at Best Buy.

A parents guide to Lego Smart Bricks

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:00

By now, you might have heard about Lego Smart Play system, which Lego calls the biggest evolution in brick-building technology in 50 years. You may have even heard of the Smart Bricks from your kids. 

Or perhaps you saw Mashable's own CES coverage of the unveiling, when Lego made its first appearance at the world's biggest technology convention to officially announce Smart Play and Smart Bricks.

Lego's first Smart Play sets, which are all part of the Lego Star Wars line, are now available for pre-order and will start shipping in early March.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Pre-order Lego Smart Play Building Kits Starting at $39.99 Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon Building Kit $99.99 at Amazon
Ships March 1 Get Deal

Whether you know what Smart Play or Smart Bricks are or not, you probably have some questions: More tech for my children? Is this safe? Will their privacy be respected? Should I get Lego Smart Bricks for them?

Mashable is here to help.

What are Lego Smart Play and Lego Smart Bricks?

Lego, the iconic 93-year-old toy company, isn't known for computer chips or gyroscopes or sensors; they're known for their simple multi-colored interconnecting building bricks and square Lego people. Yet, at CES, Lego announced they were bringing those chips and gyroscopes, and sensors to their building bricks and Lego people with their Smart Play line, which includes Smart Bricks, Smart Tags, and Smart Minifigures.

Smart what now? Let's break it all down.

Lego Smart Bricks Credit: Lego

Smart Bricks are the new Lego brick with all that previously mentioned tech inside. They work just like any other Lego brick when it comes to building. Smart Bricks can snap into any regular Lego brick and vice versa. However, Smart Bricks can also play sounds, light up in different colors, and interact with the world around them.

For example, if you connect a Smart Brick to a Lego airplane, the plane will make different sounds depending on whether you're a kid flying the plane right-side up or upside down. If the Lego plane is "crashing," the Smart Brick will make screaming noises as if it's emitting from the Lego minifigure pilot.

Smart Tags are a thin, flat surface brick that snaps onto your Lego creation and informs the Smart Brick about what it's connected to. Using that airplane example, you'd need the Smart Tag for that Lego airplane in order for the Smart Brick to know how to make those corresponding airplane wooshing sounds.

Smart Minifigures are Lego minifigures built specifically for Smart Bricks. The Smart Tag is basically built right onto the figure.

And Smart Play is basically just the name of this entire new interactive Lego toy line.

Lego Star Wars Smart Play TIE Fighter Credit: Lego Are Lego Smart Bricks safe for my kids?

Generations of kids have played with Legos without any sort of tech add-on. Now, our children will experience a whole new Lego. And, of course, whenever technology is introduced to children, there are certain concerns to be watchful for.  Should parents be concerned?

The main worry is usually regarding privacy. Lego says its Smart Bricks technology does not connect to the internet in any way and is completely offline. Lego doesn't collect any data. There are no cameras or audio recording devices inside or connected to Smart Bricks.

Another potential issue when introducing tech to kids is whether it'll affect their playtime or development. This isn't as straightforward as the privacy concerns, as each parent will likely have their own opinion on this. However, Lego said that it created the Smart Play line in order to enhance physical play. It's not meant to take over a child's imagination or creativity. There's no AI involved, no app that Smart Bricks need to connect to, and there are no screens involved at all.

Kids still have to build their Lego creations in the Smart Play line.

A perfect example of Lego Smart Play enhancing physical play was demonstrated by Lego at CES. Lego had two children race their Lego racecars. Thanks to the Smart Play capabilities, the Smart Brick at the finish line was able to light up with the color of the racecar that won the race. In a neck and neck race, Smart Play can help avoid any potential conflict that might arise between two highly competitive kids, leaving time for more building or racing and less arguing..

What will the Lego Smart Play sets look like?

Lego seems to have a good idea of how to sell parents and kids alike on their new Smart Bricks technology. The first Lego Smart Play sets are all Lego Star Wars related.

Lego Star Wars Smart Play X-Wing Credit: Lego

At CES, Lego announced three Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets: Luke's X-Wing, Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, and the Emperor's Throne Room Duel.

Since then, Lego has announced five more Lego Smart Play sets — and once again, they're all Lego Star Wars related: Millennium Falcon, Mos Eisley Cantina, Luke's Landspeeder, Yoda's Hut, and Attack on Endor.

Lego Star Wars Smart Play Throne Room Duel Credit: Lego

The Landspeeder set is the most affordable, priced at $39.99. The Throne Room Duel is the most pricey of the Lego Star Wars Smart Play sets at $159.99.

When will Lego release Smart Play sets?

Lego will release the first Smart Play sets on March 1, but fans can pre-order them now at Lego and Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Pre-Order Lego Smart Play Building Kits   Get Deal

Reality Check: Inside Americas Next Top Model is rage bait. We watched it so you dont have to.

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 05:00

Make no mistake. Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model wouldn't exist without hatewatchers on TikTok.

Though America's Next Top Model premiered in 2003, content creators on TikTok have been looking back on the competition show with damning critiques of its problematic photo challenges, fat-shaming tactics, and the harsh words from the show's panel of judges. First, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model delves into these critiques, featuring TikTok snippets to give a sense of the avalanche of criticism. Then, Reality Check's directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan (also co-executive producers) offer new interviews with ANTM host Tyra Banks, plus former ANTM judges — including photographer Nigel Barker, photoshoot director Jay Manuel, and runway walk coach Miss J. Alexander — where they're asked to face the TikTok critiques on camera.

I watched all three episodes of Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, totaling just shy of three hours. Props to Loushy and Sivan, this mini-series has a sensational understanding of its audience, who want to see not only the ANTM's most shocking moments but also the famous judges answering for them. And while this doc is definitely tapping into hate-watching, Reality Check satisfies by asking the hard questions — even if the answers leave much to be desired.

Who is interviewed in Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model? Miss J in "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model." Credit: Netflix

Among the show's judges, Tyra Banks, Miss J. Alexander, Jay Manuel, Nigel Barker, and model manager Nolé Marin give talking-head interviews. Also featured in new interviews are director/developer Ken Mok and TV executive Dawn Ostroff. 

Former contestants also share their story in Reality Check, including Ebony Haith (Cycle 1), Giselle Samson (Cycle 1), Joanie Sprague (Cycle 6), Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10), Dani Evans (Cycle 6), Bre Scullark (Cycle 5), Dionne Walters (Cycle 8), Keenyah Hill (Cycle 4), and Shandi Sullivan (Cycle 2). They share insights into the brutal truth behind their reality TV experiences, and it's not pretty.

Who's not interviewed in Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model? "America’s Next Top Model" stage is lit but empty. Credit: Netflix

The most notable absences are Janice Dickinson and Tiffany Richardson, who both have segments dedicated to their time on the reality competition show. 

As a judge, Dickinson was vicious in her opinions, insulting the contestants to their faces and unapologetically writing them off as ugly or fat. Jay Manuel, who throughout the doc series will defend the show and make excuses for many of its most controversial moments, notes he didn't like Dickinson's brutal approach to critiques and tried to push back with his own. However, he also suggests that her attitude reflected a segment of the modeling industry, and thus had its place on America's Next Top Model.

Did the critiques get too personal? It seemed so for Tiffany Richardson in Cycle 4. She is the contestant whose dressing down from Banks became a meme: "We were rooting for you." And while a substantial part of episode 3, titled "We Were Rooting For You," focuses on this memorable moment, Richardson is not interviewed for Reality Check.

Another surprising absence is Adrianne Curry, the Cycle 1 winner of ANTM, who went on to use that spotlight to become an actress and TV personality. A less noticeable but curious omission, Kenya Barris — who co-created America's Next Top Model and produced it ahead of creating hit sitcoms like Black-ish, Grown-ish, and Mixed-ish — is not interviewed or even mentioned. 

America's Next Top Model's judges offer excuses, not apologies.  Jay Manuel in "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model" Credit: Netflix

In episode one, Jay Manuel says, "It was such a different time," when speaking to the representation that he and Miss J, as queer people of color, brought to the show. However, this phrase, used to express how America's Next Top Model broke boundaries, is also employed by nearly every ANTM judge to justify how the contestants were treated. 

Reality Check begins by swiftly recounting how Banks, as a Black woman, faced prejudice in her modeling career due to the fashion industry's narrow definition of marketable beauty. With America's Next Top Model, she wanted to open the door for other women to pursue careers in modeling and to show the world the breadth of beauty. However, the very premise of the show set every contestant up to be picked apart for how she looked, from her teeth to her skin to her weight, and on and on. As the face of the show, Banks was frequently seen supporting the very stringent view of beauty she claimed to be breaking down. 

In this first episode of Reality Check, Banks is dismissive of people who criticize the ANTM but "didn't watch it back then" when it first aired. She claims that binge-watching on streaming led to people rediscovering the show, and "overnight," the attitude towards it changed to "look how wrong this is." She ignores that America's Next Top Model sparked discourse as it aired about the outrageous stunts pulled and the brutal pursuit of the picture-perfect shot.

Banks argues it's "important to understand where [ANTM] came from," and so begins the finger-pointing to 2000s culture that was obsessed with skinny women and heroin chic. The early 2000s were a cultural nightmare in that regard, judging every remotely famous woman who dared to have a less-than-flat stomach. But as a show that literally promised to present the next big name in modeling, ANTM bolstered that fixation on weight through their determination of what is beautiful or not.

Banks won't acknowledge that; instead she blames pop culture, the modeling industry, her ANTM colleagues (claiming she had no power whenever a tough choice was made), and the audience that tuned in. "We kept pushing, and we kept creating more, more, more," she said of bizarre photo shoots. "You guys were demanding it. The viewers wanted more and more and more." And with every finger-pointing, Reality Check rebrands Banks as a reality TV villain, just as TikTok has been saying.

What scandals does Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model get into? Nigel Barker in "Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model." Credit: Netflix

Reality Check digs into plenty of America's Next Top Model's most shocking moments. 

ANTM's most disturbing photo shoots

Episode 2 touches on a barrage of gross or problematic photo shoots, including one where the contestants wore meat, another where unhoused people were treated like set dressing, and, of course, the race-swap challenge, where models were painted and dressed to represent an alternate ethnicity.

In this segment of Reality Check, Banks does say, "Yeah, there's some dumb shit," but also defends the race-bending shoot by saying, "This is my way to show the world that brown and Black is beautiful." 

Several models recount how their photoshoot assignments could feel cruel. One particularly horrid example was in Cycle 8, when the models were tasked to be gorgeous homicide victims. Dionne Walters, who was challenged to pose as a woman shot in the head, points out the producers knew her family had a tragic history with gun violence.

"I think they wanted to see some sort of mental breakdown," she tells Reality Check, noting she's proud she didn't give them that. While apologies are few and far between in this mini-series, ANTM director Mok did say of this particular photo shoot, "I take full responsibility for that shoot. It was a mistake. It was crazy. That one I look back and like, 'You're an idiot.'"

ANTM makeovers that demanded cosmetic surgery

More disturbing, however, is how the contestants, many of whom were young and hadn't been away from home before, were put into high-pressure situations that had lasting impacts on their lives. 

Dani Evans and Joanie Sprague from Cycle 6 recount how the show demanded they get cosmetic dental surgery to continue in the competition. The former was pressured by Banks to get the gap between her two front teeth filled. The other went through hours of painful surgery to get rid of her snaggletooth. 

To this, Banks replies, "I've actually apologized for the issue with Dani and what happened. That was between a rock and a hard place for me, because there were agents that would tell me she will not work with those teeth. It's just not going to happen. That's what they told me... But hindsight is 20/20 for all of us. It just so happens that a lot of things that are 20/20 for me happened in front the world." 

Evans responds in her Reality Check interview, "Bull fucking shit."

Sexual harassment on ANTM Tyra Banks attends"SMiZE & DREAM" Hot Ice Cream First Taste at Artechouse NYC on December 10, 2025 in New York City. Credit: Manny Carabel / Getty Images

Other contestants, including Keenyah Hill from Cycle 4, share how the pressure to keep off weight was intense, leading to girls passing out. Footage from her season shows how Manuel had her pose as "Gluttony" for one photo shoot challenge, then as an elephant in another, with the judges calling her fat in critiques. 

Beyond that, when Hill was sexually harassed by a male model on a photo shoot, she was chastised by the judges for speaking up. In the America's Next Top Model episode, Banks told Evans from the judge's panel she should have said something "in a fun way, where he knows to back the heck up, but it doesn't put static in the air." Essentially, Banks suggested it was on the model being harassed to manage others' comfort about what happened. 

In her interview for Reality Check, Hill gets emotional watching this footage back, pointing out that the male model is groping her legs in the photo that producers chose for judging. 

Looking back on this incident for Reality Check, Banks admits, "It should've been stopped down. We now all understand the protections that women need. And so I say to Keenyah, 'Boo-boo, I am so sorry. None of us knew. Network executives didn't know. And I did the best that I could at that time.' But she deserved more. She did."

"We were rooting for you" wasn't what it seemed.  

We all know the meme. But those of us who watched Tiffany Richardson get screamed at by an uncharacteristically furious Tyra Banks remember how shocking that moment was. Reality Check provides context by presenting footage from America's Next Top Model. Tiffany's arc had been one of a bad girl redeemed. Previously cut from the show because of a physical altercation, she was back and thriving in Cycle 4. Then came the teleprompter challenge. 

The contestants were tasked with reading from a teleprompter without first looking at the copy. Many stumbled on designer names like Hermès, and Tiffany angered the judges by rejecting this challenge, which was clearly designed to make these aspiring models look stupid. When she was told she was no longer in the running to be America's Next Top Model, instead of crying, Richardson laughed as she said goodbye to her fellow contestants. And then Banks went off on her. 

On TV, the dressing down was intense, in large part because it broke from Banks' persona as a gentle, smizing mentor to the contestants. Within the televised rant, Banks said she was yelling but insisted it came from a place of love.

In Reality Check, Banks admits she went "too far." Manuel reveals that Banks said "a lot more" than what was shown and "some of the things that were said were really not well-intentioned." He declines to explain what else was said. But Marin adds, "All I know is next week we had all the lawyers on set."

In an archival interview with E!, Richardson said, "If she loved me, she wouldn't have shown that the way she showed it. If you love someone, you won't humiliate them."

The reality behind Shandi's slut-shaming

Reality Check uncovers the harsh reality that Cycle 2 contestant Shandi Sullivan faced after the show made a spectacle of her "cheating" on her boyfriend. America's Next Top Model presented Shandi's story as a one-night-stand that betrayed her boyfriend back home — and was caught on tape. The morning after, Tyra had an unexpected "girl talk" with the models (while cameras rolled), talking about how bad she felt when she was cheated on. When Shandi called her boyfriend to confess, she wept while he called her a "bitch" on national television

In her interview for Reality Check, Sullivan reveals that she was blackout drunk that night. She notes that while camera crews filmed what happened, no one intervened. She felt the show exploited her to make "good TV," which is a refrain echoed across the model interviews. 

For her part, Banks distances herself from the incident by saying that part of production wasn't her territory. Meanwhile, Mok argues, "We treated Top Model as a documentary,” to explain why no one intervened. However, Sullivan notes the show's makers only gave her a phone to call her boyfriend after she threatened to quit the show. And then, they only gave the phone to her if she'd take the call with cameras rolling. She also reveals that after the show, strangers would slut-shame her on the street in front of her boyfriend.

Calling America's Next Top Model a documentary is intellectually dishonest, as it implies the producers weren't intervening at other times. But they were. His argument that the girls signed on knowing they'd be filmed at all times is infuriatingly insufficient. If these girls were in a fishbowl, even if they agreed to that, they had no say on if someone shakes the fishbowl to see their reaction. They were all pretty meat to the America's Next Top Model grinder.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is now streaming on Netflix.

Presidents Day 2026: Live updates on the best deals from Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and more

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 04:56

Presidents' Day is here. Yes, it's a three-day weekend, but it's also one of the first major sale events of the year.

Presidents' Day, which falls on Monday, Feb. 16, is delivering deals across the board. All our favorite retailers — Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart — have launched significant sales, offering heavy discounts on Apple AirPods, Samsung TVs, popular streaming services, premium mattresses, and so much more.

Ready to really make the most of this long weekend? We've rounded up all of the best deals across retailers and categories, finding you the best savings available on Presidents' Day 2026.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms finale trailer goes all in

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 04:51

We're a long way from the drunken jigs of A Knight of the Seven Kingdom's earlier episodes, with the trailer for the series finale seeing our faves in bleak waters.

Following the pure drama of episode 5's brutal trial of seven, the Game of Thrones prequel's last chapter sees Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall (Peter Claffey) in a state. What will become of the once dynamic duo Dunk and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell)? What of the Targaryens?

From the looks of the trailer above, we're in for one hell of a finale.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is streaming on HBO Max, with the finale to premiere Sunday Feb. 21 at 10 p.m. ET.

How to watch Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup online for free

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 04:16

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 T20 World Cup showcased the biggest game in world cricket over the weekend. India secured a huge victory over Pakistan in the group stage, but there are more massive matchups on the schedule. In a tournament like this, there's no rest.

Australia take on Sri Lanka in the next tantalising contest. Australia desperately need to secure a win if they want to have any chance of progressing into the next round. They lost their last game against Zimbabwe. Hosts Sri Lanka have won both of their opening games. They could dump Australia out of the competition with another win here.

If you want to watch Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. Sri Lanka?

Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 16. This game takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Australia vs. Sri Lanka for free

Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Australia vs. Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

  4. Visit ICC.TV

  5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup (plus the Winter Olympics) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Hurdle hints and answers for February 16, 2026

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 00:00

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 mistake.

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

ERROR

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Not ninth.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

TENTH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To fail.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 16, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FLUNK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To suggest.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

OPINE

Final Hurdle hint

Sheen.

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

GLOSS

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

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on February 16

Mashable - Mon, 02/16/2026 - 00:00

The Moon is almost completely dark tonight, signaling that the New Moon phase is close. The final visible crescent of the Moon on display is ever so faint, meaning it's another night of no visible lunar features.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, Feb. 16, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 2% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Once again, too little of the Moon's surface is illuminated tonight to be able to spot any lunar features. After the New Moon has passed, it will start to come back into view.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3. The last Full Moon was on Feb. 1.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one orbit around the Earth. Throughout that time, it goes through eight different phases of visibility. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the part that’s lit up changes as it moves along its orbit. The amount of sunlight reflecting off the surface is what changes the Moon's appearance, and why sometimes it looks full, partly lit, or almost dark. The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5 has a flashback thats key to the whole show

Mashable - Sun, 02/15/2026 - 22:36

In the world of Westeros, flashbacks are just as important as prophecies.

And while they're sometimes used for comic effect in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the flashback in episode 5 with young Dunk (Bamber Todd) and Rafe (Chloe Lea) feels more significant than others.

So what happens, and why is it important?

SEE ALSO: 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Targaryen family tree: How everyone connects What happens in the episode 5 flashback?

As Dunk (Peter Claffey) blacks out on the trial of seven battlefield, the lights come up on a different battlefield in a different time: the aftermath of the Blackfyre Rebellion, with young Dunk and his friend Rafe looting bodies in the hunt for something valuable.

Later, as they walk back to their home of Flea Bottom in King's Landing, they have a conversation about how Rafe wants them to leave the city. We've transcribed it in full below.

Dunk: "I just don't know why we're in such a rush to leave anymore? The war is over. The Black Dragon's dead. Ferret said we'll all get free bread now."

Rafe: "Are you stupid? Nothing's over. Don't you remember when Pudding killed Cedric's little brother?"

Dunk: "That was an accident."

Rafe: "Aye. And we all figured that'd be the end to it, only for Cedric to come back a year later and near burn down half of Flea Bottom trying to kill Pudding. No one forgets shit. You hurt someone, they hurt you back. If you want to stay, fine. But Flea Bottom is full up on people hurting. It's tinder waiting to catch."

It's a conversation that foreshadows Rafe's death, but it's also so much bigger than that.

Why is the conversation so important?

The conversation between Dunk and Rafe taps into a theme that's been prevalent in every single Game of Thrones story so far: the cycle of violence. In House of the Dragon, this takes the form of the escalation between Team Green and Team Black, and in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it's already been plainly demonstrated by the trial of seven Dunk's forced into to defend his life.

And while this exchange between Dunk and Rafe resonates throughout the wider GoT universe, it's not the only purpose the flashback serves.

Later, after Rafe has been mortally wounded, the way Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb) intervenes to protect young Dunk mirrors the way an adult Dunk intervenes to protect Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford) from Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett). In this way, the flashback to Dunk's childhood shows us why he values the principles of being a knight as strongly as he does. Dunk's heroism is learned behaviour, and Tanselle is a reminder of the friend he was unable to save as a child.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes hitting HBO and HBO Max Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.

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