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The use of the word "war" to describe the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, and Iran's retaliation, has President Donald Trump and his administration at odds with Republican supporters over messaging.
During Late Night on Wednesday, Seth Meyers used his deep dive segment "A Closer Look" to lay out what Trump and former-defense-now-war secretary Pete Hegseth have called it, and what Republicans are calling it, whether it's a "war" or "major combat operation" or otherwise.
"There are two reasons they're all talking in Orwellian circles like this," said Meyers. "One, if they acknowledge it's a war, they also have to admit that it's illegal, since only Congress can declare war. And two, they don't want to admit that Trump lied. He said he would keep us out of exactly these type of open ended wars, and specifically 'forever wars.'"
"What we're seeing play out is the absurdity of life inside the Trump cult," Meyers concluded. "One minute, they all have to pretend Trump is a working class savior who will end foreign wars. The next they have to pretend the war he started isn't a war, even though he's the one calling it a war."
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SAVE OVER $100: As of March 5, the AirPods Max have dropped to $429.99 at Amazon. That's $119.01 off their list price of $549.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $429.99 at AmazonA variety of brand-new Apple products have recently been announced, but if you don't mind scooping up older devices from the brand, there have been some very nice discounts popping up. This includes a couple of deals on the AirPods Max headphones. Over at Amazon, select colors have dropped to just $429.99.
Considering they usually come with a price tag of $549, this deal saves you $119.01 on the AirPods Max. It's also a little over $30 away from their lowest-ever price of $399, which is certainly worth making a move on.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The AirPods Max boast high-quality audio that'll make any music or audiobooks you listen to sound incredible. Our review from Brenda Stolyar back when they were initially released said, "Both music and podcasts sound a lot fuller and richer than they do with the earbuds."
They also boast Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, so you can choose how much of the outside world around you that you want to hear while you listen. Stolyar noted in the review that, "Noise cancellation worked super well for me, too. It did a good job of drowning out the very loud radiator in my room and the traffic outside my window."
All in all, Stolyar found that, "The AirPods Max have excellent audio quality, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life, but their size isn't a good fit for everyone." If you're still hoping to grab them, act fast to save at Amazon.
SAVE $100: As of March 5, the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) is on sale for $1,199 at Amazon. This deal saves you $100 off its list price of $1,299.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) $1,199 at AmazonWhile new iPad models are on the way, quite a few older models have received nice discounts. The powerful iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) is among them, with its price knocked down to $1,199 right now at Amazon.
Overall, this is a $100 drop from this iPad Pro's original list price of $1,299. It's also just $50 away from its lowest-ever price of $1,149. It's a model we think is worth every cent.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you're a creative or designer, we chose the iPad Pro M5 as the top pick for professionals. In our roundup of the best iPads, Mashable's Samantha Mangino notes that this is because it's, "Loaded with Apple's fastest processing power thanks to the M5 processor, giving it way more power than the average user really needs." On top of that, it also boasts a sharp 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR Display with extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone so you can catch every color and detail on its screen.
Our review of this iPad Pro from Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth also highlighted that it's, "Truly a Pro device for power users. Everyday use is wasted on this tablet, which is a shame because the incredibly thin and lightweight design is truly irresistible, as is the OLED display. It's the kind of gadget that makes you feel like you're living in the future." And as for storage, this model sets you up with 256GB.
If you're looking for premium power in a tablet, this is a great chance to save on the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) at Amazon.
TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The NBA bounces into action with several games this evening, including the Los Angeles Lakers at the Denver Nuggets.
This Western Conference clash could be a preview of an upcoming playoffs fixture, with both the Lakers and Nuggets currently in line for a spot in the first round. The playoffs are now just over a month away — a win here could be crucial for either team.
If you want to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Lakers vs. Nuggets?Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Ball Arena in Denver, CO.
How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets for freeLos Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
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).
Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Prime Video hosts more NBA action today with a Western Conference showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. The Rockets have been flying high in the standings — they currently sit at No. 3 in the Western Conference — while the Warriors are hoping to bounce back from two straight losses.
This is arguably a more crucial game for Golden State, who want to maintain a winning season — with a record of 31-30 — and hold on to their current playoffs berth.
If you want to watch Warriors vs. Rockets in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Warriors vs. Rockets?Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets in the NBA starts at 7.30 p.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX.
How to watch Warriors vs. Rockets for freeGolden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
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).
Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Amazon has the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC QD-OLED gaming monitor on sale for $899.99, which is nearly $330 off its typical $1,229.99 price and a hefty $500 less than Walmart’s current $1,399.99 listing for the same monitor.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 QD-OLED Gaming Monitor $899.99 at AmazonBig-screen gaming monitor deals don’t usually get this aggressive, especially when you’re talking about a 49-inch QD-OLED model with flagship-tier specs.
As of March 5, Amazon has cut the price of the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 gaming monitor (G93SC model) down to $899.99 from its typical price of $1,229.99 — knocking $330 off in a limited-time deal, alongside a code for a free PC copy of Resident Evil Requiem. This new 27% price drop has also made it only $1.99 shy of hitting its all-time-low price of $898 — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.
For anyone comparison shopping, it’s also dramatically cheaper than Walmart, where the same model is still listed for $500 higher at $1,399.99. That higher price point is without the latest hit entry in the Resident Evil gaming franchise, as well.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The Odyssey G93SC offers a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, DisplayHDR True Black 400, plus G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support to help keep gameplay looking smooth no matter what you’re playing — even if it’s a chaotic shooter like Fortnite or Marathon.
There are also built-in speakers and ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and Micro HDMI, so it’s not short on connectivity either.
If you’re open to an OLED that’s a bit smaller, you can still grab LG's ultra-fast 27-inch OLED gaming monitor for 20% off at Amazon. Meanwhile, Amazon also has a 39-inch LG Ultragear Curved Gaming Monitor on sale for almost half off.
Nothing officially announced the Headphone (a) on March 5, at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.
The headphones, launched alongside the Phone 4 (a), are the third-ever pair of over-ear headphones from the British tech brand, which made a name for itself with retro-style earbuds and smartphones. Last year, Nothing released its first over-ear model, the $299 Nothing Headphone (1), and shortly followed them with the Headphone Pro from their sub-brand CMF. The brand first teased out the launch of the Headphone (a) earlier this week.
The Headphone (a) stand out for their mid-range price point at $199, and still offers a similar look to the more expensive Headphone (1).
SEE ALSO: The 11 best headphones of 2026 — see the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and BeatsMashable just received a review unit ahead of the official launch. I'll have a full review in the coming weeks, but I've already gathered everything you need to know, including specs, feature comparisons, and my first impressions.
Nothing Headphone (a): Price and specsThe Nothing Headphone (a) cost $199. They feature:
Adaptive and manually adjustable ANC
40 mm RF drivers
135-hour battery life without ANC, 75 hours with ANC
Quick charge with eight hours of playback after five five-minute charge
Eight band equalizer
Spatial audio, including concert and cinema mode
Bluetooth 5.4
Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC
Four mics, with two hybrid ANC mics
IP52 dust- and water-resistance
Available in white, black, pink, and yellow
There's a $100 price difference between the Nothing Headphone (a) and Headphone (1), making it worth understanding whether you'd be satisfied with the newer and cheaper model, or whether the upgrades on the Headphone (1) are worth the extra cash. No matter which you choose, these headphones both have a battery life that outlasts the best headphones in the world.
The Nothing Headphone (a) bear a strong resemblance to the Headphone (1). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable The same design, kind ofOut of the box, you can immediately see where Nothing scaled back on the Headphone (a). Instead of the hardshell case found on the Headphone (1), the (a) come with a carrying pouch, which isn't ideal if you plan to travel a lot.
Design-wise, they retain the same iconic rectangular look established by the Headphone (1), but swap some features — a plastic decal replaces the transparent one of the older headphones, with the transparency featuring along the perimeter. The Headphone (1) ditch plastic in their ear cups, offering aluminum CNC components instead, which lends to an overall more premium feel. That said, they are noticeably heavier — 329 grams compared to the Headphone (a) 310 grams. In my experience so far with the cheaper cans, that translated to a slightly more comfortable fit.
Rounding out the design, Nothing kept the exact same tactile designs between the two models, which I am personally thrilled to see. Both myself and Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti were impressed by the Headphone (1) on-ear controls. Consisting of a roller for volume and playback, paddle for changing through tracks, action button, and dedicated Bluetooth button on the inside of the ear cup, these buttons — all found on the right ear cup — feel innovative, incredibly functional, and are hands-down some of the best you can find on a pair of headphones. These controls are maybe the only ones that make me feel like I can truly keep my phone out of reach.
SEE ALSO: Nothing’s new, eye-grabbing headphones are impressive, but not in the ways you expect Listening experienceBeyond design, there's a pretty hefty battery life disparity. The Headphone (1) offer 35 hours with ANC, and 80 hours without. As a reminder, the Headphone (a) offer 75 hours with ANC, and 135 hours without. I should note that's not a typo. These headphones really do promise 135 hours of listening time.
While I haven't had a chance to test how they play side by side just yet, it is worth noting the Nothing collaborated with the hi-fi audio brand KEF on the Headphone (1) to give them an extra boost in performance. That said, I do find the sound to be relatively well-rounded and plenty customizable with the app upon my first couple of listens with the Headphone (a). Like their more expensive counterpart, they also offer manually adjustable and adaptive ANC.
Nothing Headphone (a) first impressionsI've spent less than 24 hours with the Headphone (a), so my opinions are subject to change. That said, I don't remember feeling this immediately impressed with the Headphone (1) when I tried them out last year.
Largely, I contribute to that to not noticing a huge difference in the performance between the two headphones, even though the (a) headphones are $100 cheaper. While great mid-range and budget headphones certainly exist, typically, there's a pretty obvious caveat: the design isn't great, the ANC falters, or the app sucks. So far, I haven't been able to identify the obvious flaw of the Headphone (a). The design is way more unique than I'd expect for this price point, the sound is relatively clear and well-rounded, the ANC and sound profile are customizable, and the app is easy to navigate.
And to top it all off, they have the best battery life I've seen on the market — topping the 70 hours of the Marshall Monitor III and the 55 hours of the significantly more expensive Dyson OnTrac headphones.
Where to buy the Nothing Headphone (a)The listing for the Nothing Headphone (a) isn't live at the time of writing, but we'll be updating this section as soon as it is.
SAVE $30: As of March 5, Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99.99 at AmazonIt’s been a busy week for Apple, with the announcement of new products including the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. But if you’re more interested in using this time to get a discount on existing Apple products, you’ll appreciate this latest Amazon deal on the Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC). As of March 5, these earbuds have dropped below $100 at Amazon.
This price is for the AirPods without active noise cancellation, although the ANC earbuds are on sale as well. Right now you can find them for $119 at Amazon, down from $179.99.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!These AirPods are some of the best you can get. In fact, the AirPods 4 have been redesigned for extra comfort and stability, and they now have a refined shape and shorter stem that makes them easier to wear all day.
They also include quick-press controls for music and calls, which sound great thanks to the H2 chip. And like you’d expect from Apple, the integration with your devices is seamless. You can pair them instantly by just bringing them near your device and you can control features with “Siri” or “Hey Siri.” You can even share audio with another pair of AirPods.
The battery life is solid too, giving you around five hours of listening with one charge. This is increased to 30 hours with the case. And they’re robust too, both the earbuds and the case are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance. They’re ideal for workouts, even in a little rain.
Get this AirPods deal online at Amazon now.
It's getting harder to distinguish AI-generated music on streaming platforms, and companies including Spotify and now Apple Music are attempting to make it clearer.
Apple's audio streaming service is adding "Transparency Tags" to content generated by artificial intelligence, according to a report by Music Business Worldwide. In a newsletter sent to industry partners, viewed by the news outlet, the company reportedly has new requirements for metadata when uploading tracks to Apple Music, which would disclose whether the song (or anything related to the making of the song) is AI-generated or not.
SEE ALSO: Spotify Smart Shuffle played a song I'd never heard before. It was AI generated.The metadata tags reportedly cover artwork, track, composition, and music video, and labels must apply tags to each if AI has been used in production. However, as MWB noted, the Transparency Tags appear to be "optional" in Apple Music Specification 5.3.25 and "if omitted, none is assumed," so it will be on Apple Music to enforce the need for such tags.
Mashable has reached out to Apple Music for further information.
It's tricky territory for music streamers and listeners feeling caught unawares with AI-made music, as Mashable's Rachel Thompson asks, "How should we feel about AI-generated songs finding their way into our listener library? Some people aren't necessarily opposed to giving AI music a try, but their open-mindedness begins to shift once they feel deceived."
Featured Video For You How TikTok is Changing the Music IndustryAfter the whole Velvet Sundown-fiasco, audio streaming competitor Spotify started adding AI disclosures through metadata in Sept. 2025, working with the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX) to allow "artists and rights holders a way to clearly indicate where and how AI played a role in the creation of a track — whether that’s AI-generated vocals, instrumentation, or post-production." However, this is separate from Spotify recommending AI-generated music to users, which we've still seen happening in 2026.
In a 2025 study by Deezer and Ipsos, 97 percent of people surveyed couldn't tell an AI-generated song from a human-made one, 80 percent want clear labels for AI music, and 72 percent want to know if they're being recommended it.
Honestly, more tags on AI-generated content is welcome news, and that doesn't just apply to music.
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In between giving troubling answers about the war in Iran, Donald Trump found time recently to meet with tech leaders to talk about AI.
"He had a meeting of executives from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and OpenAI, who gathered to grovel at his feet," says Kimmel in the clip above. "He had the tech bros sign a pledge that says they will supply their own power for their AI data centres — wouldn't it be great if they do it by building like a hundred million windmills, just to drive Trump nuts?"
Kimmel finished with a clip of Trump attempting to pronounce the name of Oracle co-CEO Clay Magouryk, getting it wildly wrong in the process.
"Not even close," says Kimmel. "He might have bone spurs of the brain now."
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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 5, 2026:
AcrossPoli ___ (college major)The answer is Sci.
The answer is Snob.
The answer is Charm.
The answer is Rain.
The answer is Ugly.
The answer is Snail.
The answer is Corny.
The answer is IBM.
The answer is Shag.
The answer is Cru.
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 NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a handyman.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 5, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Found in a toolbox
Green: Put your thinking cap on!
Blue: To flip
Purple: Underneath
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Bits of hardware
Green: Places where ideas are developed
Blue: Go back and forth
Purple: What "Sub" might refer to
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 #998 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayBits of hardware: BOLT, NUT, SCREW, WASHER
Places where ideas are developed: INCUBATOR, LAB, SANDBOX, TEST BED
Go back and forth: ALTERNATE, SEESAW, SWITCH, TOGGLE
What "Sub" might refer to: BELOW, HERO, REPLACEMENT, SUBMARINE
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 5, 2026Are 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 yesterday's Connections.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a follower, not a leader.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 5, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 5, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Wooled animals.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter E appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
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...
SHEEP
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're pint-sized.
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 MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 5, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 5, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: That's it?The words are related to size.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe small things.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Gee Thanks.
NYT Strands word list for March 5Meager
Scant
Puny
Paltry
Gee Thanks
Negligible
Piddling
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 yesterday's Strands.
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 hintHow one might feel after eating beans.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerGASSY
Hurdle Word 2 hintCreative.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerARTSY
Hurdle Word 3 hintA prize.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 5, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answerAWARD
Hurdle Word 4 hintA woman.
Hurdle Word 4 answerFEMME
Final Hurdle hintTo groom.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerPRIMP
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Most guys have a love-hate relationship with dating apps. But between work and life, meeting someone organically can feel nearly impossible. That's the promise of online dating — an unlimited number of meet-cutes right to your phone, no serendipity required. Of course, the reality of online dating is often quite different. But don't get discouraged. The Mashable Dating & Relationships team has spent years testing the most popular dating apps for men, and we can tell you which apps are most likely to connect you with the right person for you.
Do dating apps still work in 2026?We get it, though. Dating as a man in 2026 is tough. It's not just the pressure to make or the fear of rejection if you do — it's the endless swiping through fake profiles, scammers, AI-generated thirst traps, bots posing as potential matches, relentless Instagram models trying to lure you into their OnlyFans scam, and matches with impossibly high expectations (yes, the "6-6-6 rule" is a real thing).
But despite the challenges, dating apps do work. A 2025 SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus survey found that nearly 39 percent of all U.S. adults have used a dating app at some point, and men are actually more likely to be current users than women (57 percent vs. 38 percent). While the experience isn't always perfect, the odds are in your favor: 57 percent of men report positive experiences with online dating, compared to only 48 percent of women. The numbers are even higher for young people and the LGBTQ+ community.
SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know The best dating apps for guys who know what they wantThis guide is your cheat sheet for the best dating apps for men in 2026. We've done the research and found the apps that are actually worth your time. Whether you're looking for something casual or something serious, we have a dating app to recommend.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Try out a few different apps and see what works for you. And most importantly, don't get discouraged! Sometimes, the occasional bad date or disappointing flirtation is just the price you pay to meet the match of a lifetime.
TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Mississippi with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.
The online world is riddled with restrictions and blockades that stop you going where you want to go. Online restrictions are everywhere, even in the world of porn.
A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. Pornhub bit back by banning visitors from those states from accessing their website. This ban is frustrating for users in places like Mississippi, but there is a simple workaround.
If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Mississippi, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock Pornhub for free in MississippiVPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.
Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub
Visit Pornhub
The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for Pornhub?ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, 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 streaming speeds free from throttling
Up to eight 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).
Unblock Pornhub for free in Mississippi with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Stop battling with PDFs with some help from this AcePDF Converter and Editor lifetime license, on sale now for $23.97 through March 8.
Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker AcePDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.97We’re all looking to find a little more time in our days, so why not find ways to simplify your workflow? If you’re often dealing with PDFs and converting files, whether personally or professionally, AcePDF Converter and Editor can make your life a little easier. Save yourself some headaches with this lifetime subscription on sale for $23.97 through March 8.
Working with PDFs is a drag. They’re a frustrating file type that can slow you down at work and at home, but AcePDF Converter and Editor is ready to make them manageable. This app helps you process PDFs and other documents easily, and you can rest easy knowing you’ll end up with high-quality conversions that retain their original layouts, images, and hyperlinks.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you’re tired of struggling to convert your PDF into a Word, Excel, or JPG file, let AcePDF Converter and Editor make it easier. It will only take a few taps, and the app makes it just as easy to convert an Excel or PPT file to a PDF if needed.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Score a Grade A refurbished MacBook Pro (2020) with i7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD for $479.99 (reg. $1,999).
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $479.99There’s a big difference between wanting a Mac and having to pay full retail for one. At $479.99 (reg. $1,999), this Grade A refurbished MacBook Pro (from 2020) makes that decision a lot easier.
Powered by a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 processor (2.3GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz), paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, this machine handles demanding multitasking smoothly. It’s well-suited for productivity apps, content creation, coding, and everyday business workflows.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!The 13.3-inch Retina display (2560×1600) with True Tone delivers sharp detail and balanced color, whether you’re editing documents, reviewing designs, or streaming content. Intel Iris Plus Graphics provides solid performance for creative tasks and media playback.
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Get this near-mint MacBook Pro for $479.99 (reg. $1,999) while it’s still in stock.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Every so often, a word or phrase claws its way out of a cultural underground and into the mainstream lexicon. More often than not, it's African American Vernacular English (AAVE) that gets co-opted by TikTokers before landing on Good Morning America, say. Slightly cringe, mostly harmless.
But some slang breaks containment in ways that aren't so benign.
Case in point: Looksmaxxing. This term, which has recently been explained to viewers of NBC News, refers to the practice of maximizing your physical attractiveness — methodically, relentlessly, and by any means necessary. But it's no fashion-world portmanteau. The word actually hails from incel forums in the 2010s.
And it's not just looksmaxxing. Incel terminology that once festered in the dark corners of obscure boards has gone mainstream, while its proponents viral. Influencers like Clavicular have amassed millions of views for unhinged takes involving the dangerous practice of bonesmashing. And unless you're in the know, you won't always know these terms when you see them.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.If you're scratching your head at tweets like this, or wondering what your kids or friends are suddenly all talking about, you're in the right place. Here's your field guide to the people, terms, and corners of the internet you never knew you needed to know.
AcensionThe moment an incel successfully escapes their condition, crossing over from involuntary celibacy into an active romantic or sexual life.
AndrogenicAn Australian looksmaxxing influencer locked in an ongoing battle with Clavicular and others for the title of #1 Chad — a term that broadly means a sexually successful male, but in looksmaxxing circles means winners of an online leaderboard.
ASU frat LeaderThe influencer seen in a video that went viral on campus at Arizona State University. IRL, he's fitness influencer Varis Gilaj.
BIMAXShort for bimaxillary osteotomy, BIMAX is a double-jaw surgery typically performed as a corrective procedure for conditions like an open bite. In medical contexts, it's reconstructive. In looksmaxxing circles, the procedure is sought out as an extreme cosmetic upgrade.
BlackpillNo, this isn't the red or blue pills of The Matrix. Blackpilling is a nihilistic offshoot of incel ideology and the manosphere, It refers to a bleak thesis: in the heterosexual dating market, physical attractiveness is the only thing that matters.
This worldview is propped up by pseudoscientific frameworks and cherry-picked data. It's the ideological bedrock from which practices like looksmaxxing grow. To "take the black pill" is to accept this as truth.
ChadIncel slang for physically attractive and sexually successful men. In incel culture, Chads represent the top 1% of men that women seek in the dating marketplace. Chads are often depicted in memes as a strong-jawed, blonde Übermensch.
ChadliteA portmanteau of Chad (see above) and lite (to be lesser). Used to describe men who are above average in looks, but not to the level of a Chad.
ChudA forgettable 1984 sci-fi horror film set in New York City, C.H.U.D. — which stands for Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller — has found new relevance. It's a pejorative lobbed at incels and adjacent communities like the manosphere, comparing their communities to sewer creatures.
Clavicular SEE ALSO: Who is Clavicular, and why is he everywhere right now?A Kick streamer, real name Braden Peters. His online username is a reference to the clavicle, which is very important in the looksmaxing community.
Mashable's Anna Iovine has an excellent piece on everything you'd need to know about the now-viral internet influencer.
Cortisol spikeCortisol is a naturally-produced steroid in the adrenal gland; it's better known as the stress hormone. In incel spaces, "cortisol spike" means getting visibly flustered or stressed out over something embarrassing.
FoidThis is shorthand for the incel term "Femoid." A portmanteau of female and humanoid, this is one of many pejorative terms incels use to refer to women.
Framemogged This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.When your upper body simply overwhelms the competition. This refers to having wider shoulders, a bigger back, and a silhouette that makes the guy next to you look narrow by comparison.
IncelShort for "involuntarily celibate," the incel community has its origins in a niche blog in the late 1990s. The Involuntary Celibacy Project began as a genuine support group for people struggling to find aromantic connections.
Over time, the male community grew more extreme, placing the blame for their struggles squarely on women. These groups migrated to 4chan and Reddit — first to r/incels, then to r/Braincels after the former was banned in 2017. In the 2020s, the ideology was associated with various terror attacks carried out by self-described incels.
JestermaxxingOn the surface, this just means someone who leans hard into being the funny one. But in incel spaces, it's a pejorative aimed at men who use humor to get attention from women.
KickA Twitch alternative, backed by crypto casino Stake. Kick has carved out its niche through looser content moderation, with a lighter touch on copyrighted material, hate speech, and on-stream gambling.
That permissiveness has made it a natural home for several right-wing manosphere influencers, including Sneako, xQc, Aidan Ross, and Clavicular.
Limb Lengthening SurgeryA reconstructive procedure that gradually elongates the bones of the arms or legs, typically performed on patients with skeletal dysplasia or other genetic bone growth conditions. The process is lengthy, painful, and intensive — bones are surgically broken and then slowly separated over months, allowing new bone tissue to fill the gap.
Nevertheless, you guessed it, the surgery has gained traction online as a way to make oneself taller.
LooksmaxxingWe explained it up top, but what does Looksmaxxing look like in practice? On the tamer end, it's standard self-improvement: skincare routines, hitting the gym, and upgrading your wardrobe.
But the rabbit hole goes deep for some, particularly men of color, who face an added layer of racialized beauty standards within these spaces. Skin whitening treatments, anabolic steroid abuse, and increasingly extreme body modification have all found a home here. And then there's influencer Clavicular, who has become the poster child for bonesmashing.
Looksmax.orgOne of many online forums for people in the looksmaxxing and incel community. According to a 2023 BBC investigation, the site was created by Lamarcus Small, a Black man living in Alabama. Small is also the creator of a sanctioned suicide forum that the BBC links to 50 deaths in the UK.
-maxxingTo understand looksmaxxing, you first need to understand the suffix it borrows from. "-Maxxing" means doing something with maximum, obsessive effort — and it traces back to min-maxing, a concept from tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. It refers to players putting all their points into high-value stats like strength while deliberately neglecting others — faith, intelligence, charisma.
Mewwing This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.A pseudoscientific oral training technique that claims that proper tongue posture — pressed firmly against the roof of the mouth — can reshape your jaw structure over time. The science doesn't back it up, but that hasn't slowed the spread of this odd practice.
MoggingTo undermine another man by eclipsing him in physical appearance. The term is derived from the acronym AMOG, or "Alpha Male of the Group."
PSL ScaleA pseudoscientific attractiveness ranking system built by the looksmaxxing community to put an empirical number on your face. The acronym is an amalgamation of three defunct incel forums — PUAhate, SlutHate, and Lookism.
The scale runs from 0.25 to 8, though in practice, no one actually scores an 8. It measures facial features with an almost clinical specificity: eye shape, canthal tilt, nose angles, jaw size, and lip thickness. Proponents of the scale can be found on sites like Looksmax.org and on Reddit, in r/rateme and r/truerateme.
Sexual Market ValueAn individual's measure of sexual attractiveness scored on a scale of 1 to 10. The formula shifts depending on gender. For women, SMV is almost entirely physical. For men, the calculus is broader: physique, income, career status, social clout, and personality can all push the number up or down.
SlaymaxxingTo have lots of sex.
StacyThe female equivalent of a Chad. A Stacy is attractive, socially popular, and — crucially, to the incel mind — sexually active.
The term carries an implicit resentment: Stacy's represent everything incels want and, by their own logic, everything they'll never have access to.
StakeAn online crypto casino and parent company of Twitch-alternative Kick. Stake has become infamous for one of the laziest — and most effective — ad strategies on the internet: paying meme pages and content aggregators to slap its watermark onto viral images before reposting them.
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