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If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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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

Soppy.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

SOGGY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Clasp.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CLAMP

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Panic.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 4, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 4, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

TIZZY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Ranges.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

RADII

Final Hurdle hint

A springtime flower.

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

TULIP

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

The Moon is now past the Third Quarter phase, meaning more than half of its visible surface is in darkness. It will continue to wane over the coming nights as we get closer to the New Moon. Here's what you can see tonight.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, Oct. 4, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, with 42% of its surface visible.

With just your naked eye, tonight you can see the Oceanus Procellarum, the Kepler Crater and the Tycho Crater. If you have binoculars, you can also spot the Grimaldi Basin and the Mare Humorum. Finally, if you have access to a telescope, you'll see the Apollo 14 landing spot and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth, and as it moves through this cycle, we see different amounts of its sunlit side from here. That's what creates the Moon's different phases, from a thin crescent through to a half Moon and, eventually, the Full Moon. Once it reaches the Full Moon, the cycle starts over again. NASA explains that the phase we see depends on the Moon's position in relation to Earth and the Sun.

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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for who watch NFL football.

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

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

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

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

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

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 anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

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

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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

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

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

• Yellow: Tracking a receiver

• Green: Iconic NFL moments

• Blue: Greatest pitcher of the modern day

• Purple: Wild cat teams

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Stats for a Receiver

• Green: Famous Football Plays

• Blue: Associated with Randy Johnson

• Purple: Panthers

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 #741 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Stats for a Receiver: RECEPTIONS, TARGETS, TOUCHDOWNS, YARDS AFTER CATCH

• Famous Football Plays: MINNEAPOLIS MIRACLE, PHILLY SPECIAL, THE CATCH, WIDE RIGHT

• Associated with Randy Johnson: 2001 WORLD SERIES, ARIZONA, BIG UNIT, SEATTLE

• Panthers: CAROLINA, FIU, FLORIDA, PITTSBURGH

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.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 4, 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 October 4, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 4 Pips

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically;5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 4 Pips

Less than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 4 Pips

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally.

Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 4, 2026 Bunch meaning

A group of similar things bound together.

Heap meaning

A large, messy pile of things.

Lot meaning

A large quantity.

Stack meaning

A neat pile of objects placed on top of one another.

Ball meaning

A round, spherical object used in sports or games.

Net meaning

An open meshed fabric used for catching things.

Paddle meaning

A handheld tool with a long handle and a flat blade used to row a boat or participate in a sport.

Table meaning

A piece of furniture with a flat top and legs.

Collar meaning

The part of a garment that fits around the neck.

Gavel meaning

A small wooden mallet used by a judge.

Robe meaning

A long, loose-fitting outer piece of clothing.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Wig meaning

A head covering made of natural or synthetic hair.

Auction meaning

A public or private sale where goods, services or property are sold to the highest bidder.

Film meaning

A series of moving images projected on a screen to tell a story.

Partner meaning

A person or organization that shares an activity, business or intimate relationship with another.

Treatment meaning

The manner is which you deal with, behave toward or manage someone or something.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

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

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

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're familiar with the law.

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 October 3, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: So much

• Green: Mini sports

• Blue: Your Honor

• Purple: "Shhh!"

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Considerable amount

• Green: Table tennis needs

• Blue: Parts of a judge costume

• Purple: Silent ___

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 #1210 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Considerable amount: BUNCH, HEAP, LOT, STACK

• Table tennis needs: BALL, NET, PADDLE, TABLE

• Parts of a judge costume: COLLAR, GAVEL, ROBE, WIG

• Silent ___: AUCTION, FILM, PARTNER, TREATMENT

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

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

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

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 NYT Strands hints will be easy if you love to play.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 4, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Grab your tokens

The words are related to play.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe fun pastimes.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is diagonal.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Willothewisp.

NYT Strands word list for October 4

• Asteroids

• Frogger

• Arcade Games

• Centipede

• Scramble

• Pong

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

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're not well-built.

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 October 4 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.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A shanty.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SHACK

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.

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

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.

TL;DR: Lock in 20TB of cloud storage for just $349.95 with this Scramble Cloud Storage lifetime subscription, on sale now for only $349.95 (MSRP $1,440).

Opens in a new window Credit: Scramble Cloud Scramble Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $349.95
$1,440 Save $1,090.05   Get Deal

Since we all have cameras within reach at all times, our digital lives continue to grow as we capture photos and videos. The only problem? All of that data has to go somewhere — and you’re probably paying for it with monthly cloud storage fees.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more permanent to keep your content, it’s time to meet Scramble Cloud Storage. Right now, you can lock in an impressive 20TB of cloud storage for life for just $349.95.

How much are you paying to store your files? If you’re with iCloud, you’re endlessly forking over $360 a year for 6TB of space. A Scramble Cloud Storage lifetime subscription lets you pay less than that once, while securing more than triple that amount of space.

SEE ALSO: The best early Prime Day deals under $50: Our favorite budget deals on earbuds, beauty tech, and more

Scramble Cloud Storage doesn’t just offer highly competitive pricing for a large amount of cloud storage space. It also offers peace of mind with secure file-sharing capabilities that ensure your content is encrypted using the Advanced Encryption Standard and a zero-knowledge architecture that gives you total control over who gets access to it.

You don’t have to worry about a learning curve — Scramble Cloud Storage has a simple drag-and-drop interface and a familiar folder layout. You can also preview files instantly, share links, stream videos, or view Word and Excel files right in your browser. And it works via a desktop client, WebDAV, CLI, or web app.

This lifetime subscription gives you 20 TB of storage, unlimited file sharing, and bandwidth. You’ll also have access to ongoing platform updates.

Secure this Scramble Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for only $349.95 today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE OVER $150: As of Oct. 3, the Anker SOLIX C1000 is down to $449.98 on Amazon. That's $150.01 off its regular retail price of $599.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C1000 $449.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $150.01   Get Deal

Savvy Big Deal Days shoppers know to look beyond the glitzy, glamorous big-ticket items to find the practical or essential items that rarely go on sale. Among the best of these in the early deals we've browsed through is the Anker SOLIX C1000, a powerful portable power station with a built-in car charging cable and a maximum output of 2400W. 

As of Oct. 3, this potentially life-saving gadget is heavily discounted by 25%, bringing its regular retail price of $599.99 down $150 to $449.98. If you travel often, live remotely, or just want the peace of mind that comes from having power on demand, this is the best time to grab one.

SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TV

With a massive maximum power output of 2400W, the SOLIX C1000 can run 99% of household appliances, so you can, for example, keep your refrigerator and freezer running through an extended power outage, or you can take advantage of the 11 ports to enjoy your smartphone, tablet, and computer when all your neighbors are suffering through a blackout. 

But it's campers and outdoor enthusiasts who would most benefit from this power station. The Solix C1000 comes with a solar generator capable of up to 600W of solar recharging, taking the device from empty to full power in just under two hours, so you can enjoy your gadgets or electric cooking appliances in the great outdoors, far from power outlets.

Finally, in the ultimate testament to its quality, the SOLIX C1000 features a LiFePO4 Battery rated to over 3,000 cycles over a ten-year span, offering you peace of mind for an entire decade. 

This is a time-limited deal, so grab your SOLIX C1000 before it expires.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

A federal judge has sided with growing public sentiment that Flock cameras pose an unconstitutional surveillance risk, as the nation continues its campaign to get the tech out of its cities.

In a decision issued Oct. 1, federal judge Sara E. Hill ruled that a Tulsa County Deputy Sheriff violated constitutional protections by using a cross-state network of Flock cameras to track a vehicle heading toward the California border.

SEE ALSO: Bernie Sanders proposes The Ban Flock Act

The case involved a woman named Melisa Kyle, who was arrested by Oklahoma officials for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Kyle was apprehended by the Deputy, who worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration, while driving through Tulsa. The officer originally stated she was pulled over for suspicious driving, initiating a search that uncovered illegal substances, the Washington Post reported.

It was later revealed that the officer had run her license plate number through the county's Flock database and used that information as sufficient cause to stop and detain Kyle. Flock provided the officer with Kyle's recent location data, which showed she had made a recent short trip across the state and back, raising the officer's suspicion of drug activity.

Hill, former attorney general for the Cherokee Nation, concluded that the officer accessed Flock data without probable cause, amounting to an "unconstitutional warrantless search." It's one of the first rulings to allude to Flock as a sophisticated tracking system, with Hill using the phrase "indiscriminate mass surveillance" to describe police activity.

"Freedom from persistent, dragnet-style surveillance while in public is not a foreign concept in our society, and it is a reasonable expectation that society already accepts," wrote Hill.

Law enforcement's use of Flock cameras and its trove of location data has been under scrutiny for years. Officers in departments across the country have been found guilty of using the system to stalk and harass women and surveil private citizens. Others have used Flock's network to monitor activists, religious groups, and police critics.

Despite these alleged institutional abuses, previous rulings maintained that automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) did not violate the Fourth Amendment. A Flock spokesperson told the press that the company expected the ruling to be "appealed and ultimately overturned," citing existing precedent.

On Oct.2, Senators Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jeff Merkley introduced the Ban Flock Act, which includes sweeping restrictions on the use of ALPRs by federal agencies. In a press statement accompanying the news, Sanders argued the company was "eviscerating the very notion of privacy."

Hajar Hammado, senior policy advisor for civil society group Demand Progress, called the bill a "gold standard" for legislation fighting back against AI-enabled surveillance. "Flock and other ALPR companies have wormed their way into communities across the nation, and drastic, all-encompassing action is needed to root them out."

SAVE OVER $150: As of Oct. 3, the Ninja Luxe Café Pro is down to $599.95 on Amazon, $150.04 off its regular retail price of $749.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Café Pro $599.95 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.04   Get Deal

Sometimes the best early deals aren't just on flashy, big-ticket items like TVs and smartphones but on the kinds of things you use every single day of your life. If you're like the millions of coffee-addicted Americans who start their day with a latte, cappuccino, or espresso, you will love the Ninja Luxe Café Pro.

As of Oct. 3, this ultra-popular all-in-one coffee machine is steeply discounted, down to $599.95 from its usual price of $749.99, so if you're looking to quit your expensive Starbucks habit, now is the time to act.

SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TV

There's no shortage of ways to get your caffeine fix in at home, but too many coffee machines either skimp on quality or else ask you to do a ton of heavy lifting, taking a lot of the convenience out of making coffee at home. 

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro offers homemade coffee without the hassle, thanks to its built-in grinder and hands-free milk frother, which uses a magnetic spinning whisk and an automatic steamer to deliver the perfect microfoam every single time. 

And because Ninja knows that no two coffee drinkers are alike in their preferences, this machine also allows a high degree of customization. The grinder has 25 different settings, for example, so you can dial in your perfect grind for the type of coffee you're making, while the milk frother is equally adjustable, delivering either steamed milk, thin froth, thick froth, extra thick froth, or straight cold foam, depending on your tastes. 

This offer on the Ninja Luxe Café Pro is severely time-limited, ending in the next 12 hours, so act fast to make the upgrade without paying full price.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

SAVE $30: As of Oct. 3, the DJI Neo is down to $169 on Amazon. That's $30 off its full price of $199.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo $169 at Amazon
$199 Save $30   Get Deal

Just because it's called Prime Big Deal Days doesn't mean you have to purchase big items. The compact DJI Neo belongs among the select early deals you should have on your radar, not only because the drone itself is excellent, but also because at 15% off and just $169, it's entering steal territory. 

Whether you're a hobbyist looking to upgrade your kit or just dipping your toes into the drone world for the first time, the Neo offers a feature-rich, affordable option that delivers value without sacrificing the most important qualities of a compact drone.

SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TV

Weighing just 135 grams and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the DJI Neo is a compact, flying 4K camera that can dramatically upgrade your vlogs or capture high-quality images and videos for your next outdoor outing. 

Its RockSteady image stabilization software does a fantastic job eliminating motion blur from action shots, so you can get clearer images of your next running, biking, or kayaking adventure, while the automatic subject tracking ensures you're always in frame without having to manually pilot the drone. 

By far our favorite feature, though, is the built-in propeller guards, which do a fantastic job protecting the delicate propellers from accidental contact with branches and other obstacles, so you can fearlessly take this drone places larger, less durable drones would be better off avoiding. 

This offer on the DJI Neo won't last forever, especially with supplies limited, so be quick to save at Amazon.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

Hundreds of thousands of autonomous vehicle rides are completed every week across the U.S. Most of them go off without a hitch. But all it takes is one wayward car to ruin someone's day — and potentially threaten lives.

A new California bill, signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom last week, will ensure those blips hit car makers harder. Under SB 1246, AV operators such as Waymo and Tesla will face hefty fines if their vehicles block first responders for more than 30 minutes.

The bill also sets statewide standards for AV operators and emergency response departments, including new requirements for two-way communication, company-hired "local incident technicians" that can respond to stalled or unresponsive vehicles, and updated fleet protocols.

"California has embraced autonomous vehicles, but we cannot embrace innovation at the expense of public safety," wrote bill author and California Senator Dave Cortese in a press release.

SEE ALSO: Apple will replace iPhone 18 Pro Max devices with AT&T connection issues

Autonomous ride share operations are booming across the nation. More than 500,000 Waymo rides are completed every week, the company recently reported. Its fleet comprises more than 4,000 cars operating in 15 cities, with the vast majority in California.

Tesla recently launched and then scaled its Cybercab operation in Texas, an addition to its existing fleet of Model Y vehicles and "Robovans" deployed in seven metro areas. The company hasn't disclosed recent numbers on the operation's total size.

But with growth comes growing pains.

Self-driving taxis have been at the center of several viral snafus, including passengers abandoned mid-ride, city-wide traffic jams, and even a dangerously live firework show.

They've also had to weather scrutiny from federal regulators. In July, California representative Kevin Mullin introduced the House AV Emergency Response Coordination Act, which would establish national safety standards for autonomous vehicles and emergency response coordination. Mullin's announcement cited incidents of robotaxis allegedly obstructing emergency vehicles, breaching crime scenes, and failing to recognize emergency conditions in Austin, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas, and San Francisco.

The bill followed a TechCrunch investigation that found emergency responders were regularly asked to operate Waymo vehicles during their day-to-day operations and amid crisis scenarios, including removing obstructing vehicles from escape paths during a wildfire. A few months later, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a plea to vehicle makers to address a dangerous "pattern" of driverless cars interfering with first responders.

SAVE OVER $700: As of Oct. 3, the Sunseeker X3 Plus is down to $836.99 on Amazon. That's $762 off its regular retail price of $1,598.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sunseeker Sunseeker X3 Plus $836.99 at Amazon
$1,598.99 Save $762   Get Deal

Hiding among the best early deals ahead of the official launch of Prime Big Deal Days are some life-changing gems, deals that don't just save you money but genuinely improve your quality of life. If you regularly mow a lawn, you know the struggle of pushing a heavy lawn mower under a hot sun, but the Sunseeker X3 Plus does the hard work for you, harnessing the power of AI to cut your grass.

As of October 3, this automatic mower is 48% off, dropping its price from over $1,500 to just $836.99, but if you currently hire out your lawn care or use a gas-powered lawn mower, you can actually recoup that cost in savings over time.

SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TV

The Sunseeker X3 Plus weighs just under 20 pounds, but don't let its small stature fool you: it can mow lawns of up to 13,000 square feet or 0.3 acres in size, which makes it more than capable of cutting the grass on most suburban homes.

Better yet, its offset blade and combination of camera and ultrasonic sensors allow it to cut grass around common obstacles and boundaries like fences, walkways, and hedges, while the easy-to-use app allows you to create virtual boundaries and no-go areas, so you can have it mow your own lawn while ignoring your neighbor's grass. 

The built-in sensors can even detect unexpected obstacles, such as a children's toy, and cleverly avoid them. Adding to the convenience factor, you can even customize your lawn care through the app, choosing your ideal grass height and finding the perfect mowing schedule to ensure you always come home to a manicured lawn. 

The early discount has dropped the price of the Sunseeker X3 Plus by nearly half, putting this once-expensive luxury garden tool within reach for more people. If you're looking to invest in your outdoor space, jump on this deal while supplies last.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

A hardware problem in a small number of iPhone 18 Pro Max devices has booted AT&T customers from their cell service — and may still pose issues for everyone on the carrier.

Apple confirmed the problem in an Oct. 2 statement to 9to5Mac, stating that the company had identified an issue "causing a device to lose service and be unable to make calls" and would issue a resolution to those affected.

SEE ALSO: Bernie Sanders proposes The Ban Flock Act

Users have been reporting spotty connection issues — including devices stuck in data-less SOS mode — since the device's release. Earlier this week, AT&T sent a text to customers alerting them to possible connection issues that could impact their ability to contact emergency services, 9to5Mac reported. The notification recommended updating to the latest iOS, but many customers still complained of service disruptions.

Some speculate the connection issues could be caused by the new phone's Qualcomm modem, a standalone feature in the lineup's U.S.-based Max model. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Duo, and non-U.S. Max models use Apple's C2 modem.

What to do if you've lost service

Customers who have experienced cell connection issues may be eligible for a hardware replacement, Apple said in its statement.

Affected users should reach out to customer support at Apple or AT&T, depending on where they purchased their device. Users can also visit an Apple or AT&T store to receive assistance.

What to do if you still have AT&T service

If you're an iPhone 18 Pro Max user who still has AT&T service, update your phone's software ASAP. Apple told 9to5Mac that users who update to iOS 27.0.1 will be less likely to experience service disruptions, but it won't restore service that has already been lost.

The company released an additional carrier update for AT&T customers, which will roll out automatically to devices in the next 14 days. Users can also manually update in their device's settings menu.

SAVE OVER $400: As of Oct. 3, the Hisense 65" E7 Cinema Series TV is down to $597.99 on Amazon. That's $402 off its regular retail price of $999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65" E7 Cinema Series TV $597.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $402   Get Deal

Lots of Prime Big Deal Days shoppers will be eagerly holding out for a brand new TV, something to upgrade their streaming experience, and maybe prepare them for the release of the year's most anticipated video games like Grand Theft Auto VI and the new Ocarina of Time remake, but one of the best TV deals we've seen has already dropped.

As of Oct. 3, the gorgeous Hisense 65" E7 Cinema Series TV has been discounted 40% from its regular MSRP, from $999.99 to $597.99, saving you just over $400. That's an incredible savings for any 2026 TV release, let alone one with the E7's long list of desirable features.

SEE ALSO: 35+ early October Prime Day deals: We found live deals on Echo Dot, Bose, Lego, and Fire TV

Hisense has built its reputation on offering feature-rich TVs for more affordable prices than its competitors, but with the E7 they've really pushed the envelope, delivering native 144Hz refresh rates on a 4K QLED mini-LED panel.

By opting for QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) technology, Hisense can deliver thousands of precise lighting zones, enhancing contrast with darker shadows and brighter highlights, mimicking the picture quality of more expensive TV panels while keeping the price down.

Built-in support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos helps create a more immersive viewing experience, with cinematic HDR delivering top-notch color accuracy and Atmos offering spatial audio that pulls you into the content, making every explosion or engine roar feel nearby. 

The real crowning achievement of this TV is its 144Hz refresh rate, rare on TVs that cost twice as much. Not only will this panel cut down on screen tearing and stuttering, but the low-latency motion handling makes it ideal for fast-paced racing and shooting games, giving you the edge you need to finally beat your friends at Call of Duty.

We fully expect this offer on the Hisense 65" E7 Cinema Series TV to expire quickly, so act fast to lock in your savings.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by our shopping experts

• Apple iPhone 18 Pro — free at T-Mobile 

• Paramount+ — $0.99 for 2 months with code p2mcs26prem

• Apple iPad Pro — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

• TCL 85-Inch Class QM8L Series TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

TL;DR: Live stream Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's so much incredible sport taking place this weekend. We've got some fascinating international friendlies like India vs. Brazil, F1 in Malaysia, and India vs. Pakistan in the final of the Asian Games cricket tournament. It's a hectic schedule, but we suggest you make some time for the 2026 NRL Grand Final.

The Roosters take on the Knights at Stadium Australia this weekend for the trophy. It's going to be a fascinating matchup between two talented squads, and you can watch all the action from anywhere in the world.

If you want to watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the NRL Grand Final?

The NRL Grand Final determines the champions of the National Rugby League. Since 1999, this fixture has been held at Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium) in Sydney.

When is the 2026 NRL Grand Final?

Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final kicks off at 4:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 4. This fixture takes place at Stadium Australia.

How to watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free

Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in Australia. This process makes it look like you're connecting from Australia, so you can access 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 NRL Grand Final from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to the 2026 NRL Grand Final without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can unblock 9Now and then recover your investment after the NRL Grand Final.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• 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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Watch Roosters vs. Knights in the 2026 NRL Grand Final for free with ExpressVPN.

When it comes to accessing books (including audiobooks), nothing beats your local library. It's free and it’s what Dolly would’ve wanted. But that’s not why you’re here, so I digress. Let’s talk about Audible.

I’ve been an Audible subscriber on and off for a few years now, and there’s a reason I keep coming back. It easily has the most robust audiobook catalog around, offers unmatched convenience if you're also a Kindle user, and is packed with exclusive titles you can't find elsewhere. I'd rather have my money go to independent booksellers, but there's no denying Amazon's value here.

Audible is not Netflix for audiobooks

It's important to understand that Audible is not a "Netflix for audiobooks" app. It's more of a book-a-month membership that gives you one premium title each month for your entry fee, with no wait times. There are two different membership options, Standard and Premium, and the tier you choose definitely matters.

I'm usually the first person to recommend the cheaper option in subscription situations (I will gladly sit through ads while streaming to save money). In this case, however, I would spend the extra money on Premium. I've been a subscriber of both tiers, and I do not think the Standard membership is a good deal. Period.

SEE ALSO: Are Kindles without lockscreen ads worth it? We're divided. What’s the difference between Audible Standard and Audible Premium?

Here's a breakdown of the different tiers:

Audible Standard

• Cost: $8.99 per month after 30-day free trial

• Includes: One audiobook selection per month and access to podcasts

• No annual subscription options

Audible Premium

• Cost: $14.95 per month after 30-day free trial

• Includes: One credit to "purchase" an audiobook each month, access to the Plus catalog with more than 150k audiobooks and podcasts, and exclusive sales and discounts

• Annual subscription options: 12 credits per year for $149.50/year or 24 credits per year for $229.50/year

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible starting at $8.99 per month Learn More

It may not sound all that different on paper, but the devil is in the details. While I was a Standard subscriber, I accidentally forgot to claim my audiobook pick one month. And guess what: I didn't get another chance. I basically had to forfeit that month entirely, throwing $8.99 in the garbage. Not to mention, if you don't finish your audiobook selection within the allotted month, it's gone forever. Or if you cancel your Standard membership, it's also gone forever.

Premium is a different story. For that extra $6 each month, you get a credit that allows you to purchase a premium title. That means you own it and it's yours to keep, even if you cancel your membership. And if you forget to use your credit one month, it rolls over to the next. Throw free access to over 150,000 audiobooks and podcasts from the Plus catalog into the mix and your subscription easily pays for itself each month.

One credit per month is not enough Credit: Christina Buff / Mashable

As a speedy reader who can burn through a book in a few days, the one monthly credit you get with a Premium membership definitely feels restrictive. Any additional titles that aren't in the Plus catalog will cost extra. I try to use my credit for the most expensive audiobook on my wish list and utilize the plethora of exclusive member offers to score additional books for less.

Audible's sales do go pretty hard. There are daily deals, two-for-one credit deals, member rewards, referral offers, and so much more. You can also get a pretty sweet deal on an Audible book if you already have the Kindle book (i.e., $3.49 instead of $14.95). It's also worth noting that if you cancel often, you'll get a hefty discount offer when you come back. This is the real secret to making Audible worth it.

The Audible experience

If Amazon's ownership of Audible is a dealbreaker for you, there are plenty of other ways to listen to audiobooks, including paid subscriptions like Libro.fm, Everand, or Spotify. But the truth of the matter is, Audible basically has a monopoly over the audiobook industry. A lot of titles are exclusive to Audible, including the popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, Verity by Colleen Hoover, and the phenomenal Project Hail Mary.

Audible exclusives are fully immersive audio productions, not just someone reading you a book. You'll be transported into the story, often with the help of a full cast of voice actors. Project Hail Mary is the best audiobook I've ever listened to, hands down. It beats the production of any book I've listened to through Libby (the library app) or Spotify.

If you also read on Kindle, the Read & Listen feature lets you switch between listening on Audible and reading on your Kindle without losing your spot. This is limited to books listed as "Read & Listen" in the details (you'll see a badge next to the cover in the Audible app), but it's honestly pretty clutch. It doesn't always sync immediately on the spot, but for the most part, it works exactly how it's supposed to.

Credit: Christina Buff / Mashable The app itself is overwhelming

You know how the Amazon app is both simple and overwhelming? That's also how the Audible app feels. There's just too much going on. When you're looking for your next read, you can filter by category, Audible charts, duration, new releases, author, bestsellers by year, series, niche topics, your Goodreads TBR (also owned by Amazon, btw), BookTok favorites, and so much more. Yes, the content selection is overflowing with options, but it's also easy to get lost in the massive library, continuously clicking filters and subcategories and forgetting how you got there. I often find myself scrolling and clicking around for way longer than I should.

Other app features worth mentioning are speed adjustments from 1x to 2x (.5 increments), the ability to download and listen offline and set timers, and a car mode that keeps your screen from sleeping and enlarges the buttons. None of these are groundbreaking, but they do boost the app experience.

It is hella convenient having access to my Goodreads TBR via Audible. Credit: Screenshot: Audible If you're starting from scratch looking for your next read, prepare to be overwhelmed. Credit: Screenshot: Audible Is Audible worth it?

There's a reason Audible is the leading audiobooks app. The exclusive audiobooks are exceptional. The sheer size of the content library is unbeatable. The seamless connectivity and extra discounts for Kindle users are unexpected life upgrades. And the regular sales and offers, including the free trials and discounted returning subscriber rates, make it an undeniably great value — but only if you opt for the pricier Premium subscription.

The app is overwhelming, it's expensive at $14.95 per month, and I've canceled my Audible subscription at least five times in the past three years. And yet, here I am, a paying Premium subscriber once again. Yes, I utilize my local library as much as possible, but variety is the spice of life, my friends.

Five humans convened for a weekend to create new music from scratch. Could they do better than A.I.? Could you even tell the difference?