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NYT Connections Sports Edition Today: Hints and Answers for August 26, 2026
Today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle may be easier for fans of the University of Texas at Austin. The sports-focused version of the popular New York Times word game tests players’ knowledge of sports while challenging them to find the “common threads between words.”

Like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, with a new set of increasingly difficult words each day. These hints and tips can help you solve today’s puzzle—or you can skip to the end for the complete Connections: Sports Edition answer.

What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The daily sports word game was launched by the New York Times in association with The Athletic, the newspaper’s sports-focused property. It is available on web browsers and mobile devices, and players must group 16 words into four sets of four based on a shared connection.

The categories can include anything from book titles and software to country names. Although several words may appear to belong together, only one grouping is correct. Correctly identifying a group removes those four words from the board, while an incorrect guess counts as a mistake. Players can make up to four mistakes before the game ends.

Players can rearrange and shuffle the board to make the connections easier to spot. The groups are color-coded by difficulty: yellow is the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. As with Wordle, players can also share their results on social media.

Today’s Connections: Sports Edition category hints

Here are clues for today’s four categories without revealing the categories themselves:
- Yellow: Injury-prone
- Green: Cycling
- Blue: Go Longhorns
- Purple: Could be spelled like a sports team
Today’s Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need more help? Today’s groups are:
- Yellow: Vulnerable Spot
- Green: Famous Cycling Races
- Blue: Associated with the University of Texas
- Purple: Starts with an NFL Team, in Singular Form
If you are also looking for today’s Wordle answer, you can find it in Mashable’s daily guide.

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

The solution to today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, #702, is:
- Vulnerable Spot: ACHILLES’ HEEL, DEFECT, FLAW, WEAKNESS
- Famous Cycling Races: GIRO D’ITALIA, IL LOMBARDIA, TOUR DE FRANCE, VUELTA A ESPANA
- Associated with the University of Texas: AUSTIN, BEVO, BURNT ORANGE, HOOK ‘EM
- Starts with an NFL Team, in Singular Form: COLT MCCOY, LIONEL MESSI, RAMBLERS, SAINT JOSEPH’S
Don’t worry if you didn’t solve today’s puzzle. A new Connections: Sports Edition challenge will be available tomorrow, along with more hints and answers.

For more word games, check out Mashable’s games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more. You can also find today’s NYT Strands hints and answers.

Source: mashable.com
08/25/2026
NYT Connections Hints Today: Clues and Answers for August 26, 2026
The NYT Connections puzzle for today is manageable with the right strategy. Connections is one of the most popular New York Times word games, challenging players to find the “common threads between words.” Like Wordle, the puzzle resets at midnight, with a new and often more difficult set of words each day.

If you want to see today’s solution immediately, skip to the end of this article. Otherwise, use the hints, category clues, and strategies below to solve the puzzle yourself.

SEE ALSO:

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

What is Connections?

The New York Times’ daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping create the game and bring it to the publication’s Games section.

Connections is available in web browsers and on mobile devices. Players must arrange 16 words into four groups of four, with each group sharing a common connection.

The categories can cover anything from book titles and software to country names. Several words may appear to fit together, but only one grouping is correct. Correctly identifying a group removes those four words from the board, while an incorrect guess counts as a mistake. Players can make up to four mistakes before the game ends.

The board can be rearranged and shuffled to make potential connections easier to spot. Each group also has a color: yellow is the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. As with Wordle, players can share their results with friends on social media.

SEE ALSO:

NYT Pips hints, answers for August 26, 2026

Hints for today’s Connections categories

Want a hint without being told the categories? Try these clues:
- Yellow: Abracadabra
- Green: Aptitude
- Blue: Signified by a letter
- Purple: Opens the door
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 Connections categories

Need more help? Today’s Connections categories are:
- Yellow: “There you have it!”
- Green: Knack
- Blue: What “P” might stand for
- Purple: Key ___
Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to solve today’s puzzle before the solutions are revealed.

Today’s Connections answers

Drumroll, please! The solution to today’s Connections #1172 is…

What is the answer to Connections today?

“There you have it!”: BEHOLD, PRESTO, SHAZAM, VOILÀ

Knack: FORTE, GIFT, STRENGTH, TALENT

What “P” might stand for: PAGE, PARK, PHOSPHORUS, PIANO

Key ___: CHAIN, LARGO, LIME, SIGNATURE

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 today’s Connections.

Source: mashable.com
08/25/2026
Wordle Today: Answer and Hints for August 26, 2026

Today’s Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you have a farm. If you want to skip straight to the solution, scroll to the bottom of this article. Otherwise, use the clues and strategy tips below to solve it yourself.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 26, 2026

Where did Wordle come from?

Engineer Josh Wardle originally created Wordle as a gift for his partner. The game quickly became an international phenomenon, with thousands of people playing every day.

Fans later created alternative Wordle games, including the battle royale game Squabble, the music identification game Heardle, and variations such as Dordle and Quordle, which require players to guess multiple words at once.

Wordle became so popular that The New York Times eventually purchased it. TikTok creators have also livestreamed themselves playing the daily puzzle.

What is the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is ultimately the one you prefer. However, a strategic opening guess can help you identify the answer more quickly.

Consider choosing a word with at least two different vowels and several common consonants, such as S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The complete archive of past Wordle puzzles was once available for anyone to play at any time. It was later removed after the website’s creator said the takedown was requested by The New York Times.

The New York Times subsequently launched its own Wordle Archive, which is available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

Wordle may seem more difficult, but the game is not actually harder than it was when it first launched. Players looking for an extra challenge can turn on Wordle’s Hard Mode.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for August 26, 2026

Today’s Wordle hints

Subtle clue: Today’s Wordle answer is a castrated rooster.

Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter? No. The answer contains no recurring letters.

For more tech and digital culture news, sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or enable Mashable push alerts.

Today’s Wordle starts with: C

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

Today’s Wordle answer

Make your final guesses now before reading the solution.

The answer to today’s Wordle is CAPON.

Don’t worry if you did not solve it this time. A new Wordle puzzle will be available tomorrow, and we’ll return with more clues to help you solve it. Playing NYT Strands too? 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

Looking for more puzzles? Mashable now has games, including Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more. Visit the Mashable games hub.

Not looking for today’s puzzle? Here’s the solution to today’s Wordle.

08/25/2026
NYT Strands Hints and Answers for August 26, 2026
Today’s NYT Strands hints are designed for workaholics. The New York Times’ word-search game adds a twist to the classic format: Players connect letters up, down, left, right, or diagonally, changing direction to create unusual shapes and patterns.

Every letter in the grid belongs to an answer. The solutions share a common theme, along with the “spangram,” a word or phrase that captures the day’s theme and stretches across the grid horizontally or vertically.

Strands provides an opaque hint instead of a word list, making it a more challenging puzzle than other popular New York Times games such as Wordle and Connections. If you are stuck or do not have at least 10 minutes to solve today’s puzzle, use the hints below to make progress at your preferred pace.

NYT Strands theme hint for August 26

All in a day’s work

The words are adjectives related to an occupation and describe responsibilities.

NYT Strands spangram hint

Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer

Today’s spangram is Part of the Job.

NYT Strands answers for August 26
- Errand
- Assignment
- Part of the Job
- Duty
- Task
- Chore
- Project
For more daily online games, visit Mashable’s Games page for additional hints and puzzles, including Mahjong, Sudoku, and a free crossword.

Source: mashable.com
08/25/2026
NYT Connections Hints for Aug. 26, 2026: Meanings of Each Word
Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints? These word meanings can help you understand today’s puzzle without revealing the answers. Connections often uses words with unrelated meanings, words hidden within other words, and visual clues.

Mashable also publishes daily hints and answers for NYT Connections, Wordle, and Strands.

NYT Connections word meanings
- Park: To stop driving a vehicle, or a green space for people to enjoy.
- Lime: A type of fruit.
- Forte: An area of expertise.
- Largo: A musical term.
- Presto: A musical term, or a word a magician might say.
- Signature: A music-related term, or the act of signing your name.
- Page: A single sheet of paper within a book.
- Gift: Something given to another person, usually for a special occasion.
- Phosphorous: A chemical element.
- Behold: To look upon; sometimes used as an exclamation.
- Chain: An object, often made of metal, connected by a series of links.
- Voilà: A French expression that essentially means “here it is.”
- Talent: Skill or ability.
- Shazam: Something a magician might say.
- Strength: A characteristic that allows someone or something to lift or withstand pressure.
- Piano: An instrument played by pressing keys.
If you have learned the meanings and still want the answers, check out Mashable’s hints and answers for today’s NYT Connections puzzle.

Playing NYT Strands too? Find all the Strands hints you need for today’s puzzle.

For more internet culture coverage, explore The Mashable 101, a list of the content creators shaping the internet today. Mashable also has a games hub featuring Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.

Source: mashable.com
08/25/2026
Hurdle Hints and Answers for August 26, 2026
If you enjoy daily word games such as Wordle, Hurdle offers a five-round challenge that gets progressively more revealing.

In the first round, you must guess the word while the game identifies correct, misplaced and incorrect letters. Solving a round moves you to the next hurdle, where the answer from the previous round becomes your first guess. Depending on the words, that can provide several clues—or none at all.

In the final hurdle, all the correct answers from the previous rounds appear, with correct and misplaced letters clearly indicated. Keep in mind that the number of times a letter is highlighted in earlier guesses does not necessarily show how many times that letter appears in the final answer.

Today’s Hurdle answers and hints

Stuck on one of today’s Hurdle rounds? Here are the hints and answers:
- Hurdle Word 1 hint: Hurled
  Answer: THROW
- Hurdle Word 2 hint: Doomed
  Answer: GONER
- Hurdle Word 3 hint: Belief
  Answer: FAITH
- Hurdle Word 4 hint: Member of the Catholic Church
  Answer: FRIAR
- Final Hurdle hint: A tooth
  Answer: MOLAR
For more daily puzzles, visit Mashable’s games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords and more. You can also sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or enable Mashable push alerts for more technology and digital culture news.

Source: mashable.com
08/25/2026
Dolly Parton Dies ‘following a brief battle with cancer’, Her Team Says

Country music legend Dolly Parton has passed away at the age of 80 following a ‘brief battle with cancer’, according to her publicist. The iconic singer-songwriter passed away on Tuesday, August 24, as confirmed by her family in a statement released by her nephew, Bryan Seaver.

Providing an update on Tuesday evening, her publicist Marcel Pariseau stated that she ‘departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones’.

In an emotional statement shared with PEOPLE, Dolly’s team celebrated her immense legacy, writing: “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand.“Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly’s unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

While the specific type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed, Dolly had scaled back on public appearances in recent months due to ‘health challenges’. She had previously joked with her fans that her doctor had ‘clipped her wings’ to keep her rested.

Dolly’s passing was first announced late Tuesday via an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also worked as her head of security. Seaver expressed that it was ‘an honour that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness’ to share the news of her passing.

Seaver added: “But sadness lies with us, not with Dolly.“Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others who have watched her and longed to meet her in the heavens.”

Dolly’s beloved husband, Carl Dean, passed away last year.

The Legacy of the Queen of Country

Best known for her timeless global hits such as 9 To 5, I Will Always Love You, and Jolene, Dolly Parton was widely—and rightfully—revered as the Queen of Country.

Following the announcement of her passing, a wave of tributes poured in from across the entertainment world and beyond. Rapper Eminem shared a touching note he received from Dolly back in 2022, in which she expressed feeling an ‘unexplained connection’ to him.

Global Tributes to an Icon

Global superstar Beyoncé paid tribute to the ‘brilliant’ singer, sharing: “Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself. I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship.“I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever. Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”

Additionally, US President Donald Trump announced that American flags would fly at half-mast to honor the country music legend. In a statement posted on Truth Social, he wrote: “Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away,” before adding: “This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.“In her honour, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you.”

08/25/2026
The Surprising True Story Behind Dolly Parton’s ‘I Will Always Love You’: A Professional Breakup, Not a Romance

Dolly Parton's 1974 classic 'I Will Always Love You' is widely embraced as a romantic ballad, yet its origins lie in a professional separation rather than a love affair. The song was born from Parton's decision to leave her longtime mentor and collaborator Porter Wagoner, a move that marked a pivotal moment in her career. In 1967, Wagoner invited the young singer to join his syndicated variety show, which became a launchpad for her early success; together they recorded 13 albums and performed as a duo for seven years. By 1973, however, Parton felt compelled to pursue her own artistic destiny, a choice Wagoner initially resisted, leading to grief and heartache on both sides. Read also: Brandon Flowers Returns with Country-Inspired Solo Album 'Thrasher' After 11-Year Gap. Read also: Entertainment Roundup: Adam Sandler's Enduring Tribute to Chris Farley and Hamptons Film Fest Honors Phil Lord & Chris Miller.

Channeling those conflicted emotions, Parton wrote both 'I Will Always Love You' and 'Jolene' in a single afternoon. She performed the former alone in Wagoner's office, accompanying herself on guitar, as a heartfelt appeal for his blessing to depart. His response — acknowledging it as her best composition and agreeing to produce the record — allowed a tearful but amicable parting. The pair remained friends until Wagoner's death in 2007, with Parton at his bedside. This backstory reframes the song as a testament to professional growth and mutual respect, adding depth to its later transformation into Whitney Houston's 1992 chart-topping cover for 'The Bodyguard.'

Beyond its famous renditions, the track nearly took another iconic turn: Elvis Presley expressed interest in recording it, though the deal fell through over publishing rights. That near-miss underscores the song's cross-genre appeal and the intricate business decisions that shape music history. Understanding the true narrative — a mentor-protégé split rather than a romantic breakup — enriches listeners' appreciation of a tune that has soundtracked countless personal farewells while its own genesis was about claiming artistic independence.

08/25/2026
Nick Offerman Reflects on ‘The Office’ Audition and Dual Emmy Nominations

Nick Offerman, widely celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Ron Swanson on "Parks and Recreation," recently opened up about a pivotal early audition that nearly placed him in the world of "The Office" before his breakthrough role. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the 56-year-old actor traced the winding path that led him from a months-long casting process for the NBC comedy to his current position as a double Emmy nominee for dramatically different roles. Read also: Only Murders in the Building Season 6 Heads to London with December Premiere Date. Read also: Comedy Central Announces Star-Studded Guest Host Lineup for 'The Daily Show'; Veteran Director John Irvin Remembered.

This past year has marked a career high for Offerman, who secured supporting actor nominations for two distinct projects: Apple TV+'s "Margo's Got Money Troubles," where he plays a former wrestler reconnecting with his daughter, and Netflix's limited series "Death by Lightning," in which he embodies a corrupt, alcoholic vice president. The recognition underscores a deliberate shift away from the libertarian curmudgeon that defined his earlier fame, showcasing a range that includes a heartbreaking guest turn on HBO's "The Last of Us" — a role that already earned him an Emmy win.

Offerman revealed that his journey to Pawnee began when "Parks and Recreation" creators Greg Daniels and Michael Schur were still focused on the American adaptation of "The Office." He auditioned for a role on that series, but the part ultimately went elsewhere. The casting directors, however, kept him in mind, leading to an extended, unconventional testing process for "Parks and Rec" that involved improvisation and character development sessions. That patience paid off, birthing one of television's most beloved deadpan characters.

Since the mockumentary ended in 2015, Offerman has actively sought roles that challenge the Ron Swanson archetype. His recent choices — a post-apocalyptic survivalist with a tender soul, a scheming 19th-century politician, and a washed-up wrestler — reflect a desire to explore vulnerability and moral complexity. This trajectory mirrors a broader industry trend where character actors leverage signature roles to pivot toward prestige drama and dark comedy, much like Bryan Cranston's post-"Malcolm in the Middle" evolution.

Beyond the accolades, Offerman credits his artistic grounding to mentorship under Japanese theater master Shozo Sato and a 26-year partnership with actress Megan Mullally. As he navigates this awards-season momentum, the actor remains characteristically pragmatic, framing his success not as a victory lap but as the result of showing up prepared for whatever the script demands.

08/25/2026
Jelly Roll Roasts Donald Trump’s Weight During Jimmy Kimmel Live Guest Hosting Stint

Country music star Jelly Roll delivered a blistering comedic takedown of President Donald Trump's physical appearance while filling in for Jimmy Kimmel on Monday night's broadcast. The singer, who has publicly documented his own dramatic weight loss journey, used the platform to respond to a recent Washington Post report citing medical professionals' concerns about the president's health metrics. Read also: Comedy Central Announces Star-Studded Guest Host Lineup for 'The Daily Show'; Veteran Director John Irvin Remembered. Read also: Brandon Flowers Returns with Country-Inspired Solo Album 'Thrasher' After 11-Year Gap.

During the monologue segment, Jelly Roll referenced the report's mention of Trump approaching 240 pounds before pivoting to a pointed comparison rooted in personal experience. Speaking from the perspective of someone who once weighed significantly more, he quipped that he had effectively "shed an entire Donald Trump" through his 300-pound transformation. The remark framed the president's physique not merely as a punchline but as a benchmark the comedian had personally surpassed.

The routine escalated when Jelly Roll aired a montage of Trump's own history of mocking others' bodies, including repeated insistence that former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was "not a fat pig." By juxtaposing the president's past rhetoric with his current physical state, the segment highlighted a perceived double standard. Jelly Roll then turned the humor inward, sharing a graphic personal anecdote about his post-weight-loss anatomy that drew both laughter and groans from the studio audience.

The appearance underscores a growing trend of musical artists using late-night comedy platforms to engage directly with political discourse. Unlike traditional late-night hosts who maintain a degree of satirical distance, Jelly Roll's approach blended self-deprecation with pointed political commentary, leveraging his own body transformation as both credential and weapon. The segment quickly circulated across social platforms, amplifying the reach of a joke that originated in a mainstream media health report.

08/25/2026