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Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch Indiana sports.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Yellow: Indiana

• Green: Big dogs

• Blue: Horse riding

• Purple: Famous domes

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Indiana Teams

• Green: Bulldogs

• Blue: Equestrian Equipment

• Purple: ___Dome

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 #661 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Indiana Teams: COLTS, FEVER, HOOSIERS, PACERS

• Bulldogs: BUTLER, GONZAGA, MISSISSIPPI STATE, YALE

• Equestrian Equipment: BIT, REINS, SADDLE, STIRRUPS

• ___Dome: ASTRO, FARGO, GEORGIA, SUPER

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 catalogue.

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 16, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 16 Pips

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

Number (16): Everything in this space must add up to 16. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 16 Pips

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

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 16 Pips

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically.

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

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed vertically.

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're precise.

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.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 16, 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: Beauty regimen

• Green: Dark colors

• Blue: Exact

• Purple: A speck

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Skincare products

• Green: Shades of black

• Blue: Associated with precision

• Purple: Starting with tiny marks

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 #1131 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Skincare products: CLAY MASK, EYE CREAM, PEEL, TONER

• Shades of black: CHARCOAL, INK, JET, PITCH

• Associated with precision: BULLSEYE, CLOCKWORK, LASER, NEEDLE

• Starting with tiny marks: DOT MATRIX, PERIOD PIECE, POINT BREAK, SPOT REMOVER

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 16, 2026

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you don't have a good sense of direction.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 16, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: "Rerouting..."

The words are related to directions.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a detour.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Change Course.

NYT Strands word list for July 16

• Zigzag

• Deviate

• Change Course

• Veer

• Pivot

• Tack

• Swerve

• Turn

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 into landscapes.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 16, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 16, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A steep hill.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter T appears twice.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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...

BUTTE

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.

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

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

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

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A throat infection.

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

STREP

Hurdle Word 2 hint

How butter is made.

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

CHURN

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Perfect.

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

IDEAL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Wildlife

Hurdle Word 4 answer

FAUNA

Final Hurdle hint

Inactive.

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

INERT

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

Close to a year after the enactment of the UK's age assurance law, the Online Safety Act, Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, has released a report on its progress.

The Online Safety Act requires robust age checks for sites that have content "restricted to adults," which extends from pornography to non-explicit content like the r/stopsmoking subreddit.

UK age verification, one year later

Ofcom has found that these age checks are now being deployed on an "unprecedented scale" across various sectors: porn, social media, dating, and gaming. Between July 2025, when the law went into effect, and Jan. 2026, the proportion of children "being asked to prove their age who encountered highly effective age checks" increased from 25 to 43 percent.

SEE ALSO: EU plans to restrict social media for kids under 13

Between July and Dec. last year, 69 million age checks were completed across a sample of 32 services, which Ofcom says is a 23-fold increase on the previous six months.

According to Ofcom's Children's Passive Online Monitoring study, eight percent of children aged 8 to 14 who participated visited porn providers. Half of them only reached sites with age checks in place. The majority, 87 percent, of these porn site visits were for under 30 seconds, and 65 percent were for less than 10 seconds.

Shortcomings of the Online Safety Act

Ofcom also found that all of the UK's top 10 porn sites, and 64 out of the top 100 most popular porn sites in the country, have installed age assurance as of last month, and 10 have geo-blocked UK users. Despite this, though, Ofcom stated that "too many porn sites still don’t have age checks in place." It's opened 23 investigations into providers of 88 adult services.

Another result of the report is that children are finding porn sites without age checks via search. A third (33 percent) of Google Search results on the first page were porn sites without age checks or geo-blocking, while this was the case for 54 percent of first-page Bing results.

Ofcom stated that Google and Bing are working with it "to tackle the discoverability of porn sites without age checks via their services," though the Online Safety Act doesn't require search providers to use age assurance to prevent minors from viewing porn.

The report also stated that over 10 percent of 15 to 17-year-olds accessed three popular dating apps in Dec. 2025, despite age checks, so these services need to ensure their age checks are effective.

Finally, the report also casts doubt on age-inference methods, which estimate a user's age from their behavior.

"Our message to social media companies is clear: those which use age inference models to comply with their child protection duties should switch to other methods listed in our guidance as highly effective without delay," Ofcom stated in a press release shared with Mashable. 

This will become increasingly relevant as the UK bans social media for children under 16. The UK government is planning to use similar age-assurance methods as the Online Safety Act. A recent study on Australia's social media ban found it ineffective, partly because age estimations don't require younger users to undergo additional checks.

Ofcom states it will deliver an assessment of what "highly effective age checks" will look like to determine someone is over 16 to Parliament by the end of Oct. It will also publish a report on app-store-level age verification by Jan. 2027.

In addition to the broad social media ban for under-16s, the UK also just announced a social media curfew for teenagers aged 16 and 17.

If you were on TikTok in the early 2020s, you're probably deeply familiar with the GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker. It went super viral as creators made content about their iced coffee concoctions, sodas, and even water recipes.

But for most people, the price and size of the Opal ice maker made it an impractical purchase. At a press event with GE Profile in New York City, André Zdanow, executive director of Small Appliances, FirstBuild, and CoCreate at GE Appliances, told me that the most common suggestion his team hears from customers is to make a smaller version of the Opal. So, they listened.

As of July 14, the brand has launched the GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker. It's 30 percent smaller than the Opal Ultra ice maker, shaving off two inches from both the height and the width, making it easier to store on a countertop.

"The Opal Mini lineup delivers the same craveable nugget ice customers know and love — now in a more compact design, with meaningful performance improvements, easier maintenance, and new finishes," Zdanow said in a press release.

Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker price and specs

There are three versions of the new ice maker: the Opal Mini ($279 to $299), Opal Mini Pro ($379), and Opal Mini Pro+ ($399).

The Opal Mini features a top-fill water reservoir, ditching the side tank design for a smaller footprint. However, the Mini Pro and Mini Pro+ feature a large-capacity side tank in addition to the top-fill reservoir for fewer refills.

The Mini Pro models include a side tank. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

The Opal Mini produces up to 36 pounds of ice per day, and can hold up to two pounds of ice at a time, compared to the Opal Ultra's three pounds. Zdanow said the idea is that two people can fill up a 40-ounce Stanley cup with nugget ice from the machine at the same time. So, you won't have to fight your roommate or partner over who gets a cup full of deliciously cold and crunchy bev in the morning.

While the larger versions are obviously better for hosting large groups, the Mini Pro models bring a new life to the party. They're compatible with GE's SmartHQ app, where you can control a color-changing light in the ice bin. Within the app, you're also able to schedule when you want the ice maker to produce ice.

At launch, the Opal Mini is available in stone grey, charcoal grey, steel grey, and stainless steel finishes. Color expansions are coming this fall, with peony pink, moss green, and moonstone blue options available, likely in October. They're all super cute, and I'm definitely eyeing the moss green one for my kitchen.

The Opal Mini will be available in peony pink, moss green, and moonstone blue color options this fall. Credit: Miller Ken / Mashable Where to buy the GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker

As of July 14, the GE Profile Opal Mini in stone grey ($299) is available on geappliances.com and other retailers as stock becomes available. The Opal Mini in charcoal grey ($279) is available on geappliances.com and exclusively at Walmart. The Opal Mini Pro in steel grey and Mini Pro+ in stainless steel are available on geappliances.com and at select retailers as they receive stock.

GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker (stone grey) $299 at Wayfair
  Shop Now at Wayfair Shop Now at GE Appliances Shop Now at Amazon GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker (charcoal grey) $279 at Walmart
  Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at GE Appliances GE Profile Opal Mini Pro Nugget Ice Maker (steel grey) $379 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Wayfair Shop Now at GE Appliances GE Profile Opal Mini Pro+ Nugget Ice Maker (stainless steel) $399 at GE Appliances
  Shop Now at GE Appliances

OpenAI's long-anticipated entry into consumer hardware has arrived, but it's not the Jony Ive collab everyone has been waiting for.

The company has launched Codex Micro, a $230 mechanical keypad developed with peripheral maker Work Louder, sold through OpenAI's "Supply Co." storefront as part of a "Work Louder Co-Lab" collaboration.

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The device is a compact 13-key controller designed to work alongside OpenAI's Codex coding assistant. It features a rotary dial to adjust the AI's "reasoning level," a joystick to trigger coding workflows such as reviewing pull requests or debugging errors, programmable command keys for actions like accepting or rejecting suggestions, and RGB backlighting that changes color to reflect what an active Codex session is doing.

Credit: OpenAI

It ships with 32 interchangeable keycaps, connects via Bluetooth or USB-C, and is compatible with Mac and Windows. Pre-orders list an estimated ship date of July 24.

The launch stands in contrast to OpenAI's other hardware effort: a screenless, "humanlike" AI companion device in development with former Apple designer Jony Ive, whose startup io OpenAI acquired last year. That product, described in recent reporting as capable of tracking a user's surroundings and habits, has yet to reach the market. Previous AI devices, including Humane's AI Pin and the Friend pendant, both struggled to gain traction after launch.

Reaction to Codex Micro has been mixed online, with some on Reddit questioning whether the release was a joke and criticizing its price as steep for a peripheral aimed at a narrow set of developer workflows.

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

Professional cyclist Willie Smit went 14 years without being disqualified from a race. Then he put on a pair of smart glasses.

The 33-year-old South African veteran cyclist was removed from the opening stage of the Tour of Magnificent Qinghai after officials determined that his video-recording glasses violated Union Cycliste Internationale rules governing onboard technology. Smit, who was racing for China’s Anta-Mentech Cycling Team, announced the disqualification on X and posted footage captured from the glasses during the race.

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“Today I was disqualified for the first time in my cycling career,” Smit wrote. He said he had not known about the restriction and argued that “a warning, fine or yellow card” would have been enough.

Why did smart glasses break the rules?

The rule is fairly simple once the technical language is stripped away: Cyclists can record races, but the camera generally has to be attached to the bicycle. Riders cannot wear a recording device on their bodies unless the rules for that particular type of cycling specifically allow it.

Smit’s camera was built into his glasses, though, which meant it was sitting on his face rather than mounted on his bike. The UCI confirmed that newer smart glasses capable of recording video are therefore prohibited during its sanctioned competitions. Breaking the rule can result in a rider being prevented from starting, eliminated, or disqualified. Smit was disqualified after completing the first stage.

Smit described the restriction as a new rule introduced in April. The section of the UCI rulebook covering onboard technology was first added in 2021, although the organization has continued updating its equipment rules as cameras, GPS computers, sensors, and other devices have become more advanced.

He also questioned why cyclists at the Tour de France have been allowed to film during stages while his glasses produced an automatic disqualification. Smit pointed to footage of Lidl-Trek rider Toms Skujiņš interviewing fellow cyclist Victor Campenaerts in the middle of a Tour de France stage.

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There was one crucial difference, though: The camera used for Skujiņš’s video was mounted to his bicycle, placing it within the UCI’s rules, while Smit’s camera was sitting on his face.

Smit maintained that he used the glasses only to record his view of the race. He said their AI capabilities did not work without a connected phone and that, while he was riding, the glasses could “do nothing but record video.” There is no indication that he used them to receive coaching, performance information, or help from anyone outside the race.

Social media users immediately noticed the irony and criticized the response.

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Smart glasses are also only the latest highly specific piece of equipment to get a rider in trouble. Cyclists have recently been disqualified over an underweight bike, handlebars that were too narrow, a prohibited riding position, and clothing that did not comply with UCI rules.

Meta designed the glasses for sports

The unusual part of Smit’s disqualification is that the Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses were created specifically for athletes. Meta describes them as “Performance AI glasses” for high-intensity sports and says their wraparound shape is designed to fit underneath cycling helmets. The company even promoted the glasses during the 2026 Super Bowl, with iShowSpeed and former NFL player Marshawn Lynch wearing the Vanguard model in its ad campaign.

The glasses contain a 12-megapixel camera that can record video in up to 3K resolution, along with microphones and speakers that allow the wearer to listen to audio and speak to Meta AI. When connected to a compatible Garmin device, they can provide spoken updates about a cyclist’s heart rate, speed, and pace. They can also automatically record clips when an athlete reaches certain distances, speeds, elevations, or heart-rate levels, and add Strava data to photos and videos afterward.

Oakley Meta HSTN 3K Recording Smart AI Glasses (Light Curry, Transitions Brown Lenses) $459.84 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

None of that means Smit was using every feature during the race. The UCI did not accuse him of receiving AI coaching or using live fitness information. Under its rules, officials did not need to prove that he was using those tools, just that he was wearing the device.

The incident comes as Meta is trying to make smart glasses more common both in sports and everyday life. In June, the company introduced 26 versions of its new Meta-branded frames, including an oval pair designed with Kylie Jenner, while continuing to sell its Ray-Ban and Oakley models.

This release has brought attention to the glasses’ ability to record people nearby. Meta says a white light on the front of every pair blinks while the camera is taking a photo or recording video and has no off switch. But those safeguards haven't been entirely effective — three women told CNN that men secretly recorded conversations with them and later uploaded the videos to social media without their consent. One said footage of her being approached in a grocery store received nearly 20 million views, even though she had asked the man not to post it.

Concern has produced restrictions. The College Board prohibits smart glasses during the SAT, the New York State court system is banning eyewear containing recording equipment beginning July 20, and a Florida school district has prohibited students from bringing the devices onto campuses or school buses. South Korean prosecutors have also brought a criminal case against a man accused of using AI-powered glasses to cheat on a national licensing exam.

On the pop-culture beat, Lorde has also criticized smart glasses from the stage at Madrid’s Mad Cool festival, calling them "not sexy."

Ultimately, the Oakley Meta Vanguard may have been built for cycling, but during a UCI race, its safest position appears to be inside the team car.

A New York school district is piloting a humanoid robot teacher to help students with summer school classes.

Announced earlier this year, Salamanca City Central school district, located in Salamanca, New York, and Toronto-based robotics company Realbotix have partnered to integrate a new AI teachers' assistant into classrooms — and potentially debut a fleet of robot tutors this fall.

The AI, called Optio, will be available for students in classrooms and outside school hours, including 24/7 homework support. The robot, part of Realbotix' M-Series and named Sally, will be present in select Salamanca City Central high school AI and Robotics courses.

SEE ALSO: Should kids use Google AI search? These experts say no.

The company explains Sally uses natural language processing, facial expressions, and live feedback to provide classroom support, with "education-specific safety guardrails" in place. The robot has a human-like appearance and will remain seated at a desk, with partial upper-body movements. Students must provide Sally with their student ID number, which the robot uses to bring up personalized student learning data.

The school is part of the the Woz ED STEM Pathway curriculum program, started by Apple founder Steve Wozniak to boost STEM education.

"This deployment in a working school district represents a landmark moment for both AI and humanoid robotics,” Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel, said in a press release at the time. "We are moving beyond lab demonstrations and pilots to deliver real, embodied AI directly into classrooms — supporting teachers, engaging students, and proving that advanced robotics can thrive in live educational environments. Salamanca marks the beginning of a new era where humanoid robots and intelligent AI assistants become standard tools in STEM education."

Realbotix, formerly known as Tokens.com, rebranded after acquiring the hyperrealistic sex doll company RealDoll in 2024. The company recently debuted a new line of unsettlingly lifelike robot companions.

While AI embeds itself deeper in classrooms, tech watchdogs have warned that the technology may exacerbate bias and worsen inequality, especially among already underserved populations. Critics of classroom AI also warn that the technology could be used as a subpar replacement for human educators in districts with strained resources.

Notably, the Salamanca City Central district is located in part of the Seneca Nation of Indians Reservation, and more than a third of its students are Indigenous. Around 79 percent of the district's students are economically disadvantaged, New York Focus reports.

"This partnership gives all students controlled, equitable access to safe and powerful AI resources while fostering learning — not replacing it," said district Superintendent Mark Beehler.

Firmly grasp it — your wallet, that is. Lego unveiled two new SpongeBob Squarepants-themed building sets this week, its first in nearly 15 years.

The new Lego Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom set marks the inaugural SpongeBob Lego kit geared toward adults, while the new Lego BrickHeadz SpongeBob SquarePants Figure is the latest entry in its blocky line for kids. Both sets are slated for release on Sept. 1 and available for preorder now exclusively at the Lego Store.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom (11386) $219.99 at Lego.com
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego BrickHeadz SpongeBob SquarePants Figure (40858) $12.99 at Lego.com
  Pre-order Here

According to a company press release, the Bikini Bottom set was made in partnership with Paramount Products & Experiences in honor of the first-ever SpongeBob Day on July 14. That's SpongeBob’s birthday in his eponymous show; this year, he turns 40. (The SpongeBob Squarepants franchise is owned by the Nickelodeon Group, a Paramount subsidiary.)

Priced at $219.99, the set contains 1,794 pieces that build into the iconic homes of Sponge boy me Bob and his neighbors, Patrick and Squidward. Each one has a decked-out living space on the inside with tiny beds, TVs, and furnishings. Squidward even gets his own bubble bath, tanning bed, clarinet, and sheet music stand.

The gang's all here. Credit: Lego

The set comes complete with minifigures of the aforementioned characters, plus SpongeBob's pet snail, Gary, and 2D evil twin, DoodleBob. Lego also throws in a brickified Boatmobile, a patch of the Jellyfish Fields, a Bikini Bottom city sign, and a bubblestand.

SpongeBob voice actor Tom Kenny showcased the set in videos posted to the official @spongebob TikTok account on Tuesday. "Whether you're an old-school collector like me or looking for a great holiday gift, this set bursts with nautical nonsense!" he said in one clip.

The minifigures come with accessories, like a jellyfishing net and an ice cream cone. Credit: Lego Take that net on over to Jellyfish Fields. Credit: Lego

Heads up that shoppers who preorder the SpongeBob Squarepants: Bikini Bottom set before July 23 will receive a free Tom Nook and Flying Present set with their order. If you're a member of the Lego Insiders loyalty program — it's free to join — you'll also get a bonus Restaurants of the World: Japan set featuring a tiny sushi bar. They're worth $4.99 and $19.99, respectively.

He's ready. Credit: Lego

The BrickHeadz figure of The Sponge is geared toward ages 10 and up. It contains 72 pieces, including a jellyfishing net, and stands a little over three inches tall. It'll cost you $12.99.

2026 isn't just the year SpongeBob celebrates the big 4-0. It also marks two decades since Lego released its very first SpongeBob-themed set: a 295-piece build of the Krusty Krab. The company came out with at least two new SpongeBob sets every year through 2012 before putting the series on hiatus — until now.

England and Argentina are playing for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, and just as they did before Spain versus France, the internet’s astrologers are looking for clues about what might happen next.

The predictions are not perfectly aligned, pun intended. Several forecasts give Argentina the edge, with some pointing to the Leo moon and England’s weaker planetary support. Others predict an England victory, while at least one reading found the chart almost evenly divided, with only a slight advantage for the Three Lions.

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England supporters also have a larger omen to hold onto. The country’s only World Cup victory came in 1966, a Fire Horse year in the Chinese zodiac, and 2026 marks the Fire Horse’s first return in 60 years. Whether that means football is coming home or merely bringing more stress with it remains open to interpretation.

The moon and Jupiter are both in Leo on July 15, a sign astrologers associate with confidence, leadership, and players rising to a major occasion. Mercury remains retrograde in Cancer, however, which could make the match less predictable and communication more fuzzy.

Astrology cannot tell us who will score, save a penalty, or advance to the final. But it can offer another way to look at how each player may respond to the pressure of the match. Here is what the birth charts of six key players suggest about England versus Argentina.

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The players’ birth-chart information and planetary placements were sourced from Astro-Charts and Astrotheme. Because the birth times of several players are unknown, rising signs were not included. Astrology is interpretive and cannot reliably predict the result of a match.

EnglandHarry Kane: Leo sun, Sagittarius moon This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Harry Kane has 6 goals at this World Cup, according to Google, tying Jude Bellingham for the most on England and leaving both players two behind Messi. The 32-year-old’s Leo sun suits the visibility and pressure that come with captaining the team, while his Sagittarius moon points to confidence and the ability to keep believing even when a match gets difficult. Mars in Virgo adds discipline and precision, which fits a striker who can finish chances but also move back toward midfield to help create them.

Kane enters the semifinal with several favorable parts of his chart working in his favor. Jupiter is moving almost directly over his Leo sun, a connection astrologers often link with opportunity and recognition, while the moon and Mars also give his natal Jupiter some support. The picture is not entirely easy, though. Mercury is putting pressure on his Uranus and Neptune, which could bring confusion or sudden shifts in momentum, and Pluto sits opposite his sun, adding even more weight to the moment. Kane may have chances to shape the game, but he will likely have to manage plenty of pressure along the way.

Jude Bellingham: Cancer sun, Cancer moon This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Jude Bellingham scored both of England’s goals in its 2–1 quarterfinal win over Norway, including the winner in extra time. At 23, he has already become the player England looks to when a match needs to shift. His sun, moon, Mercury, and Saturn are all in Cancer, which points to a player who relies heavily on instinct and reads the mood of the game quickly. His Mars sits close to Uranus in Pisces, giving him a sudden, hard-to-predict quality that fits his ability to move from midfield into scoring positions.

Bellingham is also at the start of his Jupiter return, a cycle often linked with expansion and major opportunities. On Wednesday, Uranus makes a tense angle to his natal Mars and Uranus, which could bring sharp changes in pace or another unexpected moment. He has already shown that he can appear in the right place before anyone else sees the opening, and this chart suggests that ability could matter again.

Bukayo Saka: Virgo sun, Aries moon This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Bukayo Saka, 24, has 3 assists at this World Cup, and remains one of England’s biggest attacking threats. He plays on the right side, where he tries to get past defenders before either passing the ball into the middle or cutting toward goal himself. Norway often sent two players to stop him in the quarterfinal, but he still found ways to create chances. His Virgo sun fits the careful, controlled side of his game, while his Aries moon adds speed, confidence, and a willingness to take defenders on.

Wednesday’s astrology could help bring out both sides of his game. The Leo moon falls close to Saka’s Venus and connects well with his Aries moon, which astrologers may link to creativity and better teamwork. Mars adds more energy, although it could also make him frustrated if Argentina keeps blocking his path.

ArgentinaLionel Messi: Cancer sun, Gemini moon This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Lionel Andrés Messi, 39, has scored 8 goals and added two assists at this World Cup, bringing his career tournament total to a record 21 goals. His Cancer sun, Mercury, and Mars reflect his instinctive style, while his Gemini moon points to quick thinking and adaptability. Messi can change direction, find a pass, or create a shot before defenders ever have time to react.

Wednesday’s sun falls almost exactly on Messi’s natal Mars, the planet astrologers connect with competition, energy, and taking action. Mercury retrograde is also close to his natal Mercury and Mars, making that part of his chart especially active. Astrologers may see this as a sign that Messi will be heavily involved (as usual), although the retrograde could also make the match harder to control.

Julián Álvarez: Aquarius sun, Sagittarius moon This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Julián Álvarez, 26, is one of Argentina’s main forwards and plays close to goal, where he looks for open space and chances to shoot. He can also move deeper or toward either side of the field to help create an attack, making him difficult for defenders to track. His Aquarius sun fits that versatile style, while his Sagittarius moon points to boldness and a willingness to keep making runs toward goal.

Álvarez also has some of the strongest astrology in the match. Right now, Jupiter sits almost exactly on his North Node at 3 degrees Leo, a point astrologers connect with destiny and major opportunities. Along with Mars supporting his sun, that could help him break through England’s defense, force an error, or appear in the right place when Argentina needs a goal.

Alexis Mac Allister: Capricorn sun, Pisces moon

Alexis Mac Allister, 27, plays in the center of Argentina’s midfield, where he helps win the ball and pass it forward to the team’s attackers. His Capricorn sun fits his steady, disciplined style, while his Pisces moon points to strong instincts and an ability to read where the game is moving.

On Wednesday, Mars sits directly opposite Mac Allister’s Mercury, which astrologers may connect with quick thinking, sharp passes, and faster decisions. It could also make him rush or become frustrated under pressure. Venus makes a more supportive connection to his sun, however, which may help him stay composed and work smoothly with his teammates.

Yesterday, Hinge founder Justin McLeod shared more details about his next venture, an AI matchmaking service called Overtone.

McLeod announced his departure from Hinge back in Dec. 2025 to focus on Overtone, which he plans to launch later this year in select locations. (You can put yourself on the waitlist if you're interested.)

SEE ALSO: Your friends can now add to your Hinge profile

"Overtone is not a dating app," McLeod wrote in the latest blog post. "By that I mean it's not a social platform with profiles that reduce people to stats, quotes and photos. There are no opaque, algorithmic feeds trained on split-second impulses. And there’s no juggling likes, matches and chats across many people at once."

Rather, the post goes on, Overtone is a service. McLeod promises Overtone will make only introductions "worth making" and will explain why someone is a match. He wants to bring back matchmaking, a longtime practice. These days, it's pretty limited to those who can spend thousands of dollars on a personal matchmaker, like in the movie Materialists.

"But this time with the reach and diversity of modern networks, the collective wisdom of relationship science, and the conviction that when it comes to options, all you need is less™," he wrote (yes, including the trademark).

Details of what Overtone will look like are scarce, but McLeod also announced the company has raised $18 million from FirstMark Capital, Pace Capital, and Match Group. The latter is the dating app conglomerate that owns Hinge.

Additionally, Match Group and Tinder CEO Spencer Rascoff has joined the board, as have executive leadership adviser and founder of The Signal Institute, Diana Chapman, and famed relationship psychotherapist Esther Perel (who partnered with Hinge last year).

Overtone will come at a time when some daters are skeptical about using AI to find them a match. When Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd announced earlier this year that Bumble is killing the swipe and ushering in an AI matchmaker, the reaction online was largely negative. But there are budding AI matchmakers out there, such as Sitch Matchmaking and Ditto AI.

Asus will sell a standalone version of its upcoming OLED Xbox Ally X20, according to a report from The Verge, walking back earlier plans that would have required buyers to purchase the handheld bundled with a pair of Xreal AR glasses.

An Asus spokesperson confirmed the change to The Verge, saying, "We are actively discussing the release schedule for a standalone version of the new Ally. Please stay tuned for upcoming announcements."

Our big Guessing Game is back! Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft cuts 3,200 Xbox jobs, spins off four studios in major layoffs Credit: Asus

The Verge's Sean Hollister, who spent two hours testing the device at Asus's California offices, wrote that the OLED Ally could prove competitive with the recently released MSI Claw 8 EX AI Plus. The review also highlighted ergonomic upgrades over last year's Xbox Ally X, including new rubberized grips, quieter face buttons, and a reworked cooling system. Hollister singled out a "transforming" D-pad that can rotate between eight-way and four-way configurations, saying it made a noticeable difference in games like Hollow Knight: Silksong.

The Verge did not report specific pricing or a release date for the standalone OLED Ally, though Hollister noted the device will likely cost more than the current $1,000 Xbox Ally X. The bundle with the ROG Xreal R1 Gaming Glasses could cost up to $2,000, though no price or launch date has been confirmed yet.

Internet, meet the nine brand new emoji that will be coming to your keyboards.

The Emoji Standard and Research Working Group at the Unicode Consortium will soon introduce nine new emoji, and these additions are now being revealed ahead of World Emoji Day on July 17. (Why is July 17 known as World Emoji Day? If you check the calendar emoji, you'll see the 17th date of the month is displayed.)

Our big Guessing Game is back! Enter now for a chance to win an Apple Watch.

The new emoji class of 2026 includes:

• Lighthouse

• Eraser

• Leftwards Thumb Sign

• Rightwards Thumb Sign

• The Cracked Smiling Face

• Net with Handle

• The Meteor

• The Pickle

• The Monarch Butterfly

Here are the nine new emoji coming to your keyboard by next Spring. Credit: Did Someone Say Emoji? Substack

A sneak peek at the designs was shared by Unicode Emoji Subcommittee-Chair Jennifer Daniel on her Substack newsletter, "Did Someone Say Emoji?" Daniel says they should arrive on your keyboard by next spring.

Some of these new emoji additions are interesting. For example, it's hard to believe that there wasn't already a Lighthouse or Eraser emoji. Pro wrestling fans will likely get some use out of the leftwards and rightwards thumb signs, as they are perfect for Rob Van Dam's infamous signature pose when used in tandem. The phallic Pickle is sure to be popular for sexting.

However, the Cracked Smiling Face will surely run away as the true crowd-pleaser of the bunch, just like Hairy Creature (aka Bigfoot) was a fan favorite in the new 2025 emoji. Cracked Smiling Face looks like the perfect emoji to sum up 2026. Yes, the emoji won't come out until next year. But that'll be perfect timing for the emoji to sum up 2027, 2028, and then every year beyond that as well. Interestingly, the Cracked Smiling Face is the absolute newest even among its debuting peers. When these nine new emoji were proposed by Unicode earlier this year, the Cracked Smiling Face was originally a completely different emoji known as Smiley Face with Squinting Eyes.

Variations of the Smiley Face with Squinting Eyes from the Unicode Consortium's proposal for the emoji. Credit: Unicode Consortium

Some of these new additions might look familiar. You may be checking your keyboard for the Pickle, Monarch Butterfly, and Meteor emoji. You won't find them. But you will find a Cucumber, a Morpho Butterfly, and a Comet emoji.

As Daniel writes in her Substack, these are all very different emoji, and some changes will be made to the existing emoji to make them all much more visually distinct. For example, the Morpho Butterfly is just a blue butterfly, whereas the Monarch Butterfly will actually look like the majestic orange-and-black butterfly. The Comet emoji and Meteor emoji will also be distinct, with the former showing as a blue streak rocketing through the sky and the latter looking like a flaming meatball.

SAVE $501.99: As of July 15, get the Ecovacs Goat A2000 Robotic Lawn Mower for $1,498 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999.99. That's a discount of 25%.

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It's summer, the grass is growing higher than your kneecaps, and you don't have the energy to deal with it. If you want a great-looking lawn without all the muss and fuss, it's time to outsource your grass-cutting needs to a robot lawn mower. It's the same great strategy as using a robot to vacuum your floors, only this time it's happening outside with your grass.

As of July 15, get the Ecovacs Goat A2000 Robotic Lawn Mower for $1,498 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,999.99. That's $501.99 and a discount of 25%.

SEE ALSO: The best robot lawn mowers in 2025

This wire-free robot lawn mower is all about getting things done, and it has a wide range of features to ensure you aren't the one doing them. Just set it up and let it go on its own, as its HoloScope 360-degree Dual-LiDAR system can automatically map your yard and figure the rest out. It uses 2 cm positioning to figure out where it should and shouldn't be as it makes its way through your yard.

It has built-in edge trimming for clean borders as well as a high-power 32V platform to cut through even thicker grasses that less powerful robot lawn mowers can't. Whether it's uneven terrain, thick grass, or other challenges, this model can handle just about everything and then some. Plus, it charges up quickly back to 100% in about 50 minutes, so you aren't left waiting for it to be usable again.

This machine can truly handle it all, and you won't have to lift a finger to have great grass. Be sure and snatch yours up while it's still affordable, since it's one of the higher-end models out there.

The latest reason to side-eye the salad aisle is microscopic.

Cases of an intestinal illness that can leave people sick for weeks are rising across the United States, and health officials still do not know exactly what people are eating or drinking that is causing the infections. So far, the investigation has produced thousands of cases, several possible leads, and one deeply unhelpful answer for anyone standing in the produce section: The culprit is still unclear.

Since May 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has received reports of 1,645 confirmed domestically acquired cases of cyclosporiasis across 34 states. The agency is also reviewing more than 5,100 additional cases that may be connected. At least 141 people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

The official count may represent only a fraction of the illnesses. The confirmed total is already significantly higher than it was at the same point last year, when 249 cases had been reported nationally. People with milder symptoms may never seek medical care, cyclosporiasis requires a specific laboratory test, and several weeks can pass before illnesses appear in federal data.

Michigan has emerged as the center of the surge. The state reported 3,762 cases as of July 15, a remarkable increase for a state that typically records only 40 to 50 cases during an entire year.

Health officials believe more than 400 infections across Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia may be part of one connected multistate outbreak. Other clusters are being investigated separately, meaning several contaminated foods or sources may be circulating all at the same time.

The outbreak appears to be spreading through produce, while uncertainty—and memes—spread just as quickly across the internet.

What is cyclosporiasis?

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite. People generally become infected after consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite, which has frequently been associated with raw fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

The parasite is tiny, but the illness it causes can be anything but brief. Its hallmark symptom is prolonged watery diarrhea, but people may also experience stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, gas, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Some people develop body aches, vomiting, or a low fever, according to the CDC.

Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later, making it particularly easy to mistake for a stomach bug that has finally packed its bags. Without treatment, they can continue for several weeks or more than a month, making cyclosporiasis considerably more persistent than the average short-lived stomach bug.

The parasite does not usually pass directly from one person to another. After leaving an infected person’s body, Cyclospora must remain in the environment before it becomes infectious, so health officials are focusing on contaminated food and water rather than casual contact with sick people.

Lettuce and other produce are under scrutiny

Investigators have not identified a specific food, farm, processor, supplier, restaurant, or grocery store responsible for the increase. In Michigan, however, early interviews with people who became sick have repeatedly pointed investigators toward lettuce and salad greens.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has completed more than 1,000 interviews with people who tested positive. Lettuce regularly appeared in their recent food histories, although officials have stressed that other foods remain possible and that no particular variety, grower, or supplier has been identified.

Tracing the source is complicated by the parasite’s incubation period. Someone may not develop symptoms until two weeks after eating a contaminated product and may not get tested until even later. By the time an investigator asks what that person ate, they may be trying to recall an unremarkable salad or sandwich from nearly a month earlier.

Produce distribution adds another hurdle. The same lettuce may be sent to restaurants, grocery stores, cafeterias, and other businesses across several states, exposing people with no obvious connection to the same product.

The Food and Drug Administration currently lists several active Cyclospora investigations involving products not yet identified. The agency has begun tracing products through their supply chains, but it has not announced a recall or issued a nationwide warning against a specific item connected to the broader spike.

Previous U.S. outbreaks have been tied to raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, lettuce, bagged salad mixes, and other fresh produce. In 2018, McDonald’s pulled salads from thousands of restaurants during an outbreak eventually traced to a salad supplier.

State, federal health officials probe possible Taco Bell link

Taco Bell entered the story before health officials publicly named any restaurant. Last week, customers began sharing photos of notices posted at locations around Metro Detroit saying the restaurants were unable to serve lettuce, cilantro-onion blends, pico de gallo, and guacamole because of a “nationwide recall.” The signs quickly circulated on Reddit and through local news reports, even though the FDA had not announced a nationwide recall involving those ingredients.

That discrepancy immediately raised questions. The company did not initially identify which locations were affected, where the ingredients had come from, or why the action appeared concentrated in Michigan, the state at the center of the outbreak.

The local speculation became a national story on July 14, when The Washington Post reported that federal and state health officials were investigating whether Taco Bell restaurants played a role in at least part of the outbreak. The report cited two people familiar with the ongoing investigation, one of whom said some patients had told investigators they ate at Taco Bell before becoming sick. Others had not, indicating that the chain could not account for the broader surge even if investigators eventually establish a connection.

The Taco Bell lead also lined up with what Michigan investigators were finding elsewhere. After interviewing more than 1,000 people who tested positive, state officials said lettuce or salad greens repeatedly appeared in their food histories. That does not identify Taco Bell’s lettuce, or any specific lettuce, as the source, but it does explain why they “voluntarily and temporarily removed limited ingredients at select restaurants” as a precaution.

Still, the combination of a recognizable fast-food chain, mysterious “recall” signs, and a reported federal investigation was enough to send Crunch Wrap Supreme-fans into a frenzy. Shares of parent company Yum Brands fell as much as 4.5 percent after the Post report.

Can washing produce remove Cyclospora?

Health officials are not advising everyone in the country to stop eating fresh produce. Instead, they recommend extra care, particularly for lettuce and salad greens, in areas with high case numbers.

The CDC recommends washing fruits and vegetables under clean running water before eating or preparing them, including produce labeled prewashed. Firm items such as cucumbers, melons, and potatoes can be rubbed by hand or scrubbed with a clean produce brush.

Washing may reduce contamination, but it cannot guarantee that Cyclospora has been removed, particularly from leafy greens, herbs, and delicate berries. Soap, bleach, detergent, and household cleaning products should not be used on food, and the parasite can resist some chemical sanitizers.

Michigan officials recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce rather than precut lettuce, bagged mixes, or salad kits. Consumers can remove the outer two or three layers and wash the remaining inner leaves under running water.

Cooking offers more protection. Heating food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) kills Cyclospora, making cooked vegetables a lower-risk choice than raw produce. Peeling fruits and vegetables after washing them can also help remove potentially contaminated outer surfaces.

What to do if you develop symptoms

People who experience persistent or recurring watery diarrhea should contact a healthcare provider, especially if they are also dealing with dehydration, severe fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, or weight loss.

Patients may need to mention cyclosporiasis specifically. Standard tests for diarrhea do not always include Cyclospora, and the parasite can be difficult to detect in a single stool sample. The CDC has asked clinicians to request Cyclospora testing when they suspect an infection, particularly for patients with prolonged or relapsing symptoms during the spring and summer.

The recommended treatment is a seven- to 10-day course of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic combination commonly sold under the brand names Bactrim and Septra. Staying hydrated is also important because frequent diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

Officials expect case numbers to continue rising while investigators work backward through weeks of meals and complex supply chains for produce. Until they identify the source, washing a salad is still worthwhile, but cooking dinner may offer a little more peace of mind.

Where to find the latest case numbers

The CDC’s cyclosporiasis surveillance page provides the latest national case count and the number of states reporting infections, while its outbreak page tracks the cluster currently linked to cases in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. Because federal numbers can lag behind state reporting, readers should also check their state or local health department’s website for more recent regional totals.

The FDA’s active outbreak-investigation table is the best place to check whether officials have identified a food, launched a traceback investigation, or announced a recall.

Yeti deals at Amazon Best overall deal Yeti Hopper M Backpack $260 at Amazon (save $65) Get Deal Best Yeti daypack deal Yeti Ranchero Backpack (18 liters) $160 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best personal Yeti cooler deal Yeti Hopper Flip 12 (firefly yellow) $200 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

With summer heat taking over, it's time to cool down. Get out of the house and into a shady forest, sit next to the lake-side breeze, or take to the local pool for some cooling relief. In addition to the cool air, pack the chilled beverages along in a Yeti cooler.

One of the top outdoor brands makes a worthwhile range of coolers, and Amazon has a handful of models on sale for 20% off. Snag one of these before your next outing and you'll have cool drinks and snacks ready to go. Check out some of our favorite deals.

Best overall Yeti deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Hopper M Backpack $260 at Amazon
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A fan favorite, the Yeti Hopper M backpack is packed with functional design elements. The closed-cell foam keeps items chill while the external kangaroo pocket is perfect for keys, wallet, or a phone. Plus, the soft backpack straps make it comfortable for carrying around in the heat.

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While it's on sale for $40 off, upgrade to the Yeti Ranchero Backpack. The 18-liter model is on sale for $160, down from the normal price of $200. It has quick-access zippers to everything you packed along for the day, and it can stand up on it's own. Keep in mind, this model isn't designed to keep items cold, but instead is a well-designed backpack.

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Designed to hold up to 12 cans plus ice, the Hopper Flip is great for keeping drinks cool for a day spent outside. The leak-proof HydroLok zipper means a drip-free experience. Plus, the high-density fabric is UV-resistant and can handle punctures.

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Opens in a new window Credit: biird Namii 2 $119 at biird
$159.99 Save $40.99   Get Deal

If you're not a sex toy nerd (like I am), you probably didn't notice that around seven-ish months ago, one of biird's most popular products (the Namii) disappeared from its website. I was devastated, of course. The Namii has always been one of my favorite clitoral suction toys, so when it was no longer available on the site — or anywhere else for that matter — I reached out to their PR team but couldn't get a concrete answer.

Now, nearly a year after its release, the Namii 2 (the upgraded version of the Namii) is available on both the biird site and Hello Nancy (also the makers of one of my other favorite clit suckers), and it's on sale for $119. That's a $40.99 price cut, and a damn good deal for a toy that you will literally never get tired of.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 100+ sex toys. Here are the 15 most mind-blowing toys I've ever owned.

I kid you not, this toy has permanent residence on my nightstand. Not only is its mood light charger super cute, but its performance is well beyond that of other toys I've tested. It's ideal for foreplay (especially if you struggle with getting warmed up), edging, having an all-day solo sesh, pleasuring yourself while you give your partner head... the list goes on.

There are seven suction intensities and six vibration modes, and with its wider mouth, it covers every inch of your clit in the best way possible. It also comes with a travel charger (you WILL need that; I accidentally broke my first mood light charger while traveling with it), a storage pouch, and the cutest packaging you'll ever see a sex toy come in.