Reports indicate that the new york times has released hints and answers for its strands game, with some outlets specifying the date as thursday, july 9, and game number 858. However, there is some discrepancy, as another date, july 23, and a different game number, 872, are also mentioned. Additionally, some outlets refer to the game as "connections" instead of "strands", but all seem to be providing hints and answers for a thursday game.