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SAVE $65: As of Jan. 14, this refurbished Kindle Scribe is on sale for $259.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 20% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe $259.99 at AmazonThe Kindle Scribe is the latest product to take book lovers by storm. Released late in 2024, this model combines reading and notetaking in one handy device. And if you're one of many who has been eyeing up this product, Amazon has a great deal on a refurbished model you won't want to miss.
As of Jan. 14, you can grab a deal on an Amazon-certified refurbished model for just $324.99, a saving of 20% on list price. A new Kindle Scribe is currently listed for $419. According to Amazon, these refurbs are refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and come with the same limited warranty as a new device, so you have complete peace of mind.
SEE ALSO: The latest Kindle is one of my best purchases from last year, and you can now save on its essentials bundleThis Kindle Scribe deal also comes with the Premium Pen so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. Unlike the basic pen, this model comes with an eraser at the top so you can quickly remove mistakes just by flipping the pen. It is also battery-free and works through a special power source embedded in the Kindle Scribe, so there is no need to charge it.
Besides its note-taking abilities, it has a 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display, glare and ink-free. Like the original Kindle model, it's perfect for sitting outside in the sun or in harsh lighting. And if you're someone who reads on the go a lot, the Scribe has the best battery life of any model, promising to last months on a single charge.
Head to Amazon now to grab this great deal.
A strange black hole is making scientists scratch their heads.
The distant object, dubbed "1ES 1927+654" and packing the mass of 1 million suns, previously stunned astronomers when its corona — a billion-degree cloud of rapidly moving particles enveloping a black hole — suddenly vanished. (It's since returned.) Now, scientists have observed flashes of X-rays shooting out from the black hole, and these flashes are speeding up. At first these powerful events happened every 18 minutes; it's now down to seven minutes.
What could be driving this unprecedented observation?
The research, announced at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society and soon to be published in the journal Nature, concludes that the most likely culprit is an object passing profoundly close to the black hole. It's a dead star called a "white dwarf."
"This would be the closest thing we know of around any black hole," Megan Masterson, a physicist at MIT who co-led the research, said in a statement. "This tells us that objects like white dwarfs may be able to live very close to an event horizon for a relatively extended period of time."
SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.Veering close to a black hole is dangerous business. Black holes are profoundly dense. If Earth was (hypothetically) crushed into a black hole, it would be under an inch across. But supermassive black holes are much larger, and this extreme mass makes them gravitationally powerful. Any object that falls past a black hole's point-of-no-return, called the event horizon, isn't coming back. That includes light.
"This would be the closest thing we know of around any black hole."The astronomers ran simulations of what could drive these unusual bursts of energy around the black hole 1ES 1927+654, which they spotted with the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton satellite. The most plausible outcome is this brazen white dwarf (the spent core of a sun-like star), which is about one-tenth the mass of our sun. It's shedding its dense, outer layer and triggering these pulses of X-rays, the researchers say. This would explain why the flares are speeding up, as the white dwarf is getting closer to the black hole and moving faster.
But it likely won't fall in.
An artist's rendering of a white dwarf star speeding around the black hole 1ES 1927+654. A stream of particles trails the dense star. Credit: Aurore Simonnet / Sonoma State UniversityThat's because the shredding of the white dwarf's material has a "kickback" effect, propelling it away from the black hole's event horizon.
"Because white dwarfs are small and compact, they’re very difficult to shred apart, so they can be very close to a black hole," Erin Kara, an associate professor of physics at MIT who coauthored the research, explained. "If this scenario is correct, this white dwarf is right at the turn-around point, and we may see it get further away."
Astronomers plan to keep their eye on this curious black hole, located in deep space some 270 million light-years away. More surprises may await.
TL;DR: Score two AMC Black Movie Tickets for just $27.99 (reg. $32.98) and save big on your next movie night with no blackout dates.
Watching movies on the couch can be a cozy good time. However, there's something special about getting out of the house and going to a theater to watch a movie on the big screen. The buttery popcorn, the oversized soda, the plush recliner seats, and not having to make the popcorn yourself all add to the fun.
Since nothing is necessarily cheap these days, saving some money at the theater can be a welcome addition to the excitement factor. You can currently grab a two-pack of AMC Black Tickets for just $27.99 (down from $32.98). It’s a no-brainer for anyone who loves catching the latest blockbusters or revisiting their favorite classics on the big screen.
What’s an AMC Black Ticket, you ask? Think of it as your VIP pass to movie magic. These tickets work for any movie, at any time, with no blackout dates. Want to see the latest Marvel release on opening weekend? Go for it. Prefer to catch an indie flick on a random Tuesday? No problem. These tickets give you ultimate flexibility without any restrictions.
AMC theaters are known for their luxurious amenities, like spacious reclining seats, IMAX and Dolby Cinema options, and even dine-in service at select locations.
And if two tickets aren’t enough for you, you can select a four-pack of AMC Black Tickets and save over $10. It’s an easy way to plan your next few movie outings without breaking the bank. Plus, there are bundle options that include snacks, so you can really make it a movie night to remember.
Pick up a two-pack of AMC Black Tickets for just $27.99 and be ready to go when the movie you want gets released.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: AMC AMC Black Movie Tickets (2-Pack) $27.99TL;DR: Keep your sensitive data safe with this Encrypted Keypad USB 3.0 Flash Drive for just $59.99 (reg. $99.99).
We’ve all got those files we need to keep under lock and key — whether it’s work documents, personal photos, or sensitive info. And let’s face it, a regular flash drive isn’t cutting it when it comes to security.
That’s why this Encrypted Keypad USB 3.0 Flash Drive can be an asset. It’s a sleek, portable fortress for your data, with AES-256 military-grade encryption and a PIN-protected keypad that keeps prying eyes far, far away.
So, what’s the big deal with AES-256 encryption? In short, it’s one of the most secure encryption standards in the world. It’s trusted by governments and intelligence agencies.
This flash drive gives you 64GB of secure storage in a durable zinc alloy casing that’s ready to handle life on the go. And the best part? It doesn’t require any fancy software. Just plug it into any device with a USB port, enter your PIN (anywhere from six to fifteen digits), and you’re in.
This flash drive is even cooler because it automatically locks and encrypts your data when you disconnect it. No more worrying about someone snagging your files if you step away from your laptop. It’s a smart, seamless way to protect your digital life.
And let’s talk speed for a sec. This isn’t some slow, clunky drive from the early 2000s. Thanks to USB 3.0, you’ll get fast and efficient file transfers, so you can move large files in a snap. Perfect for those who need to share files quickly without compromising security.
If you’re someone who works remotely, travels frequently, or just likes to keep their personal files secure, this flash drive is a must-have. Think of it as your digital safe — lightweight, portable, and tough as nails.
So, why take chances with your data?
Grab this Encrypted Keypad USB 3.0 Flash Drive for just $59.99 and keep your digital life under wraps.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Centralspot Encrypted Keypad USB 3.0 Flash Drive $59.99TL;DR: Get a refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 (2019) GPS + cellular in Space Gray for just $119.99 — stay connected and track your fitness — all from your wrist.
Many of us love the idea of staying connected without constantly reaching for our phones. That’s exactly what the Apple Watch Series 5 delivers — and now you can grab one for a terrific price. At just $119.99 (regularly $499), this refurbished device brings premium Apple features to your wrist without the hefty price tag.
The Always-On Retina display is a game-changer. No more awkward wrist flicks to see the time or your latest notification. It’s all right there at a glance. Plus, with GPS and cellular capabilities, you’re never out of touch. Take calls, send texts, stream music, and use Siri — even if your phone is nowhere in sight. It’s freedom, Apple-style.
And it’s not just about staying connected. This watch has serious fitness cred. With built-in heart rate monitoring, ECG functionality, and fall detection, it keeps you informed about your health in real-time. Whether you’re hitting the trails with the GPS, swimming laps (yes, it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters), or just tracking your daily steps, the Series 5's got you.
The 32GB storage capacity means you can store apps, music, and more directly on your watch. And thanks to watchOS, it integrates seamlessly with your Apple ecosystem. Think of it as your personal assistant, fitness coach, and music DJ — all wrapped up in one stylish package.
Worried about durability? This refurbished model comes with a grade B rating, meaning it may have minor scuffs or scratches, but it’s been thoroughly tested to ensure it’s in perfect working order. Honestly, who’s going to notice a little scratch or scuff?
Don't miss the chance to own a refurbished Apple Watch Series 5 for just $119.99 (regularly $499) while supplies last.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 5 (2019) Aluminum 40mm GPS + Cellular Space Gray (Refurbished) $119.99TL;DR: Meet the four-device charger that’s faster, safer, and smarter — grab the 200W Omega USB-C GaN Charger for $129.99 (reg. $159).
Charging is something we all do. It's built into our daily routine and needs to be considered when we go anywhere. Yet, most of us are still dealing with outdated, clunky bricks that hog space, heat up like crazy, and barely keep up with our tech.
This 200W Omega USB-C GaN Charger can be a game changer. It's built to make charging your devices faster, safer, and way more convenient. You can currently grab one for yourself for just $129.99 (reg. $159).
What makes this charger so special? It’s not just that it can charge up to four devices at once (though that’s pretty awesome). It’s what’s inside that really counts — Gallium Nitride, or GaN for short. This cutting-edge tech conducts electricity more efficiently than the traditional silicon used in older chargers.
The result? A charger that’s smaller, generates less heat, and delivers more power. That means you can charge your laptop, your phone, and your tablet all at the same time — without any of them missing a beat.
The Omega is 66 percent smaller than traditional chargers. Forget lugging around different chargers for your laptop, phone, tablet, and headphones. This one device does it all, and it does it fast.
And speaking of fast, you know those moments when you realize your laptop is at five percent and you need to be out the door in ten minutes? The Omega’s got your back. It delivers fast charging speeds that make a real difference when you’re in a hurry. Plus, it prioritizes power where it’s needed most.
If you’re a frequent traveler, this charger is a dream come true. It comes with four travel adapters, so you can use it in over 200 countries.
Don't miss grabbing the future of charging tech while it's on sale.
Get the 200W Omega USB-C GaN Charger for just $129.99 (reg. $159).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Chargeasap 200W Omega USB-C GaN Charger $129.99SAVE $150: As of Jan. 14, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is on sale for $849 at Amazon. This deal saves you 15% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Pro 9 $849.00 at AmazonA new phone doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you're looking to buy one outright. With the sales season officially over (until Amazon's next Prime Day), finding a worthwhile deal is more challenging. But we love this latest deal on the Google Pixel Pro 9. Just check out our review to see why we're such big fans
This is a super-smart smartphone with a 6.3-inch OLED display with vibrant colors as well as the latest Google Tensor chip for fast, non-laggy performance. It benefits from triple rear cameras, making it the most powerful pixel camera yet. Enjoy high-quality video and even enhance your videos up to 8K with the video boost tool.
SEE ALSO: The best AI laptops we saw at CES 2025This model also features Gemini, Google's next-generation AI technology. It offers assistance with tools including advanced photo editing such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur, enhanced voice recognition for dictation, and Google Assistant capabilities. It also uses real-time translation to allow for seamless language support in messaging or live conversations, and it even powers predictive text.
As of Jan. 14, you can purchase this phone for $849 at Amazon. This price is specific to the 128GB model across all colors.
SAVE $100: As of Jan. 14, the Garmin Venu 3S is on sale for $349.99 at Amazon. That's a 22% saving on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 3s $249.99 at AmazonIf you're in the market for a great, all-rounder smartwatch, look no further than the Garmin Venu 3S. It's a top fitness and lifestyle tracker from Garmin, and as of Jan. 14, it's on sale for just $394.99. This price is specific to the 41mm model and the ivory and sage gray color options.
The Venu 3S is the perfect tracker for someone who enjoys a range of fitness activities as well as lifestyle tracking, and a nice improvement over the 2S. Health tracking features are vast, and include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and even stress level feedback. Plus, it offers built-in GPS, so you can track your outdoor activities without needing to carry your phone with you.
SEE ALSO: The Garmin fenix 7X is at its lowest-ever price at AmazonThe Venu 3S also comes with music capabilities. Download hundreds of songs to your watch, including playlists from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer, and connect with wireless headphones.
Similarly to its predecessor, the screen is a bright AMOLED display, so it's nice and colorful as well as vibrant. And if battery life is important to you, the Venu 3S is seriously impressive. With a single charge, it can last up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to seven hours in GPS mode with music.
This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.
Save $70: As of Jan 14, Samsung 65-inch DU7200B Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV is down to $398 at Walmart, saving you $70 off its usual price of $468.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch DU7200B Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV $398.00 at WalmartIf you’ve been holding out for a big-screen TV that won’t wreck your budget, this 65-inch Samsung Crystal UHD TV might be the deal you’ve been waiting for. At just under $400 at Walmart, it delivers sharp 4K resolution, vibrant colors, and some handy smart features that make it a fantastic upgrade for your living room or gaming setup.
The PurColor tech ensures the picture pops with a wider range of hues than your average display. Buyers can stream a dramatic sunset or watch the big game in lifelike colors. It also packs HDR support, so even dark, moody scenes keep their fine details intact — perfect for your late-night movie marathons.
SEE ALSO: The Withings Omnia Smart Mirror offered to connect me to a specialist for a health issueGamers and sports fans will love the Motion Xcelerator feature, which smooths out fast-moving action for a seamless viewing experience. And thanks to 4K upscaling, even older shows and movies look sharper than ever. On the audio side, Object Tracking Sound Lite gives you virtual surround sound that follows the action on screen. It’s not Dolby Atmos, but it’s a solid touch for this price.
The Tizen OS makes navigating your favorite apps and streaming services a breeze. Plus, Samsung TV Plus comes built-in, offering over 250 free channels — no subscriptions required. If you’re pairing it with a Samsung soundbar, the Q-Symphony feature syncs the TV’s built-in speakers with the soundbar for a more immersive sound experience.
At this price, you’re getting a lot of screen for your money and features that usually appear in pricier models. Thinking of upgrading for movie nights, gaming sessions, or to catch up on your favorite shows? This Samsung Crystal UHD TV is a steal. Don’t wait too long, though. At $398, it might not stay in stock for long.
Save $150: As of Jan 14, LG 55-inch QNED 85 Series Smart TV is down to $596.99 at Walmart. That’s a $150 discount from its regular price of $746.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch QNED 85 Series Smart TV $596.99 at WalmartAlright, gamers and binge-watchers, listen up. The LG QNED 85 Series is here to brighten your living room (literally) with its QNED contrast and 120Hz refresh rate, now at a price that won't make you wince. Blast through levels in your favorite game or stream the latest season of your go-to show; this TV has the stones to keep up with the newest gaming and streaming tech. In fact, that's also built in.
First up, the QNED tech. It combines quantum dots with NanoCell to deliver sharp colors, rich contrast, and impressive clarity, even if your room isn't perfectly dim. Pair that with the α8 AI Processor, and you have a TV that optimizes sound and picture on the fly, making everything look and sound a little better.
SEE ALSO: The Withings Omnia Smart Mirror offered to connect me to a specialist for a health issueHDMI 2.1 connectivity and GeForce NOW compatibility are standout features for gamers, with Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming coming in February. The Game Optimizer lets you tweak settings quickly, so you're always ready for the action. Plus, the 120Hz refresh rate keeps fighting bosses or racking up kills silky smooth while supporting the best high-end features of this console generation.
The webOS 24 interface is as user-friendly as it gets. You can customize the experience with Quick Cards to organize your apps. Oh, and let's not forget the Magic Remote — use your voice, click a button, or point-and-click to navigate like a pro.
With LG Channels, you've got access to over 300 free channels. That's 300 reasons to procrastinate on whatever else you should do today. And, with up to five years of software updates, this TV will stay relevant longer than most impulse buys.
At $596.99 at Walmart, this TV is a steal for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup. Whether you're a gamer, a streamer, or someone who loves a sharp, colorful picture, this deal is hard to pass up. Grab it while you can!
Save $200: As of Jan 14, Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is down to $319.99 at Amazon. That’s 38% off its usual $519.99 price tag.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV $319.99 at AmazonAmazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series is sitting at $319.99 (down from $519.99), and if you’ve been putting off a TV upgrade, this deal’s worth a look. It’s not trying to blow your mind with bells and whistles. Still, it’s a solid, reliable 4K TV that delivers the essentials without burning a hole in your wallet.
First, you’ve got 4K Ultra HD resolution, so everything you watch looks crisp and detailed. Toss in HDR10 and HLG; you get colors that pop just enough to make your Netflix binges or game nights feel a little extra. The Dolby Digital Plus sound is decent enough for most setups, though a soundbar wouldn’t hurt.
SEE ALSO: The Withings Omnia Smart Mirror offered to connect me to a specialist for a health issueWhat really makes this TV worth considering is how easy it is to use. The Fire TV OS comes baked in, so you can stream right out of the box (Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video). Plus, you can ditch the endless scrolling with Alexa built into the remote. Just say, “Alexa, find comedy movies,” and you’re good to go. Simple and effective.
The four HDMI ports are a big plus for anyone with a pile of devices. There’s room for your console, a Blu-ray player, or even a streaming box if you’re feeling fancy. And if you’re into sports or fast-moving action scenes, the Motion Xcelerator feature helps keep things smooth, so you won’t miss a single detail.
At $319.99, this TV is perfect for someone looking to upgrade without splurging on all the latest tech. It’s great as a main screen for your living room or as a second TV for a bedroom or gaming corner. It’s not pretending to be the fanciest option on the market. Still, it’s reliable, easy to use, and does the job without making your wallet cry. If you’ve been looking for a no-fuss upgrade, this is the deal to snag before it’s gone.
From the "please not this again" department comes the news that China is looking to sell TikTok's U.S. operations to (who else?) Elon Musk.
According to Bloomberg, Chinese officials are "evaluating" this option as TikTok gets increasingly close to getting banned in the U.S.
TikTok tried to fend off the ban, which goes into effect on Jan. 19, through legal means, with no luck so far. To stop the ban, ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, would have to find a buyer for TikTok's U.S. arm, as President Biden's administration deemed Chinese state influence over TikTok too large to continue operating in the U.S.
This, apparently, is where Musk could step in. According to Bloomberg, Beijing officials "strongly prefer" to keep TikTok under ByteDance ownership, but if that proves impossible, one option is to sell it to Musk, who could consolidate it under his X brand.
All of this is still very preliminary, and it's unclear whether any real talks between Musk and ByteDance even happened. Also – officially at least – the Chinese government only controls ByteDance's Chinese subsidiary Douyin, and cannot influence what ByteDance does outside of China.
Tweet may have been deletedLast April, Musk did publicly say that "TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform," as this is "contrary to freedom of speech and expression." And President-elect Donald Trump, who is on very good terms with Musk these days, recently said he wants to "keep TikTok around."
SEE ALSO: TikTok ban update: Trump wants to 'keep this sucker around'Musk acquired X (then Twitter) in October 2022 after a highly publicized back and forth, in which he gave up on the acquisition midway but ultimately closed the deal, paying $44 billion for the platform. X's user base has been on a decline since the acquisition, and advertising revenues have plummeted.
It's unclear whether a potential acquisition of TikTok by Musk would go in a similar fashion, or if the site would even be up for sale publicly — perhaps it's most likely for China and ByteDance to arrange everything behind closed doors. Musk isn't the only potential byer, however. Microsoft, for example, tried to acquire TikTok earlier, and failed.
Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach 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.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers 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.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Avoid a hit
Green: Race team sponsors
Blue: Ring leaders in basketball
Purple: Time that share a color scheme
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Move to avoid a defender
Green: F1 teams
Blue: Teams with most NBA championships
Purple: Teams whose primary colors are black and silver
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 #113 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayMove to avoid a defender - DODGE, DUCK, SIDESTEP, SWERVE
F1 teams - ASTON MARTIN, FERRARI, MCLAREN, RED BULL
Teams with most NBA championships - BULLS, CELTICS, LAKERS, WARRIORS
Teams whose primary colors are black and silver - KINGS, RAIDERS, SPURS, WHITE SOX
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
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.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched California Fire Facts, a new webpage to combat misinformation and debunk rumours about the Los Angeles fires. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer quite as much clarity as it could.
False and misleading information about the L.A. fires has swiftly been circulating on social media, with many users pointing fingers and attempting to assign blame for the disaster. At least 24 people have been killed in the fires so far, while more than 12,000 buildings have been destroyed.
SEE ALSO: Los Angeles fires: How to help from afarOne of the most persistent rumours circulating about the L.A. fires is that millions of dollars was cut from the fire department's funding months prior to this crisis. Responding to such reports, the California Fire Facts website states that "the number of CalFIRE [California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection] personnel has nearly doubled since 2019 (from 5,829 to 10,741)," and that "CalFIRE’s budget has nearly doubled since 2019 ($2 Billion to $3.8 Billion)."
Tweet may have been deletedThough the numbers don't line up perfectly, such increases are somewhat corroborated by California's Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO). The LAO is a nonpartisan organisation which offers independent analysis of California's state budget as well as fiscal and policy advice to lawmakers. It states that CalFIRE was allocated $2.525 billion and authority for 7,182.5 personnel in the 2018-19 budget, while the 2024-25 budget gave it $4.249 billion and authority for 12,511.5 personnel.
However, this doesn't actually address the information Newsom's trying to debunk. Specifically, California Fire Facts doesn't directly tackle the allegation that the state cut $100 million from the fire budget just last year, focusing instead on its history since 2019.
It makes sense that Newsom would opt for clear, straightforward messaging in order to reach as many people as possible. But with no explanation or sources, it seems unlikely that California Fire Facts' current iteration will significantly ease speculation or the spread of rumours.
California's $100 million wildfire funding 'cut', explained Credit: Josh Edelson / AFP via Getty ImagesNewsweek reported last week that an analysis by the LAO found Newsom's 2024-25 state budget had reduced funding for wildfire and forest resilience by $101 million. This may sound damning, but LAO's Environment and Transportation Deputy Legislative Analyst, Rachel Ehlers, explained to Mashable that the situation is not quite so straightforward.
Ehlers clarified that the LAO report Newsweek referenced was a summary of Newsom's proposed 2024-25 budget, rather than the one which was actually implemented. Though this proposed budget did suggest a $101 million reduction to California's wildfire funding, this cut would have come from a special $2.4 billion package of one-time wildfire funding which had been previously agreed upon. This Wildfire and Forest Resilience Package is to be spread across four years.
The 2024-25 budget that was ultimately passed actually reduced the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Package by $144 million — $43 million more than Newsom had proposed. Ehlers noted that such changes were made to address California's $55 billion budget deficit, and were needed for the state to pass a balanced budget.
However, even this larger $144 million cut still left California's wildfire funding higher year on year, merely reducing extra funding that had been planned.
"To underscore: these were reductions to one-time augmentations, not reductions to CalFire’s ongoing base programs and funding," said Ehlers. "[M]ost of these reductions were to planned augmentations to departments other than CalFire, such as for forest and fire resilience activities on state-owned land at state conservancies and parks."
Credit: Benjamin Fanjoy / Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe largest cut was to the Department of Conservation's biomass to hydrogen/biofuels pilot, which will now receive $5 million in the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Package instead of $50 million. While CalFIRE's share of the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Package was reduced by $30 million across various programs, it will still receive $1.73 billion of the additional funding.
LAO estimates that total CalFIRE expenditure has grown from $2.74 billion in the 2019-20 fiscal year to $4.43 billion in 2023-24 (not adjusted for inflation). In 2024-25, $4.59 billion has been spent to date, however this does not yet include additional costs associated with the L.A. wildfires.
"This action does not reflect a year-to-year cut from 2023-24 to 2024-25," said Ehlers, speaking on the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Package's reductions. "What this reflects is a $144 million reduction from a cumulative $2.8 billion in planned one-time surplus allocations that were going to be provided over four years to a variety of departments for a variety of wildfire and forest resilience activities [emphasis original]."
Did L.A. Mayor Karen Bass cut the LAFD's funding by $17.6 million? Credit: David Swanson / AFP via Getty ImagesSome attention has also been drawn to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who has been accused of cutting the Los Angeles Fire Department's (LAFD) funding by $17.6 million.
The LAFD was given a budget of $819.6 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year, down $17.6 million from the previous year's allocation of $837.2 million. Both these figures were increases from Bass' initially proposed budgets of $814.3 million and $835.4 million respectively.
This cut has also been particularly criticised when compared to funding allocations in the rest of L.A.'s 2024-25 budget. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) received a significant funding increase, being bumped up from $1.86 billion last year to $1.98 billion this year. That's a budget increase of $125.9 million — over a sixth of the LAFD's budget.
However, the Los Angeles Times reports that the 2024-25 budget did not take into account a major pay increase for firefighters, which had still been in negotiation at the time it went into effect. The LAFD ultimately received an extra $53 million for firefighters' salaries, as well as $58 million for new fire trucks and other equipment. Once this funding is factored in, the LAFD's budget has actually grown since last year.
Credit: Josh Edelson / AFP via Getty ImagesEven so, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley claims that the LAFD has been underfunded for years, the additional boost apparently still not enough to resolve the ongoing problem.
"Any budget cut is going to impact our ability to provide service," Crowley told Fox News affiliate KTTV. "We are screaming to be properly funded to make sure that our firefighters can do their jobs so that we can serve the community."
Crowley previously expressed frustration at the $17.6 million cut in a memo last December, stating that the included $7 million reduction in overtime staffing "has severely limited the Department's capacity to prepare for, train for, and respond to large-scale emergencies, including wildfires." This memo was issued after the aforementioned additional funding had been approved.
Still, Bass has maintained that further funding for the LAFD would not have changed the outcome of the current L.A. fires, noting the "unprecedented windstorm" which has fuelled the disaster. Extreme winds of up to 100 mph (160km/h) have been fanning the wildfires, making them extremely difficult to contain.
"I think if you go back and look at the reductions that were made, there were no reductions that were made that would have impacted the situation that we were dealing with over the last couple of days," Bass said in a recent press conference.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Undetectable Humanizer Undetectable Humanizer: Lifetime Subscription £32.76 at the Mashable ShopIf you’ve ever found yourself staring at a block of AI-generated text and thought, This just doesn’t sound human enough, you’re not alone. While AI has made content creation faster and easier, it often lacks the natural tone and style that resonates with readers. Enter Undetectable Humanizer, the ultimate tool to transform robotic output into human-quality content — and for a one-time payment of £32.76 (reg. £884.61), you can have lifetime access.
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TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. England in the 2025 Women's Ashes for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
This year of sport has started off so strongly. We've already been treated to a number of tennis tournaments including the Australian Open, the Dakar Rally, and the NFL playoffs. And there's no slowing down, because the 2025 Women's Ashes is here to deliver weeks of top-quality cricket.
If you want to watch the 2025 Women's Ashes for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is the 2025 Women's Ashes?England's tour of Australia consists of one Test match, three One Day Internationals, and three Twenty20 Internationals. The full schedule is as follows (in Australia):
1st ODI — Jan. 12 at North Sydney Oval
2nd ODI — Jan. 14 at Junction Oval
3rd ODI — Jan. 17 at Bellerive Oval
1st T20I — Jan. 20 at Sydney Cricket Ground
2nd T20I — Jan. 23 at Manuka Oval
3rd T20I — Jan. 25 at Adelaide Oval
Test — Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Fans can live stream every match in this series without spending anything.
How to watch the 2025 Women's Ashes for freeThe 2025 Women's Ashes is available to live stream for free on 7Plus in Australia.
7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2025 Women's Ashes from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2025 Women's Ashes for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia
Visit 7Plus
Stream the 2025 Women's Ashes for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the Women's Ashes without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream every match before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for 7Plus?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Australia
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream the 2025 Women's Ashes for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Bypass geo-restrictions to unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world. The best service for unblocking TikTok is ExpressVPN.
Will TikTok actually get banned in the U.S.? It has always seemed like a far-fetched idea, but the Jan. 19 deadline is fast approaching without a resolution. Donald Trump wants to keep TikTok, but he doesn't become president until the day after the ban goes into effect.
If there's no workaround, you better come prepared.
If you're looking for the best way to unblock TikTok for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
How to unblock TikTok for freeVPNs are powerful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. With a VPN, you can change your digital location to somewhere that supports the use of TikTok. That means you can bypass geo-restrictions to retain access to your favourite app from anywhere in the world.
Follow these simple steps to unblock TikTok:
Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to TikTok
Visit TikTok
Use the app from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trial periods or generous money-back guarantees. Using these money-back guarantees is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can temporarily unblock TikTok and then recover your investment at a later date.
If you want to retain permanent access to TikTok from an unsupported location, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for TikTok is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for TikTok?There are a number of VPNs that can reliably unblock TikTok, but ExpressVPN is probably the best:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
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.
Tweet may have been deletedEach 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.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers 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's The Mini crossword answers for January 14 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Alive and kicking
Green: A length of time
Blue: Objects you'd find in a camera bag
Purple: Bird is in the word
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Operating
Green: Term
Blue: Things in a Camera Kit
Purple: Bird Plus Letter
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 #583 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayOperating: ACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL, RUNNING, WORKING
Term: MEETING, PERIOD,. SESSION, SITTING
Things in a Camera Kit: BODY, FLASH, LENS, STRAP
Bird Plus Letter: CROWD, GULLY, PUFFING, SWANK
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 14Are 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.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
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 today: Hints and answers for January 14 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's The Mini crossword answers for January 14, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Elegant or elaborate.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no repeating letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.
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...
FANCY.
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.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 14Reporting 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're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.
Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 14 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 14 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Bundle upThese words are clothes for cold weather.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedWords are clothes to be layered to keep warm.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is WinterClothes.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 14Mittens
Scarf
Jacket
Parka
Gloves
Beanie
WinterClothes
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.
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