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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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: The holy grail

• Green: A slot

• Blue: They lead a team

• Purple: Share a first word

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: What one strives for

• Green: Room to run

• Blue: College football coaches

• Purple: Box ___

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 #215 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• What one strives for - AIM, GOAL, OBJECTIVE, TARGET

• Room to run - GAP, HOLE, OPENING, SPACE

• College football coaches - DAY, LANNING, SMART, STOOPS

• Box ___ - LACROSSE, OFFICE, SCORE, SEAT

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.

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 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 26 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Face time

The words are primarily used by women.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things that are meant to be used on the face.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is MakeupExam.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 26

• Concealer

• Foundation

• Powder

• Bronzer

• Primer

• MakeupExam

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.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 26 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: Tinge

• Green: Land between hills

• Blue: They share a first name

• Purple: Tints unscrambled

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Tint

• Green: Valley

• Blue: Bobs

• Purple: Color anagrams

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 #685 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Tint: COLOR, HUE, SHADE, TONE

• Valley: DALE, DELL, GLEN, HOLLOW

• Bobs: DOLE, HOPE, MARLEY, ROSS

• Color anagrams: DRE, GARY, GENRE, LUBE

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 April 26

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.

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 April 26 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 April 26, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To fight.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CLASH.

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 April 26

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.

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 plant native to Mexico.

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

AGAVE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Typically sung during the holidays.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

CAROL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A common sleeping position.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FETAL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A tropical fruit.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 26 Hurdle Word 4 answer

MANGO

Final Hurdle hint

A measuring device.

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

SONAR

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 best streaming deals to watch the Stanley Cup Playoffs at a glance: BEST OVERALL Sling TV Orange $23/month for your first month (save $23) Get Deal BEST FOR TNT GAMES Max Standard annual plan $139.99 for your first year (save $30) Get Deal BEST INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $59.99/month for two months (save $46) Get Deal HONORABLE MENTION Hulu + Live TV 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month Get Deal

It's the most wonderful — and stressful — time of year for hockey fans: the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The first round of the 2025 NHL playoffs kicked off in mid-April after a record-breaking year (literally). After a historic 20th season in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin is now the greatest goal scorer of all time, breaking Wayne Gretzky's record that many thought was unbreakable. Not to mention, the Washington Capitals as a whole have had a tremendous season — falling only to the Winnipeg Jets in the standings.

Of course, as hockey fans know, anything can happen in the NHL playoffs. If you want to witness the excitement (and frustration) of playoff hockey live, here's everything you need to know.

When do the Stanley Cup playoffs start?

The first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs kicked off on April 19 with a matchup between the St. Louis Blues and No. 1 seed Winnipeg Jets. Teams generally play every other day, with games scheduled through May 4 if necessary. The dates for the second round, third round (conference finals), and Stanley Cup final will depend on how the first series pans out. The final will take place no later June 23. You can check out the full schedule on the official NHL website.

What channels are the NHL playoffs on?

If you have cable or access to a cable login, live games will air on the ESPN/ESPN2/ABC and TNT/truTV/TBS family of networks throughout the postseason. Each series is not strictly designated to one broadcaster — for example, games in a series could air on TNT, ABC, and ESPN within the same week.

Check out the official playoffs schedule on NHL.com to find out which channel to tune into for specific games.

How can I watch the Stanley Cup playoffs without cable?

Here's where things get complicated. If you don't have cable access or a cable login, you'll need at least one streaming service to catch all the playoff games live. To watch games that air on the TNT family of networks, you can either tune in through the Max app or via a live TV streaming provider like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. You'll be able to catch a fraction of the games that air live on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 through ESPN+, but definitely not all of them. Instead, you'll need a paid TV provider (either cable or live TV streaming via YouTube TV, Sling TV, etc.).

For die-hard hockey fans who can't fathom missing a live game, your best bet is to subscribe to a live TV streaming service. You'll get the most bang for your buck, despite the cost being a bit higher.

Different from cable, live TV streamers rely on the internet and offer you a live channel lineup without a monthly contract. You can cancel any time it no longer suits you — no strings attached. These services aren't cheap, but many offer introductory rates and are still generally more affordable than a monthly cable bill. Plus, you get your money's worth with access to live and local channels spanning news, sports, and entertainment. It'll serve you long after a team is awarded the coveted Stanley Cup, should you choose to keep your subscription.

Here's a breakdown of the best services and streaming deals to watch the Stanley Cup playoffs live.

Best for TNT, TBS, and truTV games: Max yearly plan Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Standard yearly plan $139.99 for your first year (save $30), then $169.99/year Get Deal

Through May 7, you can save $30 on a yearly Max Standard plan, dropping the cost down to just $139.99 per year or $11.67 per month. That's about 32% in savings compared to paying for the monthly plan. A Max Standard subscription includes the B/R Sports add-on, which includes access to the NHL on TNT games (and simulcast TBS and truTV games). Of course, this only covers about half of the postseason, so you'll still need another way to tune into ESPN and ABC broadcasts. Also note that after your initial discounted year is up, the price will revert to the typical annual plan fee, which is $169.99.

The most games for the lowest price: Sling TV Orange plan Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Orange plan $23 for your first month (save $23), then $46/month Get Deal

Sling TV's Orange plan is your best bet to watch the most postseason NHL games for the lowest price. The Orange plan includes access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT, and TBS, plus 30 other channels. While that doesn't include ABC, most ABC NHL games are also available through ESPN3, so you'll be all set. Sling subscriptions are a la carte, so you can add to and take away from your plan with no worries and cancel or pause your subscription at any time. The Orange plan costs $46 per month, but new users can slash 50% off their first month, knocking it down to just $26.

Best introductory offer: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV free 5-day trial, then $59.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

We're big fans of YouTube TV's massive 100+ channel lineup, which includes all of the networks you'll need to tune into the Stanley Cup playoffs live. On the other hand, we're not the biggest fans of the $82.99 per month cost. Fortunately, through July 31, new users can sign up with a killer introductory offer. Kick off your subscription with a five-day trial, then pay just $59.99 per month for your first two months — long enough to last through the Stanley Cup final. After your introductory period, the price will revert to $82.99, so be sure to cancel ahead of that.

Honorable mentions:

• Fubo TV (no TNT or TBS) — 7-day free trial, then $54.99 for first month $84.99 per month (save $30)

• Hulu + Live TV (all networks) — 3-day trial, then $82.99 per month

• ESPN+ (select games) — $11.99/month or as part of $16.99/month Disney+ bundle

Can I watch the NHL playoffs for free?

Penny pinchers can watch at least part of the postseason for free by utilizing free trials. You'll have to be extremely strategic to get the most out of it, but we'll leave all the details up to you. Here are your options.

• YouTube TV currently offers a free 20-minute preview, then a free five-day trial. To unlock the trial, you'll have to enter your credit card information. After your five days are up (you can keep an eye on how much time you have left), you can either cancel or pay $59.99 per month for your first two months — that's $46 in savings.

• You can also unlock a free seven-day trial through Fubo TV, then cancel before you get charged $54.99 for the first month. The only downside is that fuboTV doesn't give you access to TNT networks.

• Hulu + Live TV gives you another three days for free when you sign up. Just be sure to cancel before the three days are up to avoid that steep $82.99 per month fee.

That's a grand total of 15 days of free live NHL games. If you plan accordingly, you can watch a pretty big chunk of the Stanley Cup playoffs for free.

TL;DR: Get an AI Magicx lifetime subscription for $59.99 with code MAGIC35 (reg. $99.99).

You know the feeling — you ask ChatGPT for help with a creative project, and it spits out something…underwhelming. It’s fine, but it could be better. That’s why so many writers, designers, and creators are moving to this new AI tool for content creation.

AI Magicx is what ChatGPT wishes it could be. The layout of preset templates for writing, images, coding, and more is insanely refreshing compared to the simple chatbot’s text-based prompts. Using them is even sweeter — and cheaper. Own AI Magicx for $64.99 using code MAGIC35 at checkout (reg. $99.99).

The content creator’s dream tool

No more arguing with ChatGPT when you have a deadline on that article or marketing ad — see what AI Magicx’s tools have to offer. Having prebuilt templates for each need makes it much easier to communicate with each AI and get better results.

Let’s say you want to generate an AI logo. Rather than sending over a muddled paragraph to ChatGPT, simply:

1. Describe your logo in a text box

2. Choose a logo style

3. Select a color palette and background color

4. Hit generate

AI Magicx also hardly limits you as a creator. Each month, you get an unlimited number of AI words and up to 500 images and logos.

Own these AI writing and design tools for life with code MAGIC35 at checkout, dropping the price from $99.99 to $59.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AI Magicx AI Magicx: Lifetime Subscription (Rune Plan) £59.99
£99.99 Save £40.00 Get Deal

SAVE 77%: As of April 25, you can score a Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set for just $59.99, down from $259.99, at Woot. That's a 77% discount and a savings of $200.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bestway Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set $59.99 at Woot
$259.99 Save $200 Get Deal

I’m not an outdoorsy person, but I am impressed that you can get a whole ass kayak from Woot for under $60. And it's not a flimsy kid's kayak, either.

As of April 25, you can get the Bestway Hydro-Force Ventura Elite Inflatable Kayak Set for just $59.99, down from $259.99. That’s 77% off and a $200 discount. Plus, it comes with a hand pump, aluminum paddle, two fins, a gear bag, a carrying bag, and a repair patch kit. There’s also a storage compartment underneath the seat to stow away anything you need on the water.

SEE ALSO: Turn your car into a cozy camping retreat with the Carsule Pop-Up Car Cabin

This kayak only holds one person, but it’s built to comfortably fit someone up to 286 pounds. It’s also made from oil-proof, waterproof, and high-density materials that are resistant to sun damage.

We haven’t tested this kayak ourselves, but it has solid ratings. But you’ll have to buy it within the next six days to get this deal.

Seeking cinema that won't break the bank? Want a binge-watch that doesn't demand a monthly fee to finish? Then you should check out Kanopy, the video streaming service that offers over 30,000 titles. All you need to access its vast catalog of movies, TV, documentaries, and shorts is your library card.

Mashable offers watch guides for plenty of streaming services, from Hulu to Netflix, and more. Now Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko is working with Kanopy to bring must-watch recommendations to you with The Film Library: A Kanopy Podcast, a Kanopy Originals production helmed by Jason Tyrrell and executive produced by Christian Pierce.

Season 2 of the podcast has just launched, with Kristy and internet film critic Jeff Rauseo as co-hosts. Together they'll offer 10 movie or TV recommendations each episode, so Kanopy users have enthusiastic guides for the service's spectacular selection.

The first episode of Season 2 gives listeners to chance to get to know Kristy and Jeff through five of their favorite movies now streaming on Kanopy. Their lists include quirky comedies, chilling true-crime dramas, campy classics, and a recent Best Picture Winner. You can watch the episode above or on Kanopy. And you can give it a listen by downloading the audio podcasts.

In episode 2, The Film Library explores "Acting in April," celebrating movies and documentaries with phenomenal performances, legendary actors, and plenty of panache. Whether you favor dashing leading men, sassy dames, slapstick legends, or truly iconic divas, Kristy and Jeff have something for you. And there's much more to come!

The Film Library: A Kanopy Podcast will deliver new episodes twice a month, bringing new recommendations of hit films, hidden gems, misunderstood movies, and much, much more. Kanopy's catalog includes titles from BBC, Criterion, NEON, Samuel Goldwyn, HISTORY, A&E, The Great Courses, Kino Lorber, A24, and IFC Films. So, there's plenty to pick from whenever you log in!

How to watch: The Film Library: A Kanopy Podcast is available on Kanopy, YouTube, and wherever you download podcasts.

SAVE $49.99: As of April 25, get the Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95, down from its usual price of $199.95, at Amazon. That's a discount of 25%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50 Get Deal

If a new smartwatch or fitness tracker is in the cards for you, you've got a ton of options to choose from. Many, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, are a bit on the pricier side. But there are still plenty of affordable picks out there that can do just about anything you need them to at a much more palatable price. Case in point: the Fitbit Versa 4, on sale at Amazon right now.

As of April 25, get the Fitbit Versa 4 for $149.95, down from its usual price of $199.95, at Amazon. That's $49.99 off and a discount of 25%. This discount applies to all three colorways: Pink Sand/Copper Rose, Black/Graphite, and Waterfall Blue/Platinum.

This fitness tracker is great for a variety of use cases, and it comes in an aesthetically pleasing package. It looks good as a regular watch on your wrist, and it comes with a wealth of fitness tracking options as well as lifestyle functionality. You can choose from over 40 sports tracking modes for cycling, swimming, running, and more.

Beyond that, the watch has sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, and built-in GPS for tracking the rest of the important parts of your day and your lifestyle. Pair this with the ability to get notifications on your phone and its crisp, bright screen and you've got a candidate for an excellent fitness tracker under $200 right now.

Generative AI's impact on the environment is still deeply understudied, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and its human effects are just as unclear.

In the latest of several AI technology assessments conducted by the GAO — a nonpartisan agency that provides audits and evaluations to Congress, executive agency leaders, and the general public upon request — the legislative office outlined multiple human and environmental risks posed by the tech's unhampered development and widespread use. "Generative AI may displace workers, help spread false information, and create or elevate risks to national security," the report reads. Threats to data privacy and cybersecurity, the use of biased systems, and a lack of accountability could have unintended effects on society, culture, and people, writes the GAO.

And just as pressing is the need to determine how much of an energy drain AI's training (and ongoing use) presents and how we can mitigate it.

SEE ALSO: As AI manufacturing grows, so does the tech's environmental damage

"Training and using generative AI can result in substantial energy consumption, carbon emissions, and water usage," the GAO asserts. "The environmental effects of using generative AI have received less attention than the effects of training it... Definitive statements about these risks and challenges are difficult to make because generative AI is rapidly evolving, and private developers do not disclose some key technical information."

The lack of data from AI's developers is increasingly stymying environmental research, the GAO explains, hampering the evaluation of generative AI and its use cases, including those designed "for good." And existing policy actions, the GAO found, may not effectively address the human impact of generative AI over generations.

The Trump administration, and controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leader Elon Musk, have not shied away from implementing artificial intelligence in the federal government, including new memoranda focused on accelerating the use of a "high-impact" American-made AI system. On April 24, Trump signed an executive order creating an Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force, which will facilitate AI adoption among educators and K-12 students.

The AI order followed earlier executive orders rescinding the Biden administration's commitments to AI oversight. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance have both said they want to maintain the country's "global dominance" in artificial intelligence and push back against "excessive regulation" of the technology, declining to sign onto to international AI agreements, including the recent Paris summit declaration on inclusive AI — the United Kingdom also chose not to sign on.

Trump's anti-climate science agenda has careened forward, bolstered by the president's withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and slashing of federal science grants and research funding, including allotments to federal agencies like NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA). Meanwhile, Trump has aligned himself (and received funding from) some of AI's biggest proponents, including xAI's Musk and OpenAI's Sam Altman.

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

SAVE 62%: As of April 25, you can get the Dewalt (DCPR320B) 20V Max pruning shears for $79.99, down from $208.22, at Woot. That's a 62% discount and a savings of $128.23.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt (DCPR320B) 20V Max pruning shears $79.99 at Woot
$208.22 Save $128.23 Get Deal

If you need a new set of pruning shears, don’t waste your time going to the hardware store.

As of April 25, you can get a pair of Dewalt (DCPR320B) 20V Max pruning shears for just $79.99, down from $208.22. That’s a 62% discount and a savings of $128.23. While this is the lowest price we’ve seen on this particular tool, we noticed that the list price looks a little inflated.

SEE ALSO: The Plantaform smart indoor garden uses NASA tech to grow plants with fog

Other retailers have it for around $119. Still, it’s a pretty good deal if you’re looking for a high-quality set of pruning shears. You have four days left to get it before it sells out. After that, we can’t promise you’ll be able to find it at this price again.

These shears are cordless and designed to cut everything from bushes to nuisance branches and roots. Dewalt’s tool has a cutting capacity of 1 1/2 inches, which is fairly standard for pruning shears. And you can make up to 1,100 cuts per charge.

It only weighs three pounds, so you can get whatever it is you need to get done without straining too hard. According to the product description, it requires 16 times less effort on average to use these shears compared to manual ones.

Be careful with your Microsoft 365 account. Hackers are reportedly targeting Microsoft accounts through the popular WhatsApp and Signal messaging platforms.

Tech and cybersecurity website Bleeping Computer reported that "Russian threat actors" are "impersonating officials from European countries and [contacting] targets" in order to gain access to potential victims' 365 accounts. The hackers have apparently targeted employees at organizations tied to human rights and Ukraine.

"The purpose is to convince potential victims to provide Microsoft authorization codes that give access to accounts, or to click on malicious links that collect logins and one-time access codes," wrote Bleeping Computer, which reported cybersecurity company Volexity has been tracking these attempted hacks since March.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How to spot the potential hack

Volexity, the cybersecurity company that spotted this potential hack, has a blog post about the issue, which is a great, detailed resource for folks worried they could be targeted. The blog post notes that the bad actors sent messages over Signal, WhatsApp, and, in one case, a compromised Ukrainian government email address. The messages directed potential victims to click a link purporting to be a meeting on Ukraine-related issues.

Volexity also posted screenshots of the Signal and WhatsApp messages. So, texts or emails like these should raise a red flag.

Credit: Volexity

As always, be careful what you click out there. Especially if you work at a human rights organization.

Have a story to share about a scam or security breach that impacted you? Tell us about it. Email submissions@mashable.com with the subject line "Safety Net" or use this form. Someone from Mashable will get in touch.

SAVE $30: As of April 25, you can get a Bose SoundLink Flex portable speaker for $30 off the usual price, just $119. Pick one up for a limited time at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Flex $119 at Amazon
$149 Save $30 Get Deal

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is setting later, and outdoor hangouts are finally becoming possible again. If you're going to be the host of one of those outdoor parties, it's imperative that you have a good portable speaker to set the right vibes. Unless you're planning on having a silent BBQ, or something...

The Bose SoundLink Flex may just be the summer sidekick you're looking for, and it's currently $30 off the original price. You can snag one at Amazon for just $119 for a limited time and ensure that your summer shindigs are the best they can be.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best headphones of 2025

Bose's SoundLink Flex is a versatile portable speaker that you'll feel comfortable taking anywhere you go. It's easy to chuck in a bag or even attach to a backpack using a carabiner clip, and is powerful enough to deliver the clear and balanced audio that Bose has become synonymous with. It can also last up to 12 hours on a single charge, features Bluetooth 5.3 support, and is linkable with other compatible Bose speakers. The speaker is great for hangs on the beach or out in nature, too, thanks to it's IP67 rating. It's water- and dust-proof, and is wrapped in a protective silicone layer for better shock and rust resistance. To top it all off, the speaker's PositionIQ tech allows you to use the speaker in any orientation — whether you're laying it flat, hanging it upside down, or standing it up vertically.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day on April 25: OUR TOP PICK Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB, 256GB) $899 (save $100) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 (save $50) Get Deal BEST KINDLE DEAL Kindle Colorsoft $224.99 (save $55) Get Deal BEST BEAUTY TECH DEAL Shark SmoothStyle $69 (save $30.99) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL BlueAir Pure 311i Max $159.99 (save $70) Get Deal

In a time when everything is getting more expensive, a good deal means a whole lot more. Amazon is always flooded with discounted tech, but it takes a keen eye to spot whether something is a a deal worth grabbing. Fortunately, we've done the work for you and handpicked a few gadgets we think are worth your time.

Here are a few of our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the week.

Our top pick: MacBook Air, 13-inch Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899
$999 Save $100 Get Deal

Looking to upgrade your MacBook? There's no time like the present, as the brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air with an M4 chip is down to its lowest price to date — just $899. That's a $100 discount on a laptop that's been out less than two months. Our reviewer Stan Schroeder called it the "best-buy Apple laptop, period," specifically shouting out its "impressively powerful" and silent performance and improved FaceTime camera. It's no surprise it earned a Mashable Choice Award and a glowing 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Read our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

Kindle Colorsoft Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $224.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $55 Get Deal

The first Kindle of its kind after nearly two decades, the Colorsoft offers a 7-inch glare-free display that supports a full spectrum of color. On top of that, it has auto-adjusting light, 32GB of storage, a waterproof build, wireless charging, no lockscreen ads, and eight weeks of battery power. On sale once again for $224.99, this gorgeous e-reader is sitting at its lowest price to date. That's 20% in savings.

Fitbit Versa 4 Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50 Get Deal

Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) reviewed the Fitbit Versa 4 and called it "an excellent fitness-focused smartwatch with welcome design improvements over the last generation." And considering we already loved the Versa 3, that's saying something. It features an even more massive selection of built-in fitness features, notable design and usability upgrades, and a responsive touch screen. Usually, it goes for $199.95, but as of April 25, you can grab it on sale for $149.95 and save 25%.

Shark SmoothStyle Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark SmoothStyle $69 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.99 Get Deal

While we love the Revlon One-Step, it can certainly fry your hair if you aren't careful. The Shark SmoothStyle is designed to do basically the same thing as the One-Step, but with added protection. It serves as a round hot air brush that takes your hair from wet to styled using three preset air temperatures to dry and style. Once dry, you can use it like a thermal brush, with one preset heated smoothing comb setting. The comb itself has ceramic-coated plates to prevent damage to your locks, though we still suggest not skipping the heat protectant. It's usually $100, but as of April 25, you can save 31% and grab it for just $69 at Amazon.

BlueAir Pure 311i Max Opens in a new window Credit: BlueAir BlueAir Blue Pure 311i Max $159.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $70 Get Deal

Spring allergies are back and wreaking havoc on immune systems everywhere. Do yourself a favor and grab an air purifier like the BlueAir 311i Max and remove some of those tiny airborne particles from your air. This model is built to improve the air in spaces up to 1,858 square feet with HEPASilent dual filtration technology. It features app scheduling, air quality monitoring, Clean Air ETA, Welcome Home geofencing and RealTrack accurate 6–9 month filter tracking technology, and Alexa voice control. It regularly goes for $229.99, but it's down to just $159.99 as of April 25 — that's the lowest price its seen all year.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $11.99: As of April 25, get the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset for $98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $109.99. That's an 11% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset $98 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $11.99 Get Deal

If you spend a lot of time gaming online, you likely do so with friends, at least some of the time. There are tons of great options in terms of headsets you can use for that purpose, especially if you're an Xbox gamer. But if you need an idea for the best one that'll work for your purposes, there's a particular option on sale right now at Amazon that you'll love to use.

As of April 25, get the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset for $98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $109.99. That's an 11% discount.

We previously named this headset one of the best you can get for Xbox, praising its hardy build, lightweight frame, Bluetooth connectivity, and volume control dial. It's an official Microsoft release that was made specifically for Xbox consoles, and it's also great with Bluetooth syncing with other devices you use every day. So it has multiple uses, which means you can get more out of it than just your go-to Xbox headset.

It offers support for Dolby Atmos, DTS, and Windows Sonic, so you're covered no matter which you choose. All this, with a flexible and lightweight frame and headband with a heaviness and sturdiness that feels like it's going to last. You can also rotate the ear cups to change the volume, so you don't have to do so in-game, saving some precious time.

If you're ready for a new headset, this is the one to get if you're an Xbox fan, and now's your opportunity to save a little cash while doing so.

Writer/director Ryan Coogler's latest collaboration with Michael B. Jordan, Sinners, brings fresh blood to vampire movies, and audiences are swooning over the bloodsucker film and its rapturous musical numbers. Critics are raving; the box office is booming. But behind the glamor of sexy vampires played by Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Jack O'Connell, Sinners offers a powerful message about art and corruption.

In Sinners, the vampire Remmick (O'Connell) wants nothing more than to make blues musician Sammie (Miles Caton) part of his coven. But to give in to this monster's sweet song (and jig) would cost Sammie his soul.

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko sat down with Coogler, who wrote and directed Sinners, and Jordan, who stars as twins Smoke and Stack, and asked if they could relate to Sammie's struggle to keep his art uncorrupted. The star of Coogler's Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther, Jordan spoke to his experience as an actor as well as his critically heralded leap to director with Creed III.

For Coogler's part, he touched on the legend of Robert Johnson, a blues musician who, as the story goes, sold his soul to the devil for success. Coogler describes the choice Sammie and his family face in Sinners as a "Faustian deal," saying, "A Delta blues legend of a man selling his soul to be good at guitar for the remainder of his life. You know, that kind of exchange, when you've been dealt a bad hand by society or by faith, what are you willing to give up to escape that?

"More than anything," Coogler continued, "Vampirism is a way out of a situation — with a very high cost."

Be sure to stay through the credits of Sinners to see if that cost is worth it.

Sinners is now in theaters.

TP-Link, that router company whose name occasionally pops up on your list of available WiFi networks, is being investigated by the U.S. government for antitrust violations.

The Department of Justice is investigating TP-Link Systems, Inc. for allegedly setting router prices lower than they cost to make in order to dominate the market, according to Bloomberg. TP-Link told the outlet that it hadn't received an official inquiry from the DOJ, but it plans to cooperate and denies any predatory pricing.

The cheapest TP-Link routers Mashable found are sold by Amazon for around $50, with some gaming routers selling for around $400. For reference, most ISPs will rent customers a router for around $10 to $15, according to Mashable's sibling site CNET, which found it cheaper to buy a router and modem rather than rent them from their internet provider.

The U.S. government's antitrust division has been on a roll lately. Google recently lost two antitrust cases: one for monopolizing the online ad tech industry, and another for monopolizing the search engine market largely wielded by the use of its Chrome browser. (That trial is currently in its remedy phase, and Google plans to appeal the other.) The Federal Trade Commission is also suing Meta for antitrust practices for stifling competition by buying up Instagram and WhatsApp. Globally, antitrust regulators are also on the march, with Japan and the European Union targeting big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Meta.

Under the Biden Administration, the Justice Department ramped up efforts to hold Big Tech companies accountable for anti-competitive practices, and that has continued under the Trump Administration. "Vigorous antitrust enforcement is essential to protect free markets and ensure that we all receive the benefits of competition," said Emma Burnham, director of the Antitrust Division's Criminal Enforcement Section, in a speech in March.

But there's more to the TP-Link story than potential predatory pricing. The California-based manufacturer of the black plastic WiFi router is also suspected of posing a national security risk. According to a December report from The Wall Street Journal, TP-Link, which has ties to China, is being separately investigated by the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice. The routers' security flaws were reportedly exploited by Chinese cyberattackers.

"U.S. officials haven’t disclosed any evidence that TP-Link is a witting conduit for Chinese state-sponsored cyberattacks," said the Journal. So it's unclear if TP-Link is believed to be complicit in selling vulnerable routers, but the U.S. government may even be considering banning the devices altogether. Regardless of the outcomes of the various investigations, it's clear that TP-Link's connections to China have put the company under much more scrutiny.

If every time you log onto Facebook, you're bombarded with spam, you aren't alone: Meta said so itself.

Meta announced on Thursday that it's making changes to improve Facebook Feed to get rid of spammy content and give users more control over the content in their feed. Meta acknowledged that some accounts game the system to increase views, followers, and, as a result, monetization, leading to a fairly unpleasant scrolling experience. To fight back, the platform is lowering the reach of accounts sharing spammy content, removing accounts that coordinate fake engagement and impersonate others, and protecting and elevating creators sharing original content.

So, what does this mean for creators and users? Well, creators' content might get seen a bit easier, and your feed should get more enjoyable, in theory. But if you're an engagement farmer or part of a network built around the successes of spammy content, you might want to pivot (please).

"Meta’s platforms are built to be places where people can express themselves freely," the company wrote in a blog post. "Spammy content can get in the way of one’s ability to ultimately have their voices heard, regardless of one’s viewpoint, which is why we’re targeting the behavior that’s gaming distribution and monetization. We want the creator community to know that we’re committed to rewarding creators who create and share engaging content on Facebook. This is just one of the many investments to ensure creators can succeed on Facebook."

The social media platform said it is lowering the reach of accounts sharing spammy content, like when a user posts a particularly long caption with too many hashtags or a caption that doesn't have anything to do with the video. Meta also said it would take "more aggressive steps" to prevent accounts from coordinating fake engagement, like networks of fake comments or fake pages that exist only to inflate reach.

"Along with these efforts, we’re also exploring ways to elevate more meaningful and engaging discussions. For example, we’re testing a comments feature so people can signal ones that are irrelevant or don’t fit the spirit of the conversation," Meta wrote.

The platform will also take down profiles that are impersonating content producers. In 2024, it took down 23 million profiles — now, it intends to take down more.

"In addition to the proactive detection and enforcements we have in place to identify and remove imposters, we’ve added features to Moderation Assist, Facebook’s comment management tool, to detect and auto-hide comments from people potentially using a fake identity. Creators will also be able to report impersonators in the comments," Meta wrote.

Finally, the company said it would enhance Rights Manager to help creators protect their original content from being reused and shared on other accounts without their permission, as this "takes unfair advantage of [creators'] hard work."

This all comes shortly after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's 2022 comments were uncovered, showing he feared that Facebook might be losing cultural relevancy. And Facebook really is losing cultural relevancy — and users. All the while, more AI slop is taking over social media platforms, and Meta is facing massive anti-trust trial.

SAVE $30: As of April 25, get the Meta Quest 3S with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-month trial of Meta Quest+ for $269.99 at Target, down from its usual price of $299.99. That's a discount of 10%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Meta Quest 3S $269.99 at Target
$299.99 Save $30 Free Batman: Arkham Shadow and 3 months of Meta Quest+ Get Deal

Gaming in virtual reality is something that truly has to be experienced. You can jump into a completely different world and immerse yourself in tons of different ways, whether you want to fend off zombies in the apocalypse or get fit dancing and slashing blocks. The most accessible way to hang out in VR is by way of a Meta Quest headset, as it requires no wires or fancy PC to get you started. And thanks to a deal at Target, you can scoop one up now at a great price.

As of April 25, get the Meta Quest 3S with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-month trial of Meta Quest+ for $269.99 at Target, down from its usual price of $299.99. That's a discount of 10%.

This budget-friendly headset is a fantastic way to play all the games you might be interested in trying in terms of VR. That includes games, entertainment experiences like concerts and movies, and just chatting with friends. Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon called it the "best VR headset for new gamers" and lauded its price as well as its "expansive content library".

This model comes with 128GB of storage to keep all your favorite games, a comfortable headset, and built-in headphones to help you find yourself completely in a new world. It's a complete package that's great for just about anyone, even those who are more tech-inclined, since it just makes entering and enjoying virtual reality easy. It's even easier at this lower price, so be sure to grab yours while you can.