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Get the Beats Solo 4 for half off at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 04:32

SAVE $100: As of Dec. 16, Beats Solo 4 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 50% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$195.99 Save $96.00 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing up new headphones, the Beats Solo 4 might be exactly what you’re looking for. Released earlier this year, these headphones bring major upgrades to the Solo lineup — and as of Dec. 16, you can grab these headphones for just $99.99, saving $100 on the list price.

This deal is available across all colorways at Amazon: black/gold, cloud pink, matte black, and state blue. However, this price is only available when purchasing without the power adapter. You can add this on for a price of $116.99 (reduced from $218.95).

SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence appears to have falsely claimed that Luigi Mangione shot himself

This latest model in the Solo range boasts a battery life of up to 50 hours and a super-quick 10-minute charge time. The Solo 4 also introduces new, personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking. This is a technology that creates a 3D surround sound, and a more immersive listening experience by adjusting sound based on your head movements, so music, movies, and calls feel more lifelike.

And as with all Beats devices, the sound quality is stellar for all types of listening. Enjoy a punchy bass and balanced sound, whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or watching videos.

This is a limited-time offer at Amazon, so don’t miss out on snagging these stellar headphones at a reduced rate.

How to watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers online on December 16

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 03:00

TL;DR: Live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Utah Jazz head to Intuit Dome to face the Los Angeles Clippers in a Western Conference matchup. The Jazz are having a tough season so far, with a 5-18 record in 14th place. The Clippers are hoping to overtake the Warriors in the Western Conference with a 14-11 record in fourth place.

The Jazz have lost four of their last five games, including their most recent game against the Sacramento Kings. The Clippers are hoping to snag a two-game skid and move up on the Warriors. Los Angeles has lost three of their last five games.

When is Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers?

Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. This game takes place at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

How to watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Jazz vs. Clippers basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Jazz vs. Clippers from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers online

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 03:00

TL;DR: Live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Utah Jazz head to Intuit Dome to face the Los Angeles Clippers in a Western Conference matchup. The Jazz are having a tough season so far, with a 5-18 record in 14th place. The Clippers are hoping to overtake the Warriors in the Western Conference with a 14-11 record in fourth place.

The Jazz have lost four of their last five games, including their most recent game against the Sacramento Kings. The Clippers are hoping to snag a two-game skid and move up on the Warriors. Los Angeles has lost three of their last five games.

When is Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers?

Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. This game takes place at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

How to watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Jazz vs. Clippers basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Jazz vs. Clippers from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors online

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 03:00

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Chicago Bulls head to Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Raptors in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Bulls are in tenth place in the Eastern Conference with a 10-15 record. The Raptors are having a tough season so far, in 14th place with a 7-19 record.

The Bulls have won only two of their last five games and head to Toronto hoping to break a two-game skid. The Raptors have lost four in a row, but have the better part of their record at home, where they've earned six of their seven wins this season.

When is Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors?

Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. This game takes place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

How to watch Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Bulls vs. Raptors basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Bulls vs. Raptors from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons online

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 03:00

TL;DR: Live stream Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Miami Heat head to Little Caesars Arena to face the Detroit Pistons in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Heat are working their way to the top of the Eastern Conference. The team is currently in fifth place with a 13-10 record. The Pistons are not faring quite as well in 11th place with a 10-16 record.

The Heat have won four of their last five games and are heading into Detroit with a lot of momentum behind four straight wins. The Pistons are the complete opposite, having lost four of their last five games. They will host Miami coming off a loss to the Boston Celtics.

When is Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons?

Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. This game takes place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

How to watch Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Heat vs. Pistons basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Heat vs. Pistons from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets online

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 03:00

TL;DR: Live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Philadelphia 76ers head to Spectrum Center to face the Charlotte Hornets in an Eastern Conference matchup. Both teams are struggling in the early young 2024-25 season, landing them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are in 12th place with a 7-15 record, while the Hornets are in 13th place with a 7-17 record.

The 76ers are working their way up, despite their current record. Philadelphia has won four of their last five games and the team is coming off back-to-back wins over the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls. The Hornets are coming off a win over the Indiana Pacers, but lost eight straight games before that.

When is Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets?

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. This game takes place at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

How to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the 76ers vs. Hornets basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch 76ers vs. Hornets from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TikToks injunction against U.S. ban has been denied

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 02:53

TikTok's emergency injunction against its U.S. ban has been denied. This means its deadline to leave the country still stands firm at Jan. 19, with the company now hoping a Supreme Court appeal will save it.

In an order filed on Friday, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals found that granting a temporary injunction to pause TikTok's U.S. ban was "unwarranted." It considered that doing so would not merely delay the execution of a legal ruling, but entirely suspend a law which was deliberately enacted by Congress and upheld as constitutional by the court.

SEE ALSO: When will TikTok be banned in the U.S.? And what can stop it from happening?

"The petitioners have not identified any case in which a court, after rejecting a constitutional challenge to an Act of Congress, has enjoined the Act from going into effect while review is sought in the Supreme Court," the order stated.

The court further noted that TikTok's injunction request relied upon its claim that the ban violates the First Amendment right to free speech. In its petition last Monday, TikTok argued that the Supreme Court would be likely to review the ban, as "[free] speech restrictions have survived strict scrutiny only in rare and narrow circumstances."

Unfortunately, the Court of Appeals' judgement had already rejected TikTok's argument, Friday's order reiterating that it "unanimously concluded the Act satisfies the requirements of the First Amendment under heightened scrutiny." 

Laws which restrict free speech are subject to strict scrutiny, which requires they be narrowly tailored to advance a compelling governmental interest. They must also be the least restrictive method to achieve the government's goal.

"[T]he Government offers two national security justifications for the Act: to counter (1) the [People's Republic of China]’s efforts to collect data of and about persons in the United States, and (2) the risk of the PRC covertly manipulating content on TikTok," the Court of Appeals wrote in its judgement on Dec. 6.

"[TikTok and parent company ByteDance] suggest an array of options none of which comes close to serving either, much less both, the Government’s goals as effectively as does divestiture. Each consequently fails to qualify as a less restrictive alternative for purposes of the First Amendment."

TikTok has consistently denied allegations of links to the Chinese government. The company has also publicly invested $1.5 billion to quarantine U.S. users' data in the U.S. with American company Oracle, an initiative dubbed Project Texas. Even so, U.S. lawmakers remain unconvinced

Though Friday's decision is an undeniable setback for TikTok, the company has reiterated its intention to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court does not rule in TikTok's favour, the only way Americans will retain access to TikTok is if ByteDance sells off its U.S. operations.

"As we have previously stated, we plan on taking this case to the Supreme Court, which has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech," said TikTok in a statement on X. "The voices of over 170 million Americans here in the US and around the world will be silenced on January 19th, 2025 unless the TikTok ban is halted."

Find your next binge watch with unlimited BitMar streaming — get it for life for £12

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 01:05

TL;DR: Access millions of free movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and music for life when you sign up for BitMar Streaming Content Finder at the Mashable Shop. Use the code SAVE25 at checkout and pay just £11.86 (reg. £118.69) for a lifetime membership.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription £11.86 at the Mashable Shop
£118.69 Save £106.83 Use code 'SAVE25' Get Deal

Tired of endlessly scrolling through streaming platforms only to realise there’s nothing new to watch? Say goodbye to decision fatigue and let BitMar do the work for you.

With BitMar Streaming Content-Finder, you can access millions of free movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and music, all gathered into one convenient platform. At just £11.86 (reg. £118.69), this lifetime subscription is your ticket to unlimited entertainment without the time wasted and frustration of switching between apps and websites.

BitMar is more than just a streaming platform. Unlike other services that require subscriptions, BitMar is a streaming content finder that pulls together legal, free content from various sources on the web. 

This service uses advanced algorithms to find and filter content from across the world, bringing you a seamless streaming experience. Simply search for the type of content you want, and BitMar will deliver results tailored to your preferences. And the best part? There’s no commitment to a single platform; BitMar pulls from multiple sources, so you’re always connected to fresh, free content.

Powered by Bing’s search technology, BitMar filters content based on your preferences and presents you with a curated library of options. Whether you’re looking for blockbuster movies, international TV shows, or niche videos, BitMar has something for everyone.

No more searching for hours. BitMar aggregates free content so you can find what you want without the headache. And you can rest assured that all content is accessed legally, so you never have to worry about sketchy websites or questionable downloads.

If you enjoy watching YouTube, you can use BitMar to enjoy YouTube content without ads, saving you the cost of a YouTube Premium subscription.

Don't miss this fantastic service that can save you lots of time. Get lifetime access to the BitMar Streaming Content Finder for £11.86 (reg. £118.69) when you use the code SAVE25 at the Mashable Shop. Don't wait too long — this discount code is only available for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Enroll in this ethical hacking online course bundle, only £1.75 per course

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 00:53

TL;DR: Get over 130 hours of expert ethical hacking training across 18 courses for just £31.63 for a limited time.

Are you feeling stagnant at your current job? Here's a fact that might finally inspire you to switch to cybersecurity: there are about 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs out there, and some of those companies are willing to pay thousands of pounds for experts who can protect their businesses from cyber threats.

You may think you need to return to university for a formal degree, but you could learn the same cybersecurity skills with this online learning package. Priced at £31.63 (reg. £868.82) at the Mashable Shop, this online learning bundle includes 18 courses and over 130 hours of instruction, with courses covering foundational hacking practices, PenTesting, Python, and so much more. You can gain valuable new skills as you prep for a new job as a white-hat hacker, security analyst, or systems administrator.

With 18 courses, you may want to start with mastering Python programming. You'll begin with an overview of Python 3 ethical hacking before moving onto coding your own penetration testing tools, creating projects within Python, and using PyCharm.

From there, you can dive into WiFi hacking, social engineering, BitNinja, Burp Suite, and advanced tools like Metasploit and NMAP, which might just make your CV stand out to hiring managers. Learning to use tools like Metasploit effectively could make a difference if you're interested in landing a job as a penetration tester.

Your journey to joining the cybersecurity industry can start with this training bundle.

Enroll in this ethical hacking training bundle for just £1.75 per course at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Aleksa Tamburkovski The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle £31.63
£868.82 Save £837.19 Get Deal

How to unblock xHamster for free

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites like xHamster with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

It might not always seem like it, but the online world is full of restrictions.

Access to your favorites sites is not guaranteed. There will be many locations around the world that will restrict your access to certain sites, including porn sites like xHamster. There is probably a good reason for that, but there is also something to be said for online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to navigate the online world without hassle.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock xHamster for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world.

Unblock xHamster by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to xHamster

  4. Access xHamster from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-year subscription + 3 months free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling to a location without access to your favorite sites.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you might need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking content is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like xHamster, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast streaming 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.

Unblock xHamster for free with ExpressVPN.

20 of the best University of Michigan courses you can take online for free

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: A wide range of free online courses from the University of Michigan are available to take on edX.

Have you every wished you could become a student of a famous school, but don't have the time or money to apply? Well look no further than edX. This popular hub for online courses offers free lessons on a wide range of subjects from some of the biggest and best educational institutions in the world, including the University of Michigan.

You can find free online courses from the University of Michigan on Python programming, JavaScript, and so much more. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a standout selection of courses to get you started.

These are the best free online courses from the University of Michigan this month:

The catch is that these free courses do not come with a certificate of completion, but you can still learn at your own pace with unrestricted access to all the course materials. So what's stopping you from enrolling?

Find the best free online courses from the University of Michigan on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: University of Michigan University of Michigan Online Courses Free at edX Get Deal

How to watch Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders online

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders on YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

NFL Week 15 action continues with a matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders. The Atlanta Falcons are at 6-7 and the Las Vegas Raiders are at 2-11 for the season.

During their last game, the Atlanta Falcons lost 21-42 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Las Vegas Raiders lost 13-38 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

When is Falcons vs. Raiders?

Falcons vs. Raiders takes place at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. The two teams will play at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise.

The game will air on ESPN, where Chris Fowler is expected to do the play-by-play. Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky will join him in the booth. Laura Rutledge will be the sideline reporter.

How to stream Falcons vs. Raiders

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Falcons vs. Raiders:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

Falcons vs. Raiders is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (including other NFL fixtures).

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most popular: Hulu + Live TV Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV Fro $82.99/month Get Deal

Hulu + Live TV offers three plans that support ESPN+. The lowest plan that includes ESPN+ is $82.99 per month. To stream more networks without ads, such as Disney+, you can also choose a plan that's $87.99 per month or $95.99 per month.

Hulu + Live TV's sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, ESPN, BTN, FOX, FS1, CBS, ACC Network, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Falcons vs. Raiders from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

How to watch Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings online

Mashable - Mon, 12/16/2024 - 00:00

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings on YouTube TV or Sling TV.

During NFL Week 15, the Chicago Bears play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon. The Chicago Bears are at 4-9 for the season and the Minnesota Vikings are at 11-2.

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the Minnesota Vikings won their game against the Atlanta Falcons at 21-42, while the Chicago Bears lost against the San Francisco 49ers at 13-38.

When is Bears vs. Vikings?

The Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. The two teams will face off at the Soldier Field in Chicago.

The game will air on ABC, where Joe Buck is expected to do the play-by-play. Troy Aikman will join him in the booth. Lisa Salters will be the sideline reporter.

How to stream Bears vs. Vikings

We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for Bears vs. Vikings:

Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Watch Now

The Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV, as well as other NFL fixtures.

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Watch Now

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

  5. Watch Bears vs. Vikings from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 16, 2024

Mashable - Sun, 12/15/2024 - 22:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game 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 deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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 December 16 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Radios

  • Green: Kid fights

  • Blue: Snacks that are also sounds

  • Purple: Corny joke openers

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: Types of Radio

  • Green: Kinds of Play Fights

  • Blue: Snack Cakes

  • Purple: Classic Joke Staples

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 #554 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Types of Radio: AM, HAM, SATELLITE, WALKIE-TALKIE

  • Kinds of Play Fights: FOOD, PILLOW, SNOWBALL, WATER BALLON

  • Snack Cakes: DEVIL DOG, DING DONG, HOHO, YODEL

  • Classic Joke Staples: BAR, CHICKEN, KNOCK-KNOCK, LIGHT BULB

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 December 16

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.

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 16

Mashable - Sun, 12/15/2024 - 22:00

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 deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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 December 16 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: Extra man on different sports teams

  • Green: Where to sit

  • Blue: Creators of collectibles

  • Purple: Played by comedian & singer behind 'Eight Crazy Nights'

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: Bench player

  • Green: Stadium seating sections

  • Blue: Sports card brands

  • Purple: Adam Sandler characters in sports films

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 #84 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Bench player - PINCH HITTER, RESERVE, SIXTH MAN, SUB

  • Stadium seating sections - BLEACHERS, MEZZANINE, SUITE, UPPER DECK

  • Sports card brands - BOWMAN, LEAF, PANINI, TOPPS

  • Adam Sandler characters in sports films - BOUCHER, CREWE, GILMORE, SUGARMAN

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.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 16

Mashable - Sun, 12/15/2024 - 22:00

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 December 16 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 December 16 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Loud and excessively prideful.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

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

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BOAST.

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 December 16

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for December 16

Mashable - Sun, 12/15/2024 - 22:00

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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 16 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 16 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Crossed words

These words are combined.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are made up of a crossover of two other words.

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 Portmanteaux.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 16
  • Smog

  • Brunch

  • Zorse

  • Spork

  • Anklet

  • Athleisure

  • Portmanteaux

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.

Women in congress are 70 percent more likely to be victims of AI-generated deepfakes than male counterparts

Mashable - Sun, 12/15/2024 - 12:35

The field of politics has become even more complicated for women leaders, with the rise of generative AI posing an even greater risk for female politicians than men, according to a report released this week.

The analysis, published by disinformation think tank the American Sunlight Project (ASP) via The 19th on Dec. 11, uncovered more than 35,000 pieces of digitally altered nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) depicting 26 members of Congress. ASP's numbers, when broken down, outline a stark reality for victims of NCII: Of those thousands of images, the organization found 25 women politicians depicted by AI. Only one man was the subject of such content.

Throughout the entire study, women members of Congress were 70 times more likely than men to be targeted by non-consensual synthetic images and 1 in 6 congresswomen (or 16 percent) are the victims of nonconsensual intimate imagery.

SEE ALSO: Defense Department going big on generative AI to 'meet critical warfighter problems'

Leaders across the political aisle have attempted to address the rise of both NCII and synthetic AI-generated images, but have been slow to reach consensus. In January, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (Defiance Act), intended to criminalize the act of spreading nonconsensual, sexualized "digital forgeries" made with AI. It was passed in July but is still being considered by the House.

Last week the Senate passed the Take It Down Act, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz in June. The bill similarly criminalizes the publishing of digitally manipulated deepfakes online but also metes out penalties for companies who fail to remove such content within 48 hours of it being reported.

But the gendered reality of AI-boosted images can't be understated, especially as women leaders navigate a precarious online environment putting them at greater risk for sexual abuse. In August, the Center for Countering Digital Hate published a study on the rise of online hate and negative engagement on the social profiles of women politicians. According to an analysis of the Instagram profiles of 10 female incumbents, one in 25 comments was "highly likely" to be toxic. Instagram failed to act on 93 percent of reported abusive comments targeting female politicians.

"We need to kind of reckon with this new environment and the fact that the internet has opened up so many of these harms that are disproportionately targeting women and marginalized communities," said American Sunlight Project founder and author Nina Jankowicz. "My hope here is that the members are pushed into action when they recognize not only that it’s affecting American women, but it’s affecting them. It’s affecting their own colleagues. And this is happening simply because they are in the public eye."

ASP informed the offices of affected politicians, alerting them to AI-generated NCII. The images were almost entirely removed following the notice, although the organization didn't receive any comments.

If you have had intimate images shared without your consent, call the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative’s 24/7 hotline at 844-878-2274 for free, confidential support. The CCRI website also includes helpful information as well as a list of international resources.

How The War of the Rohirrim connects to the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Mashable - Sun, 12/15/2024 - 11:28

Brian Cox, Gaia Wise and Luca Pasqualino are joined by the filmmakers of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim to do a deep dive into how the prequel film sets the stage for the epic Peter Jackson trilogy.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is now in theaters.

SNL Weekend Update on Trump headlines and the Supreme Courts Broadway era

Mashable - Sun, 12/15/2024 - 10:50

Nothing makes our current reality feel more surreal than when Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update headlines are more truth than punchline.

SEE ALSO: Adam Sandler as a bloody surgery patient completely breaks 'SNL' cast

Co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che ran through several Trump-related headlines on this week's show, hosted by Chris Rock. The lineup included the president-elect being named TIME's Person of the Year, Elon Musk insinuating that Trump and late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg were reproductive justice allies, and the leader's recent pledge to end Daylight Savings Time (Thanks, I guess?).

From the Starbucks-drinking United Healthcare CEO assassin to Amazon donating $1 million to Donald Trump's inauguration, this week has felt far too long.

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