Mashable

SAVE $10: As of Oct. 23, the Apple Pencil (USB-C) is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon, down from $79.99. That's a 13% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Credit: Apple / Mashable Composite Apple Pencil (USB-C) $69.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

If you've been waiting for a price drop on the new Apple Pencil, you can now grab one for less. The latest Apple Pencil (USB-C) offers pixel-perfect precision, low latency, and tilt sensitivity. It is ideal for artists, note-takers, and anyone who enjoys a smooth writing experience on their iPad. Plus, it charges via USB-C (although it's in a weird position), making it compatible with the latest iPad models.

Apple's switch from the Lightning connector to USB-C is like the tech giant finally giving in to peer pressure. Apple clung to its proprietary port for years, even as most of the tech world embraced USB-C. However, Apple had to join the party with the European Union mandating a universal charging port by 2024. Beyond compliance, Apple's switch to USB-C is one of the best moves they've made recently. It's go-to for everything from Android phones to MacBooks, offering faster charging and quicker data transfers. Plus, it cuts down on cable clutter, which is great for the environment.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

Echoing our review, the USB-C Apple Pencil is a versatile tool that pairs seamlessly with a wide range of iPads, including the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th generation) and the iPad Air (4th and 5th generation). Its magnetic attachment keeps it secure when you're on the go, so you're not left fishing around in your bag for a stray stylus. And with a flat edge, it feels comfortable to hold for long sketching sessions or those marathon note-taking meetings. Whether you're a digital artist who wants precise control or a student trying to take notes without smudging your screen, the Apple Pencil makes your iPad more than just a tablet — it turns it into a portable canvas or a digital notebook.

Right now, you can snag the USB-C Apple Pencil for just $69.99, down from its usual $79.99. That's a 13% discount and one of the lowest prices we've seen. Leveling up your iPad game without breaking the bank is a solid deal. Just be sure to grab it while the price lasts — knowing Apple, the deal won't stick around for long.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, October 23, 2024:

AcrossSpice that tastes like licorice

• The answer is Anise.

Hot drink popular in the fall

• The answer is Cider.

Bendy body parts

• The answer is Knees.

Bird that, surprisingly, doesn't have any blue pigments in its feathers

• The answer is Jay.

Apple pie ___ mode

• The answer is Ala.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 23 DownCutesy cry of frustration

• The answer is Ack.

"Teenage Mutant ___ Turtles"

• The answer is Ninja.

Best possible

• The answer is Ideal.

"Peace!"

• The answer is SeeYa.

Hospital areas in medical dramas, for short

• The answer is ERs.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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 October 23 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 23 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the road

These words can guide you.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are related to road signage.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is TrafficSigns.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 23

• Stop

• Yield

• Merge

• TrafficSigns

• Detour

• Bump

• Construction

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 23 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 23

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.

TL;DR: Get digital downloads of Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for just £15.38 (reg. £23.10) in this 2-for-1 Minecraft deal at the Mashable Shop.

Minecraft has captivated millions of players worldwide with its endless possibilities, creative freedom, and unique blend of exploration and survival. Whether you love building intricate structures, battling mobs, or exploring vast worlds, Minecraft offers something for everyone.

With the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle, you can access both versions of the game for £15.38 (reg. £23.10) — giving you the best of both worlds. 

By purchasing this Minecraft bundle at the Mashable Shop, you get access to two distinct versions of the game, each with its own unique features and advantages. 

Java Edition is exclusive to desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and is known for its extensive modding capabilities, which allow players to customize their gameplay. This version is particularly popular among those who enjoy tinkering with mods, creating custom skins, and engaging in the vibrant community-run servers.

However, the Java Edition requires more powerful hardware to run smoothly, especially with mods. It is also limited to playing with other Java users and does not support cross-play with other platforms.

Bedrock Edition is designed for versatility and accessibility, running on a wide range of devices, including consoles, mobile phones, and even Chromebooks. This edition offers a smoother experience even on lower-spec devices, and it supports cross-play, allowing players to connect and play together across different platforms.

The Bedrock Edition also features the Minecraft Marketplace, where players can purchase add-ons, skins, and custom worlds. While it doesn't offer the same level of modding freedom as Java, the broader compatibility makes it an excellent choice for players who want to enjoy Minecraft on multiple devices.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your Minecraft world for less.

Pick up the Minecraft Java & Bedrock Edition bundle for just £15.38 (reg. £23.10).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King 'Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition' (Digital Downloads) £15.38 at the Mashable Shop
£23.10 Save £7.72 Get Deal

TL;DR: Watch the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix for free on ORF, ServusTV, or RTBF. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Max Verstappen delivered a big performance in the United States GP to extend his lead at the top of the F1 standings, but Lando Norris is not going to give up just like that. The Brit would have been really disappointed with how things panned out in Austin, but he could get back on track towards a first championship in Mexico City.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix?

The 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix takes place over 71 laps of the 4,304-kilometre Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. The full schedule can be found here:

• Practice 1 — 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 25

• Practice 2 — 6 to 7:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 25

• Practice 3 — 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 26

• Qualifying — 5 to 6 p.m. ET on Oct. 26

• Race — 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 27

It's possible to stream the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix without spending anything.

How to watch the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix for free

You can find free live streams of F1 on these platforms:

• Austria — ORF or ServusTV (12 races each)

• Belgium — RTBF (every race)

ORF, ServusTV, and RTBF are geo-restricted, but anyone from around the world can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can access free live streams of F1 from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming services 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 Austria or Belgium

4. Connect to ORF, ServusTV, or RTBF

5. Watch the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix 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 services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming F1 live is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria and Belgium

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back this week with a bunch of exciting matchups, including RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool.

Liverpool have started this season's campaign strongly with two wins from two games, whereas RB Leipzig are still seeking their first win. Liverpool are also top of the Premier League going into this game, so fans will be confident of another win.

If you want to watch RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool?

RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 23. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena.

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool for free

RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool on RTÉ Player 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 Ireland

4. Sign in to RTÉ Player

5. Watch RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool for free 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 access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 RB Leipzig vs. Liverpool in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg in the Europa League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Europa League doesn't get the same level of attention as the Champions League, but there are some really interesting matchups in this year's competition.

Galatasaray are unbeaten after two Europa League games, and next they face Elfsborg at home. The Turkish side will be favorites to win this one, with much expected of star striker Victor Osimhen.

If you want to watch Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg in the Europa League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg?

Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg in the Europa League kicks off at 3:30 p.m. BST on Oct. 23. This fixture takes place at Rams Park.

How to watch Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg for free

Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Europa League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg on Tabii 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 Turkey

4. Sign in to Tabii

5. Watch Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg for free 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Europa League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg (plus more Europa League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons, so a VPN might make a lot of sense in the long run.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

• 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 Galatasaray vs. Elfsborg in the Europa League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Young Boys vs. Inter in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The third round of Champions League fixtures includes some really interesting matchups, including Young Boys vs. Inter. The Swiss side find themselves at the foot of the standings after two games, but they will believe that they can turn things around at home to Inter.

Beating Inter is no small task. The Italian side are unbeaten so far in this year's competition, and are coming off an impressive victory against Roma in Serie A.

If you want to watch Young Boys vs. Inter in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Young Boys vs. Inter?

Young Boys vs. Inter in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 23. This fixture takes place at the Wankdorf Stadium.

How to watch Young Boys vs. Inter for free

Young Boys vs. Inter is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Young Boys vs. Inter on Tabii 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 Turkey

4. Sign in to Tabii

5. Watch Young Boys vs. Inter for free 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Young Boys vs. Inter (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

Tabii is offering free live streams of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League for the next three seasons, so a VPN might make sense if streaming live football for free is your thing.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

• 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 Young Boys vs. Inter in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Atalanta vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free on Tabii. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Atalanta and Celtic have both secured their first win in this year's Champions League, but there is a lot of work to do if they want to proceed to the knockout rounds. Atalanta host Celtic in the third round of fixtures, with expectations high from both sets of fans. It's set to be a close contest between two attacking sides.

If you want to watch Atalanta vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Atalanta vs. Celtic?

Atalanta vs. Celtic in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Oct. 23. This fixture takes place at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

How to watch Atalanta vs. Celtic for free

Atalanta vs. Celtic is available to live stream for free on Tabii.

Tabii is geo-restricted to Turkey, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Turkey, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Atalanta vs. Celtic on Tabii 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 Turkey

4. Sign in to Tabii

5. Watch Atalanta vs. Celtic for free 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Atalanta vs. Celtic (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Tabii?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Turkey

• 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 Atalanta vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free on RTL play. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The third round of Champions League fixtures includes some really interesting games, but Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich is probably the best matchup. Both teams have three points from the first two games, with fans expecting something special from this star-studded battle.

If you want to watch Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich?

Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 23. This fixture takes place at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich for free

Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich is available to live stream for free on RTL play.

RTL play is geo-restricted to Belgium, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Belgium, meaning you can unblock RTL play to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich 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 Belgium

4. Sign in to RTL play

5. Watch Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich for free 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTL play?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Belgium

• 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 Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Long gone are the days of lying to the dentist about whether you floss regularly or not (and trust us, they always know when you're lying). Because flossing has had an upgrade in recent years. These days, it's all about water flossing.

For those who don't know, the water flosser — or oral irrigator to use the technical term — is having a TikTok moment. Indeed, it's the latest trend in hygiene — a TikTok trend that's actually good for you. It will also keep the dentist off your case.

Look, we know the struggle. You're not alone. Flossing can be a hassle, but it is an essential part of maintaining a healthy mouth. For those who can't commit to traditional flossing methods, we recommend checking out water flossers.

Do you actually need to floss?

We're sorry to burst your brushing bubble, but good dental hygiene involves more than just brushing your pearly whites. Brushing is obviously an important part of the process, and still helps to remove plaque and prevent cavities, but you need to do more to keep your teeth healthy and prevent gum disease. Flossing is the answer, because it get in between your teeth to lifts and removes plaque. Flossing helps keep your mouth squeaky clean by reaching all the places that your electric toothbrush can't access. Brushing can only clean the front and back of your teeth, so what about the sides? If you don't clean these areas, you're asking for plaque buildup and gum disease.

How do water flossers work?

It's clear that flossing is absolutely essential, but can you get away with just using a water flosser? The experts at Oral-B state that it's "not recommended to replace traditional flossing with water flossing." Instead, you should incorporate both traditional and water flossing to your daily routine.

Water flossers shoot a stream of water into your mouth to remove food particles and plaque build-up. They get into the periodontal pockets — the gaps between teeth and gums — which prevents gum disease. Another advantage is convenience. There's no fumbling around with slippery floss. They're also great for anyone who wears braces.

How do you use a water flosser?

Water flossers are easy to use, but we'll still breakdown the process so there are no doubts. We're nice like that. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Add water — OK, this might seem obvious, but you'll need water to use your water flosser. Simply fill the reservoir with lukewarm water. Water reservoir capacities will vary model to model.

2. Aim — Don't start your water flosser without first placing the nozzle firmly in your mouth. We wouldn't want you to spray water all over your bathroom. Aim the device away from your target area rather than directly against your teeth and gums.

3. Find your perfect pressure setting — At this point you can play around with the water pressure. The pressure should be high enough to actually get the job done, but always start with the lowest pressure setting and work your way up. Water flossers tend to have a selection of pressure levels to chose from.

4. Direction — Work your way around your mouth, targeting one tooth at a time. Direct the water at your gum line and at the areas between your teeth. There's no golden rule for how long on each tooth, but two seconds is more than enough. Most flossers come with a selection of jet tips that each have a specific cleaning function.

5. Remove water — We've come full circle, and at this point you just need to turn off the device, remove the nozzle, and drain the remaining water from the reservoir. Don't skip this step — leaving water in your reservoir can result in bacterial growth.

6. Cleaning — This whole process is about improving your oral hygiene, so it would kind of defeat the point to not clean your water flosser’s reservoir after every session.

Follow these steps and your dentist is going to ask you for tips.

What is the best water flosser?

We've covered the benefits of flossing, whether water flossers work, and how to use a water flosser, and now there is only one thing left to cover. There are plenty of water flossers on offer from top personal care brands, but which model is the best?

We have checked out everything out there from top brands like Oral-B, Panasonic, and Waterpik, and highlighted a selection of your best options. There should be something for everyone and every budget in this list — for experienced and newbie flossers.

These are the best water flossers in 2024.

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 October 23'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 October 23 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 October 23 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Mickey's friend.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GOOFY.

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 October 23

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.

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 October 23'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 October 23 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:

• Green:

• Blue:

• Purple:

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: Yellow___

• Green: Green___

• Blue: Blue___

• Purple: Purple____

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 #500 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Yellow___: CAB, JACKET, JOURNALISM, PAGES

• Green___: BERET, GOBLIN, SALAD, THUMB

• Blue____: JAY, JEANS, MOON, WHALE

• Purple___: HAZE, HEART, PROSE, RAIN

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 October 23

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.

Why has Elon Musk, whose Twitter/X is reportedly bleeding ad revenue, gone all in on supporting misinformation maven Donald Trump? Why is he bouncing around stages wearing multiple shades of MAGA hat? Why test election law now, so close to November 5, with a dubious $1 million lottery for registered voters in swing states who've signed Musk's equally dubious petition?

These questions are being raised on the campaign trail, after VP candidate Tim Walz joked in a speech Tuesday that Musk was effectively Trump’s VP pick. In a made-for-memes moment, Walz wondered why Musk had started “dancing like a dipshit” at the former president’s rallies.

The answer may not be that Musk has just become a rabid red-pilled true believer. The owner's X feed has long been full of far-right fibs that aren't getting Community Notes, and yet even now he seems reluctant to go down the deepest MAGA rabbit holes — for example, declining to receive a book of conspiracy theories on the 2020 election at his first solo Pennsylvania event this week.

Nor is this about Musk's tax bill. You might think that would be the main reason for the world's richest man to vault a candidate like Trump, who promises to cut his effective tax rate, to the head of the federal government. But based on ProPublica's IRS investigations, Musk likely pays little to no federal income tax already. Trump would try to lower the tax rate on sales of stock, something Musk does a lot — but it's Congress that ultimately decides whether to cut taxes, not the president.

No, it looks increasingly like Musk's main concern is evading consequences from the feds, according to an exhaustive New York Times report.

Four of Musk's companies face a total of "at least 20" federal probes. The Departments of Justice, Labor and Transportation are looking into legal violations and discrimination lawsuits at Tesla, SpaceX and Neuralink. And X? The SEC and the FTC are all over it for alleged violations around Musk's $44 billion purchase. Just this month, Musk was a no-show at a court-ordered SEC interview.

Musk has a history of dragging the SEC and other regulators through long court battles, then paying fines that pale in comparison to his wealth. But now, with so many fronts to fight on, 2025 may be the year that the billionaire's disdain finally catches up with him given the volume of investigations detailed in the New York Times report.

On top of his federal battles, Musk is facing a dozen private lawsuits from Tesla owners' families, three of which are slated to go to trial in 2025. The lawsuits allege that Musk made Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities seem more advanced than they were, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration and the DOJ are looking into the same thing.

Tweet may have been deleted

At the same time, Musk currently holds an incredible amount of sway within the federal government – as one of its largest contractors. The Times dug up nearly $16 billion in contracts for his companies over the last decade, the vast majority with the Pentagon and NASA. And Musk's reliance on government money is growing: last year alone, his companies won $3 billion from a total of 17 federal agencies.

That's 3 billion reasons every year to stymie any investigations that could bring Musk's house of contracts crashing down.

And here's what Trump has offered Musk: his own "government efficiency commission" that would recommend cuts to federal agencies. Crucially, it would also suggest changes to regulations. Trump and his Project 2025 supporters have vowed a sweeping purge of federal government employees. In a second Trump administration, Musk could be one of the most powerful voices at the table deciding the direction of that purge.

There it is: Not a conspiracy theory, but an out-in-the-open offer to let Musk torment his investigators. Musk may dress it up as "D.O.G.E.," referencing one of his favorite memes, but here's how the Times report puts it: The department "would essentially give the world’s richest man and a major government contractor the power to regulate the regulators who hold sway over his companies, amounting to a potentially enormous conflict of interest."

Given the eye-popping amount of money involved, "potentially enormous conflict of interest" could be an understatement. In any case, growing Musk's $3 billion-a-year government business — and safeguarding his businesses from investigations that may tank the stock — is worth bouncing around swing states waving giant checks in any number of MAGA hats.

For nearly as long as the internet has been around, there's a particular rhythm for any curious person with a WiFi connection. You have a question, you Google it, you get an answer. But a mishap during this week's Monday Night Football and the NFL's onside kick rules has show just how unreliable Google can be these days — and how the search giant can help spread misinformation.

The confusion was sparked by an unfortunate turn of events. During the waning moments of the MNF matchup the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers — one of two ESPN games last evening — Bucs star receiver Chris Godwin suffered a gruesome injury with his team trailing by 10 points. Fans wondered why such a star player was on the field at all at when the team was down by two scores with less than a minute remaining in the game.

"We're just trying to win the ballgame," Tampa head coach Todd Bowles told reporters. "We're still down 10, trying to get extra points, kick another onside kick. It just happened."

That quote, in part, sparked the confusion. You see, the NFL revamped its kickoff before this season and changed, well, everything, including the rules for onside kicks. Surprise onside kicks were effectively banned, for instance, because the new "dynamic" kickoff requires the kicking team to declare to the refs they're trying an onside kick. Amid all these changes — and the NFL's penchant for making rules complicated — it tracks that confusion might arise.

Crucially, at one point there was a proposed rule change limiting how many onside kicks a team could attempt. The rule was not adopted — trailing teams can attempt unlimited onside kicks in the fourth quarter — but it did appear in an article in Sporting News that was ultimately corrected. But lots of folks online were under the false impression that, actually, the Bucs had exhausted their onside kick chances and left Godwin in the game despite that fact.

To recap: Viewers reasonably thought the Buccaneers were putting a star player's health at risk in a hopeless situation, all because they mistakenly believed teams had a limited number of attempts to regain possession. In reality, NFL rules allow the Buccaneers to keep trying late-game kicks aimed at recovering the control of the ball. None of this is easy to understand, but it looks like Google may have made matters worse.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

In fact, Google could actually be to blame for all the confusion among viewers. For some reason, Google searches on Monday night resulted in faulty information. After seeing the confusion while watching the game, I searched the rules for myself. Google spat out a clipped answer at the top of the search, citing the corrected Sporting News article, with the wrong information that a team was limited to two onside kicks per game. It's not clear when, exactly, Sporting News made its correction, so it's possible Google was slow in simply catching up to a correction made by the outlet. But Google showed me an answer no longer present in the article itself.

But Google's AI-powered search — a quite controversial feature — got it wrong as well. Its AI overview told me an NFL team was limited to one onside kick per game. It's almost funny to not only get the information wrong, but to get it wrong with two different incorrect answers — though it appears the AI overview was different for other users.

Mashable reached out to Google for comment and will update the story if and when we receive a response.

A quite faulty result from Google search. Credit: Screenshot: Google Credit: Screenshot: Google

While this situation is relatively low stakes, it is a frightening representation of how quickly misinformation spreads online — especially with Google's aid. Things move fast. It's not just random people who get tripped up. For instance, a respected sports publication like Awful Announcing shared the wrong information, which, of course, would confuse more folks scrolling.

Credit: Screenshot: X

It's not hard to imagine the person running Awful Announcing's X account doing a quick Google, getting fed false info, then posting it. Ultimately Awful Announcing's post was corrected — as were Google's results — but the misinformation had already been spread.

Seasoned NFL reporters and even the guy who invented the new kind of kickoff were getting mixed up.

Tweet may have been deleted

Granted, it does not help that the NFL has a way of making a terribly complicated rulebook. That opens avenues for human errors that trickle their way into Google's results.

But do you know what else is complicated and ripe for human errors and fabrication? Politics. International conflict. Climate change. What happens when the familiar muscle memory of Googling can no longer be trusted?

As Mashable has covered in detail, Google search has run into numerous problems lately. The internet is flooded with low-quality content looking to answer common search queries. Court documents and reporting have suggested that perhaps Google has become more focused on ad dollars than reliable search results. And, let's not forget, AI search overview's rollout got a pretty disastrous response from the public. In total, it stands to reason that folks should double check anything they Google.

So yes, the rules of an NFL game aren't terribly important in the grand scheme of things. But the ease with which bad information can spread via Google is much bigger than anything that happened between the Bucs and Ravens.

Only Murders in the Building is a delight on many levels, from the joys of comedic cozy crime, to the thrill of playing along in trying to crack the case, to reveling in the incredible chemistry of its amateur sleuths. But one of the biggest joys is watching longtime friends and colleagues Martin Short and Steve Martin mercilessly mock each other in character and on the press tour.

As rough as Oliver and Charles (or Short and Martin) are on each other, you can feel the deep bond of brotherhood that's spanned decades all the way back to the 1986 comedy gem The Three Amigos. And in the latest episode of Only Murders, they pulled from a real-life staple of their friendship for an emotional moment. 

Charles and Oliver fight and make up in a very Steve and Martin way. Credit: Hulu

In Season 4 episode 9, "Escape from Planet Klongo," Charles and Oliver get into a very public fight on the set of the latest Ron Howard movie. Pushed to the brink by Oliver's demands for a top-notch bachelor party, Charles unloads on him, calling him "insufferable" — while both are dressed in mo-cap suits before a squad of background actors and production crew. Shortly thereafter, however, Charles apologizes and the two go for lunch at a Chinese restaurant called Red Dragon Palace. 

"You know we're going to be friends to the end," Oliver offers once they're seated. Charles can't handle the emotional honesty, so the pair hide behind their menus while they dive into this vulnerable heart-to-heart. As Oliver reassures Charles that they are friends for life, he says assuringly, "We can get colonoscopies together."

That right there is a thing Martin and Short (or Steve and Martin) do together in real life. 

Martin Short and Steve Martin throw colonoscopy parties together.  Credit: Hulu

In Short's charming 2014 autobiography, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, Short detailed this tradition, which happens every other year. He, Martin, Tom Hanks (who also gets mentioned in this ep), and producer Walter Parks get together for a purposeful slumber party at Steve Martin's home. They spend the night playing poker, eating Jell-O and broth, and spending ample time in the bathroom cleansing their systems for the exam, which is scheduled for the following day. In the book, Short clarifies they are not in the same room when the exam happens. But they all drive together to their synced appointments and go out for lunch and margaritas afterward. 

In 2018, Martin and Short talked about this on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Short said the one downside of this bonding experience is Martin's home only has one bathroom. "By 10 p.m. the bathroom looks like day 14 of a Carnival Cruise."

If you're thinking this sounds familiar, but you somehow missed Martin's autobiography, the Kimmel appearance, and the waves both made online, maybe you saw "Join the Club," the episode of Max's Hacks in which fictional comedienne Deborah Vance is invited to a colonoscopy party of older male comics, whom she greatly admires (or envies). That does seem to be a point of inspiration for the show, though perhaps the concept has caught on among older comedians looking to be health-conscious and supportive through all kinds of shit (literally). 

This is all to say that this bit of dialogue about colonoscopies in Only Murders of the Building isn't an idle punchline. It harkens back to a real thing in the enduring friendship between two legendary comedians, whose bond translates beautifully onscreen still. Who needs friendship bracelets?

Only Murders in the Building Season 4 is now streaming on Hulu, with a new episode every Tuesday.

If you've ever wanted to smell a movie, you're in luck. A24 will be hosting multi-sensory experience screenings of the upcoming horror film Heretic, complete with the smell of blueberry pie.

SEE ALSO: 'Heretic' trailer teases Hugh Grant at his scariest

Why blueberry pie, you may ask? The answer lies in Heretic's first spooky trailer. The film, directed by A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, sees Mormon missionaries Sister Barnes (Yellowjackets' Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (The Fabelmans' Chloe East) visit the home of the kindly seeming Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant). At first, the young women are hesitant to enter Reed's house, as they need a woman present. He assures them that his wife is just in the kitchen, baking some blueberry pie.

But when Barnes and Paxton discover that the delicious smell of blueberry pie is just the result of a scented candle, they'll realize that Mr. Reed is much more devious than he initially seemed — and he has a horrifying series of trials that will test their faith planned for them.

To smell along to Heretic with Paxton and Barnes, head to Alamo Drafthouse theaters on Oct. 30 for the film's one-night-only scented screenings. The screenings are the result of a partnership between A24 and Joya Studio, which is also behind A24's scented Genre Candles.

Multi-sensory Heretic screenings hit Alamo Drafthouses Oct. 30. The film hits theaters Nov. 8.

GET FREE YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE BOOKS: It's Stuff Your Kindle Day, and this time the theme is romance. Download dozens of free romance sci-fi books today.

Stuff Your Kindle Day young-adult romance highlights Best overall deal 'The Divine and the Cursed' by J.E. Reed $0.00 at Amazon (save $0.99) Get Deal Best clean young-adult romance deal 'The Day of the Dice' by Sophie Toovey $0.00 at Amazon (save $3.99) Get Deal Best contemporary young-adult romance deal 'Girls Who Lie Together' by Jessa Russo $0.00 at Amazon (save $5.99) Get Deal

Attention readers: There are hundreds of free Kindle books today at Amazon as part of the wonderful Stuff Your Kindle Day. You'd assume that means you need a Kindle device, but you can also read these free romance digital books with a Kobo or Nook. If you don't have these devices, you can also download these books and read them on your smartphone since the titles are also available on Google Play and Apple Books apps. If, however, you're interested in grabbing a new Kindle, the Mashable favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

This time the event is centered around romance novels and covers a huge range of subcategories like historical romance, sweet and clean romance, and even paranormal romance. But if your partial to young adult books, you're in for a great treat because dozens of titles are included in today's deal. Here are some top picks to get you started:

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 'The Divine and the Cursed' by J.E. Reed $0.00 at Amazon
$0.99 Save $0.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Flagged as one of the best BookTok picks, The Divine and the Cursed by J.E. Reed is the first book in the Fae of Alastríona series. With love and survival as the predominant themes, The Divine and the Cursed takes readers on a journey with 18-year-old Arianna, a half-bread Fae sold into slavery who faces some tricky choices when she winds up in the company of her country's greatest enemy.

Best clean young-adult romance deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 'The Day of the Dice' by Sophie Toovey $0.00 at Amazon
$3.99 Save $3.99 Get Deal Why we like it

For those looking for a clean young adult romance novel, The Day of the Dice by Sophie Toovey takes us on a dystopian retelling on the classic story Pride and Prejudice. Elise is headed to her day of the dice where she'll be paired off, surviving as one of the last 10 families on Earth. She wants nothing more to escape her fate, but while planning, she runs into love and must decide what her future will hold.

While the Kindle version of The Day of the Dice usually costs $3.99, it's currently free at Amazon.

Best contemporary young-adult romance deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 'Girls Who Lie Together' by Jessa Russo $0.00 at Amazon
$5.99 Save $5.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're a fan of contemporary young adult novels, check out Girls Who Lie Together by Jessa Russo which is free today in Kindle version instead of the normal price of $5.99. What was meant to be a minor act of disobedience lands Renata in trouble and sent away to a work program in New Orleans. It seems like the worst summer ever, but Ren soon meets Brit who turns out to be exactly what she's always needed. But as first loves tend to go, the relationship ends with heart break. However, what happens when the two girls meet again is some thing no one ever expected.

More free young adult romance titles at Amazon:

• Chrysanthemum Palace by Morgana Sinclayr — $0 $0.99

• The Curse of the Arcadian Stone: Vol. 1 Stolen Oath by S.R. Breaker — $0 $0.99

• When Then Became Now by Monique Rardin Richardson — $0 $0.99

• Don't Dare Love by Sonya Jesus — $0 $2.99

• Love, Anonymous by Keighley Bradford — $0 $2.99

• Riptide by Sarah Swartz — $0 $2.99

• Desperation by C.B. Stone — $0 $3.99

• Starlight by Nikki Chartier — $0 $3.99

• So Damn Sketchy by Bonnie Kent — $0 $4.50

• Marked by Bridget E. Baker — $0 $5.99

ElonJet, the social media account that tracks Elon Musk's jet, has been banned once again.

But this time it's not by Elon Musk and X, formerly Twitter. The account has been banned there since December 2022. (The platform allows an alternative version of ElonJet which posts Musk's jet's travels on a 24-hour delay.)

This time ElonJet has been banned by Mark Zuckerberg and Meta. And it's not alone. Also banned this week were Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts that tracked the private jet travels of Zuckerberg, Musk, Donald Trump, Kim Kardashian, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Kylie Jenner, Ron DeSantis, among other celebrities.

Meta bans celebrity jet trackers

It appears that as of this week, real-time celebrity jet trackers are no longer permitted on Meta's platforms.

"Given the risk of physical harm to individuals, and in keeping with the independent Oversight Board’s recommendation, we’ve disabled these accounts for violating our privacy policy," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.

The ban of the previously mentioned profiles was first confirmed by the owner of those accounts, college student Jack Sweeney. Sweeney also ran the ElonJet account on then-Twitter prior to Musk banning it.

Post by @jacksweeney View on Threads

In a statement, Sweeney shared that Meta had not reached out to him before suspending all of his jet tracking accounts.

"Today feels like December 15th 2022," Sweeney said, referring to the day Twitter retroactively changed its policies and, controversially, removed Sweeney's account. 

At the time, Musk's company also suspended a number of journalists who shared the ElonJet Instagram account on Twitter, including the author of this post. 

After the policy change at Twitter, Sweeney moved many of his celebrity jet tracking accounts to Meta-owned platforms.

"It’s wild how tracking public info can be so controversial, my flight tracking accounts on Instagram and Threads hadn’t violated rules for years," Sweeney shared on Threads. "The only account that was suspended before yesterday was the Taylor Swifts [sic] jet tracking account, when Swifts [sic] team requested Meta to remove the account last Dec/Jan."

Sweeney uses ADS-B flight tracking data, which is publicly available information required by the FAA, to track these celebrity jets. Numerous flight tracking websites provide this information to the public. While Meta cited privacy concerns as the reason behind the bans, the jet tracking data does not show who is onboard the aircraft nor does it provide information as to where they travel before or after the flights.

The Internet Archive can't catch a break.

Just a day after the Internet Archive posted the restoration of its Wayback Machine and other services on its blog, the site has gone dark again. As of this writing, a visit to the Archive’s homepage shows a message confirming that while Archive-It and its blog are back online, the rest of the Internet Archive’s services remain temporarily unavailable.

This is the page you'll be greeted with when going to archive.org Credit: Internet Archive / Mashable Screenshot

It’s another frustrating setback for users who rely on the digital library’s vast resources, though details on who is causing this new disruption are still unclear. At this point, it looks like this is the fourth—yes, fourth—cyberattack on the Internet Archive since the beginning of October.

The first breach, on October 9th, saw two separate groups of hackers compromise the personal data of 31 million users, including emails, screen names, and encrypted passwords. Following that, a second and third attack targeted the Archive's Zendesk support system— with the hackers even responding to support requests sent to IA.

The timing of these attacks on the Internet Archive—and other online book repositories like the British and Toronto public libraries—couldn’t be worse. With the Internet Archive having already lost legal battles with publishing giants like Hachette, HarperCollins, and Penguin Random House, these cyberattacks only add to the chaos.

This article will be updated as more information is gathered.