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Particles blasting from a supermassive black hole jet appear to be traveling at nearly the speed of light — much faster than scientists had previously clocked them, according to new research.

While most observations of black holes in space are with radio telescopes, a research team used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to study their jets in a new light — literally. What they found with the X-ray telescope was surprising. 

"We've shown a new approach to studying jets, and I think there's a lot of interesting work to be done," said David Bogensberger, lead author of the study, in a statement. 

SEE ALSO: Scientists found a colossal black hole near the dawn of time In a composite image of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Centaurus A galaxy, jets are seen blasting from the accretion disk in opposite directions. Credit: ESO / WFI / MPIfR / ESO / APEX / A.Weiss et al. / NASA / CXC / CfA /R.Kraft et al.

Black holes were little more than a theory 50 years ago — a kooky mathematical solution to a physics problem — and even astronomers at the top of their field weren't entirely convinced they existed. 

Today, not only are supermassive black holes accepted science, they're getting their pictures taken by a collection of enormous, synced-up radio dishes on Earth. Supermassive black holes, millions to billions of times more massive than the sun, are thought to lurk at the center of virtually all large galaxies.

What we know is this: Falling into a black hole is an automatic death sentence. Any cosmic stuff that wanders too close reaches a point of no return. But scientists have observed something weird at the edge of black holes' accretion disks, the ring of rapidly spinning material around the hole, like the swirl of water around a bathtub drain: A tiny amount of that stuff can suddenly get rerouted. 

When that happens, high-energy particles can get flung outward as a pair of jets, blasting in opposite directions, though astronomers haven't figured out exactly how they work. Jets give out prominent radio emissions, but have also been observed to be surprisingly bright in X-rays, too. 

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory spacecraft launched in 1999. Credit: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center illustration

So Bogensberger, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, decided to look at the black hole at the center of Centaurus A, one of the brightest galaxies in the sky, about 12 million light-years from Earth, in X-rays. For reference, one light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles. 

Using data already captured by the space observatory between 2000 and 2022, Bogensberger developed a computer algorithm to track bright lumps within the jets that astronomers call knots. Following knots during a set timeframe is a way to measure the speed.  

After tracking one knot in particular, the team found it traveling at least 94 percent the speed of light. That was significantly faster than what scientists had seen in radio waves, with a knot from the same black hole jet, moving at 80 percent the speed of light. The paper has been published in The Astrophysical Journal. 

Not only did the team discover faster clumps in the X-ray band, but the data also showed that the fastest knots weren't the ones closest to the black hole, as was seen in radio waves. Instead, the fastest knots were those around the mid-region of the jets. 

What does all of that mean? The answer is a big shrug emoji right now, but Bogensberger intends to use his method to collect more data observing the jets of other supermassive black holes.

"A key to understanding what’s going on in the jet could be understanding how different wavelength bands trace different parts of the environment," he said. "Now we have that possibility."

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 30, 2024:

AcrossSubculture with dyed black hair and black lipstick

• The answer is Goth.

Grade boost after a tough test

• The answer is Curve.

"___ the Horrible" (classic comic strip)

• The answer is Hagar.

Sidestep

• The answer is Evade.

Ceiling spinners

• The answer is Fans.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 30 DownGreen-and-pink tropical fruit

• The answer is Guava.

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" instrument

• The answer is Organ.

Commercials during shows

• The answer is TVAds.

"Take this"

• The answer is Here.

"I refer to everybody as '___' because it's a sign of respect" (line from "The Bear")

• The answer is Chef.

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 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: How sweet!

These words are buddies.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words that refer to friendships. 

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 CandyStore.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 30

• Toffee

• Gumdrop

• CandyStore

• Chocolate

• Lollipop

• Licorice

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 30 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 30

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.

The Pennsylvania plant, site of the worst U.S. nuclear energy accident, is at the forefront of efforts to expand nuclear capacity to meet rising electricity demand.

As their children are sentenced for fraud, the parents of FTX’s top leaders have described their disbelief at how the crypto exchange upended their lives.

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 just reminded me what I love about Chromebooks. As someone who is deep into the Google ecosystem in my work and personal life, as well as owning an Android phone (e.g., Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra), it's so much more convenient for me as opposed to the M2 MacBook Air that I use.

At setup, I was asked to log in with my Google credentials, and it didn't leave me floundering. (No offense to Microsoft, but since I don't use the likes of OneDrive, Teams, nor other Microsoft properties often, I can never remember my Microsoft credentials, making setting up Windows laptops a pain.)

With an attractive sub-$500 starting price tag, for a split second, I wondered whether I'd be better off with a Chromebook — but one dealbreaker slapped me right back into reality. Still, I'd argue it's one of the best Chromebooks you can buy.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 price and specs

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714, as of this writing, starts $499 via Best Buy and comes with the following specs:

• Intel Core i5-1335U

• 8GB of RAM

• 256GB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel display

• ChromeOS

If you want a bump in performance, you can upgrade the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 to an Intel Core Ultra 5 115U (this review is based on this configuration) — this will require an additional $200 for a price of $699.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $499.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $699.96 at Best Buy
Get Deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 design

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714's design language just speaks to me. You really can't go wrong with a gray-and-rose-gold color scheme.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

The entire aluminum chassis comes in Steel Gray — the only color option for the Acer laptop. But what gives this laptop an edge is the rose gold touches that you can find on the hinges and the reflective trim that surrounds the touchpad.

Speaking of the hinges, as you can tell by the name "Spin," the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 would be a contortionist if it was personified as a human. It's bendable and flexible, which means it can transform into a number of different postures: tent mode, tablet mode, and more.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

Tent mode is perfect for anyone who wants the display to take center stage, making it easy to enjoy streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu on the Chromebook Plus Spin 714.

If you want to draw and take notes, you can use tablet mode. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 supports styli, like this one on Amazon, but it doesn't ship with one, which is unfortunate. However, the downside of tablet mode — and this is across all 2-in-1 laptops — is that you'll feel the keyboard under your fingers while using it, which always gave me the ick.

One of the top selling points of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is that it meets MIL-STD 810H standards, which means it has military-grade durability. In other words, you can rest assured that it can withstand everyday wear and tear. (This makes this an ideal "starter laptop" for young children who tend to have butterfingers with tech.)

It's also worth noting that the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has quite a bit of heft. It's not heavy, but this isn't a laptop that would make me say, "Whoa! This is so thin-and-light!"

It weighs 3.21 pounds and has a slimness of 0.74 inches.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 display

I wasn't expecting the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's display to blow me away. Remember: it costs less than $700.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon

It sports a 14-inch. 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. This aspect ratio is growing more popular among laptops (16:9 used to be the traditional option), and I'm happy about it. It provides more vertical screen space, so you can enjoy more display real estate for scrolling through the web, reading documents, and more.

However, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's display performed a lot better than I expected. I watched a couple of trailers, including Snow White (2025), and the screen perfectly captured Rachel Zegler's warm ivory skin tone. The textures are so vivid, I could practically feel the yellow tulle of the dress Zegler twirled in during one whimsical scene.

One thing to be aware of, however, is that the brightness is quite low, clocking in at about 340 nits. As such, you'll likely have a bit of trouble seeing the screen in sunny environments.

But if you plan on using the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 indoors, it's got an above-average display for a Chromebook.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 ports

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with a decent variety of ports.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

On the left side, you'll find the following:

• USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 (2)

• HDMI 2.0

On the right side:

• USB-A (3.2 Gen 1)

• Headset jack

On the left side, you'll find the power button, but the volume rocker lives on the right side. The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 audio

The worst aspect of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 is its audio quality. You can't win 'em all, right?

The upward-firing speakers flank the keyboard, but I'm not a fan of the sound quality. I fired up Sabrina Carpenter's hit song "Espresso" via Apple Music (downloaded from the Google Play Store), and while it could get sufficiently loud at max volume, the tune sounded a bit tinny, metallic, and flat.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 keyboard and trackpad

I'm a keyboard snob, and I can't get enough of the Chromebook Plus Spin 714's satisfying keyboard. The minute the keys actuate, they springboard you to the next letter, creating a seamless, rhythmic typing experience.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The keys are clicky and snappy, but they're also not loud enough to earn side-eyes from annoyed co-workers and classmates.

Bonus points for the keyboard's high visibility between with the well-contrasted white-and-dark gray keys. Plus, you can adjust the white backlight on the keyboard by pressing the ALT and brightness key (next to the mute button) in the function row.

The trackpad isn't half bad either. It was responsive while I pushed it to the edge with my erratic actions.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 benchmarks and performance

On Geekbench 6, which tests how well a laptop can handle real-world applications (e.g., PDF rendering, ray tracing, image editing, and file compression) Chromebook Plus Spin 714 delivered a score of 5,223.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This score is OK. But I'm not too concerned with this performance figure because ChromeOS is designed to lightweight tasks that run through cloud-passed applications (rather than relying on local processing power).

Most Chromebook tasks (e.g., using Google Docs, streaming videos, web browsing) happen online, meaning these laptops rely on cloud servers for heavy processing, minimizing the need for powerful hardware.

Even while pushing Google Chrome to its limit with about 40 tabs, I didn't notice any slowdowns nor laggy behavior.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 battery life

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714, packed with a 53 watt-hour battery, is advertised as having up to 10 hours of battery life.

According to our video rundown test, which involves a nonstop video loop of a 1080p video, the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 lasted about 9 hours on a single charge — 8 hours and 57 minutes to be exact. This is a bit of a dealbreaker for me. Ten-hour battery life, at minimum, is a must.

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Google AI

AI isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it's definitely mine. I'm cautiously optimistic about the sudden resurgence artificial intelligence.

Google Gemini on Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

While you can experience Google Gemini on any laptop or phone, this suite of Google-based AI practically lives inside this ChromeOS laptop, allowing you to right click anywhere in the screen to get summaries on webpages, companionship for writing, and even creating high-res backgrounds for your video calls.

Creating summaries is quick and easy, and it worked like a charm. For example, on Mashable, I asked Gemini to give me a straightforward answer to why, exactly, iPhone 16 Pro batteries are more expensive to replace (as the headline suggested) — and it "read" the article and spat back the answer to me in a quick and concise response.

I asked Gemini to help me summarize a story on Mashable Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And I didn't even have to read a single word.

The one issue I have with Gemini is that, at times, it can be painfully slow. For example, I tried to create a background image for my Google Meet call, and it took so long to generate (over 9 minutes), I eventually gave up and closed the laptop.

It took almost a lifetime to generate an AI background. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 comes with 12 months of the Google One AI Premium Plan (this plan includes access to Gemini Advanced and 2TB of storage, and Gemini in Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and more).

Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 webcam

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a 1440p webcam, and as much as I dislike using this trite phrase, there really isn't much to write home about.

Webcam picture with Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's not the crispest, clearest webcam, as one would expect from a sub-$700 webcam, but it does the job. It still was able to accurately capture my complexion and my burgundy top.

Is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 worth it?

The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 has a better-than-expected display, an excellent keyboard, a sophisticated design, and military-tested durability. However, the screen brightness isn't that great, the sound quality is mid, and the battery life could be better.

If it weren't for the battery life, I'd consider giving the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 a spot in our best cheap laptops list.

On the plus side, there's a laptop for everyone. I'd recommend the Chromebook Plus Spin 714 for budget-conscious users who are looking for a laptop that can be stationed on a desk at home. I'd also suggest this Chromebook for a tween who doesn't need a high-powered, long-lasting work station — they'll be happy with a laptop with a great display and decent performance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy / Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 $699.99 at Best Buy
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TL;DR: Study IT at your own pace with the Complete 2025 Developer and IT Skills Bundle for $59.99 (reg. $936). 

So, you’re thinking about getting into the IT industry, but you're wondering where to start. With so many paths —from network security to ethical hacking — it can feel overwhelming. But it's a whole lot easier with help, and the Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer and IT Super Skills Bundle is where to get it. 

This 24-course bundle isn’t just about certifications; it’s about building a strong foundation to launch your career in tech. Whether you’re brand-new to the field or pivoting from another industry, this collection of 24 courses gives you the tools to break into IT with confidence, and it's on sale for $59.99 (reg. $936) at the Mashable Shop. 

300 hours of comprehensive IT courses

This bundle gets you started right away. You'll dive into beginner-friendly courses that teach you core concepts like system security, networking, and risk management. If you're aiming for your first IT role, certification prep courses like SSCP and CompTIA Security+ are great ways to stand out — and this bundle helps you prepare for them step-by-step. The SSCP course walks you through creating secure systems and managing access controls, key skills employers look for when hiring entry-level IT talent.

What makes this bundle even better? It covers advanced topics too. There are lessons on ethical hacking and NIST’s Risk Management Framework, so you’ll build both practical and theoretical knowledge.

That means whether you’re interested in working as a systems analyst, cybersecurity consultant, or security operations specialist, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge. Plus, every course is accessible on both desktop and mobile, so you can study at your own pace, whether you’re squeezing in lessons during lunch breaks or diving deep over the weekend.

Don't wait to start your IT education. 

Get the Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer and IT Super Skills Bundle on sale for $59.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: CommerceNova The Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer & IT Super Skills Bundle $59.99 at the Mashable Shop
$936.00 Save $876.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get 18 bottles of wine shipped to your door for $79 (reg. $270) plus $39.95 for shipping. Choose from red, white or mixed bottles.

The holidays are around the corner, and that means gathering with friends and family, planning special dinners, and pulling out your favorite recipes. But if you’ve ever hosted a party or attended an event only to realize halfway through that you didn’t have the right wine on hand, you know how quickly the mood can fall flat. A well-stocked wine rack makes all the difference, and you don't even have to leave home to make that happen. 

Swirl Wine Shop has a limited-time offer for 18 bottles of wine in a beautifully curated collection, and they ship them right to your door. Sounds expensive? It's only $79 plus shipping, a big discount from the regular $270 price. 

Pairs well with in-laws

Not everyone loves a bold merlot or a sweet riesling, but don't worry. You can choose from three collections: 18 bottles of red wine, 18 bottles of white wine, or a mixed selection with reds, whites, and a few summery rosés. Each collection includes 750ml standard bottles from regions across the globe, such as Spain, Chile, and South Africa.

The Red Favorites collection is excellent if you prefer wine that pairs well with hearty meals and grilled foods. With notes of dark cherries and cocoa, these bottles complement braised meats or barbecue, creating a perfect pairing for cooler weather dinners.

The White Wine collection offers a range of light, refreshing wines that bring a bit of sunshine into your glass. Think porch nights, spring gatherings, or brunches where chardonnay and white blends take center stage. For those who want the best of both worlds, the mixed collection balances red, white, and rosé, ensuring you’re ready for everything from summer cookouts to cozy evenings by the fire.

Some highlights include Apt, a Garnacha Tempranillo blend from Spain, known for its vibrant raspberry notes with subtle hints of vanilla. Cachetón, a fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, offers smooth textures with cranberry undertones, making it ideal for cheese boards and casual dinners. Each bottle feels carefully selected for quality and flavor, with some even winning awards in blind-tasting competitions.

While the shipping fee of $39.95 isn’t included in the $79 price, it's hard to argue with 18 bottles of wine delivered to your door.

Go ahead — put some mileage on your corkscrew. 

Get a Swirl Wine Shop set of 18 Wines for $79 (reg. $270). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Swirl Wine Shop Swirl Wine Shop - 18 Bottles of Red, White or Mixed Wines for just $79 plus shipping $79.00 at the Mashable Shop
$270.00 Save $191.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: A license to Microsoft Office 2024 is available for a one-time price of $159.97 through November 3, giving you lifetime access to key productivity tools.

Why deal with subscription fees when you can own your productivity tools for life? Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business offers lifetime access with a one-time purchase of $159.97 (reg. $249), letting you unlock the full suite with no recurring payments: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Whether you’re managing projects for work, school, or personal life, this edition provides all the tools you need to stay productive.

What’s new in Office 2024? For starters, Excel now allows you to handle larger datasets and multiple workbooks at once, making it easier to work on complex projects and analysis. PowerPoint ups your presentation game with new features for recording presentations, including integrated voice narration and live camera feeds, which can help add a personal touch, especially during virtual meetings or remote work settings. Outlook now comes with an upgraded accessibility checker that ensures your emails are clear, readable, and meet accessibility standards, helping you communicate more effectively.

Office 2024’s streamlined interface is designed to be intuitive, with a unified look across apps, making it easier to jump between tasks and stay organized. Whether you're preparing financial reports, creating presentations, or simply managing everyday tasks, this suite works seamlessly across both Macs and PCs.

This one-time payment guarantees lifetime access to all of these tools.

Say goodbye to monthly fees and hello to a better way to work — score a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC for $159.97 until November 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $159.97
$249.99 Save $90.02 Get Deal

TL;DR: Score this 4-piece Moissanite jewelry gift set for $79.99 (reg. $154) and add some serious sparkle to her holiday stocking.

Looking for a gift that’s bound to outshine the holiday lights? This 4-piece Moissanite jewelry gift set for $79.99 is the answer to all your gifting worries. Forget scrambling for something last minute — this set has got all the bling without the price tag, so you can impress without emptying your wallet. 

This set includes an adjustable ring, earrings, necklace, and bracelet, all featuring lab-created Moissanite stones that sparkle brighter than your aunt’s holiday decorations. These ethically crafted stones are known for their superior brilliance and fire, offering the allure of diamonds without the high price. It's been crafted from premium sterling silver, ensuring both timeless beauty and lasting durability.

With a total carat weight of 3 carats, the set includes a 1-carat ring, 0.5-carat earrings (each), and a 1-carat pendant. The adjustable ring fits sizes 5 to 12, making it a versatile gift, while the hypoallergenic materials ensure it’s safe for sensitive skin. Plus, Moissanite is scratch-resistant, so these pieces will maintain their sparkle for years to come, complementing both modern and classic styles. So, if you want to win the holidays without stressing, a little shine goes a long way.

For a limited time, save 48% (reg. $154) and get this 4-piece Moissanite jewelry gift set on sale for $79.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Celino Jewelry 4-Piece Elegant Moissanite Jewelry Gift Set with Adjustable Ring $79.99
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NASA's car-sized Perseverance rover is making a hard slog.

The space agency's robot is fighting both steep and slippery terrain as it ascends the wall of Mars' Jezero Crater, the site of once vigorously flowing water. The Mars rover is headed to more sites that may reveal whether the Red Planet ever hosted microbial life. It took advantage of the elevation to capture an expansive vista of its 3.5-year-journey.

"The image not only shows our past and present, but also shows the biggest challenge to getting where we want to be in the future," Rick Welch, Perseverance’s deputy project manager, said in a statement. "If you look at the right side of the mosaic, you begin to get an idea what we’re dealing with. Mars didn’t want to make it easy for anyone to get to the top of this ridge."

SEE ALSO: Aliens haven't contacted us. Scientists found a compelling reason why.

The mosaic below shows dozens of sites of exploration significance (as well as other Mars landmarks) as Perseverance and its six metallic tires rumbled across the Martian desert — a place now 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth. The labels can be tough to read, so the broad vista is followed up by two close-ups: An area showing where NASA's experimental and record-breaking Ingenuity helicopter crashed, and the region where the rover dramatically landed in 2021.

An annotated image from the Perseverance rover showing significant spots on the robot's journey through the Jezero Crater. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS At center-right, the "Ingenuity" label shows where the small robotic helicopter rests in the desert after 72 successful flights. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS At center, the location of the Perseverance rover's landing site in 2021. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ASU / MSSS

Along its journey through Jezero Crater this year, the rover discovered a curious leopard-spotted rock that incited profound scientific interest. The unique white splotches may have been created by microbial organisms. "The rock exhibits chemical signatures and structures that could possibly have been formed by life billions of years ago when the area being explored by the rover contained running water," NASA said in a statement. But, crucially, much more research, over many years, is needed to confirm this possibility. The sample collected by the rover must be brought back to Earth — a highly complex and costly Mars Sample Return mission the agency is currently assessing.

Tweet may have been deleted

Ascending the crater's edge has proven daunting. The sand is loose, and the heavy rover slips. "For every two steps forward Perseverance takes, we were taking at least one step back," Camden Miller, the rover's remote driver, explained. The team has tried driving backwards up the steep terrain, and has crisscrossed back and forth across the slope, "switchbacking" like hikers traveling up a mountain.

Once the rover completes its ascent, it will sleuth out more sites that may hold clues to Mars' past climate and habitability. In the future, Martian missions will also search the planet's subsurface for hints of life: Life may have teemed, or even currently teem, in subsurface areas protected from the planet's extreme radiation and cold.

Seeking kid-friendly entertainment that is sure to satisfy? Netflix has a ton of options, but frankly, they can be overwhelming. We've made things simple by highlighting 15 excellent films that'll delight children — or those who are still children at heart.

Whether you want a stellar movie musical, a madcap adventure, a spooky treat, or something to get you in the holiday spirit, we've got you covered.

Here are the 15 best kids' movies now streaming on Netflix.

1. Over the Moon (2020) Credit: Netflix

Young Fei Fei is enchanted by the story of the moon goddess Chang'e and the legend of her lover. Still mourning the death of her mother, Fei Fei takes unkindly to her father finding new love and decides to build a rocket to the moon to find Chang'e. She finds a magical world beyond her imagining and must reconcile the fantasy of the moon with the life that awaits her on Earth. Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, and Sandra Oh star, so yes, Over the Moon is a powerhouse lineup of Asian American acting talent. — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Over the Moon is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: Chang'e's elaborate character design is the superstar of Netflix's 'Over the Moon' 2. Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017)

After working as an animator for Japan's animation legend Hayao Miyazaki on classics like Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle, Hiromasa Yonebayashi decided to start directing his own features — 2017's Mary and the Witch's Flower was his third. Based on the classic 1971 novel The Little Broomstick, it tells the story of a teenager named Mary Smith who lives on the British country estate of her great aunt and who, through a random series of happenstances, finds herself flying on a magical broomstick to a great big witches academy in the clouds. (Quite the series of random happenstances, that.) Basically it feels like a Japanese spin on Harry Potter, just sans any of the transphobic J.K. Rowling baggage that weighs that franchise down now. Win win! — J.A.

How to watch: Mary and the Witch's Flower is now streaming on Netflix. 

3. Nimona (2023) Credit: Netflix

Set in a world that madly mixes the medieval with pop futurism, Nimona tells the story of the good-hearted knight named Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Riz Ahmed), who pulled himself up by his commoner bootstraps to become a valiant protector of the Kingdom. Unfortunately, somebody with old-school ideas of the class system doesn't much like the look of all that upward mobility, and Ballister finds himself framed for the murder of the realm's much beloved Queen Vaerlin (Lorraine Toussaint). 

Enter Nimona (Chloë Grace Moretz), a rascally teenage outcast with the magical ability to shape-shift, who's embraced everyone's fear of her powers to play at being the bad-ass. Seeing Ballister's downfall, Nimona thinks she's found a partner in her little league of villainy. Claiming his innocence, Ballister vehemently disagrees. But he needs her help, and the two end up hitting it off despite their differences as they dodge the law. 

Queer as all get out — Ballister's got himself a boyfriend, and Nimona's shape-shifting is Trans Representation 101 – this wondrously exciting and funny adventure from directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (based on ND Stevenson's 2015 graphic novel) had a tortured path to the screen, all because of its big, beautiful rainbow-colored heart. But this is one that will withstand the test of time and bigotry, because it's simply a rippingly awesome yarn, told with masterful panache and deep wells of emotion. — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Nimona is now streaming on Netflix.

4. Ella Enchanted (2004)

A year before she put on that bleached blonde wig to play Jack Twist's beard in Brokeback Mountain, Anne Hathaway was still making her transition to adult roles, having gained fame thanks to her winning turn in the Princess Diaries films. 2004's Ella Enchanted represents the silly high point of that transition; it’s a musical satire of fairy tales that beat Amy Adams' Enchanted to the punch by three whole years.  

Cursed by a fairy upon birth with the "gift" of obedience, Ella (Hathaway) grows up being bossed around by all and in terror of somebody finding out she's literally incapable of saying no, lest they exploit her recklessly. Whisked off on an adventure with a handsome prince (Hugh Dancy), she faces down elf bigotry and murder plots all with a sweet song on her lips. I'll leave it to you to suss out whether she finds her happily ever after while singing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" in wedding white gogo boots. — J.A.

How to watch: Ella Enchanted is now streaming on Netflix. 

5. Klaus (2019) Credit: Netflix

It might be a Christmas movie, but Netflix's own original about spoiled postman-in-training Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), who happens upon an old toymaker, is a lovely and rewatchable film year-round. He becomes the go-between for the toymaker, Klaus (J.K. Simmons), and the local children who write him letters hoping for toys. The story spins out to become the origin of Santa Claus and a humbling journey for Jesper. — P.K.

How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)

Speaking as a person whose sense of humor and entire life outlook were profoundly shaped in childhood by Paul Reubens (RIP king) via his iconic character of Pee-wee Herman in the 1980s, I pray that parents are still gifting their children with the same unfettered joy and madcap lunacy that I got. And while Reubens' last spin in the gray suit and red bow-tie isn't quite as universally beloved as his earlier Big Adventure or Playhouse antics, 2016's Pee-wee's Big Holiday is way underrated and a heaping helping of fun.

A road-trip movie much in the vein of Pee-wee's first transcontinental outing in search of his stolen bicycle, Pee-wee's Big Holiday sends our favorite boy-man on a much happier kind of adventure — he's got to get to his new best friend Joe Manganiello's birthday party in New York City! Yes, Joe Manganiello of True Blood and the Magic Mike movies, here playing a world-class goofball version of himself. And the big muscly lunk is a natural comedian. Who knew? 

Along the way, Pee-wee must overcome all sorts of madcap roadblocks, including Farmer Brown and his nine daughters, a trio of Russ-Meyer-flavored bad-girl car-thieves, and a layover in an Amish community that involves the world's most hilarious balloon gag ever. It's the silliest bunch of nonsense and an absolute blast for kids of all ages. — J.A.

How to watch: Pee-wee's Big Holiday is now streaming on Netflix.

7. The Willoughbys (2020) Credit: Netflix

Based on an outlandish book by Lois Lowry, this Netflix original centers on a deeply dysfunctional family in need of some wild changes. Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby have four adorable, eager, and talented children, whom they utterly despise. Thus, life is very hard for eldest Tim (Will Forte), dreamer Jane (Alessia Cara), and oddball twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B (Seán Cullen). That is, until they concoct a wacky scheme that sends their parents off on a perilous vacation, from which they may not return! However, the siblings' deadly plan for independence is challenged when a plucky nanny (Maya Rudolph) arrives at their door. Soon, agonies and antics give way to the jubilant adventure of a lifetime.

Director Kris Pearn's sharp design style and a snarling narration from Ricky Gervais pairs with Lowry's dark plot line to give this outrageous animated feature a cheeky yet charming edge.* — Kristy Puchko, Deputy Entertainment Editor

How to watch: The Willoughbys is streaming on Netflix.

8. Matilda (1996)

Based on the Roald Dahl novel, this 1996 movie (not the 2022 musical, although that is also streaming on Netflix) directed by Danny Devito stars ‘90s kid icon Mara Wilson as Matilda, a telekinetic brainiac who grapples with awful parents, awful teachers … it's a Roald Dahl story, so you know 95% of the adults are awful. Matilda's parents (played by Devito and his real-life wife Rhea Perlman) are abusive crooks, so it's left up to the little girl herself to see to her own education. 

Once she does finally make it into the Crunchem Hall Elementary School, she fares hardly any better, since the headmistress there is just as terrible as her folks. Thankfully there's one goodhearted teacher named Miss Honey (Embeth Davidtz) who recognizes Matilda's myriad gifts, and they work together to topple the power-mad monsters in charge. Break the system, Matilda — it's Anarchy for Kids! — J.A.  

How to watch: Matilda is now streaming on Netflix.

9. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) Credit: Netflix

Sony Pictures Animation has given audiences such daring and dynamic animated movies as Surf's Up, Hotel Transylvania, and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This zany 2021 release centers on a family who's battling back the robo-apocalypse with togetherness, internet savviness, and a walleyed pug named Monchi (voiced by social media icon Doug the Pug).

The Mitchells’ adventure into chaos begins when daughter Katie (Abbi Jacobson) is poised to go off to college. Desperate for one last family-unifying road trip, her dad (Danny McBride) piles the whole family into his beater of a vehicle, unknowingly charting a fateful route into heroics. Director Mike Rianda infuses Katie's excitable perspective throughout the film by working in internet memes, social media-style reactions, and blitz of bonkers visuals. It’s a bold move that might alienate some viewers but has largely won the acclaim of critics and kiddos.* — K.P.

How to watch: The Mitchells vs. the Machines is streaming on Netflix.

10. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)

This 2016 stop-motion-animated masterpiece from Laika, the animation house behind Coraline and ParaNorman, tells the story of Kubo, a 12-year-old boy who takes care of his sickly mother in a small mountain village in feudal Japan. He makes money to survive by telling appreciative audiences tall tales about his missing samurai father, using super cool origami and music tricks. It turns out the tales weren't so tall after all when he finds himself hunted by the very Moon King that his mother says was responsible for his father's disappearance. 

Helped along by a monkey and a half-beetle half-man sidekick, Kubo sets out on a quest to recover three ancient artifacts that will help him defeat the bad guy and perhaps solve the mystery of his father. And per usual with Laika it's not just the magnificent how-did-they-do-that? visuals on display that will take your breath away, but also the big-hearted emotions and the rollicking adventure. A perfect classic. — J.A.

How to watch: Kubo and the Two Strings is now streaming on Netflix.

11. Nightbooks (2021) Credit: Netflix

From David Yarovesky, the director of Brightburn, comes a spooky tale that'll thrill on family night. Based on the horror-fantasy novel of the same name by J. A. White, Nightbooks centers on a Brooklyn bookworm (Winslow Fegley) who is kidnapped by a wicked witch (Krysten Ritter). Held captive in her magical apartment, he's forced to tell her a new scary story each night in exchange for his survival. Thankfully, he's not alone. A hard-nosed fellow prisoner (Lidya Jewett) not only helps him avoid the pitfalls of this precarious prison, but also helps him unlock the secrets that could get them both out!

Peppered with PG-level scares and plenty of style (we'd die for Ritter's witch wardrobe), Nightbooks is a rollicking good time for kiddos (and grown-ups) who appreciate a good bump in the night.* — K.P.

How to watch: Nightbooks is streaming on Netflix.

12. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

What happens when our favorite cheese-loving inventor accidentally swaps brains with a bunny rabbit? That's the big problem that our beloved Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his best friend the dog Gromit face down in Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, the 2005 Oscar-winning animated film from Nick Park. A riff on classic monster movies, this bears all of the series' trademark goofy and good-natured wit, working for little and big folks alike.

Trying to rid their hometown of a rabbit plague before the annual prize vegetable competition, our twosome stumble into this hoppin' spin on Jekyll-and-Hyde instead. As Wallace finds himself turning into a bunny-monster by the light of the full moon, he's hunted down by the dastardly Lord Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes). And so it falls to his wordless beagle sidekick to rescue his friend, save the day, and maybe win the big vegetable contest in the process. All in a dog day's work! — J.A. 

How to watch: Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is now streaming on Netflix.

13. Orion and the Dark (2024) Credit: Netflix

Charlie Kaufman, the screenwriter behind the existential crises turned movies Being John Malkovich, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Synedoche New York, might not be the first person who pops to mind when it comes to writing an animated kid's movie. But you totally get it within the first moments of this terrific 2024 film, as its main character Orion Mendelson (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) rattles off everything that terrifies him, which is… literally everything. 

But nothing scares him worse than the dark. So one night when a blackout occurs and the embodiment of his worst fear appears in corporeal form, Orion really flies off the deep end. Tired of listening to Orion's complaints, the Dark (Paul Walter Hauser) has decided to take him on a journey to see all of the wonders of nighttime. And it starts off real nice! Until Orion convinces all the other creatures of the night that daytime is better, anyway. From there the twosome must right what's gone wrong, and in typical Kaufman fashion, this involves stories within stories. Consider it Meta 101 for the kiddos! — J.A. 

How to watch: Orion and the Dark is now streaming on Netflix.

14. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Weirdly, Netflix only has 2023's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse streaming and not its 2018 forebear, Into the Spider-Verse, so make sure you've watched that first one, you know, first. But once that's accomplished, you can freely dive right into this sequel, which is bigger and bolder and bonkers-ier in all the ways. It's good to have this one right on hand because it rewards multiple views tenfold, as there's so much going on in every frame you can scarcely take it all in with just one sitting.

Leaning hard into the trend of multiverse movies, Across the Spider-Verse sees Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) pulled through a series of interdimensional portals that are left behind by the villain The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), whose out-of-control powers are a side-effect of Miles' battle at the end of Into the Spider-verse. Eventually Miles must team up with an entire universe's worth of Spider-People – including his beloved Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) – to stop The Spot's infinitely expanding destruction. Add on all of the clashing animation styles, and this sucker is infinite feasts for the eyes and brain. — J.A.  

How to watch: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now streaming on Netflix.

15. Finding 'Ohana (2021) Credit: Netflix

If you grew up watching The Goonies, then you'll treasure sharing this gem with your kiddos. Director Jude Weng channels Spielberg's brand of awe for an exciting tale of Hawaiian legend and childhood heroics. Raised in New York City, siblings Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono) feel like fish out of water when their mother brings them to Oahu. But soon enough, they're making friends and setting forth on a quest for a legendary lost treasure. Along the way, there'll also be teen romance, family drama, and local lore come to life. Seeking something fun and thrilling? Look no further. — K.P.

How to watch: Finding 'Ohana is streaming on Netflix.

UPDATE: Oct. 28, 2024, 5:05 p.m. EDT This article was originally published on June 25, 2022. It has been updated to reflect the current steaming options on Netflix.

Google is celebrating Halloween with a cute new Google Doodle game, featuring the return of its magic-wielding black cat Momo.

SEE ALSO: The 9 most addictive Google Doodle games to waste an afternoon at work

The third instalment in Google Doodle's Magic Cat Academy series, 2024's Halloween game has Momo once again waving a wand to banish malevolent ghosts. This ghostbusting feline first appeared in Google's 2016 Halloween Doodle, when she fought off spectres in a Harry Potter-esque school setting. She then returned in the 2020 Halloween Google Doodle, diving into the ocean to dispatch ghouls beneath the waves. 

Now Momo is headed into the opposite direction, riding a broom to the upper atmosphere to wreck wraiths in the sky.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Google

As in the previous Magic Cat Academy Google Doodles, players must quickly draw the symbols floating above each ghosts' heads to banish them. While simple enough, it can get trickier when each enemy has a string of different signs — and when there's an entire horde coming at you at once.

The 2024 Magic Cat Academy Google Doodle will be available on the Google homepage for 48 hours, just long enough to keep you entertained while waiting for trick or treaters to come knocking. If you're still left wanting more after that, you'll also be able to find this year's Halloween Google Doodle in the Google Doodle library — as well as all the Google Doodle ghosts from Halloweens past.

TL;DR: Want to learn to play the piano online? Use the code SAVENOW at checkout to get 60% off the Skoove piano app and take online piano lessons for life for £92.34 (reg. £230.85).

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription £92.34 at the Mashable Shop
£230.85 Save £138.51 Use code SAVENOW at checkout Get Deal

Ever dreamed of filling Royal Albert Hall? Okay, we can't promise you'll ever be that good, but the Skoove piano lessons app could have you channeling your inner Elton John. Instead of taking boring (and low-key intimidating) traditional lessons, learn to play the piano from home with a lifetime of online lessons.

The best part? You can save 60% on lifetime access to the Skoove piano app with this limited-time deal at the Mashable Shop. Normally £230.85, you can pay just £92.34 when you use the code SAVENOW during checkout.

You could be the next piano man

If you have a keyboard or piano, Skoove shows you how to finally master it — without making your roommates or neighbors hate your guts. You can get started with the app’s instructional videos, which teach proper hand placement, scales, and technique.

Here's how it works: Using your tablet or smartphone, you'll see a moving music score and an instructor’s hands playing along to the music, and you can simply follow along on your keyboard. Soon you'll be reading sheet music while playing your favourite songs.

Skoove also listens to you play and catches when you play a wrong note. AI technology listens to each note as you play and gives you real-time feedback, just like a real teacher. It’s like having an actual instructor, except it doesn’t judge you when you mess up “Crocodile Rock.”

Interested in learning piano at home? Get a Skoove lifetime subscription while it's on sale for £92.34 (reg. £230.85) using the code SAVENOW at checkout — for a limited time only.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 30'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 30 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 30 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A wood frame for a canvas.

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 E.

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...

EASEL.

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 29

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 30'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 29 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: Trending positively

• Green: Wheels attached

• Blue: Tape

• Purple: Misspelled stores

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: Upswing

• Green: Things with Wheels

• Blue: Kinds of Tape

• Purple: Retail Chains with a Letter Changed

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 #507 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Upswing: BOOM, RISE, SPIKE, SURGE

• Things with Wheels: DOLLY, ROLLERBLADE, SKATEBOARD, WAGON

• Kinds of Tape: DUCT, ELECTRICAL, GAFFER, PACKING

• Retail Chains with a Letter Changed: BEST BOY, IDEA, KRONER, STABLES

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 28

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.

Loud White Guys for Kamala!

The tech giant’s 34 percent increase in quarterly profit topped Wall Street expectations.

Phones used by Jared Kushner and Eric Trump were among those that hackers sought access to as part of a counterintelligence effort carried out by a hacking group associated with China.

Spoilers ahead, this is finale territory here.

Only Murders in the Building can never let the residents of the Arconia live in peace. Rest in peace, certainly.

In the Season 4 finale, which Mashable's Belen Edwards has unpacked in detail, the series dropped another murder on us in the final few minutes. After all, it's now tradition for the show's finales to tease a new chapter.

SEE ALSO: 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 4 ending explained: Who killed Sazz and why?

Sadly, the doomed resident this time is the Arconia's true heart: poor Lester (Teddy Coluca), the doorman. And his death is foreshadowed in the same episode.

After Oliver (Martin Short) and Loretta's (Meryl Streep) gorgeous wedding in the Arconia courtyard, Oliver, Mabel (Selena Gomez), and Charles (Steve Martin) are wandering through the remaining decorations recording the final words of their podcast. It's then that they find Lester, murdered and lying in a fountain that's now filled with blood.

"All he does is let in murderers!"

Earlier in the episode, on their way to rescue Mabel from the killer, Charles and Oliver encounter Lester in the hallway; the doorman has news that Oliver's chuppah had arrived for the wedding ceremony. Flustered, Oliver tells him to handle it, but adds, "I trust you completely, but just know, if you get anything wrong, I will destroy you."

When Charles protests, Oliver scoffs, "What? All he does is let in murderers!" Yeah, Oliver's going to regret that one.

Whether or not Lester let his own murderer into the building will be the mystery of Season 5. Not just a longtime doorman, Lester has a major connection to the Arconia and the fountain he ends up dead in, telling Charles and Oliver he was married to his wife Lorraine in the courtyard in an evening ceremony "with just the stars and the fountain as our witness."

Teddy Coluca as Lester in "Only Murders in the Building." Credit: Disney / Patrick Harbron

We've learned very little about Lester over the last four seasons, aside from his deep knowledge of everyone at the Arconia. We've heard tiny mentions of Lorraine throughout the series, with characters like Bunny Folger (Jayne Houdyshell) giving her regards. In Season 2, during the blackout, when Lester is taking a breather in board president Nina Lin's (Christine Ko) apartment, he mentions he connected with his wife over his love of the chat and her hatred of awkward silences — "Says with me, she never has any." We find out Lester and Lorraine have two children, May and Frank; one at SUNY Stony Brook and one doing improv.

There's a mysterious side to Lester, too. In Season 1, he indicates he knew Sting and The Police back in the day, then demands no one say anything about it again. In Season 2, when the trio are staging the confession trap, Lester says he graduated from Juilliard. "Started out off-Broadway with Tracy Letts. We were rivals. Hand to God," he says. "I stopped getting hired, developed a drinking problem, and was homeless for a while. Almost died, cleaned up, took the first job I could get, and I've been stuck here ever since."

Poor Lester, it's also where he'd see the end of his days — and Season 5 will get into who's responsible.

Only Murders in the Building is now streaming on Hulu.