IT General

Most 3D printer owners are probably familiar with the constant desire to design, download, and print anything and everything you can. While this shows an admirable commitment to the hobby, it’s not always the right call.

The best early Black Friday trading card deals: Best Pokémon deal Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 (save $23.45) Get Deal Best Magic: The Gathering deal Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box $124.94 (save $9.68) Get Deal Best Yu-Gi-Oh deal Yu-Gi-Oh! Magnificent Monsters Box Set $34.99 (save $2.11) Get Deal Best One Piece Card Game deal One Piece: Learn Together Deck Set (LT-01) $57.99 (save $23.70) Get Deal Best KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards deal KPop Demon Hunters card-Energy Edition-001-NA-Series 1-A $41.39 (save $4.60) Get Deal Best Disney Lorcana TCG deal Disney Lorcana TCG Illumineer's Quest — The Great Hunny Rescue $52.80 (save $7.19) Get Deal

Black Friday may not officially arrive until Nov. 27, but lots of early trading card deals have gone live on Amazon — from the Pokemon TCG’s hit 30th Celebration ETB for under market price to preorders on MTG’s Star Trek Booster Display Box hitting record lows. Fans of other trading card games can also find bargains, with worthwhile discounts on beginner-friendly sets for One Piece and Disney Lorcana.

These are the best early Black Friday trading card offers we've found so far. Be sure to bookmark this buyer’s guide, as we'll be continuously checking for better bargains as the sale approaches.

Best Pokémon TCG deal: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Amazon's $59.99 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is still the best way to grab anniversary Pokémon Trading Card Game packs without paying higher reseller prices, and is still available to grab ahead of Black Friday.

You get nine boosters, a full-art Nidorina promo, 16 foil Energy cards, sleeves, and other accessories. At this new $59.99 price, the ETB is now at a massive $49.01 under its estimated $109 market price on TCGplayer.

Each pack even features one of 30 rare Pikachu variants. As an invitation-only listing, the downside is that you’ll need to hit "Request invite" on Amazon and hope you're selected when new stock arrives — but it's still the biggest steal going on in the trading card space right now. 

Best MTG deal: Star Trek Play Booster Box Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box $124.94 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Magic's Star Trek crossover has arrived in time for Black Friday, and its 30-pack Play Booster Box is selling for $124.88 on Amazon, down from the typical $134.62 — about $4.16 per pack. That’s not only over $5 cheaper than the previous $129.95 preorder deal we covered just a week ago, but is also a record low for Amazon.

Each booster contains 14 cards, including a traditional foil and one to four rare-or-higher cards, with alternate-art variants possible. The featured seller is third-party BetterShopping4You, so check the delivery estimate before ordering.

Best Yu-Gi-Oh! deal: Magnificent Monsters Box Set Opens in a new window Credit: Konami Yu-Gi-Oh! Magnificent Monsters Box Set $34.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

Konami's Magnificent Monsters has hit a 90-day low on Amazon, now $32.88 instead of $34.99. That’s actually the lowest price this newly released box has ever been. If you’re a fan of the original anime series, this is a must-buy for grabbing revamped versions of classic cards, like Dark Magician and Elemental Hero Flamewingman.  

You get three five-card packs of Ultra Rares and three additional Secret Rares, each with a chance to upgrade to Starlight Rare. There are 18 reimagined anime cards to collect altogether.

Best One Piece Card Game deal: Learn Together Deck Set Opens in a new window Credit: Bandai One Piece: Learn Together Deck Set (LT-01) $57.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

If you've been curious about getting into the One Piece Card Game, this early Black Friday bargain is the best way to jump in, with Bandai's Learn Together Deck Set now down to just $57.99, down from $81.69 — a brilliant 29% discount.

Built around Luffy, Zoro, and Nami, it includes three ready-to-play decks of 51 cards and 10 DON!! cards apiece. You'll also receive guides, storage cases, three five-card extra packs, and a two-player playsheet. 

Best KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards deal: Energy Edition Opens in a new window Credit: Kayou KPop Demon Hunters card-Energy Edition-001-NA-Series 1-A $41.39 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon

It's an excellent time to get into the KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards series, with Kayou's Energy Edition reduced from $45.99 to $41.39 on Amazon in a limited-time 10% off deal. This works out to roughly $3.45 per pack, with eight cards in each.

Unlike the Classic Edition, Energy Edition features 11 rarity levels, with 130 different card types to collect. These include the more sought-after SE cards, inspired by the song Golden, featuring laser-etched finishes and individual numbering from 1 to 366. There are also exclusive BP cards numbered up to 999, featuring HUNTR/X in their black stage outfits.

Best Disney Lorcana TCG deal: Illumineer's Quest — The Great Hunny Rescue Opens in a new window Credit: Ravensburger Disney Lorcana TCG Illumineer's Quest — The Great Hunny Rescue $52.80 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

For the early Black Friday season, Disney Lorcana's Illumineer's Quest: The Great Hunny Rescue has slipped to a 30-day low of $52.80. Instead of opening packs, you'll be battling a self-playing Vine deck to rescue Piglet. The box has two prebuilt 60-card decks, a 50-card scenario deck, encounter cards, tokens, and a board. Play solo or with up to three friends, provided two bring their own decks. It's sold by Kings Games, shipped by Amazon, and marked as a final sale.

More early Black Friday trading card deals

Pokémon TCG

• Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Booster Bundle — $49.89 $58 (save $8.11)

• Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box — $92.88 $99.99 (save $7.11)

• Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Prismatic Evolutions Elite Trainer Box— $139.88 $179.39 (save $39.51)

• Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Box — $141.97 $179.95 (save $37.98)

Magic: The Gathering

• Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Gift Bundle — $94.95 $109.86 (save $14.91)

• Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box — $146.12 $189.99 (save $43.87)

• Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box — $127.13 $209.70 ($82.57)

Yu-Gi-Oh

• Yu-Gi-Oh! Magnificent Maestros Box Set — $28.95 $32 (save $3.05)

• Yu-Gi-Oh! Beyond the Brave Booster Box - 24 Packs — $59.94 $68.23 (save $8.29)

• Yu-Gi-Oh! Magnificent Maestros Box Set Display (10 Boxes) — $264.96 $319.95 (save $54.99)

One Piece Card Game

• One Piece Card Game Starter Deck ST-35 Red Black Sabo — $21.83 $24.45 (save $2.62)

• One Piece Card Game Booster Pack The World's Strongest Warrior [OP-17] (Box) 24 Packs (Japanese) — $150 $164 (save $14)

• OP17 The World's Strongest Warriors Booster Box English (24 packs) + Custom TCG Fabrik Don Card — $436.95 $459.95 (save $23)

KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards

• KPop Demon Hunters Collectible Trading Cards, Energy Edition, Series 1 — $20.62 $22.49 (save $1.87)

• KPop Demon Hunters-Collectible Trading Cards-Classic Edition-001-NA — $29.99 $35 (save $5.01)

• KPop Demon Hunters, Collectible Trading Cards, Energy Edition, Series 1, 12 Packs, 8 Cards/Pack — $42.44 $49.79 (save $7.35)

Disney Lorcana TCG

• Disney Lorcana TCG: Azurite Sea - Emerald & Sapphire Single-Player Deck — $11.88 $16.99 (save $5.11)

• Disney Lorcana TCG: Scrooge McDuck Gift Box — $28 $29.99 (save $1.99)

• Disney Lorcana TCG: The First Chapter - Amber & Amethyst Single-Player Starter Deck — $29.99 $35.88 (save $5.89)

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to AskAnyModel AI Pro for $31.99 (reg. $499) with code DEAL20 through November 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: AskAnyModel AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $31.99
$499 Save $467.01   Get Deal

Why settle for one AI answer when you can compare six? AskAnyModel AI Pro lets you send a single prompt to up to six models simultaneously, then view their responses side by side. Instead of opening separate tabs and switching between subscriptions, you can see where different models agree, where they disagree, and which response best fits what you’re trying to accomplish. You can get it for an additional 20% off when you use the coupon code DEAL20 at checkout, making the final price $31.99 (reg. $499).

This platform brings over 50 AI models together in one place, including GPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, Llama, and Mistral. You can switch models in the middle of a conversation, with responses streaming in real time. That flexibility makes it easier to pick the right tool for the task rather than defaulting to whichever chatbot you happen to have open.

There’s also a distinction between the plan’s standard and premium access. You get unlimited chats with 30 standard models, along with unlimited AI image generation across multiple models. For the 19 flagship models, the plan provides 500 premium credits each month, which refresh regularly rather than running as a one-time allotment.

For developers, researchers, marketers, and other people who rely on AI throughout the workday, having multiple models available in one place can make comparing ideas and checking responses a more practical part of the process. It’s also an alternative to maintaining several separate AI subscriptions, each with its own monthly bill.

AskAnyModel runs in a modern browser, so there’s no software to download. And instead of another recurring payment, this is a lifetime subscription for a one-time purchase. The regular $499 price is currently down to $39.99, or $31.99 with code DEAL20 at checkout.

If comparing AI responses sounds useful to your workflow, get AskAnyModel AI Pro for $31.99 before the promotion ends November 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

In the year 2026, flirting by text is at the forefront of getting your game on. As online dating apps have taken over the concept of romance, online exchanges are crucial, whether you're texting or sending photos. The chat-up line — once an IRL phenomenon — has gone online. Now it's known as sexting.

It's hard to get exact data on how many people do the digital flirting thing, but check out this DirtySnapchat subreddit: It boasts over one million members and nearly 130,000 weekly visitors. Those are serious numbers, people — an indication of just how important it's become to finding a potential partner or hookup.

As sexting has become more widespread, the tech world has responded and changed the game. You can sext via adult-based websites, flirty dating apps, and in-between platforms that encourage suggestive text messages and steamy photos. Some of these platforms also give you the option to take things to the next level: live video chat. 

To help you get started with the whole sexting thing, we've compared and contrasted two of the most popular sexting platforms: AdultFriendFinder and Snapchat. They sit at opposite ends of the social media spectrum, but they're both loaded with features for flirting via text, photo, and video — and both have clever built-in protections to keep everything safe, secure, and decidedly discreet.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Snapchat Snapchat   Learn More The benefits of AdultFriendFinder for sextingFinding a partner

The major plus point of AdultFriendFinder is its ready-made community of open-minded kinksters and horny singletons who are all looking for online fun.

Unlike Snapchat, which is more of a general, multi-purpose messaging platform, AFF users sign up with the specific aim of "adult" fun. You'll see this immediately: AFF profiles include wild (NSFW) photos and lists of kinks, turn-ons, and fetishes. Everything — and we do mean everything — is on show on AFF.

And it's not just individual users looking for a good time. AFF also hosts communities and groups, most of which are centered on specific kinks. It doesn't matter if you're into threesomes, bondage, pegging, or erotic storytelling; you'll find your people on AFF. And that really is just the tip of the iceberg. The only limit is your sexy imagination. Whatever you're into, there's almost certainly someone on AFF who shares your desires. 

So, if your sexting journey is a solo one to start off, AFF will help you find a partner, whereas finding a like-minded chat partner through Snapchat alone can be harder. 

Identity verification

A major strength of AdultFriendFinder is its robust identity verification service, ConfirmID. While it isn't mandatory, you can choose not to interact with anyone who hasn't undergone the ConfirmID verification process. To get verified, users must provide a scan of a government-issued ID and agree to have their faces scanned via webcam, which confirms that the person doing the scan is the same person featured in the ID. 

Once you're verified, a blue checkmark will appear next to your profile photo, which signals to other users that you're verified. If you only want to talk to other verified users, stick to profiles that feature the blue checkmark, and you're golden.

SEE ALSO: Is Adult Friend Finder safe to use? What a cybersecurity expert says.

It works differently on Snapchat, where verification is as simple as confirming that your email really belongs to you. That might be an effective deterrent against bots, but it doesn't do anything against catfishing scams. 

Sex Academy

What if you're new to sexting and want to pick up some tips or learn some of the lingo before you dive in? An often-overlooked aspect of the AdultFriendFinder universe is what is known as their "sex academy", which is a constellation of resources, including learning materials and erotic stories, that can help you acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of sexting before you speak to a real person. 

This is an unbelievably useful tool because over time, sexters have evolved their own shorthand language — not to mention suggestive emoji use! — to get their points across faster and not break the sexual tension with long, delayed texting. 

The benefits of Snapchat for sextingFree to use

Snapchat is free to download and use, and although there is a premium subscription option (Snapchat+), it's not really necessary or even particularly beneficial for sexting. Contrast this with AdultFriendFinder, which restricts one-on-one conversations to paying members, and you can easily see why Snapchat has the edge here. 

Because it's free to use, it's also much more widely adopted than AFF, which means it's extremely common for people to exchange Snapchat IDs, or even for singles to include them in their dating profiles.

Disappearing messages

Another huge benefit of Snapchat is that, by design, all messages sent through the service are time-restricted. Everything you write or send will eventually disappear, not only from the chat history but from Snapchat's servers.

But some caveats do need to be mentioned here:

• “Disappearing” does not mean “never stored.”

• Anything sent digitally can potentially persist through screenshots, screen recording, device backups, or hacked accounts.

• Even if Snapchat deletes its copy, the recipient may still have one.

So from a privacy perspective, the safest assumption is: if you send a nude on any platform, there is always a possibility it will be saved or screengrabbed somewhere.

SEE ALSO: A history of nudes, from sculptures to Snapchat

If you're shy or security-conscious, or you just don't want a digital paper after getting naughty, Snapchat is probably the most secure option out there. 

That said, Snapchat's official Community Guidelines take a strong stand against "sharing, promoting, or distributing sexually explicit content and conduct," so while such behaviors are actively encouraged on AdultFriendFinder, they are discouraged on Snapchat. The truth, though, is that, in practice, private consensual exchanges between adults are extremely common on the app and are generally not proactively policed unless:

• Someone reports it.

• AI moderation flags it.

• It appears exploitative/commercial.

• It involves minors/non-consensual content.

Screenshot protection

One of the perils of sexting, especially if you're doing it with strangers or people you've only recently met, is that exchanging nude photos or videos can be risky — bad actors can save or share your photos without your consent, or even use them to blackmail you, a practice known as "sextortion."

But if you're concerned about someone secretly screenshotting or even using a screen recording tool to record your naughty sessions, Snapchat offers robust notification software that will alert you right away if someone takes a screenshot or starts a screen recording, and it's comprehensive enough to even pick up on many third-party tools that can do these things. 

It isn't perfect, so you do still need to exercise caution when you're being frisky with people you don't fully know or trust. At a minimum, you should verify that the person you're chatting with is who they claim to be, preferably over a video call, and you should never share sexually explicit content with someone you don't know and trust, especially if those images or videos can be used to identify you.

The bottom line? Both AFF and Snapchat offer fun platforms for engaging in some sexy texting, but the former is probably a more attractive option if you don't already have a sexting partner, and the latter is a fantastic platform for getting more intimate with someone you already know.

The best early Black Friday Garmin deals at a glance: Best budget pick Garmin vívoactive 5 $168.95 (save $131.04) Get Deal Best deal for runners Garmin Forerunner 265 $299.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best splurge Garmin Venu 4 $449.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best for advanced athletes Garmin Forerunner 570 $449.99 (save $100) Get Deal

I like to joke that I'm single-handedly keeping Garmin in business. Not only have I been loyal to the brand since 2019 (when the original Venu was released), but I've also bought Garmin smartwatches for my boyfriend, my mom, and my dad over the last few years. In short, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the brand — except that their pricing is a bit steep.

If you're in the market for a new smartwatch and want to join the Garmin cult, Black Friday is the time to buy. You can save $100 or more on many models during the biggest shopping event of the year. Although most official Black Friday sales won't kick off for another week or more, several models are already at their lowest prices ever.

Whether you're a runner, a triathlete, a health and wellness junkie, or someone who just wants a smartwatch that lasts more than a day per charge, there's a Garmin device for you. I've highlighted the best early Black Friday Garmin watch deals below. Stay tuned for any new price drops in the lead-up to the big day.

Best Black Friday Garmin deal for budget shoppers Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $168.95 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $131.04   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The vívoactive 5 has been replaced by the vívoactive 6, which means it's much more affordable. In fact, this early Black Friday deal brings it down to its lowest price on record at just $168.95. It's a great all-rounder, with equal parts lifestyle features and fitness tools. It's packed with 30 preloaded sports apps, including cycling, running, walking, and swimming, as well as an abundance of wellness insights, such as daily energy levels, stress, HRV status, blood oxygen levels, sleep data, and more. And like any good smartwatch, it also tracks your steps and receives texts and notifications.

For what it's worth, I bought this exact watch last Black Friday for my boyfriend, and he hasn't had any complaints in the past year of wearing it. He generally only has to charge it once a week, if that.

Best Black Friday Garmin smartwatch deal for runners Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 265 $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

As the name suggests, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is designed with runners in mind. If you're training for an upcoming marathon or simply trying to improve your daily run times, the Forerunner 265 serves as a great assistant. It supplies all the data you could possibly want. You'll get a morning report with recovery and training outlooks for the day, a training readiness score, personalized workouts, training tips, race performance stats, course details, and more. After each run, you can even zero in on specifics like cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and HRV. At $150 off, this early Black Friday deal brings it down to its best price on record.

Best Black Friday Garmin smartwatch splurge Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 4 $449.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Garmin Venu is a perfect watch in my opinion. I have the original, which is now four generations old, and it still works like it's brand new. I can't even imagine how impressive the Venu 4 is. It's the ultimate lifestyle watch, designed to help you understand your body better and make healthier choices. It's loaded with over 80 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, lets you log lifestyle behaviors like caffeine or alcohol intake, lasts up to 10 days per charge, and even packs a built-in LED flashlight. Not to mention, it looks gorgeous on your wrist. As an early Black Friday treat, the Venu 4 is $100 off for the first time ever. No need to wait until Black Friday to buy.

More early Black Friday Garmin deals

• Garmin Lily 2 — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Garmin Instinct E — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED — $249.99 $449.99 (save $200)

• Garmin Instinct 3 Solar — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150)

• Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, Tactical Edition — $349.99 $449.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Forerunner 570 — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• Garmin Forerunner 965 — $449.99 $599.99 (save $150)

• Garmin fēnix 8 — $749.99 $999.99 (save $250)

TL;DR: Burger King Italy is offering a €19.90 Magic: The Gathering meal with a Whopper deck box and 100 sleeves through Nov. 30 — and international players are already hunting down the gear on eBay.

Trading card games and fast-food menus make a natural pair. Now, Wizards of the Coast is stepping into the drive-thru with an official Magic: The Gathering meal at Burger King — complete with a Whopper-themed deck box and matching card sleeves.

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The catch? The promotion is exclusive to Burger King locations in Italy. Even though the meal is region-locked, the novelty is strong enough that Commander players elsewhere are already scrambling to get their hands on the gear.

What comes in the Burger King Magic: The Gathering meal

Officially called The Great Gathering Bundle, the meal runs through Nov. 30, while supplies last. Priced at €19.90, the combo includes:

• The food — Your choice of a Chicken Krispper, Double Cheeseburger, or plant-based Impossible Whopper, paired with fries and a drink.

• A Whopper deck box — Styled to look like an actual burger, complete with an orange sesame-seed bun pattern, a patty, and layered toppings.

• 100 matching card sleeves — Enough standard-size sleeves to outfit a full Commander deck.

Unlike Pokémon Happy Meals, the bundle does not include any exclusive promotional Magic cards. That saves players from chasing region-locked game pieces, even if it has not stopped the accessories from becoming instant collector's items.

How to get the Whopper deck box and sleeves

The Italy-only launch ties into Burger King's sponsorship of local Magic Pauper tournaments across the country, alongside a challenge from the YouTube channel Tolarian Community College that dares Italian pro player Andrea Mengucci to review the meal on camera.

If you do not happen to be visiting Italy before Nov. 30, you still have a few ways to track down the set:

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

• Check secondary marketplaces like eBay — Italian buyers have already started listing the empty deck boxes and sleeves on eBay and international trading groups. Reseller markups are steep right after launch, so waiting a few days for more supply to hit the market can help you avoid overpaying.

• Reach out to friends or local trade groups in Italy — If you know someone traveling in Italy or connect with European players in online Magic communities, arranging a direct trade or pickup will get you much closer to the €19.90 retail price than international eBay auctions.

• Hold out for future regional collaborations — Because this is one of Wizards of the Coast's first fast-food partnerships, a successful run in Italy makes future Magic meal promos in other regions a solid possibility if you would rather skip reseller markups altogether.

Whether you snag one on eBay or hold out for a wider rollout, your Commander deck has never looked quite this appetizing.

SAVE $210: As of Nov. 14, the ASUS ROG Strix is on sale for $549 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Strix $549 at Amazon
$759 Save $210   Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon has announced that its Black Friday sale will officially begin on Nov. 19. But, like many other retailers, it has already started offering early deals and discounts. From TVs to laptops, robot vacuums to drones, it's set to be a huge month of deals. And if you're looking to upgrade your gaming setup, there's good news.

One deal that's caught our eye is the ASUS ROG Strix, which is currently $210 off, bringing the price down from $759 to $549.

The monitor has a QHD QD-OLED display with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, so whatever you're playing, you can enjoy sharp visuals and rich colors. Its 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time are impressive, and the G-SYNC Compatible technology helps reduce screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother experience.

To help protect the OLED panel, it also has a custom heatsink, improved airflow, and OLED Care+ features designed to reduce the risk of burn-in.

Head to Amazon to grab this great gaming deal.

TL;DR: Starting Nov. 10, the Pokémon Happy Meal returns to participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide with 15 collectible toys and 15 collectible trading cards.

We cover a lot of collabs, because there's something special in seeing two of your favorite brands come together to create something fun. And you clearly feel the same, because fans go wild for the limited-edition merch that drops.

Of course, there are levels to this game. The Burger King x Hello Kitty collab was popular. The Starbucks x Winnie the Pooh collab went down well. But when we talk about McDonald's x Pokemon, you know it's going to be absolute chaos.

McDonald’s and Pokémon are reuniting this November. Starting Nov. 10, the Pokémon Happy Meal is returning to participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide with 15 toys and 15 trading cards to collect. Fans and trainers can also scan the QR code on their Happy Meal box to access a digital game where they can look for the 15 Pokémon Happy Meal toys hidden around a virtual classroom and playground.

This 2026 rollout will mark the first time since 2018 that customers get a genuine 3D collectible toy with playable cards. The mini-boxes are designed to resemble iconic McDonald's cartons shaped around fan-favorite Pokémon. Here's the roster of 15 collectible character boxes:

• Bulbasaur

• Charmander

• Chikorita

• Eevee

• Espeon

• Espurr

• Minccino

• Munchlax

• Pikachu

• Piplup

• Rowlett

• Sobble

• Squirtle

• Sprigatito

• Weedle

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Inside each meal, you will also find two randomized cards drawn from a specialized 15-card McDonald's reprint set, including seven foil cards.

These new Pokémon Happy Meals are available for a limited time, while supplies last, at participating McDonald’s. Check out the full release schedule below:

• November 2026: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Spain, and USA

• December 2026: Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, and Vietnam

• January 2027: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Uruguay, and Venezuela

• February 2027: Ireland and UK

TL;DR: Watch Japan vs. Brazil in an International Friendly for free on GE TV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are some really interesting fixtures taking place this weekend. The Nations League has more significance than a regular International Friendly, but Japan vs. Brazil is arguably the most exciting fixture on the schedule. This contest takes place at the Singapore National Stadium, with plenty of elite talent on display.

If you're interested in watching Japan vs. Brazil in an International Friendly from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Japan vs. Brazil?

Japan vs. Brazil in an International Friendly kicks off at 5:15 a.m. ET on Nov. 14. This fixture takes place at the Singapore National Stadium.

How to watch Japan vs. Brazil for free

Japan vs. Brazil in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on GE TV.

GE TV is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream Japan vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Japan vs. Brazil for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit GE TV

5. Watch Japan vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Japan vs. Brazil without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for GE TV?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Japan vs. Brazil for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Gobble it up.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

SLURP

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Basketball move.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 14, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

LAYUP

Hurdle Word 3 hint

British guy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 14, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Nov. 14, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BLOKE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

No no.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

CRIME

Final Hurdle hint

Riddle.

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

REBUS

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

The Moon is getting a little bit bigger each night as we work through the lunar phases. We're still in the Waxing Crescent phase, which means more of the Moon is becoming illuminated each evening as it makes its way towards the First Quarter

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Saturday, Nov. 14, the NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 22% of its surface visible.

If you don't have any visual aids, you can see see some features on the Moon's surface tonight, specifically the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll also see the Endymion Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. As it orbits Earth, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface that we can see changes, creating the different phases. This takes us from the New Moon to the Full Moon and back again, before the cycle begins once more, according to NASA.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Update: The ground stop has been lifted, and domestic flights resumed late Friday.

For only the third time in U.S. history, flights across the United States have been ordered to stay on the ground. And as travelers found themselves stranded at airports, sitting in airport bars, and wondering when they might finally take off, the internet did what it does best and started posting.

On Friday, Nov. 13, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a nationwide ground stop for departing flights following widespread air traffic control communications problems. The agency cited extraordinary circumstances and safety concerns, ordering aircraft to remain on the ground until further notice. Flights already in the air were permitted to land, while inbound international flights were being handled on a case-by-case basis.

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The scale of the disruption is difficult to overstate. The last time the FAA issued a nationwide ground stop was in January 2023, when a computer system failure temporarily halted departing flights. Before that, it happened in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

SEE ALSO: FAA ground stop updates: What we know so far

It's the kind of historical comparison that can make an already unsettling situation feel even more alarming, particularly when thousands of travelers are left waiting for answers. The FAA's original communication was also extremely vague, citing only "extraordinary circumstances" and "reasons of safety."

And on social media, people had plenty of questions.

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For travelers caught in the middle of the disruption, the news wasn't just another breaking headline. It meant unexpected delays, uncertain departure times, and an increasingly familiar feeling of being at the mercy of systems entirely outside their control.

Some turned to social media to document the experience in real time, sharing updates from airport terminals.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Facebook users reported a rush to the airport bars. Credit: Facebook

Others were struck by the sheer rarity of the moment. A nationwide ground stop is not an everyday occurrence, and the fact that the previous two were associated with 9/11 and a major FAA systems failure only added to the unease.

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Of course, this being the internet, it didn't take long for people to find humor in the situation, either. Even an unprecedented disruption to air travel isn't immune to a few jokes, particularly when it happens on Friday the 13th following a major Microsoft outage.

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And then, there's this response from Stephen King:

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But beyond the immediate frustration and online commentary, the ground stop raises more serious questions about the aging technology underpinning America's aviation system. The FAA has been working to modernize its air traffic control infrastructure, and Friday's communications problems offer another reminder of how much depends on systems most travelers rarely think about until something goes wrong.

The ground stop also comes at a particularly interesting moment for the FAA. Just days earlier, the agency announced that it was expanding its new AI-supported air traffic management system, known as SMART, to all 22 regional air traffic control centers nationwide. Shortly before that, the FAA announced it will finally phase out floppy disks by 2028.

The $875 million system is designed to analyze everything from weather patterns and flight routes to traffic congestion and controller staffing, helping aviation officials anticipate disruptions before they happen. According to the FAA, the technology is intended to reduce delays and make air travel more efficient, though human specialists remain responsible for reviewing its recommendations.

The timing has attracted attention online, particularly as questions swirl around what caused Friday's communications problems.

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For now, travelers are left refreshing their flight statuses, waiting for updates, and sharing their experiences online. And while the jokes might offer a momentary distraction, there's nothing particularly funny about realizing just how quickly an entire country's air travel system can grind to a halt.

This is a developing story.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 14, 2026 Campus meaning

A collection of buildings.

Center meaning

A building or facility dedicated to a specific service.

Complex meaning

Composed of multiple parts.

Facility meaning

A place or building for a specific purpose.

Advanced meaning

Greatly improved or updated.

Foremost meaning

First in importance, rank or position.

Modern meaning

New and fresh.

Progressive meaning

Developing or happening gradually.

Chess meaning

A classic two-player strategy board game.

Go meaning

To advance.

Othello meaning

A two-player strategy board game.

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Stratego meaning

A two-player war board game.

Battle meaning

A fight.

Marriage meaning

A legalized union.

Mottle meaning

A colored spot.

Trib meaning

A small river or stream.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a new parent.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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 Pips hints, answers for November 14, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: New and improved

• Green: Setting

• Blue: Let's play

• Purple: Little ones

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Cutting-edge

• Green: Locations for an institution

• Blue: Strategy board games

• Purple: Baby gear with first letter changed

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 #1252 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Cutting-edge: ADVANCED, FOREMOST, MODERN, PROGRESSIVE

• Locations for an institution: CAMPUS, CENTER, COMPLEX, FACILITY

• Strategy board games: CHESS, GO, OTHELLO, STRATEGO

• Baby gear with first letter changed: BATTLE, MARRIAGE, MOTTLE, TRIB

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're a parent.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 November 14, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Preschool fun

The words are related to games.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words involve a kid's game.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Follow the Leader.

NYT Strands word list for November 14

• Tiptoe

• Spin

• Gallop

• Follow the Leader

• March

• Skip

• Walk

• Jump

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're not the friendliest.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 14, 2026 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.

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

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.

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

Rude.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

RANDY

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.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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.

Update: The ground stop has been lifted, and domestic flights resumed late Friday.

For the second time since 9/11, all air travel in the United States has been temporarily halted.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a rare nationwide ground stop on Friday afternoon, leaving countless travelers stranded at airports across the U.S. Officials, including Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, attributed the stoppage to a communications issue whose cause is unknown at the time of publication.

SEE ALSO: Is the ground stop related to the FAA's new air traffic AI?

Of course, the question on many people's minds right now is: When will the ground stop be lifted? Unfortunately, we do not know the answer to that right now. CNN reported that Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the government has "not discussed any timeframe."

“It’s going to take some time,” Mullin said, per CNN. “And so this isn’t going to just be resolved and turned around within the hour.”

That means this could very well last through Friday evening, at least. For reference, the last nationwide ground stop in 2023 lasted about 90 minutes, but Mullin's rhetoric seemed to suggest this one could take longer to resolve.

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Update 8:49 p.m. Nov. 13: According to reports, airline sources say the ground stop has been lifted.

On Friday afternoon, the FAA grounded all planes nationwide, an extraordinary step that brought air travel to a grinding halt. The aviation administration said it halted travel "due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety."

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy also confirmed the flight stoppage on X.

"The [FAA] issued a nationwide ground stop for all U.S. airports following a communication issue impacting all Air Route Traffic Control Centers. FAA technicians are investigating the issue. We will provide immediate updates as we have them."

The FAA rarely halts traffic coast to coast, leaving many travelers with questions about their flight status and the cause of the grounding. Here's what we know so far.

SEE ALSO: FAA nationwide ground stop: Why it happened, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin Why did the FAA ground all flights on Friday, Nov. 13?

The FAA's original explanation was that the ground stoppage was necessary "due to extraordinary circumstances and for reasons of safety." That was a vague and somewhat anxiety-inducing communication, as many Americans associate nationwide ground stoppages with the tragedy of Sept. 11, when flights were also stopped in dramatic fashion.

However, the FAA soon clarified in a statement that the order was issued due to a telecommunications issue.

"There has been a temporary telecommunications outage — out of an abundance of caution, all flights have been halted. Every flight has been accounted for and international flights will be handled on a case by case basis."

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However, CNN reported this extraordinary quote, citing an unnamed airline source: "Ten minutes ago, they were on a crisis call and there was still no clear answer as to a cause." More recently, CNN reported that the FAA told airlines that the problem originated with "network routers."

In a White House press briefing late Friday evening, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin explained the ground stop was the result of outdated air traffic control systems. Duffy said the analogue systems were "overloaded" by a patchwork of newly-installed modern technology, which caused inconsistencies in radar and communications. The FAA ordered the ground stop out of an "abundance of caution," officials explained.

How many flights have been impacted so far?

According to the Misery Map, a visualization of cancellations and delays produced by the flight-tracking service FlightAware, there have been 2,406 delays and 763 cancellations so far today. At the same time yesterday, FlightAware recorded 410 delays and six cancellations.

Because of the chaotic nature of a sudden ground stoppage, many travelers may be stuck sitting in planes on the tarmac. One Mashable reporter is currently in exactly that situation.

SEE ALSO: The FAA nationwide ground stop sparks travel panic and viral memes Airports are warning travelers to check flight status before coming to the airport

In the hours after the FAA grounded all domestic flights, major airports are warning travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The X account of New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport wrote, "Travelers should confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport." Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC issued the following advisory to travelers: "Prior to coming to the airport, check with your airline regarding the status of your flight."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. When was the last nationwide ground stoppage?

The FAA has only grounded all planes nationwide on two prior occasions. It happened for the first time on 9/11, and then again on Jan. 11, 2023. In the latter incident, flights were grounded for just 90 minutes due to issues with the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system. In 2024, the infamous CrowdStrike IT outage led major airlines to issue a global stoppage.

Is the FAA nationwide ground stoppage the result of a cyberattack?

As with yesterday's global Microsoft outage, online commentators quickly speculated that a cyberattack may have been the cause of the ground stoppage, but there is currently no reason to believe that is the case. The FAA has clearly stated that it's the result of "a temporary telecommunications outage." Mullin reiterated in the Friday briefing that there were "no indications" of foreign interference as of now.

The FAA's IT infrastructure is notoriously out of date. Just last week, Mashable reported on the administration's plans to finally phase out floppy disks — two years from now.

Why did the nationwide ground stop occur?

CBS News reported that multiple sources told them "[a]n update to the private communications network that connects America's air traffic control system caused the system to reboot, leading to a crash and a communications outage." A Florida-based company, L3Harris, operates that system, according to CBS News.

"This is not another 9/11"

Speaking at a news conference, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, "This is not another 9/11," according to KOMO News.

"There is no fear to the public. I want to make sure we say this again — there is no reason for the public to be afraid or scared for your loved ones," the secretary stated.

The FAA recently implemented a new AI system

In recent days, the FAA announced it was expanding the use of an AI tool to help air traffic controllers manage traffic, according to Ars Technica. However, there is no evidence that the current stoppage and the AI rollout are related. That hasn't stopped frustrated travelers from speculating on a connection, however.

On Friday evening, the company behind the new AI tool stated that there was absolutely no connection between the ground stoppage and its work.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: Is the ground stop related to the FAA's new air traffic AI? When will the FAA nationwide ground stoppage end?

Unfortunately, it's impossible to answer that question. As we already noted, the last nationwide ground stoppage in 2023 lasted approximately 90 minutes, according to the FAA's communications at the time.

If CNN's source who claimed the FAA currently has no idea what caused the problem is correct, it could drag on much longer than travelers would like.

We should also note that it's currently Friday the 13th.

This is a developing story...

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UPDATE: Nov. 13, 2026, 6:59 p.m. EST This story has been updated with additional information.

UPDATE: Nov. 13, 2026, 6:11 p.m. PST This story has been updated with additional information on the cause of the ground stop.

Trump administration officials and Air Traffic Control (ATC) insiders are shedding light on Friday's nationwide ground stop, which resulted in massive delays for thousands of flights and nearly all domestic travelers.

Several sources told CBS News Friday evening that the ground stop was caused by a communication system reboot. According to multiple insiders with knowledge of the incident, an update to a private communications network used by air traffic controllers forced the system to reboot and impede communications at the nation's 22 regional air traffic control centers, CBS News reported.

Hours later, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the outage was caused by an outdated air traffic control system coming up against the processing power of newly implemented modern technology.

"Our routers got overloaded by the data," said Duffy. The secretary said the overloaded routers, which he described as "'80s copper lines", caused instability in communications at Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs). Out of an "abundance of caution," the FAA issued the ground stop.

Duffy asserted that only older lines were affected, not newly installed ATC tech. Duffy then called on Congress to provide $50 billion in emergency funding to overhaul the system completely.

The ground stop has now been lifted.

SEE ALSO: FAA ground stop: When will it end? Not as soon as you'd like.

As recently as 6 p.m. ET, insiders reported the FAA was still investigating the circumstances behind the communication blackout.

Following confirmation of a telecommunications outage, social media users theorized the blackout may have been a consequence of the FAA's new AI-powered air traffic control system, known as Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories, or SMART. Others suggested the recent Microsoft outage could have been a factor.

When asked if AI played a role in the ground stop, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told the press that officials couldn't "rule anything out." In comments to the press later that evening, Mullin once again affirmed officials haven't found any indication of a cybersecurity attack but couldn't rule out interference entirely. "There’s nothing completely certain right now. It does not appear that way," Mullin said. "The public was never at danger. There was never any lives at risk. There were no flights at risk."

Air Space Intelligence (ASI), the company behind SMART, denied speculation that the new AI tool was involved in the ground stop. Microsoft also issued a statement, writing: "We have no indication that the FAA’s nationwide ground stop is related to any Microsoft services."

The FAA has undertaken an administration-wide modernization project, including phasing out the use of floppy disks for storing weather conditions, airport status updates, equipment issues, and other critical information.

UPDATE: Nov. 13, 2026, 5:47 p.m. This story was updated with new information from the Department of Transportation and Department of Homeland Security.

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