IT General

SAVE OVER $300: As of July 18, the Hisense Canvas TV is on sale for $688.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense Canvas TV $688.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $311 Get Deal

We love a TV discount here at Mashable, especially on something as impressive as the Hisense Canvas. And right now, there's an incredible deal at Amazon that you'll love almost as much as you love this TV.

As of July 18, you can find the 55-inch model of this TV priced at $688.99. Not only are you saving over $300 on list price, you're getting it for its lowest-ever price. If you want something a little bigger, you're in luck. There are discounts across all sizes.

SEE ALSO: My TV deal of the week — this massive 85-inch Hisense Mini-LED TV is over $1,000 off

There's so much to impress with this TV, just check out our review to see what we really thought. If you want the basics, it’s a 4K QLED that delivers rich, vibrant colors. But the real selling point is that when you’re not watching, the TV can be transformed into a digital gallery, displaying a single image or shuffling through a slideshow of your favorite photos or artwork. The hi-matte display makes the digital gallery look like the real thing, enough so that you'll be able to trick your friends and family into thinking it's the real thing.

Not only that, it's also a great option for gamers, boasting a 144Hz Game Mode PRO. This is designed with top gaming technology, with a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 144Hz.

This deal is not one to miss. Head to Amazon now to save.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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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 Mini crossword answers, hints for July 18, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Baseball abbreviations

• Green: Recent non-repeaters

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Comic connections

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

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

• Yellow: MLB teams, on scoreboards

• Green: Teams to lose their respective championships in 2025

• Blue: Famous Jackies

• Purple: Teams and players who share nicknames with Marvel characters

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

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #298 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• MLB teams, on scoreboards - LAD, MIL, PIT, TEX

• Teams to lose their respective championships in 2025 - EDMONTON, INDIANA, KANSAS CITY, NOTRE DAME

• Famous Jackies - BRALDEY, JOYNER-KERSEE, ROBINSON, YOUNG

• Teams and players who share nicknames with Marvel characters - IOWA, MICHIGAN, PULISIC, RIPKEN

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades: Best paid Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $9.99 Shop Now A 2-for-1 deal 'Super Mario Party Jamboree' + 'Jamboree TV' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $19.99 Shop Now Best free Mario game upgrade 'Super Mario Odyssey' $59.99 to purchase (free to upgrade) Shop Now A free Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrade 'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker' $39.99 (free to upgrade) Shop Now

If you're holding off on getting a Nintendo Switch 2 because you think that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza are the only two games you can play right now, you're mistaken (although, you definitely need to play both of those games). In fact, there are a lot of games you can play on the new handheld, including the best titles from the original Nintendo Switch generation — and with better visuals than ever before. That's because Nintendo has released Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades for a slate of its most popular Switch games.

Can you upgrade your Switch 1 game for the Switch 2 for free? Yes and no. While you can upgrade some Switch games for free, others require you to purchase a Switch 2 upgrade pack, though these upgrades are much cheaper than a typical video game. Each upgrade brings new features, improvements, and in some cases, brand-new game modes and DLC packs that weren't included in their original releases.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy and Amazon are restocking the Nintendo Switch 2 just in time for 'Donkey Kong Bananza' How do Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades work?

As with most things Nintendo, upgrading your old Switch games can be confusing, and it requires a little bit of brain power to figure out exactly how it works. But, to keep things simple, it comes down to this: If you already own the original game on the old Nintendo Switch, you are eligible to either buy the upgrade pack (which costs much less than the full price of the game) or upgrade for free, depending on the title.

If you don't already own a particular game, you still need to buy the game at full price to enjoy those upgrades for the Switch 2. This also applies to the physical copies of each eligible game.

Which games are eligible for Nintendo Switch 2 upgrades?

Below, we've put together a list of all the Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades you can get, as well as how to get them.

Best paid Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $9.99 at Nintendo
Upgrade for $9.99 Shop Now Why we like it

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is considered to be one of the greatest Nintendo games ever made, so it's a no-brainer to either upgrade for just $9.99 or buy a new copy if you haven't yet played it. The Switch 2 edition of the game comes with Zelda Notes support (a "game-specific service via Nintendo Switch App"), better resolution and frame rates, faster load times, and HDR support.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Super Mario Party Jamboree' + 'Jamboree TV' Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Pack $19.99 to upgrade Shop Now Why we like it

Many of us grew up playing the Mario Party games with our loved ones, and Jamboree is the Mario Party formula perfected. The $19.99 upgrade includes new game modes that make use of the Switch 2's mouse controls and other accessories, CameraPlay support, GameShare compatibility, enhanced resolution and frame rates, as well as access to Jamboree TV — a new game show hosted by Toad himself.

More games

To see a breakdown of new features included in each Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, check out Nintendo's helpful guide.

• Kirby and the Forgotten Land Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World — $79.99 or $19.99 to upgrade

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade

• PokémonLegends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition — $69.99 or $9.99 to upgrade

• Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Coming soon

Best free Nintendo Switch 2 game upgrades Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Super Mario Odyssey' $59.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Why we like it

Super Mario Odyssey is regarded as one of Nintendo's best-ever 3D platformers featuring the iconic Italian plumber, and its free upgrade comes with enhanced visuals, HDR support, GameShare features, and GameChat compatibility. It's the best way to play one of the best Nintendo Switch games, so don't skip over it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker' $39.99 at Nintendo
Shop Now Why we like it

An underrated gem from the original Nintendo Switch, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker's Switch 2 upgrade got all the same updates that Super Mario Odyssey did — better visuals, HDR support, and compatibility with the new GameShare and GameChat features. If you're looking for a fun, cute puzzle game to play through, look no further. If you already own Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, you can upgrade the title for Switch 2 for free.

More games

To see a breakdown of new features included in each free Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade, check out Nintendo's helpful guide. While you can upgrade these video games for the Switch 2 at no cost, if you don't already own the game, you'll still need to purchase the title.

• Arms — $59.99

• Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain — $29.99

• Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics — $39.99

• Game Builder Garage — $29.99

• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe — $59.99

• Pokémon Scarlet — $59.99

• Pokémon Violet — $59.99

• Splatoon 3 — $59.99

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury — $59.99

• The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom — $59.99

• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening — $59.99

TL;DR: Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays (July 18) for free on MLB.TV. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The new MLB season is finally here. The opening weekend of games includes some really interesting matchups, including San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays. And the best thing about this game is that you can follow all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays?

San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays starts at 7:07 p.m. ET on July 18. This fixture takes place at the Rogers Centre.

How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free

San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays is available to live stream for free on MLB.TV.

You can watch this free MLB game anywhere that MLB.TV is available, although local blackout restrictions apply in the U.S. and Canada. If you're unable to access this free live stream in your location, you can consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays from anywhere in the world.

Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

4. Visit MLB.TV

5. Stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream a wide range of MLB games before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for MLB.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for live streaming sport for free on platforms like MLB.TV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays for free with ExpressVPN.

Recently, I had to hop on a very long eight-hour flight. And with a journey like that, it's always nice to have headphones or earbuds to keep you busy with music, podcasts, or the selection of in-flight movies and shows on offer. In my case, I don't go anywhere without my AirPods Pro 2. They're an absolute must-have on journeys of any length.

There's a couple of different reasons for this. Of course, one is the sound quality. These earbuds sound great, so I can enjoy whatever I'm listening to on a long journey with great quality. But my main reason for keeping these wireless earbuds with me at all times is their noise-canceling features. In my opinion, this is the best feature of the AirPods Pro 2, especially on a flight. People chatting a bit too loud? Doesn't bother me. Crying baby? Can't hear a thing. The drone of the engines? Gone. Personally, I think the noise-cancelation alone makes the AirPods Pro 2 a worthy investment.

The Active Noise Cancelation isn't the only noise-focused feature worth shouting about, either. The AirPods Pro 2 have multiple sound options to choose from. These include a Transparency mode that allows you to hear more of the outside world, which is helpful if you want to be a bit more aware of your surroundings while you're listening (for example, when walking on a road where you need to listen out for traffic.) Then there's an Adaptive Audio feature, which serves as a blend of the noise-canceling and transparency features, adapting to the sounds in your environment.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: Shop MacBook Air, AirPods, iPads, and more

While we recently saw an absolutely stellar deal over Prime Day, you can still score the AirPods Pro 2 at a great discount right now of $169. But I'm a firm believer that these earbuds are worth picking up at full price if you're an Apple user.

The sound of silence

As an Apple user, I've found the AirPods Pro 2 fit perfectly into my ecosystem of Apple devices. No matter if I'm using my iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, these earbuds switch between devices seamlessly. And alongside their noise-canceling features, they also offer a comfortable design with silicone tips that fit nicely in your ear and serve as an extra seal to keep sound out.

Getting set up with these noise-canceling features is very straightforward. If you're already a frequent user of Active Noise Cancelation, the AirPods Pro 2 will automatically select the mode when you've got them in your ears and use your connected device. But if you want to swap to Transparency mode or Adaptive Audio, simply follow these steps:

1. With your AirPods in your ears, go to 'Settings' on your iPhone or iPad

2. Go to the 'AirPods Pro' section just below your 'Apple Account'

3. From here, under 'Noise Control', you can swap between Transparency, Adaptive, and Noise Cancelation

SEE ALSO: The 9 best earbuds to buy in 2025, selected by Mashable experts

Depending on where you are, each of these noise-canceling settings can be very helpful. In the case of a long flight, Noise Cancelation is great for keeping noisy sounds out while you're trying to relax or focus on the songs, podcasts, or audiobooks you're listening to without any interruptions. The AirPods Pro 2 helped my flight feel far more comfortable and less distracting.

Where to buy the AirPods Pro 2

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 can be bought from a variety of retailers. We've included the Amazon listing below, where they're currently on sale for $169.

What's nice is that these AirPods can frequently be found discounted during sale events, too. Recently they dropped to a new low price during the Amazon Prime Day sale event, and even though they've started going back up in price, there's still plenty of opportunities to save this year. Black Friday is the next big sale event on the horizon, so it's worth marking your calendar for November if these earbuds have been on your radar.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169 at Amazon
$249 Save $80 Get Deal

TL;DR: New members can join Sam’s Club for just $25 (reg. $50) with 1-year access and auto-renew.

If your grocery bill has started to feel like a jump scare, or your holiday shopping list is looking a little too ambitious, here’s one simple solution: a Sam’s Club membership — on sale at the moment for just $25 for your first year (regularly $50).

From everyday staples to seasonal steals, Sam’s Club is where smart shoppers stock up without overspending. With this limited-time offer, new members get full access to an entire year of warehouse-size savings, whether you’re filling your fridge, refreshing your home office, or prepping for the holidays early.

It’s not just groceries either. You’ll have access to household items and a variety of seasonal goods. Think electronics, furniture, clothes, tools, toys, travel deals, and even discounted tickets to concerts and theme parks. Oh — and that rotisserie chicken? Still delicious and super budget-friendly.

This membership auto-renews, so once you’re in, you’re in. And with nationwide locations and online shopping options, it’s an easy way to streamline your shopping while stretching your dollar.

Just a heads up: this deal is only for new members in the U.S. If you’ve been a member in the past six months, you’ll need to wait before jumping back in.

But if you’re new to the warehouse game — or just finally ready to make the Sam’s Club leap — this is your sign. Grocery hauls, holiday prep, and everyday savings? All in one stop. You’ll wonder why you didn’t join sooner.

Get a 1-year Sam’s Club membership for just $25 (reg. $50) for a limited time only.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club 1-Year Sam's Club Membership with Auto-Renew $25
$50 Save $25 Get Deal

TL;DR: For a one-time payment of $389.97, Internxt gives you lifetime access to 20TB of private, encrypted cloud storage across all your devices.

Running out of digital space is one of those slow-burn stressors no one wants to deal with. Whether you’re snapping endless videos of your dog, working with massive creative files, or storing years’ worth of family photos, it’s only a matter of time before that dreaded “storage full” message shows up. But what if you could mitigate all of that stress forever?

That’s exactly what you get with Internxt’s Lifetime 20TB Cloud Storage Plan. It’s serious storage, private by design, and available for life for one flat payment.

Unlike traditional cloud services that charge you forever (and slowly increase their fees), Internxt is refreshingly simple. You pay once — $389.97 through August 3 — and you’re done. That’s 20TB of encrypted, open-source, cross-platform storage that works seamlessly on every major device, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and even Linux.

But this isn’t just about space. It’s also about control (isn’t everything though?). Internxt is built for users who value security and privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption, zero-knowledge file handling, and even post-quantum encryption, which sounds like science fiction but is very real — and pretty cool.

You can store anything: media files, documents, backups, you name it, and preview them with an intuitive UI that won’t make your brain hurt. Share files with clients, upload entire folders with a drag, and sync across devices without worrying who might be peeking into your stuff. Even better, everything’s hosted with open-source transparency and GDPR compliance, so your data belongs to you, not some vague third party.

Enjoy digital peace of mind for the rest of your life.

Get a lifetime of 20TB cloud storage from Internxt for just $389.97, hundreds off the regular cost, through August 3.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription (20TB) $389.97
$4,900 Save $4,510.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Convert, edit, protect, and organize your PDFs with this all-in-one editor — yours for life for just $23.99 with code SAVE20.

Working with PDFs shouldn’t feel like a time-consuming chore. And yet, here we are, fighting uneditable forms, locked text, missing fonts, and files that just won’t convert cleanly. But what if one tool could flip the script?

The PDF Converter & Editor (available for a one-time payment of $23.99 with code SAVE20) lets you take control of your documents in the easiest way possible. Whether you’re merging, splitting, converting, unlocking, protecting, or even editing scanned PDFs with OCR, this tool helps make the whole process fast, flexible, and frustration-free.

You can convert PDFs to Word, Excel, JPG, HTML, and more without blowing up the formatting. Need to go the other way? It’s great at turning images, PowerPoints, and text files into shareable, compressed PDFs. The built-in OCR makes it possible to extract and edit text from scanned documents, too, so it’s especially handy for anyone dealing with image-based reports, old contracts, or digitizing physical files.

More than just a converter, it’s more like a full-fledged PDF toolbox. Annotate, watermark, compress, unlock, build forms, and even pull every image out of a PDF in one click. You can batch process files to save time, protect documents with custom passwords, and even use it as your go-to PDF reader.

And maybe the best part of all is that it’s a lifetime license. No subscriptions. No recurring payments. Just simple, powerful PDF control for two devices — Windows or Mac.

While the Mac version currently offers conversion and creation tools, editing features are on the roadmap (updates to come). Windows users get the full suite today.

Don’t miss getting the PDF Converter & Editor for just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code SAVE20 for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.99
$99.99 Save $76 Get Deal

TL;DR: AdGuard Family Plan blocks ads, protects your privacy, and adds parental controls on nine devices — just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN.

Online life can be great. But the experience gets cluttered fast — pop-up banners, auto-play videos, data trackers, and sneaky malware links can turn everyday browsing into a bit of a mess. The AdGuard Family Plan offers a simple, one-time solution: block the noise, protect your data, and create a safer digital space for everyone in your home, for life.

What makes this deal stand out? You’ll pay just $15.97 once (using code FAMPLAN at checkout), and you’re covered for a lifetime across nine devices. That’s phones, tablets, laptops — whatever your household uses, AdGuard works across platforms and syncs quietly in the background to make everything run smoother.

But this isn’t just another ad blocker. AdGuard uses enterprise-grade filtering tools to remove everything from flashy banner ads to hidden video pre-rolls. It also offers advanced privacy protection, shielding your browsing activity from data collectors and trackers that follow you around the web. The result is faster load times, more peace of mind, and less junk cluttering your screen.

Parents will appreciate the built-in parental controls, which let you restrict access to inappropriate content without relying on complicated router settings or third-party software. It’s an easy, one-click setup that adds a layer of digital safety you don’t have to think twice about.

And for users who care about security (without diving deep into VPNs or overly technical setups), AdGuard provides malware and phishing protection by filtering out shady links and sites before they load.

Everything runs through a clean, intuitive interface, with frequent updates included in your one-time purchase. You’ll get the same quality protection and features as any premium ad-blocking app, minus the monthly bill.

This is one of the rare tools that quietly improves your online experience every day.

Get lifetime access to AdGuard’s Family Plan for the one-time price of $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN for a limited time.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 Get Deal

On tour across the UK, Panic Shack tried an online experiment for the hell of it.

"we’re gonna do this dance in every green room til we get really good, follow us on tiktok to see the progress xxxxx," the Cardiff punk band wrote on Instagram in May 2025, posting a video of members Sarah Harvey, Meg Fretwell, Romi Lawrence, and Emily Smith doing a dance to Janet Jackson's "Miss You Much."

Multiple renditions on TikTok, 100,000 followers, and 15.4 million views later, Panic Shack were all over FYPs. And they've just released their debut album.

SEE ALSO: Le Sserafim on tech, style, and staying connected in a digital world

Formed in 2018, Panic Shack emerged from "daydreaming whilst at work," according to Harvey, and a shared love of karaoke and going to friends' gigs. A rambunctious, jubilant, loud punk outfit from the Welsh capital, Panic Shack brings perpetual Thelma and Louise energy to bangers about ride-or-die friendship, telling jerks to GTFO, bullshit body image expectations, smoking rollies, meal deals, London dudes, and the dreaded ick.

Mashable sat down with lead vocalist Harvey and guitarist/vocalist Fretwell to chat through their viral success and what to expect from their very first, self-titled LP.

Panic Shack stole TikTok's heart with a dance "everyone be quiet my show is on." Credit: Panic Shack / TikTok

"everyone be quiet my show is on," wrote TikTok user Morgana on a Panic Shack video. "Why is this so addictive to watch? I think I watch each of these at least 10x," wrote welsh_witchery on another. "Do you do divorce parties x," added Eviebop.

Maybe you've discovered Panic Shack at one of their live shows. Or perhaps you're one of the thousands who have found them through their series of "Miss You Much" dances posted since May.

The dance was originally choreographed by Ohio-based dance instructor Jezebel Shuvani (@JezFever). Posting to TikTok in February, she described it as inspired by the final scene from Lorene Scafaria's Hustlers, in which Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), Destiny (Constance Wu), Mercedes (Keke Palmer), and Annabelle (Lili Reinhart) do their own choreography to Janet Jackson's 1989 banger. (The artist's original "Miss You Much" video itself is ablaze with moves.)

Featured Video For You OK Go's Damian Kulash and Tim Nordwind reflect on how a viral music video changed their band forever

Fretwell had seen the dance JezFever had posted on TikTok and pitched it to her Panic Shack bandmates, Harvey, Lawrence, and Smith, who were all on board (who wouldn't be?). Finding tiny corners, sunny rooftops, and cramped corridors in venues across Manchester, Brighton, Norwich, Leeds, and more, Panic Shack carved out time to throw down moves without fail. They even dragged drummer Nick Doherty-Williams into one.

"I was like, girls, we should try that when we're on tour together. And we just did it, and did not expect it to take off," Fretwell tells Mashable. "It was so crazy, because so many people are, like, you're marketing geniuses! Who is running this? I think the combination of our stage outfits and the different locations and the consistency of doing it every day whilst we were on tour was really the secret combination. We absolutely did not expect it to go viral. JezFever and the troupe are so lush as well, we've got an online friendship with these women."

Credit: Ren Faulkner

The dance boosted Panic Shack's online fanbase tenfold, with a cursory calculation of the band's "Miss You Much" videos sitting at 15.4 million views alone. The comments are full of old faithful and shiny new fans, the latter of whom have also found their way to Panic Shack's YouTube channel. "Anyone else here because they were mesmerized by their TikToks? Now I’m addicted to their music," writes one commenter, and they're not alone.

"You couldn't write it, like, it could not have come at a better time," says Fretwell. "Honestly, before the dance, we had like, 6,000 followers before we went on tour, and we came off tour with over 100,000 followers. It's quite literally mind-blowing."

"It's interesting, because we've had a big following for a long time just for our live shows and now it's really interesting deciphering who knows us from TikTok or from a live show," she adds.

Panic Shack celebrates joy, calls out hate in the comments Credit: Ren Faulkner

Having experienced toxic trolls and hateful comments in the past, Panic Shack experienced the (unfortunately) rare wonder that is being women on the internet surrounded by positivity, fun, and empowerment — all while being their authentic selves.

"We almost couldn't believe that people were being so nice to us in the comments," says Fretwell."Some people have really emotional reactions to the dance as well. It absolutely, again, isn't our intention, but I'm just so glad that people have found so much joy from it."

"We're being ourselves and I think that gets lost in social media quite a lot," adds Harvey. "And our friendship, as well, probably shone through a little bit, as it always does with the band, and just when we're hanging out."

Alas, there are still dickheads online. In true punk form, Panic Shack often uses humour to call out misogynist comments on TikTok videos — including the tried and true TikTok strategy of highlighting heinous comments to name and shame them in new videos. In July, the band did send-ups of Robert Palmer's 1985 "Addicted to Love" video; Shania Twain famously gender-flipped the video in 1997 for "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." Panic Shack's own punk version sees the band pin troll comments and crush a lip-synch of Palmer's song.

"Sometimes we like to highlight some of the troll comments, just because it's just our way of dealing with it, really," says Fretwell. "We've received so many troll comments over time, haven't we, Sarz? Even back then, years ago, that's how we would deal with it."

"We don't want sympathy. We're doing it just to fight back and show show them up a little bit," says Harvey.

"We've had some really horrible stuff said about us over the years, and it's just all misogyny," adds Fretwell. "Essentially, it's like, whatever they want to disguise it as it, the root of it is misogyny. Don't think they like seeing women having fun, or not doing something for male attention, for the male gaze."

Panic Shack keeps live shows and online moments separate Credit: Ren Faulkner

Sometimes artists see online moments as an accompaniment to their live shows — Charli XCX's "Apple" dance is the tip of the TikTok-to-stage iceberg. However, more often than not, there's a pretty solid line between what happens on an artist's online platforms and what happens on stage. For Panic Shack, it's the latter, especially when it comes to their viral dance — you will not see it on stage.

"People have asked. People have been like, can that be the encore? And I think we've always just said that's for the internet's eyes only, really," says Fretwell. "TikTok and online is like a separate entity, particularly the TikTok app. It's somewhere we can just try and test out different styles of like, content, I suppose. But yeah, the live show's nothing got nothing to do with it really."

"It's been thrown around a bit, but then I think we just thought it wouldn't feel authentic for us to do that on stage," says Harvey. "I guess part of the live show is the music and, yeah, fun and games. But I think the dance would just...if people were there, the gig, were there for music, and they saw us do that, they'd be like, what? To be fair they'd probably love it."

Panic Shack released their debut album on July 18, with a huge UK and European tour ahead of them. On Friday, Panic Shack is playing a launch day gig and running a pop-up merch shop in Cardiff's The Sustainable Studio. But first? Well-earned bevs. "Meg said she's got a bottle of Champagne for us to pop," says Harvey. "I've been reserving a special bottle of Champagne I got for my birthday that I've not found a reason to drink, so I can't wait to pop it with the girls," says Fretwell.

What can people expect from the self-titled release? "Lots more calling people out closer to home, lots of female friendship vibes, just to step into the Panic Shack world, really, just from start to finish," says Harvey.

"It's very much like, welcome to our universe, you know?" adds Fretwell. "We do want everyone to be a part of it. We want people to feel like they can be friends with us."

Panic Shack is out now.

Comedy is tragedy plus time. There may be a day when critics look back on Ari Aster's COVID-19 comedy Eddington with kinder eyes. However, just five years after this virus threw the world into lockdown, we are still living in the brutal realities created not only by the pandemic that killed millions but also further polarized American politics to horrifying results. So, watching movie stars crack wise about face masks, conspiracy theories, and political rivalries? Right now, it's not funny. It's mostly irritating. 

Props to Aster for his continued fearlessness. The writer/director broke through with his daring debut feature Hereditary, then cemented his reputation as an American filmmaker to watch with its chilling follow-up Midsommar, which in turn helped launch Florence Pugh to stardom. Then, he threw his fans (and critics) for a loop with Beau Is Afraid, which starred Academy Award–winner Joaquin Phoenix in a prolonged anxiety attack of a movie that skewed genre and concluded with the epic revelation of a giant penis monster. 

For Eddington, Aster reteams with Phoenix, who once more plays an anti-hero gripped by his failings instead of his virtues. But this time, the punchline isn't one of mommy issues or social anxiety. Instead, the New Mexico-set Eddington pokes fun of both sides of the political divide. But far from being even-handed or even all that funny, the result is a movie that might be seen as a wild ride if it nailed the landing. Instead, it's a wonky head-scratcher that feels more smug than sharp. 

Joaquin Phoenix is a right-wing clown in Eddington.  Joaquin Phoenix plays Sheriff Joe Cross in "Eddington." Credit: A24

At a glance, Joe Cross (Phoenix) is a familiar American archetype, with his white hat, cowboy boots, and sheriff's badge. He's a lawman who fights against the injustices of a wild world that knows no decency. In Westerns, he'd be the good guy, except Aster steadily undercuts this American icon, both visually and contextually in this Western/thriller/comedy. For instance, Joe is introduced patrolling an area that's outside his jurisdiction on tribal ground, sparking a confrontation with the Native American police, who chastise Joe for trespassing and for breaking the mandate by not wearing a face mask (both tribal officers are masked). 

On one hand, Joe's sitting alone in a car. So, yeah, wearing a face mask is unnecessary, even absurd. But Joe will continue to push the masking issue, knowingly making his neighbors uncomfortable as he strides into a grocery store where everyone is masked and keeping a six-foot distance from each other. His frustration over what he sees as an attack on his freedom even sparks him to begin a haphazard campaign against the beloved Eddington mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). But the more Aster reveals about Joe, the more it's clear the mask is not about freedom, but about Joe asserting dominance wherever he can, so he can feel like a man. 

At home, Joe is emasculated by his vicious mother-in-law (Deirdre O'Connell) and barely acknowledged by his depressed wife, Louise (Emma Stone). At work, he cowers in the shadow of the admired sheriff who came before, who happens to have been his late father-in-law. Unable to live up to the ghost of the man who haunts him figuratively in his personal and professional life, Joe picks another target for his wrath: Ted Garcia.

Joe chooses Ted not only because the mayor is more well-liked than he, but also because Ted is Louise's ex. Joe burns with jealousy over their shared past, which he imagines as scandalous. All of this leads Joe down a path that feels vaguely Coen Bros.-esque in its rancid Americana and self-destruction. But whether he makes hasty campaign posters with embarrassing misspellings or dives into the violent fantasy of being an American action hero through bonkers and abrupt battle scenes, Joe is unquestionably a clown.

Though the protagonists of Hereditary, Midsommar, and Beau Is Afraid were deeply flawed, Aster also found room for us to relate to their heartache and anxieties. We were as scared as they were, or even more scared for them than they could be for themselves. Joe, however, is not richly developed or relatable. He's a vexing sketch of the anti-masker movement and all its toxic masculinity and privilege. Pushing this symbolism past its breaking point, Aster also wedges in subplots where Joe must deal with the online conspiracy theories about child exploitation and a flurry of Black Lives Matters protests organized by a local white girl (Amélie Hoeferle), who is often on the verge of tears. 

The criticism is uneven and shallow in Eddington.  Emma Stone and Deirdre O'Connell play daughter and mother in "Eddington." Credit: A24

In a Q&A for press following a screening of Eddington, Aster expressed his hope that the film would speak to both sides of the political divide. He further noted the final act — which features a prolonged shootout — could read totally differently depending on what side of the divide you're on. But frankly, he misreads his audience. The film is not that textured. The climax, chaotic and grisly, is shocking, but not awing. 

Joe and his family offers plenty of opportunities to mock the right for their anti-masking attitudes, Pizzagate conspiracies, and general "fuck your feelings" MAGA attitude — though Aster tries to have it both ways by not using such explicit buzzwords. By contrast, Mayor Garcia is a gentle lampoon of liberal politicians. Where Joe is stern, speaking like he's spitting, Ted is determinedly soft-spoken, and listens to Katy Perry while entertaining. ("Firework," naturally.) In a promotional video for his campaign, Ted reenacts a tragic personal memory to win sympathy, then inexplicably plays piano in the middle of Eddington's dirt roads. It's a gentle ribbing of quirky political ads. But even as Aster mocks the virtue signaling of the left through a subplot about Ted's son (Matt Gomez Hidaka) using political patter to impress the aforementioned female protester, the barbs feel like a nudge instead of a punchline. 

Perhaps this is because both sides of the argument, as Aster presents them here, just aren't equally worth mocking. Maybe that's because the foibles of one side lead to cringe moments, while the other might lead to death and disaster. But for a runtime of two hours and 28 minutes, Aster doesn't uncover anything all that deep or surprising about this divide beyond how dangerous it can be. Neither side will learn much new about themselves or their perceived opponents by watching Eddington. It's hard to say if more time would make a difference.

While the cast is committed to Aster's vision of this New Mexico town, the depth is lacking. That a cop has a thirst for control, that a smiling politician has a dark side, that a depressed woman has a hidden heartache — none of this is a surprise. Yet Eddington treats each reveal with a ghoulish giddiness, as if they're all deeply transgressive. The result is a movie that feels passionate, but is ultimately shallow and messy.

Far from the thriller its trailers suggest, Eddington is a cynical dark comedy that mistakes empathy for weakness, offering plenty to react to but little to provoke thought.

 Eddington opens in theaters on July 18.

In the Venn diagram of tablets and books, our favorite e-readers fall perfectly in the middle. They're thin and portable like a tablet, but without the distraction of the internet. The best Kindles and e-readers stuff thousands of books — a full library, really — into their tiny frame.

And having tested a lot of e-readers for Mashable, I can tell you that Amazon's Kindle lineup comes closest to perfecting the devices. All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of the Kindle. For parents, Kindles are a screen you don't have to feel guilty about. For avid readers, Stuff Your Kindle Day lets you fill up your summer reading list. You can buy remote page-turners so you don't have to hold your Kindle while reading. Even hardcore book collectors have been converted to the Kindle life.

Meet the newest generation of Kindle e-readers Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers.

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we're on the 12th generation of Kindles; the latest arrived in October 2024. Every model — the basic Kindle, the Paperwhite, Signature Edition, Scribe, and Kids models — all got upgrades. And unfortunately, the Kindle Oasis, a waterproof model with page-turning buttons, was discontinued.

Kindle's first color e-reader also arrived in late 2024, and it's the only model I haven't tested personally. I'm eager to see how it compares, especially with the Kobo Clara Colour and Kobo Libra Colour. In general, color e-readers are a pretty niche product, and the Colorsoft is the most expensive option, which is why you won't find it in this guide.

The latest Kindles are lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can support your local library (and get free books, of course). Basically, it's hard to make a bad decision in this product category. So, what's the best Kindle for you? Let me help you decide.

How to pick the right Kindle for you:

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. There are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock.

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Since the Kindle Oasis is no longer available, you have some other choices. Your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature edition settings screen. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Beyond water resistance, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The basic Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

And if you were a die-hard Kindle Oasis fan and are attached to page-turning buttons, you may need to stray from the Kindle line-up. Now, your best bet will be the Kobo Libra Colour.

How to get free e-books on Kindle With just a click, transfer your Libby e-book to your Kindle device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Your Libby ebook will automatically populate in your Kindle library. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best way to read free e-books on a Kindle is with Libby. Libby allows you to borrow e-books through libraries, and all you is a library card. Through the Libby app, borrow books and then select the 'read with Kindle' option which allows you to send these e-books into your Kindle library.

Another option for finding free e-books is through Stuff Your Kindle events. These are author-driven events that offer limited-time deals on e-books often making them heavily discounted or totally free.

SAVE OVER $1,000: The 85-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED 4K Smart TV is just $2,197.99 at Amazon — its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-Inch Class U8 Mini-LED 4K UHD Google Smart TV $2,197.99 at Amazon
$3,498 Save $1,300.01 Get Deal

This latest price cut on a massive 4K TV is so big, you’d be forgiven for thinking Prime Day was still live.

As of July 18, the 85-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED ULED 4K Google Smart TV (the 2025 model) is down to $2,197.99 at Amazon — that’s 37% off its original price of $3,498, and one of the best deals we’ve seen on a premium big-screen set this year. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s its lowest price yet. In terms of size and specs, this TV brings serious firepower. 

SEE ALSO: The best budget TVs for gaming, according to the experts

With Mini-LED Pro backlighting, up to 5,000 local dimming zones, and a blisteringly bright 5,000 nits peak, picture contrast and detail are dialled up to much higher levels compared to standard LED TVs — due to the much higher amount of LEDs at a smaller size. 

The near-cinematic quality is great for bingeing blockbusters like Superman or Jurassic World Rebirth on home release, or tuning into any late-night football matches. The QLED panel supports over a billion colors, while the Anti-Reflection Pro screen means nothing washes out your view, even in bright rooms.

Gamers shouldn’t feel left out either. With a native 165Hz refresh rate, VRR up to 288, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, this TV is ready for smooth, responsive play on current-gen console games like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Donkey Kong Bananza. There's even a built-in Game Bar to tweak your settings on the fly.

The sound is just as impressive: a 4.1.2-channel system with eight built-in speakers, including up-firing drivers, aims to bring Dolby Atmos audio to life without the need for a separate soundbar.

Google TV is baked in as well, so you can stream, search, and customise your content hub with ease — which is great if you’re a smart TV-streaming purist who doesn’t like to use consoles or dedicated Blu-ray players.

If you want an even bigger display than 85 inches, you can save nearly $500 on this massive 100-inch Hisense TV, also at Amazon.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

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 Friday, July 18, 2025:

AcrossAppropriate word that can precede 7-/8-Across and 3-/10-Down

• The answer is Half.

Remy's brother in "Ratatouille"

• The answer is Emile.

Missouri's postal abbreviation

• The answer is MO.

Light switch position

• The answer is On.

Done for laughs

• The answer is In fun.

Richard of "Pretty Woman"

• The answer is Gere.

DownPrefix that means 1-Across

• The answer is Half.

In the midst of

• The answer is Among.

Super Bowl that featured a 28-3 comeback win by the Patriots

• The answer is LI.

Baker's powder

• The answer is Flour

Dated feminine suffix

• The answer is Enne.

Iron, on the periodic table

• The answer is Fe.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

SAVE $30: As of July 18, the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is on sale for $99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 23% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30 Get Deal

The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is back on sale at Amazon, this time for $30 off. As of July 18, it's now priced at $99 — an absolute steal. So why this version over other Apple Pencil models?

This Apple stylus is noticeably better in design than the previous iteration, especially for those who love to sketch, take notes, or use their iPad for lots of heavy editing. The stylus has a magnetic attachment, so it's nice and easy to both store and charge. Double-tap gestures let you switch tools effortlessly, and performance-wise, it’s incredibly responsive with near-zero lag.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals this week: Shop MacBook Air, AirPods, iPads, and more

Whether you’re drawing fine lines, shading, or jotting down fast notes, it feels almost the same as writing with a real pen or pencil. And unlike the 1st Gen, these smart features make the 2nd Gen much more seamless to use day to day.

The Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) is compatible with the following iPad models: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation); iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation); iPad Air (4th and 5th generation); and iPad mini (6th generation).

Get this deal from Amazon now.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Late Show host Stephen Colbert made a shocking announcement on Thursday, revealing that the long-running talk show had been axed after more than 30 years on air. The news comes mere days after Colbert accused CBS' parent company Paramount of paying a "big fat bribe" to President Donald Trump.

"Next year will be our last season," said Colbert to his audience's dismay. "The network will be ending The Late Show in May."

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert takes aim at Trump/Paramount settlement as a 'big fat bribe'

The Late Show's first iteration premiered in 1993, with renowned host David Letterman behind the desk for 22 years. Colbert took the reins following Letterman's 2015 retirement and quickly made it his own, scoring multiple Emmy nominations in the decade since. The Late Show regularly tops the Nielsen ratings, outstripping competing talk shows, and it attracted over 2.4 million viewers across 41 episodes in Q2 alone this year. As such, few in his audience likely expected the popular show's untimely demise.

"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of 'The Late Show' on CBS. I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away." - Stephen Colbert

Colbert's announcement of The Late Show's cancellation on Thursday sparked a loud round of booing, to which the host responded that he shares such sentiments. The unhappy news is apparently still fresh to him, with Colbert stating that he'd just found out the previous night.

"It's not just the end of our show, but it's the end of The Late Show on CBS," Colbert continued. "I'm not being replaced. This is all just going away."

Despite the sudden cancellation, Colbert still thanked CBS as well as his audience and the 200 people who work on the show.

"We get to do this show for each other every day all day, and I've had the pleasure and the responsibility of sharing what we do every day with you in front of this camera for the last 10 years," said Colbert. "And let me tell you, it is a fantastic job. I wish somebody else was getting it. And it's a job that I'm looking forward to doing with this usual gang of idiots for another 10 months."

CBS claims 'Late Show' cancellation unrelated to Colbert's criticism

CBS issued a statement on Thursday night following Colbert's announcement, in which it confirmed its decision to end The Late Show.

"This is purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night," wrote CBS executives. "It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content, or other matters happening at Paramount."

Said "other matters" appears to reference the recent lawsuit Trump filed against Paramount in October. In it, Trump alleged that Paramount had deceptively edited a 60 Minutes interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris to be favourable to her ahead of the November presidential election. Paramount agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the suit earlier this month, a decision that has been lambasted by First Amendment and press freedom advocates.

Colbert has also been vocally critical of this settlement, labelling it a "big fat bribe" on Monday and stating that Paramount itself called the lawsuit "completely without merit." He further noted that Paramount has been trying to secure the Trump administration's approval of its proposed merger with Skydance Media — an effort that likely wouldn't be helped by an ongoing lawsuit with the president.

The Skydance-Paramount merger is yet to be approved by the FCC. However, on Wednesday, Trump appeared to support the merger and praised Skydance CEO David Ellison when speaking to reporters, the same day Colbert was informed of The Late Show's cancellation. The president then immediately began speaking about his lawsuit with Paramount.

Colbert has been a prominent critic of Trump for years, and on Monday acknowledged speculation that he may be pressured to lay off the president should Paramount's merger with Skydance go through. It now looks as though this won't be a concern any longer.

Of course, not everyone is buying CBS' explanation, particularly in light of Colbert's recent comments and The Late Show's steady success with viewers.

"CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with Trump – a deal that looks like bribery," Senator Elizabeth Warren posted to X. "America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons."

"Just finished taping with Stephen Colbert who announced his show was cancelled," wrote Senator Adam Schiff. "If Paramount and CBS ended the Late Show for political reasons, the public deserves to know. And deserves better."

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on July 14-18. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering science fiction and dystopia books for Kindle e-readers for free or $0.99.

Stuff Your Kindle Day is back with a bang for fans of science fiction and dystopia books. Something Strange, hosted by Indie Author Central, is offering books from these popular genres for free. And the books that you download are yours to keep forever.

This is your chance to give your library a serious boost without spending anything.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindles in 2025

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Something Strange takes place from July 14-18. Unlike a lot of Stuff Your Kindle Days that take place over 24 hours, this event runs for five days. That gives you time to properly peruse the options and find exactly what you love to read.

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Anyone can participate in Stuff Your Kindle Day. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

Finding all of these free science fiction and dystopia books is straightforward thanks to the helpful hub page on Indie Author Central. Everything is nicely presented with filters so you can head directly to the books you actually want to download.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + 3 Months of Kindle Unlimited $109.99 at Amazon
$145.96 Save $35.97 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Prices start at $109.99, a great price for those on a budget, but if you want to save even more, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited absolutely free during Stuff Your Kindle Day.

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month and allows you to borrow up to 20 months at a time. For a limited time, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free, saving you $35.97.

TL;DR: Skoove Premium Piano Lessons uses advanced AI to give you curated virtual piano lessons, and right now a lifetime subscription can be yours for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $149.99
$299.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Whether you've dabbled in lessons as a kid or never sat on a piano bench, Skoove Premium Piano Lessons can help you master the keys from the comfort of home. All you'll need is a tablet, a keyboard, and this AI-powered app. 

Right now, you can save 50% on a lifetime subscription and keep honing your craft for life for just $149.99 (reg. $299). 

Learn piano on your lunch break

Skoove offers AI-powered piano lessons that let you tickle the ivories in your spare time. That means even people with the busiest schedules can pencil in time to pound the keys and elevate their skills, with Skoove providing curated feedback and useful resources as you learn. 

These virtual piano lessons only require a piano or keyboard and your tablet, so you don't need to buy anything else to get started. And this lifetime subscription lets you work at your own pace.

You'll get access to 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos, but don't think you'll just be sitting back and repeating after the video. Thanks to AI, you play and Skoove listens, recognizing your notes and offering real-time feedback so you can continuously improve. 

Learn what you love, thanks to Skoove's wide range of genres. Practice playing with tunes from Adele or John Legend, or go old school and work on some Bach or Beethoven. Monthly updates bring new song choices, so you never have to worry about running out of material. 

While learning from the AI is interactive, there's also backup if needed. If you ever get stumped, Skoove's music instructors are available for one-on-one support. 

Ready to join over one million people already mastering piano with Skoove?

Get a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $149.99 (reg. $299) right here. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We know that everyone is counting down the days until the first Lions vs. Australia game, but there are some really interesting international fixtures taking place elsewhere. And for the players who didn't make the Lions tour, this is a chance for retribution.

Samoa vs. Scotland is the first game taking place this weekend, and it looks set to be explosive.

If you want to watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Samoa vs. Scotland?

Samoa vs. Scotland starts at 8:35 a.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at Eden Park.

How to watch Samoa vs. Scotland for free

Samoa vs. Scotland is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Samoa vs. Scotland for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Samoa vs. Scotland before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

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TL;DR: Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spain are the favorites to win the Women's Euro 2025, but next they face a tricky matchup with the hosts. On paper, Spain should win this one comfortably and book a spot in the semi finals. But you can never count out the host nation.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Switzerland?

Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on July 18. This fixture takes place at the Wankdorf Stadium.

How to watch Spain vs. Switzerland for free

Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Spain vs. Switzerland (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Spain vs. Switzerland in Women's Euro 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.