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At 72, American filmmaker Robert Zemeckis has a storied career on par with few others. He's the visionary behind the extraordinary collision of live-action comedy and cartoon mayhem that is Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He birthed the sci-fi/comedy bliss of Back to the Future and the campy splendor of the cult-adored Death Becomes Her. But far from the madcap humor of these offerings, he helmed the iconic Forrest Gump, a literary adaptation that thrilled audiences and the Academy, who bestowed upon the decades-traversing drama a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. 

SEE ALSO: 42 movies you'll want to see this fall

Here, Zemeckis' latest offering, has a lot in common with Forrest Gump. On a casting level, it reunites Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, who once more play a couple of young lovers, finding themselves in the 1950s and 1960s. It also reteams Zemeckis with Forrest Gump's Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth, who is tasked this time around with adapting a graphic novel from New York Times illustrator Richard McGuire. Here is also a heartfelt drama spanning time, although instead of mere decades, it takes place across centuries, even millennia.

Yet within this familiar framework, Zemeckis tales big risks that are more akin to his less-celebrated Hanks collaborations, chiefly The Polar Express and Disney's live-action Pinocchio. Where in his earlier films, he blew our minds and won acclaim with practical effects, his later dive into digital effects have often veered into an ugly, uncanny valley. But even as it falters in the details, there's undeniable reason to celebrate the ambition and earnestness of Here. 

Here is a story across time about family.  Credit: Sony Pictures

Remarkably, Here has the look of being filmed in one shot. To be clear, it is not seemingly one long take, like the exhilarating real-time zombie thriller MadS. Replicating the look of McGuire's comic — as teased in the trailer — the whole of Here is shot from a planted perspective, while the action unfurls before it. The trick is, it won't play out chronologically but instead somewhat simultaneously. 

The frame Zemeckis presents shows a New England living room within a "half-Colonial" home, built in 1900. There, various furniture and decor will come and go in smooth visual transitions, and even fade away to show a swamp of galumphing mud, where dinosaurs frolic, then a plain made desolate and white by an ice age, then a verdant forest where Indigenous Americans hunt, gather, and fall in love. But mostly, Here is set in a living room, following families from the early 20th century, the post-Jazz Age, post-World War II, and beyond. 

There, stories collide through frames within the frame, which are outlined in white, a nod to their comic book inspiration. So while much of the scene may be set in the 1960s, where a teenage boy (Tom Hanks, courtesy of de-aging CGI — more on that in a bit!) introduces squabbles with his drunk dad (Paul Bettany), an inner frame might reveal the families who came before. Images of weddings, Thanksgiving celebrations, marital spats, and funerals can potentially pile on top of the scene, succinctly displaying all the stories that play out in this seemingly average space in one hour and 44 minutes of runtime. So, why does it feel so much longer?

Here is a strange experiment at war with itself.  Credit: Sony Pictures

Watching the frame-within-frame device unfold across the screen, it's easy to see how it could work in a graphic novel. On the page, each square urges you to imagine what could lie just outside its borders, a constant reminder of perspective but also how the limitations of the media of the comic book itself can inspire your imagination. 

Film as a form is considered by its audience more literal, which is Zemeckis' first challenge. While in some scenes, the characters exit the frame — inviting the audience to assume what happens off camera — the visual stimuli of new information piling up every moment allows little time for the meaning of this device to wash over us. And yet, despite the collage effect at play across the story, the film feels stuck in its locked position. One might wonder why this spot —  and perhaps that it could be any spot is precisely the point. But the fixed location makes the movie feel like a recording of a stage show more than a film, with performances to match. 

Zemeckis' choices are daring and often jarring.  Credit: Sony Pictures

While the movie leaps across time, a star-stuffed ensemble treads the boards of this living room. Among them are not only Tom Hanks and Robin Wright as teen lovers who get married, have kids, and face a wide array of mature troubles in this space, but also Michelle Dockery as a turn-of-the-century suffragette, Ophelia Lovibond as a spirited flapper with David Fynn as her besotted inventor husband, Daniel Betts as a frustrated bastard son of Benjamin Franklin, Nikki Amuka-Bird as a wealthy 2020s businesswoman, and Joel Oulette and Dannie McCallum as an unnamed Indigenous couple. 

But the main storyline kicks off with Paul Bettany as a WII vet and Kelly Reilly as his doting wife. Their story is cliche, with him being a quick-to-anger patriarch whose parenting tools are yelling and endless glasses of bourbon, while she is the smiling mother devoted to smoothing everything over until she physically can't any longer. The rough edges of Roth's script are only enhanced by the pair's performance style, which is broadly theatrical. Perhaps the idea is to mimic the grandeur of Golden Era cinema — those 1940s black-and-white classics featuring debonair men and fast-talking dames. But this theatricality stretches across the timeline, though it softens if a character is more emotionally stiff (Dockery) or pensive (Wright). Still, the tone Zemeckis pursues calls attention to itself, keeping the audience from settling into the story. 

Interestingly, Zemeckis rejects the standard American movie pursuit of performed authenticity. This movie is not remotely concerned with how people actually talk, but prefers a far more sentimental approach that veers into parable. These characters not only inexplicably rush into big life decisions — like giving up dreams of painting as soon as a survival gig is achieved — but also repeatedly deliver Our Town-like revelations about the cruelty of time's endless momentum. Here is a deeply wistful film, always fretting about how fast time goes by, and yet its own screen time feels like a crawl. 

Roth's main storyline about this 20th-century family is belabored by cliche, making its every reveal feel a bit inevitable. The wordless story of the Indigenous couple, who fall in love, raise their child, die, and mourn, is simplistic but mostly elegant — save for a calamitous close-up revealing just how awkwardly waxen the effects make-up looks. Hanks and company, however, are given scenes that belabor their purpose, spelling out every emotion and telegraphing every turn. So even while they are ardent in their performance, the effect is stagnation, exacerbated by the fixed-camera perspective. 

Here feels more like a play or a gallery exhibit than a film. 

Perhaps this concept of a physical space as a sort of palimpsest, with characters living parallel lives, might have been more compelling on a stage or as a visual projection in a gallery. In the latter, the dialogue could have been pared down, or even eradicated to allow the viewer more freedom to interpret the action, rather than being spoon-fed the emotional beats. If it were played upon a stage, the character's aging could have been communicated through costume and gesturing, wigs and make-up instead of the uncanny technology Zemeckis employs in Here. 

As it is, the CGI employed to turn 68-year-old Hanks and 58-year-old Wright into teenagers is distracting, the same way the bizarre dead-eyed animated characters in Polar Express undercut its Yuletide wonder. Here's VFX team might be able to digitally redefine jawlines and erase wrinkles, but the people who remain don't look real and definitely don't look like teenagers. This effect isn't disastrous, but it does distance us from the reality the film wishes to present because its artificiality cannot be ignored. Theater audiences are more ready and willing to embrace the fantasy, even if the seams of a wig cap or a microphone taped to a forehead are showing. In film, our suspension of disbelief flickers whenever a digital effect looks, well, like a digital effect. And Here often flaunts CGI's limitations. 

This de-aging distraction inevitably draws our eyes to other bizarre details, like a birthday cake that is clearly a prop because it apparently weighs as much as styrofoam. Or how strange it is that the aspiring painter who dreamed of being a professional artist only ever paints what exists in this particular living room. Like in Polar Express and Pinocchio, Zemeckis seems so enchanted by his vision that he's missed the details in the execution that could mar it. He can see the forest beyond his living room, but not the trees. 

In the end, Here works as a movie in fits. Some scenes are undeniably enchanting, including every bit of Lovibond and Fynn as they romance while designing a reclining chair. Other scenes are less effective, primarily because the theatrical tone of the film clashes with the very real and traumatic topics they touch on, which we ourselves in the audience experience — like grappling with grief, fretting over parenting, or dealing with dementia. I found myself wishing it'd been a tight and tantalizing short film instead. As a whole, Here is far from the cohesive and compelling drama of Forrest Gump, far from the exhilarating world-building of Who Framed Roger Rabbit or Death Becomes Her. 

In many ways, Here is an experiment in framing and concept that fails. And yet, I'm in awe that Zemeckis did it. Even with the movie's rough edges, his passion and sentimentality is as clear as ever.

Here was reviewed out of its World Premiere at AFI Fest. The movie will open in theaters Nov. 1. 

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and Windows 11 Pro together for just £40.84 (reg. £337.70) through 27 October at the Mashable Shop.

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TL;DR: Live stream Leinster vs. Lions in the United Rugby Championship for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still in the early stages of the United Rugby Championship, but some teams have already made a big impression. Leinster have started incredibly strongly with five wins from five games, and meet the Lions at home in their next fixture.

Can anyone stop Leinster from winning a record ninth championship? If you want to watch Leinster vs. Lions in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Leinster vs. Lions?

Leinster vs. Lions starts at 5:15 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Leinster vs. Lions for free

Leinster vs. Lions in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but streamers can access this free platform from abroad with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on TVNZ+ from any location.

Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship 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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream Leinster vs. Lions for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Leinster vs. Lions (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the United Rugby Championship?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

• 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 of coverage for free — 49% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Leinster vs. Lions for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sharks vs. Munster in the United Rugby Championship for free on RTÉ Player or TVNZ+. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are some really interesting matchups in the next round of United Rugby Championship fixtures, including Sharks vs. Munster. Both sides have been inconsistent this season, so we're really not sure which way this one is going to go. Either way, it should be a lot of fun to watch.

If you want to watch Sharks vs. Munster in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sharks vs. Munster?

Sharks vs. Munster starts at 3 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Kings Park Stadium.

How to watch Sharks vs. Munster for free

Sharks vs. Munster in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player or TVNZ+.

RTÉ Player and TVNZ+ are geo-restricted to Ireland and New Zealand respectively, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland or New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on RTÉ Player or TVNZ+ from any location.

Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship by following these simple steps:

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

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland or New Zealand

4. Visit RTÉ Player or TVNZ+

5. Live stream Sharks vs. Munster for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Sharks vs. Munster (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the United Rugby Championship?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland and New Zealand

• 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 of coverage for free — 49% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Sharks vs. Munster for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Stormers vs. Warriors in the United Rugby Championship for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The United Rugby Championship regularly throws together some really interesting matchups between evenly-matched teams. The Glasgow Warriors find themselves in third position in the early stages of the new season, but they've only won one more game than the Stormers in 12th place.

These two sides meet each other this weekend in South Africa. If you want to watch Stormers vs. Warriors in the United Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Stormers vs. Warriors?

Stormers vs. Warriors starts at 12:45 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Danie Craven Stadium.

How to watch Stormers vs. Warriors for free

Stormers vs. Warriors in the United Rugby Championship is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can stream on TVNZ+ from any location.

Access free live streams of the United Rugby Championship 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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Live stream Stormers vs. Warriors for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming aren't free, but leading VPN providers do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up for these deals, you'll be able access free live streams without actually spending anything. This is a temporary fix, but it gives you enough time to stream Stormers vs. Warriors (plus more United Rugby Championship fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the United Rugby Championship?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

• 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 of coverage for free — 49% off list price. This deal includes a year of unlimited data backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Stormers vs. Warriors for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 for free on TV5Monde. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Derby du Nord is one of the biggest games in Ligue 1, and this year is extra special because Lens and Lille are level of points in the standings. We're expecting fireworks between these fierce rivals.

The great news for fans of French football is that it's possible to live stream select Ligue 1 fixtures without spending anything. With a simple hack, you can bypass geo-restrictions to access free live streams of top games from anywhere in the world.

If you want to watch Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Lens vs. Lille?

Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

How to watch Lens vs. Lille for free

Lens vs. Lille is available to live stream for free on TV5Monde.

TV5Monde is geo-restricted to Europe, but anyone from around the world 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 France, meaning you can unblock TV5Monde to stream Ligue 1 for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Lens vs. Lille 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 France

4. Sign in to TV5Monde

5. Watch Lens vs. Lille for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of Ligue 1 action without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Lens vs. Lille (plus more Ligue 1 fixtures) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services 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 TV5Monde?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TV5Monde, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including France

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Lens vs. Lille in Ligue 1 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League for free on 10Play. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Saudi Pro League is the place to see the biggest stars shine bright. Neymar has been off that list for some time with a serious injury, but he's back to help Al Hilal secure another title.

Al Hilal might not actually need Neymar, because they're leading the Saudi Pro League with seven wins from seven games. Next up they face Al Taawon, currently placed in sixth position.

If you want to watch Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon?

Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Oct. 26. This fixture takes place at the Kingdom Arena.

How to watch Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon for free

Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League is available to live stream for free on 10Play.

10Play is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Saudi Pro League from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon 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 Australia

4. Visit 10Play

5. Live stream Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Saudi Pro League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 10Play?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 10Play, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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.

Live stream Al Hilal vs. Al Taawon in the Saudi Pro League for free with ExpressVPN.

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 October 21'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 SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 26 What is Connections Sports Edition?

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

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 26 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Pugilistic glossary

• Green: OK players

• Blue: Words before a word that rhymes with "not"

• Purple: Among Billy Joel's many subjects

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 - Boxing terms

• Green - Oklahoma QBs

• Blue - ___ Shot

• Purple - Athletes mentioned in "We Didn’t Start the Fire"

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 #31 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Boxing terms: HOOK, JAB, KNOCKDOWN, UPPERCUT

• Oklahoma QBs: BRADFORD, HURTS, MAYFIELD, MURRAY

• ___ Shot: CHEAP, JUMP, LONG, SLAP

• Athletes mentioned in "We Didn’t Start the Fire": CAMPANELLA, DIMAGGIO, MANTLE, MARCIANNO

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.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 26

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.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 26 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Sing-song

These words are melodic.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are types of songs that are sung.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is VocalMusic.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 26

• Aria

• Lullaby

• Spiritual

• Jingle

• Vocalmusic

• Ballad

• Shanty

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 26 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 26

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 today's Strands.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for October 26's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 26 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 26 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Cause a large amount of damage.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

WREAK.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 25

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

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

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

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for October 26's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 26 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Disarrange hair

• Green: Long string of texts

• Blue: Relaxing places to sit

• Purple: Circular-shaped objects

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

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

• Yellow: Fluster

• Green: Series of Messages

• Blue: Places to Lie/Sit That Move

• Purple: Cylinder-Shaped Things

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 #503 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Fluster: FAZE, RATTLE, RUFFLE, THROW

• Series of Messages: CHAIN, CHAT, CONVERSATION, THREAD

• Places to Lie/Sit That Move: CRADLE, HAMMOCK, ROCKER, SWING

• Cylinder-Shaped Things: CAN, ROLLER, SILO, SPOOL

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 25

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.

"You're not ugly; you're just not doing your makeup according to your facial contrast," starts one of the over 52,000 videos of women using the "What's your contrast" filter on TikTok.

SEE ALSO: 'Beetlejuice lips' TikTok trend celebrates the natural creases of your lips

The latest trend in beauty filters plays on women's insecurities to sell products, encouraging users to classify their faces based on the contrast between their features. The filter turns your face black and white, providing a model that categorizes faces into high, medium, and low contrast types. However, the standard for comparison is rooted in Eurocentric beauty ideals, offering only three skin tone options: light, medium, and dark. It suggests that the darker your features appear against your skin, the higher contrast you should assign to yourself. Each contrast level is linked to a recommended makeup style — low contrast calls for subtler looks, while high contrast leans towards bolder, more striking makeup.

In a video that's been viewed over 5 million times, the creator of the filter, @alieenor, a French makeup artist, says, "As someone who had very low self-confidence, this is one of my missions on earth to help women be confident in themselves. Help them use makeup to their advantage and not work against them." She pitches contrast theory as a tool to liberate yourself from insecurity and finally feel beautiful.

Her logic, as with any TikTok beauty trend, harmfully conflates self-worth with appearance — and prizes White European beauty above all else. 

She argues, "It's an important factor to know about yourself." And explains, "If you're high contrast…in order to have a balanced face, you should add some kind of intensity. If you don't, it's okay. You understand why you look washed out." She talks about how discovering contrast theory helped her realize, "This makeup is not for me, it's not because I'm not beautiful."

While @alieenor might have created the filter in good faith to help women feel confident, it engages in a dangerous ideology that empowers "feeling beautiful" at whatever cost. In recent years, the beauty industry cleverly rebranded beauty as a form of self care, giving us all the excuse of "it makes me feel good!"

SEE ALSO: Slugging, gua sha, rice water, and more: How stolen cultural beauty practices feed viral videos

Positioning contrast theory as a quick fix for low self-confidence sends a particularly harmful message to teenage girls—especially in an environment where algorithms are known to exploit their insecurities. A 2021 CDC report found that one in five teen girls felt persistently sad and hopeless, a 21 percent increase since 2011.

Creator @alieenor's explanations of medium, low, and high contrast have garnered 11.7 million, 1.7 million, and 7.2 million views, respectively. Despite contrast theory’s popularity on the platform, it faces significant criticism.

"This is another bogus trend that only works for fair skin and I'm going to prove it to you guys by doing high contrast versus medium contrast makeup on brown skin," said Monika Ravinchandran, a beauty creator, in a video. She goes on to argue that sorting people with really dark skin as low contrast, invalidates "full glam Black girl makeup." 

"There's a reason Desi bridal makeup and the UK Black girls all eat up full glam," continued Ravinchandran. "Brown skin slays in high contrast makeup. Darker skin absorbs more light, so we actually need more dimension and we can take more color." By dictating what type of makeup suits different skin tones, critics argue that the theory also implicitly dictates what doesn't suit certain skin tones — essentially labeling those choices as unattractive or undesirable.

In the long history of TikTok beauty trends, contrast theory is nothing new. It follows in the footsteps of color analysis, the eyebrow filter, and the perfect face ratio filter. It's high time body neutrality gets its viral filter moment. But a filter like that would struggle to break into TikTok’s algorithm — especially since it wouldn't drive product sales or allow creators to earn commissions from promoting beauty products.

Bluesky is having a moment.

The small upstart social media platform has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past few months. Despite stiff competition from much bigger competitors like Musk's X and Meta's Threads, Bluesky's profile rose in the period after Elon Musk acquired Twitter, and then it managed to maintain its momentum.

On Thursday, Bluesky announced some news: The decentralized platform has now grown to over 13 million users and it just raised $15 million in financing.

However, further buried in the announcement was another interesting tidbit: Bluesky is planning to launch a paid subscription service.

SEE ALSO: BlueSky is pitching itself as a Threads alternative now Bluesky's paid subscription 

For those who fled Musk's X due to the new paid model, let's address those concerns first and foremost. Bluesky says it will always remain free. And, unlike how Musk's X works, the paid subscription service will not provide paying subscribers with prioritization over free users.

So what will paying subscribers get? According to Bluesky, the company is currently developing a service that will allow paying subscribers to upload longer videos and further customize their profile page with different themes and avatar frames.

"Paid subscribers won’t get special treatment elsewhere in the app, like upranking premium accounts or blue checks next to their names," Bluesky chief operating officer Rose Wang wrote in a series of posts addressing likely concerns from users.

Of course, algorithm boosts, blue checkmarks, and prioritization in the replies are all bonuses that come with X's paid subscription service X Premium. Many users who left X cite Musk's paid subscription model as a major contributor to the degradation of that platform.

Bluesky has consistently capitalized on X's decisions, especially over the past few months. The platform has grown by millions of new users during that time frame as a result of X's ban in Brazil and X's decision to change how blocking works.

Bluesky has not yet announced any other features or potential pricing for the service at this time.

Creativity thrives when an artist can fully immerse themselves in their vision. And having the right tools is essential. For creators like Kapono “Pono” Asuncion, Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition stands out as a powerful ally. With its AI-enhanced Intel chip and Windows 11 Copilot, this PC streamlines workflows, allowing artists to focus on what truly matters — creative expression. 

Designed for the modern creative 

With Copilot’s smart assistance, Pono can focus on their art without getting bogged down by stress. The Yoga Slim 7i automates time-consuming tasks like image rendering and color correction, freeing up valuable time for creative exploration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition 15-inch Laptop $1,279.99 at Lenovo
Thin and light with epic battery life Shop Now

As a self-taught multimedia maker, storyteller, and culture bearer, Pono appreciates how this new device from Lenovo can elevate their craft. "Finally, I have a tool that moves at the pace I need it to," they share. 

Weighing in as a lightweight, ultra-slim device, the Yoga Slim 7i is designed for portability. It stays cool and quiet even under demanding workloads, with minimal fan noise — making it easy for Pono to take their work wherever inspiration strikes. 

Credit: Pono Asuncion Powering precision and clarity in every detail

Pono’s creative process demands tech that keeps up with their fast-paced ideas and multitasking. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is just the ticket, featuring an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor, 16GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD. This PC easily handles multitasking, whether Pono is running multiple Adobe programs or switching between ProCreate and Illustrator.

For many digital artists and designers, freezing and crashing are common headaches that can disrupt the creative flow and lead to lost work. Thankfully, those issues aren’t a concern for Pono. “This is the first computer I’ve had that doesn’t crash every time I open Adobe!” they say.

But it’s not just about power; the 15.3-inch 3K touchscreen offers vivid visuals that bring Pono’s artistic vision to life. Pono often switches between digital and analog, scanning things in and drawing over them, or printing out digital work to draw on. The screen’s PureSight Pro display delivers 100 percent DCI-P3 color accuracy, which is crucial for creating intricate layers and textures. 

“I’ve been enjoying the textures on the display — it’s crisp and perfect for zooming in on details,” Pono notes. For someone inspired by the imperfections and textures found in nature, the Yoga Slim 7i’s screen helps them capture those nuances in their digital art.

Credit: Pono Asuncion Advanced AI for more charged creative sessions

Beyond just power and display quality, the Yoga Slim 7i integrates smart features that streamline Pono’s workflow. Smart Share, exclusive to Lenovo Aura Edition PCs, connects your smartphone to your laptop instantly via an AI virtual sensor. Just tap your Android™ or iOS device to your laptop — then drag and drop, edit photos, and share easily.

Lenovo's AI-driven Smart Modes are crucial to preserving Pono’s workflow. Power Mode optimizes energy consumption, letting Pono create for longer without worrying about draining the battery. If the laptop is idle, power levels automatically adjust to conserve energy. By blocking certain apps for a set amount of time, Attention Mode helps Pono minimize distractions so they can focus. And to keep up with healthier habits, Wellness Mode encourages Pono to take breaks to protect their eyes or grab a drink of water.

Credit: Pono Asuncion

Beyond the Yoga Slim 7i’s personalized Smart Modes, the Ultra 7 Processor comes packed with advanced AI capabilities that enhance performance in real-time. Features like predictive power management and task prioritization allow for smooth transitions between demanding applications.

Conserving energy, empowering creativity 

For Pono, the standout feature of this PC is its impressive battery life. The 70 Whr battery delivers unmatched performance, allowing Pono to work without charging more than once a day. Plus, with quick charging, those hyper-focused sessions remain uninterrupted.

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition goes beyond performance; it also prioritizes sustainability. With a design that reduces its carbon footprint, it combines high-end aesthetics with durability. The top cover is crafted from recycled aluminum, and both the battery and speaker enclosure use recycled plastic. Even the packaging is made from recycled and biodegradable materials.

Credit: Pono Ascuncion

For a creative like Pono, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is the perfect companion, allowing them to create meaningful work while staying true to their values. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition is a game changer for conscious creatives on the go.

It is not always easy to cancel your subscriptions. The Federal Trade Commission is trying to change that, but it's not going over without a fight.

As Reuters reported, a group representing companies like Comcast and Charter, sued the FTC on Wednesday over a rule it recently made called the "click-to-cancel" rule. The rule, which was announced earlier this month and ratified on Oct. 16, would ensure that customers know what they're actually signing up for before paying and that they'll be able to cancel a subscription just as easily as they made it.

SEE ALSO: Canceling subscriptions with one click just got way easier

"Too often, businesses make people jump through endless hoops just to cancel a subscription. The FTC’s rule will end these tricks and traps, saving Americans time and money. Nobody should be stuck paying for a service they no longer want," commission chair Lina M. Khan wrote at the time of the rule's announcement.

It took the NCTA, formerly known as the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, less than a month to go to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans and file a suit against the FTC, saying the click-to-cancel rule oversteps the Commission's authority.

What happens next is up to the court, but for now, you might want to read the fine print.

Sean Hannity got more than he might've bargained for by inviting Stephen A. Smith onto his Fox News show. The internet loved it.

UPDATE: Oct. 25, 2024, 12:36 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the official streaming release details of 'Twisters,' as well as pricing changes for renting and purchasing the film on digital.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Twisters' at a glance: BEST OVERALL Peacock Premium yearly subscription $79.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST FOR XFINITY CUSTOMERS Peacock Premium free for select Xfinity customers (save $7.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium $1.99/month (save $6/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS Peacock Premium $1.99/month (save $6/month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART+ MEMBERS Peacock Premium free for Instacart+ members (save $7.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE TRUEBLUE MOSAIC MEMBERS Peacock Premium free for one year for Mosaic status members (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy 'Twisters' on Prime Video $9.99 or $19.99 Get Deal

If the outrageously good soundtrack wasn't enough to catch your attention, perhaps cowboy Glen Powell will do the trick. Twisters spun into theaters over the summer and took the box office by storm. Now, the cow-flinging disaster flick is available to watch from the comfort of your home.

Similar to the 1996 classic Twister, the film follows Powell's character Tyler and Daisy Edgar-Jones' Kate as they chase gnarly storms like you've never seen. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung (Minari), Twisters is sort of a sequel, sort of a remake, and sort of a standalone story. Here's everything you need to know to watch the box office hit from your couch — including its official release date and the best streaming deals to save some money.

What is Twisters about?

Five years after giving up storm-chasing for a quieter life in meteorology, Kate Cooper (Edgar-Jones) is drawn back in for one last job (a la Bill Paxton's character in the original Twister). Her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos, Hamilton) drags her back to test a groundbreaking new storm-tracking system. They cross paths — and inevitably butt heads — with reckless YouTube star Tyler Owens (Powell), who's known as the "Tornado Wrangler." However, a difference in principles is the least of their concerns once the powerful twisters touch down. Chaos — and even a little romance — ensues.

Get a taste of the tornado flick in the official trailer below:

Is Twisters worth watching?

Like any film, whether Twisters is worth watching is completely subjective. The disaster flick has earned a 75 percent critic rating and 91 percent audience rating via Rotten Tomatoes, yet Mashable's own film critic called it "big and flashy, but not fun or frightening." Meanwhile, Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards thought it was a fun film, but was ultimately disappointed at the ending.

Twisters smashed expectations at the box office, earning $80.5 million its opening weekend. That's the same amount Oscar-winner Oppenheimer brought in during its opening weekend in 2023 and comes in as the third-biggest opening weekend for a film this year (behind Inside Out 2 at $154 million and Dune: Part Two at $82 million). It was only projected to generate up to $55 million on opening weekend, so Twisters has been a surprise success this season.

Read our full review of Twisters.

How to watch Twisters at home

Less than a month after its theatrical debut, Twisters made its video on demand debut on Aug. 13. Thanks to digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+, you can rent or purchase the film online. Keep in mind that with rentals, you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish once you start it. If you'd rather stream Twisters, keep scrolling for more information.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase Twisters:

• Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Apple TV+ — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $19.99, rent for $9.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99

Is Twisters streaming?

Twisters is set to make its streaming debut on Nov. 15 on Peacock (as suspected). NBCUniversal owns Peacock, so it comes as no surprise that the movie will join the streaming platform alongside other recent Universal Pictures hits like Abigail and The Fall Guy.

The streamer recently raised its prices, with subscriptions now starting at $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. But luckily, we've found a few ways you can save some money — check out the best Peacock deals below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

If you can commit to Peacock long-term and pay for a year up front, it'll save you about 17%. A yearly subscription goes for $79.99 per year with ads or $139.99 per year without, which is essentially 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. Comparatively, a monthly subscription will run you $7.99 per month ($95.88 per year) or $13.99 per month ($167.88 per year).

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

If you're an Xfinity customer and haven't checked your eligibility through your account, be sure to jump on that. Select customers can score a Peacock subscription for free. Here's a brief breakdown of who is eligible:

• Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium (with ads) for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $1.99 per month for one year Watch Now

College students can snag a Peacock Premium subscription for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. All you have to do is prove your student status through SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to secure the discount. Just remember that the code can only be used once (aka, don't share it with your friends).

Best Peacock deal for first responders Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders $1.99 per month Watch Now

Just like students, first responders can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month so long as they can verify their first responder status via SheerID. Just sign up using the unique promo code you receive and the price will drop down to $1.99 per month. Although the student discount is limited to a year, first responders who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew the deal annually. You'll just have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code and secure the discount each year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

Best for Instacart users Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Watch Now

As of Dec. 2023, Peacock and Instacart have partnered up to offer paid Instacart+ members a free Peacock Premium subscription. That's a $79.99 per year value for zero dollars. An Instacart+ account costs you $99.99 per year and includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, among other perks. Plus, the best part is that you get a two-week free trial to test things out. Definitely grab this freebie if you haven't yet. Better yet, wait until Twisters is released on Peacock to watch for free.

Best for JetBlue members Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / JetBlue Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members Watch Now

Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. If you have Mosaic status, you can get your first year of Peacock Premium for free (a $79.99 value). Read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.

GET A $20 CREDIT: As of Oct. 25, spend $80 on qualifying P&G home goods at Amazon and get a $20 Amazon credit.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Spend $80 on P&G products, get $20 Amazon credit Get Deal

There are certain home goods that we all need to stock up on. Whether you need paper towels to clean up messes, detergent to wash your clothes, or dishwasher tablets to handle all those dirty dishes, you can do so right now at Amazon and save a little cash while you're at it thanks to a special promotion.

As of Oct. 25, spend $80 on qualifying P&G home products and get a $20 Amazon credit. That equals 25% back in credit on your $80 purchase. Shop the items on the promotional page first, and after your order ships, you'll get an email from Amazon letting you know that the promotional credit has automatically been added to your account. Check the status bar at the top of the deal page to see how close you are to getting the discount, and after you check out, you can go back and do it again — just in case you need more goodies.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Get 6 Blink Outdoor 4 security cameras for the price of 2

Some of the items on offer include Tide Pods, Bounty paper towels, and Cascade dishwasher pods. But there's more than that on offer, including everything from shampoo to Swiffer PowerMops and refill mop pads. Diapers, skincare, tissues, probiotics, and a number of additional categories are also available, so even if you need a few very specific items, you can save thanks to this deal.

Check out the sale and nab all the things you normally get at the store in real life and get some cash back on the things you need to buy anyway. If you can wait for everything to ship, it's a great time to shop.

Social media's giants must face lawsuits brought forth by school districts nationwide, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled this week, which claim that the platforms are addictive and harming the country's youth.

Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap will indeed head to court to face the high-dollar damage cases, which will proceed under a more narrow scope, Rogers decided. This comes despite a contrary decision by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge this summer, Bloomberg reported. As a result, the companies won't face hundreds of Los Angeles-based claims, but will be liable for more than 150 additional cases.

In the ruling, Rogers agreed that the companies "deliberately fostered compulsive use of their platforms" by students that placed a burden on school districts. Other claims would be thrown out under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields internet use and providers from most civil suits.

SEE ALSO: TikTok execs know exactly how many videos it takes to get addicted to its platform

Meta, Google, and Snap have denied the allegations brought forth in the lawsuit. TikTok has not commented on this decision specifically, but has been vocal about its teen safety efforts in the past. Last week, the same California judge ruled that Meta has to face joint lawsuits from 34 district attorneys who allege the company's social media platforms are exacerbating the youth mental health crisis. Earlier this month, a similar coalition of district attorneys filed lawsuits against TikTok for its "addictive algorithm" and false safety marketing — internal documents revealed in the case found that TikTok's executives were aware of the addictive nature of its For You Page.

Rogers has overseen dozens of such cases, including a major class action filing against Meta, Google parent company Alphabet, and several other social media companies brought forth by parents and their children. In a 2023 decision related to the case, Rogers said that the social media platforms could be sued over negligence related to "defective products," but wouldn't move forward on claims that private messaging tools, notifications, and algorithmic recommendations were connecting minors to adults and causing harm, citing Section 230 once again.

GET $100 OFF: As of Oct. 25, you can get an Apple iPad (9th gen) for just $229.99, down from $329.99, at Target. That's a 30% discount and $100 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: 10.2-inch Apple iPad (9th gen) $229.99 at Target
$329.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you’re looking to score a deal on a tablet, you might want to browse Target’s digital shelves.

As of Oct. 25, you can score $100 off the Apple iPad (9th gen), bringing the price down to $229.99. That’s a pretty good deal for a 64GB tablet. (Note: The 256GB version isn’t available in silver but you can get it in space gray for $379.99.)

SEE ALSO: The best tablets: iPads are great, but have you tried literally anything else?

This tablet can handle daily browsing, streaming, and almost anything else you’d need a tablet to do. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone for natural-looking colors, an A13 Bionic chip, and up to 10 hours of battery life. It’s also compatible with the Apple Pencil (1st gen) and Smart Keyboard.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can get the Apple iPad (10th gen) at Amazon and Best Buy for just $299. The 10th gen has a slightly larger liquid Retina display, an A14 bionic chip, 4K video recording capabilities, and more.