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The online world can be a dangerous place, with hackers, viruses, and surveillance software lurking in every corner of the web. We're not trying to scare you, but have you ever considered just how much of your personal data is exposed to this sort of thing whilst you're browsing? If not, you probably should. You might be surprised by the results.

Your data is seriously valuable stuff these days, and everyone is looking to get their hands on it. Once you come to understand that the internet is insecure, it's perfectly normal to feel a little concerned about how much of your data is up for grabs. There's no need to panic though, because there is a simple and effective way that you can stay protected.

To stay safe online and keep all of your data and personal information secure, you really should consider investing in a VPN.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide protection for your data and identity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure because everything passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside is protected against online threats. This means that hackers, governments, and your internet service provider will be unable to access any of your information.

Do you need a VPN?

Investing in a VPN is one of the best ways to ensure your safety and anonymity online. VPNs are vital tools in the fight against scammers and cybercriminals, but there's another reason you might consider these security services. And it has nothing to do with security.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for remaining anonymous online

VPNs can be used to unlock streaming services from around the world, including the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. How do they do this? It's actually a really simple process, and it can significantly boost your content options. All you need to do is open up your preferred VPN, connect to a server from another country in order to spoof your IP to another address, and then head to your preferred streaming site. This process tricks the site into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all that great content that is normally blocked.

VPNs are really useful for cybersecurity and streaming, which means they should be a worthwhile investment for just about everyone.

What should you know before subscribing to a VPN?

Selecting a VPN that is right for you is not easy, because there are a lot of options all offering similar packages. To make the decision a little simpler, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to consider before making any sort of purchase:

• Connection speed — This is absolutely vital whether you're looking to use a VPN for online security or streaming. It's normal for a VPN to result in a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything significant.

• Encryption — We know that a lot of people will be using VPNs for streaming, but these services are primarily designed to provide cybersecurity, so encryption is important. The best VPNs will offer powerful protection for your data, meaning that everything is unreadable and untraceable.

• Number of connections — You should seek out a VPN that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time. This is also beneficial for large families or households with multiple people likely to be online at the same time.

• Privacy policy — The best VPNs should be very clear about how they handle, store, and use your data. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't super clear, you should look elsewhere.

• Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of servers located all around the world. This is useful as you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing.

There are plenty of other things that are worth considering, like bandwidth, apps for certain operating systems, and customer support, but these are probably the most important features to keep in mind.

Should you use free VPNs?

With free versions of popular VPNs and free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan, why would you ever pay? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPNs out there, and we recommend taking some time to carefully access all your options. Once you have established exactly what you need, you can turn your attention to finding the best deals on all the top VPNs.

We have reached out to partners in order to line up a list of the best deals on the most popular providers, to help you save big. You can find all the best deals on the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PureVPN, and more.

These are the best VPN deals in 2024.

10% OFF TARGET GIFT CARDS: Until Dec. 8, Target Circle members can save 10% on Target gift cards. Sign up for Target Circle for free to take advantage of this offer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle Members: Get 10% Off Target Gift Cards Learn More

The holidays are coming up fast, and if you're still trying to track down some gift ideas before it's too late, Target is here to help alleviate some of the stress of shopping. If you're a Target Circle member (and if not, you can sign up here for free), you can save 10% on Target gift cards from Until Dec. 8.

This weekend-only event is a great opportunity to pick up gift cards for friends, family, or even pick up a little something for yourself. According to Target's website, gift cards can be purchased either in store or online and "the discount will be automatically applied to Target GiftCards at checkout for Target Circle members." You can also purchase up to $500 in Target gift cards through this offer, if you really want to stock up before the holidays.

SEE ALSO: The latest Apple AirPods 4 are at their lowest-ever price on Amazon

The beauty of an offer like this is the fact that Target Circle is completely free to join. Once you sign up, you can start taking advantage of the 10% off discount right away. And Target Circle, in general, is worth it if you're a frequent shopper there. Alongside offers like this, Target drops very nice deals for its Circle members fairly frequently that you can see on the 'Target Circle Deals' section of the website. This includes various BOGO offers and discounts on everything from clothing to tech to home supplies.

Again, this 10% off Target gift cards offer only lasts until Sunday, Dec. 8 for Target Circle members, so act fast to pick out your favorites or sign up here to join in the fun.

And if you still have more holiday shopping to do, there are actually a few Cyber Monday deals still floating around. While they won't stick around for long, it's worth having a look through our roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals still live to see if one of your favorites is still available.

TL;DR: Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA for free on Ran.de. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks is one of the most interesting NBA matchups this weekend. We know that the Raptors are not exactly lighting up the league this season, but it's going to be fascinating to see how they cope with the offensive talents of the Mavericks.

If you want to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks?

Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 7. This game takes place at the Scotiabank Arena.

How to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks for free

Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks is available to live stream for free on Ran.de in Germany.

If you're traveling outside of Germany during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this free live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Germany, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks for free on Ran.de 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 Germany

4. Visit Ran.de

5. Watch Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Germany

• 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 Toronto Raptors vs. Dallas Mavericks in the NBA 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 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.

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 December 7 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: Taking a moment

• Green: Opposing effort

• Blue: Parks and fields

• Purple: It's all relative

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: Break in the action

• Green: Stop

• Blue: MLB stadiums

• Purple: ____ time

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 #75 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Break in the action - INTERMISSION, PAUSE, SUSPENSION, TIMEOUT

• Stop - BLOCK, PREVENT, STUFF, THWART

• MLB stadiums - CHASE, ORACLE, TARGET, WRIGLEY

• ____ time: EXTRA, GARBAGE, STOPPAGE, WINNING

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.

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 December 7 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 7 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Prepare to be eaten

These words are common cooking methods.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are ways to prepare a certain type of food.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is HotPotato.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 7

• Mashed

• Baked

• Scalloped

• Fried

• Roasted

• Fondant

• HotPotato

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.

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 today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

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 December 9 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: To connect ideas or concepts mentally

• Green: Techniques used to draw fish near

• Blue: Pro basketball teams

• Purple: Phrases or terms beginning with "Long"

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: Think of Together

• Green: Ways to Attract Fish

• Blue: WNBA Teams

• Purple: Long____

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 #545 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Think of Together: AFFILIATE, ASSOCIATE, EQUATE, RELATE

• Ways to Attract Fish: BAIT, CHUM, FLY, LURE

• WNBA Teams: LIBERTY, STORM, SUN, WINGS

• Long____: BOW, FELLOW, HORN, LEGS

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 December 9

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.

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 today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 7 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 December 7 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Describes a landscape with rises and falls.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter H.

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...

HILLY.

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 December 7

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.

Rachel Zegler and Jaeden Martell join Kyle Mooney to discuss their new film Y2K and reveal which old-school movies they would tattoo on their bodies.

Y2K is now in theaters.

TikTok's battle to stop its ban in the U.S. hit another roadblock.

On Friday, a federal appeals court panel unanimously upheld the Biden-era law that gave ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, nine months to either get a new owner or be banned in the U.S. The deadline is looming; unless the courts stop it, it will go into effect the day before President-elect Donald Trump takes the Oval Office.

A ban would require app stores like Apple and Google and internet hosting companies to stop distributing or updating the TikTok app or face penalties.

The company argued that the law violates First Amendment rights to free speech. The American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement to Reuters that it sets a "flawed and dangerous precedent."

"Banning TikTok blatantly violates the First Amendment rights of millions of Americans who use this app to express themselves and communicate with people around the world," Patrick Toomey, the deputy director of the ACLU's National Security Project, told Reuters.

But that argument didn't quite work in court.

SEE ALSO: As the 2025 TikTok ban deadline looms, here's what we know

"The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States," the court’s opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg, read, according to the Associated Press. "Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States."

TikTok is expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, but we don't yet know if the court will accept it. If the decision does make it all the way up the justice system, TikTok is confident the court will side with them.

"The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans' right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok said in a statement to Reuters.

SEE ALSO: Here's how the TikTok ban will likely play out in the courts

This is just the latest in the constant battle over TikTok on the U.S. political playground that began in 2019, with a barrage of bills attempting to limit TikTok's reach. The fear, politicians argued, is that TikTok poses a national security threat because its parent company is based out of China and subject to Chinese intelligence laws which could, theoretically and hypothetically, force ByteDance to give its data with China.

TikTok has consistently denied this claim, but that hasn't stopped everything from national bans to state-wide bans. And the most recent move is affecting more than just TikTok itself: Meta shares, for instance, rose 2.4 percent after the court upheld the law on Friday.

While the payoff of traveling is pretty big, packing and planning for those adventures around the world can be tedious and stressful. If you're buying a gift for someone with an acute case of wanderlust, prioritize items that can make their travels easier and more relaxing. A Bluetooth tracker could offer some comfort if they lose their phone at the airport or leave it in an Uber. A special neck pillow could help facilitate some shuteye during a layover. Whatever the travel ailment you'd like to soothe for them, they'll appreciate one fewer item on their "to buy" list — mostly so they can get back to spontaneously booking another stay. Below, we've rounded up the best gifts for travelers who need smart, tech-savvy, and multi-functional gear that makes it easier to pursue their passions — or simply helps to consolidate to get that damn suitcase zippered. Bon voyage.

Tech founders and Silicon Valley VCs who supported — and threw their money behind — Donald Trump are being handsomely rewarded by the President-elect.

Shortly after winning the 2024 election, Trump appointed one of his biggest supporters, Elon Musk, to head up a new agency called the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Now, Trump is rewarding another wealthy tech founder for their loyalty: investor and podcaster David Sacks.

"I am pleased to announce that David O. Sacks will be the 'White House A.I. & Crypto Czar,'" Trump announced in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. "In this important role, David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness."

According to Trump, Sacks' role will be to "safeguard Free Speech online" and "work on a legal framework" for the cryptocurrency industry. Trump also shared that Sacks would lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.

Sacks will be involved in crucial policy aspects of both a burgeoning technology in AI and a crypto industry ripe with fraud but expecting favorable treatment after throwing its support behind Trump.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Congrats to czar @DavidSacks!" OpenAI's Sam Altman posted on X shortly after the announcement from Trump.

Who is David Sacks?

Regular users of Musk's X, formerly Twitter, may have seen Sacks pop-up on the platform from time to time. Sacks' opinions obsessing over Russia's war with Ukraine have previously gone viral. He has often been critiqued for his seemingly pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine positions as well as fearmongering over a potential World War III.

However, Sacks and Musk actually have history with each other — and a similar background. Like Musk, Sacks emigrated to the U.S. from South Africa. And in 1999, Sacks worked with Peter Thiel at PayPal, joining Musk as a member in the "PayPal Mafia," a group of early PayPal employees and founders who went on to find greater success founding their own tech startups.

David Sacks and Elon Musk in 2006. Credit: Christian Grattan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

In 2008, Sacks co-founded Yammer, a social media platform for enterprises. Microsoft acquired Yammer in 2012 for $1.2 billion. Microsoft would go on to integrate Yammer within its Microsoft 365 products.

Since then, Sacks has invested in a number of tech startups and companies. He founded a VC firm called Craft Ventures in 2017. In 2020, Sacks started the All-In podcast alongside Jason Calacanis, Chamath Palihapitiya, and David Friedberg. The podcast, where the four entrepreneurs discuss business and current events, has gained popularity in tech circles. Over time, the show has shown increasing support for right-wing politics, including hosting Trump for an interview in June and featuring Sacks broadcasting live from the Republican National Convention during the summer.

Sacks, specifically, has been increasingly making a name for himself in right-wing circles, opposing prominent progressive politicians and public servants over recent years. 

And while Sacks previously said that Trump's role in the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol disqualified the former president from serving again, the VC quickly changed his tune and hosted a high-ticket fundraiser for Trump's campaign earlier this year.

For Sacks, it appears like the pro-Trump move has paid off — barring any future falling outs with the 47th President.

The tsunami warning that came screaming through my cell phone at 10:51 a.m. was blunt: "You are in danger."

The warning applied to 5.3 million people in California, according to the Associated Press, although not all received it — and many who did were shocked into disbelief.

A tsunami here? Impossible, I thought, at first. I live east of San Francisco, more than a mile inland from the Bay shoreline, about two hundred feet above sea level.

Then I thought: I need to get to my kids.

SEE ALSO: How to connect your iPhone to a satellite to send messages

I wasn't sure how a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hundreds of miles north of me could prompt a warning like the one I received from the National Weather Service.

But I also know enough about earthquake science and the west coast's seismic, volcanic "ring of fire," to understand that my state exists on the precipice of tectonic plates, both underground and deep in the sea. And that the tension in those plates can translate to unimaginable power.

One day, those underwater plates may cause a catastrophic rupture, one that leads to a deadly tsunami. Was this the day?

I needed to get more information about our risk, but doing so proved more difficult and confusing than I expected. I ultimately encountered an alarming map that indicated my family was indeed in a warning zone, but I had no guidance about what to do as a result.

Why so many people got the tsunami warning

I didn't know it at the time, but that warning map was not quite correct for my location and "not the best warning decision tool," according to David Snider, the tsunami warning coordinator for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

In an interview, Snider also explained that the federal agency's tools for alerting the public to a tsunami are more imprecise than we might expect, thanks to the way that geographical boundaries are drawn.

If I'd been enjoying a day on the coast, I would've been grateful for the potentially lifesaving text message. But based on my location at the time, I probably shouldn't have gotten the blaring alert. Snider said this message is sent automatically via the Wireless Emergency Alert System following a tsunami warning.

Meanwhile, some people in the Bay Area didn't get that alert on their phones, but received news via text from their counties that it had been canceled. Others received nothing at all.

A "critical need in our next level of service is communicating to folks in exactly the right areas," Snider said, "and helping people know who don't need to move, that they don't need to move."

The map that nearly made me panic. Credit: U.S. Tsunami Warning Center

Snider added that the tsunami warning center website is undergoing major upgrades to improve the way that warning maps are visualized, which should clarify risk levels in the future.

But he also noted that those boundaries reflect the NWS' weather forecasting and alert zones, among other factors. Here's what that can mean: people who live near the shoreline or coastal waterways may be lumped into the same geographical area of people not far from the ocean but closer to elevated terrain, such as the Oakland and Berkeley Hills.

The result: a terrifying warning map where the entire San Francisco Bay Area is blanketed in red.

A crisis in believability

As a journalist with science reporting experience, I have a high tolerance for nuance and caution in moments of crisis. I understand that warnings are necessary to prevent death and disaster, even if the worst possible outcome never transpires.

But to be caught in limbo, with a serious warning and not much else, is to feel a unique kind of terror. It's the kind of fear, multiplied by thousands of individuals, that can generate widespread distrust of government experts and authorities. Over time, that mistrust can curdle into resentment.

For example, look at the replies to the National Weather Service's announcement on X that the tsunami warning had been canceled. One user accused the federal agency of lying to protect their "fat salaries / pensions / benefits." Another paged DOGE, the X account for Elon Musk's new government-slashing initiative otherwise known as the Department of Government Efficiency.

Tsunami warnings are rare, compared to other natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. And as Snider pointed out, people in immediate potential danger on the coast appeared to have heeded the alarm, followed directions, and started evacuating. In that sense, the system worked.

But if there were ever a time for disaster and emergency authorities to be highly communicative with the public, this moment was it.

Was I at risk?

Personally, I couldn't wait to confirm whether or not I was truly in danger. My family's emergency bag, which I'd needed to be ready if the tsunami waves arrived at San Francisco by 12:10 p.m., as they'd been forecast, was incomplete.

It was during that frantic hour of packing the emergency bag, while searching for information, that I came across the NWS' tsunami warning system map.

The San Francisco Bay Area was covered in ominous red, indicating that everything in its domain — including my own home and my children's school — was subject to the warning.

This was hard to square with the phone alert I received, which said I needed to move to high ground, or inland, immediately. But what if I was already there and still under threat?

Plus, here's where a little knowledge might be a dangerous thing. I'd seen a different government map of the local tsunami risk, made several years ago. That map identified coastal waterways as the only danger areas.

So which map was right?

The emergency alert received by the author. Credit: Rebecca Ruiz / Mashable

Later, Snider told me that the tsunami warning system map didn't show precise tsunami hazards at the community level, so it's not "the complete story which helps all end users have a total answer in that moment."

But at the time, my mind scrambled for answers.

I imagined that a major tsunami-level surge in the Bay, which covers 1,600 square miles, could send water and debris rushing inland. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed 230,000 people, led to flooding three miles inland in some places. Images from that tragedy are still seared into my memory.

Still, I couldn't find any trustworthy explanations for why this warning covered so much of the Bay Area, or what I should do next.

Should I simply drive east, away from the Bay and ocean? That would take me through the Berkeley and Oakland hills, very high ground, the kind you'd assume was safe — but the hills were also technically covered by the warning. The text alert didn't point recipients to a website or resource for real-time updates or instructions.

I heard from no government official after the warning was issued. Looking at California Gov. Gavin Newsom's X account later, I discovered that he didn't post about the tsunami warning until it was canceled.

My children's school district sent a message out nearly an hour after the initial warning. "We are being advised to keep everyone in place," it said.

Though the National Weather Service is my go-to source during natural- and weather-related events and disasters, the agency's tsunami alerts account on X had posted only the warning.

The NWS Bay Area X account posted a single update between when the warning was issued and when it was cancelled. "We are still waiting for magnitudes of water rise," it read. "We will update you as we learn more".

Tweet may have been deleted

Friends reported trying to find the same information I had, but said that reliable websites timed out on them. Then, just before noon, the warning was canceled.

"Based on all available data... the tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed," said the statement. It took about 15 minutes for county officials to text and email me that news.

What happens next time?

I don't know the most effective way to warn millions of people about a possible tsunami. The most important thing is that the people living on the coast got the alert as quickly as possible. But I do worry that what happened could undermine trust in the warning system.

Snider said that future updates to Tsunami.gov could better reflect tsunami hazard areas, which are already well known and are currently available in map form at the state and local level.

He understands that the public wants and needs information specific to their location that's streamlined and easy to access. Snider indicated that some of this work was already underway, in addition to upgrades to the tsunami warning system website.

The response to the earthquake and potential tsunami will be evaluated, Snider promised, with a focus on how information reached the public.

The forecasting and warning services that the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration provides are vital, but some members of the public may just assume the worst about what happened. Maybe they'll think the government sometimes tries to scare us for its own nefarious reasons. Perhaps they'll think the hard-working scientists behind the models that warn of potential disaster don't know what they're doing, and they'll turn to cranks or grifters making false pronouncements for clicks on social media instead.

Neither of these outcomes is good for the eroding state of trust in officials. Nor is the possibility that people will wave off future tsunami warnings if they felt like this one was unnecessary. Just because the threat of a tsunami was over just as quickly as it began doesn't mean people won't remember how they were warned — for all the wrong reasons.

Following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday, the internet erupted with jokes, memes, and, later, thirst posts for the insurance magnate's shooter. The assassination was an event that could, for many, signal the start of a more critical look at corporations, how the people leading them treat the public, and how the public responds to those executives' choices.

Or it was just a perfect opportunity to laugh in the face of a bleak political and economic reality. The internet is as the internet does.

Tweet may have been deleted

But the online fete has stirred even more debate behind the scenes: In the age of re-contested free speech, where does content moderation (and platforms' anti-violence policies) fit into the class conversation?

SEE ALSO: Bluesky ramps up content moderation as millions join the platform

Nowhere has that been more documented than on Reddit. According to a 404Media report, the platform has removed dozens of posts about the CEO's death, tracked by a platform subbreddit known as r/undelete which grabs content that reaches the top 100 most popular on the site before being deleted. Many of the posts, the publication found, had thousands of upvotes and even more still exist on industry related subs like r/nursing and r/medicine. Subbredit moderators are struggling to curb the plethora of posts, which they say will inevitably be removed by Reddit for violating anti violence policies, if not first removed by moderators for violation of "no politics" and "no death" rules.

There isn't resounding agreement on whether posts like this should be removed, however. In posts and statements to 404Media, users and moderators alike have argued that discussion of the assassination do not violate Reddit's content policies given that it is a "newsworthy" event covered by reputable outlets.

Meanwhile, sites like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have struggled to spot and remove online reactions, as well. An official Facebook post from UnitedHealthcare announcing Thompson's death was the subject of online fodder once users realized the healthcare giant's post of condolence was being "ratio'd" by laughing reactions. As of Dec. 5, the post had more than 31,000 "haha" responses, compared to just 1,900 "sad" reacts. United Healthcare later locked down its post, as well as similar ones on LinkedIn, from further commenting.

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

Some have equated the resoundingly positive reaction online to the digital celebration of controversial Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's death in Nov. 2023 — a similarly meme-filled event that even got its own sexually-charged copypasta.

But while thousands interacted with and posted their United Healthcare memes, others online warned that they might want to cool their partying — or at least be prepared to deal with the possible repercussions. In a TikTok captioned "hot tips from a former lawyer" by account @fivefourpod, users amplified the right to remain silent: "If a person of government shows up at your door asking about a post on this app or another app... They're going to make it seem like you need to explain yourself. Shhhh. Do not talk to the government person."

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The Tulane Green Wave (9-3) and the No. 24 Army Black Knights (10-1) will face off in the American Athletic Conference Championship this week at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. The match will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tulane was ranked at No. 17 last week, but dropped out of the rankings after a loss to conference rival, Memphis football (now ranked at No. 25). The Black Knights peaked at No. 19 in Week 12, when the team was still undefeated, but they were dropped out of the rankings after a Week 13 loss to Notre Dame.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Tulane vs. Army football kickoff time and network

The Tulane vs. Army football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on ABC on Friday, Dec. 6.

Dave Pasch is expected to do the play-by-play, while Dusty Dvoracek will join him in the booth as the analyst.

Best streaming services for Tulane vs. Army football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Tulane vs. Army football game on ABC. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 20 UNLV Rebels (10-1) and the No. 10 Boise State Broncos (11-0) will face off in the Mountain West Conference Championship this week at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The match will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

These two teams faced off just six weeks ago, when the Broncos won 29-24 on the road.

Boise State is currently assuming one of the top four seeds in the College Football Playoffs. In the newly implemented 12-team playoff format, the highest ranked conference leader in the top four conferences will take the top four seeds and earn a first round bye. The fifth highest ranked conference leader will take the No. 12 seed, and the rest will be filled out according to the rankings.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable UNLV vs. Boise State football kickoff time and network

The UNLV vs. Boise State football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on FOX on Friday, Dec. 6.

Jason Benetti is expected to do the play-by-play, while Brock Huard will join him in the booth as the analyst.

The CFP committee will reveal the playoffs bracket on Sunday on ESPN. The show starts at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

Best streaming services for UNLV vs. Boise State football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the UNLV vs. Boise football game on FOX. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

TAKE UP TO 55% OFF: The Best Buy 3-Day Sale has discounts on name brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and more that take up to 55% off the regular price.

Best Buy's 3-Day Sale Highlights Best TV deal Insignia 55-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $199.99 at Best Buy (save $150) Get Deal Best tech deal Amazon Echo Dot $22.99 at Best Buy (save $27) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Jabra Elite 10 earbuds $124.99 at Best Buy (save $125) Get Deal

Did you miss out on shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales? If you took off to a cozy cabin or spent the week offline, maybe you feel like you missed out on getting the best deals on the holiday season. But we're here to offer you some relief. Sure, a few deals are gone but major retailers like Best Buy are still dropping massive discounts on some great tech that's incredibly giftable (to others or yourself).

The Best Buy 3-Day Sale has impressive discounts on TVs, laptops, wearable tech, home appliances, and even toys. Here are some top deals to shop this weekend at the Best Buy 3-Day Sale.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 55-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Winter holidays are almost here which means you're bound to have some extra time on your hands at home. Why not spend it catching up on the best shows of 2024 that everyone said were incredible but you didn't have time to enjoy yet? If that's on your schedule and you've been kicking it with an old TV, upgrade to the 55-inch Insignia Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV. During the Best Buy 3-Day Sale, this model is just $199.99, down from the list price of $349.99. That means you'll be saving 43% off the normal price.

At 55 inches, this model is great for your living room or going for a luxury size in the bedroom. While it doesn't have a super fancy OLED or QLED display, the sale price of under $200 is pretty awesome for the size. Plus, the model is a Fire TV so you won't need to plug in any streaming device.

More TV deals

• Insignia 24-inch Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• TCL 50-inch Class Q5-Series 4K UHD HDR PRO+ QLED Smart Fire TV — $199.99 $399.99 (save $200)

• LG 65-inch Class UT70 Series LED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)

• Samsung 75-inch Class DU6950 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart Tizen TV — $499.99 $749.99 (save $250)

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $22.99 at Best Buy
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A smart speaker is one of the most enjoyable home gadgets. Turning on some tunes to clean, cook, or workout to can entirely change the experience. Or tune into a great podcast while wrapping holiday gifts. However you choose to use it, the Amazon Echo Dot smartspeaker is a reliable and super functional speaker that's currently on sale for a irresistible price. Best Buy's 3-Day Sale has the Amazon Echo Dot at just $22.99, which saves you $27 from the usual price of $49.99.

At that price, it makes a great gift for a neighbor, co-worker, or a stocking stuffer for the teen who's incredibly hard to buy presents for.

More tech deals

• TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Dimmer Switch (4-pack) — $39.99 $89.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Spot — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $44.99 $89.99 (save $45)

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $19.01)

• Starlink Mini Kit AC Dual Band Wi-Fi System — $449.99 $599.99 (save $150)

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jabra Jabra Elite 10 earbuds $124.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $125.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a focus on comfort, the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds get an impressive 36 hours of battery life on a single charge. Jabra uses ComfortFit technology to give listeners the ability to use the earbuds all day thanks to unique oval EarGels that conform to your individual ear. The semi-open design is also meant to provide a more comfortable wearing experience.

When it comes to sound quality, the Jabra Elite 10 use 10mm speakers with active noise cancellation. They're also great for working out since they water and dust proof.

The Jabra Elite 10 typically cost $249.99 but Best Buy's weekend sale drops them to just $124.99 which works out to a 50% discount.

More wearable tech deals

• JBL Tune Flex Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Soundcore by Anker Sleep A20 Noise Masking True Wireless Earbud — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Aluminum Smartwatch (40mm) — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — $299 $429 (save $130)

• Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon — $349 $449 (save $100)

Good news for Google Pixel users — they're bringing back a beloved old feature.

The new update will have manual controls for the main screen in the 9.7 version of the Pixel Camera app, making it easier to control white balance, brightness, and shadows — just like it used to, according to Tom's Guide.

In the current version of Pixel 9 Pro, you can still control the white balance, brightness, and shadows, but you have to go into the camera's settings menu to do so. Now, you can pin those settings so you don't have to toggle them as much.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 review: Officially too much AI

The update is still rolling out, so you might not have access to it just yet. Despite that, fans seem primed for the new change. Nearly all of the comments on Google Pixel sub-reddit are some version of "Thank God, old manual control is so much easier to use than new one," and "Win after win, it's been a good Pixel year this one."

As Android Police points out, that's not the only photo-related new feature in the update, either. The cameras on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Fold will now have a Dual Screen Portrait Mode on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Fold.

GET UP TO $160 OFF: As of Dec. 6th, get the Apple iPhone 13 (128GB, unlocked) for $389.99 and save $160 to connect with a qualifying carrier plan. Or, get the iPhone for $489.99, for $60, and connect your phone to any existing carrier,

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 13 (128GB, unlocked) $389.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $160.00 when you connect with a qualifying carrier plan Get Deal

Though the model might have been out of the news cycle for the last couple of years, the iPhone 13 is still a powerful smartphone. And you can get a great deal on a new phone right now at Best Buy's 3-Day Sale.

As of Dec. 6th, get the Apple iPhone 13 (128GB, unlocked) for $389.99, down from $549.99, and save $160 when you connect with a qualifying carrier plan. Or, get the iPhone for $489.99, for $60 off, and connect your phone to any existing carrier.

SEE ALSO: The latest Apple AirPods 4 are at their lowest-ever price on Amazon

The 2021 iPhone model sports a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide camera on its rear, while its front side has a TrueDepth camera (also 12 MP) that includes night vision. A 6.1-inch screen gives you room for swiping or gaming, and its signature Apple retina XDR display it looks great too.

The iPhone 13 uses an A15 bionic chip, which is a few generations behind the new iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, but this chip is still fast.

As of Dec. 6 you can get the Apple iPhone 13 for up to $160 off at the Best Buy 3-Day sale. With a ceramic shield for durability and an ingress protection (IP) rating of 68, this device is so hardy that you might be using it until the iPhone 19 releases.

SAVE $25: As of Dec. 6, you can get the JBL Vibe Beam true wireless earbuds for just $24.95 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount and $25 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Vibe Beam true wireless earbuds $24.95 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $25.00 Get Deal

If you’re still looking for gifts or just want to treat yourself to a new pair of true wireless earbuds, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds, which are currently available on Amazon for $24.95.

For less than $25, you can’t really complain about the features and performance of these earbuds. While Mashable’s RJ Andersen did give these buds a four-out-of-five star rating in his full review, at this price, the sound quality makes sense, and the overall experience is actually quite impressive for what you're paying.

SEE ALSO: Are JBL's $50 Vibe Beam Earbuds too good to be true?

These earbuds have a great battery life (up to eight hours of listening time without the case and 24 additional hours with), and the fast-charge feature will give you two extra hours of playtime with just a ten-minute charge. The controls are fairly standard and easy to pair and unpair with your other devices.

They’re also surprisingly comfortable: “I have fairly small ears, which makes finding comfortable headphones a challenge, and I was impressed that the Vibe Beam earbuds didn’t slip out of my ears while I was working out,” Andersen writes. “They also didn’t leave my ears aching when I finally stepped off the treadmill.”

While these earbuds aren’t the absolute best true wireless options out there, they’re still a solid choice for anyone who’s on a budget and doesn’t need a symphony orchestra-level soundstage.

SAVE $27: As of Dec. 6, you can snag an Echo Dot (5th gen) for just $22.99, down from $49.99, at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. That's 54% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $22.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal

Echo devices are pricey throughout the year, so if you’re looking to get one for a discounted price, now’s the time to go online and hit “add to cart.”

As of Dec. 6, you can snag an Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) for just $22.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. That’s 54% off the list price, or a savings of $27.

SEE ALSO: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon device should you buy for Black Friday 2024?

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) is the newest version of Amazon’s most popular smart speaker. According to Amazon, it’s the company’s “best-sounding Echo yet," with updated speakers and speech recognition technology that can hear you from across the room, even when music is playing.

You can set alarms and reminders, control your other smart home device (I use mine to turn my Christmas tree on and off), or learn about the news, weather, and more.

With the holidays right around the corner, this Echo Dot deal could be the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Plus, at only $22.99, it’s a steal.