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TL;DR: Live stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

These are special times for Crystal Palace fans. Fresh from winning the FA Cup last season, they now find themselves in the top half of the Premier League and the quarter finals of the EFL Cup. Arsenal stand in their way in the cup, so it's going to be very tough to progress. But Oliver Glasner seems to have the magic touch with this squad — anything is possible.

If you want to watch Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace?

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup is likely to take place on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Emirates Stadium.

How to watch Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace for free

Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Carabao Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The World Cup is still months away but there's no shortage of soccer excitement thanks to the Africa Cup of Nations , which takes place over the holiday season and pits 24 top Africa soccer nations against each other.

The tournament is held in Morocco, and the host nation — aka the Atlas Lions — are heavy favorites to win the whole thing. But you never know what will happen in the group stages. That's part of the magic of any tournament.

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Group C kicks off today with Nigeria vs. Tanzania, followed by Tunisia vs. Uganda. Nigeria are probably the strongest team in this group but Tunisia have the talent to do well, including Premier League midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. They're in good form too, having just qualified for the 2026 World Cup without conceding a single goal. They're certainly be favorites over Uganda, a team that has only qualified for AFCON a handful of times in recent years. But like we say, anything can happen in the early stages of tournament soccer.

If you want to watch Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Tunisia vs. Uganda?

Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Olympic Stadium.

How to watch Tunisia vs. Uganda for free

Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Tunisia vs. Uganda 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 the UK

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch Tunisia vs. Uganda for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Tunisia vs. Uganda (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you're looking for a soccer fix over the holidays, the Africa Cup of Nations promises fantastic action. The event, which is held every two years, sees 24 African countries compete — including world class players from clubs in top leagues.

With numerous group games already in the books, including tournament hosts — not to mention favorites — Morocco taking on Comoros, the AFCON excitement continues with Nigeria vs. Tanzania in Group C. Tanzania enter this group opener as the underdogs — this is only their fourth time qualifying for the tournament — while Nigeria are always a team to watch in AFCON. They're multi-time champions and finished in second place in 2023. They've also got striking power in the form of Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.

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If you want to watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Nigeria vs. Tanzania?

Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 1.30 p.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.

How to watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania for free

Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Nigeria vs. Tanzania 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 the UK

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream South Africa vs. Angola (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the world and is sure to whet the appetite of fans waiting for next year's World Cup. There's a big game to catch today as Senegal and Botswana clash in Group D, which also sees action today from DR Congo vs. Benin.

Tournament hosts Morocco are overall favourites but Senegal are in good form and, with star player Sadio Mané in their squad, are coming off an 8-0 win over Kenya. This game is an opportunity to Senegal to mark themselves as major contenders. They're also no strangers to silverware, having won AFCON back in 2021.

If you want to watch Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Senegal vs. Botswana?

Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Grande Stade de Tangier.

How to watch Senegal vs. Botswana for free

Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Senegal vs. Botswana 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 the UK

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch Senegal vs. Botswana for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Senegal vs. Botswana (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Africa Cup of Nations is delivering hot soccer action all through the holidays, with plenty of nations that bring something different to the pitch. Next up is the Democratic Republic of Congo against Benin, who follow the likes of South Africa vs. Angola and Mali vs. Zambia.

DR Congo finished fourth in the 2023 edition of the tournament. They haven't made the final since their winning effort in 1974 but they have some solid players in their squad, including Lille defender Chancel Mbemba and West Ham wing back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Benin enter the game as underdogs — this is only the fourth time the West African squad has qualified for the tournament in their history.

If you want to watch DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is DR Congo vs. Benin?

DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 7.30 a.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Stade El Barid.

How to watch DR Congo vs. Benin for free

DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream DR Congo vs. Benin 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 the UK

4. Visit Channel 4

5. Watch DR Congo vs. Benin for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream DR Congo vs. Benin (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

Uber admits it is routinely approving drivers with violent felony convictions — including assault, child abuse, and stalking — so long as those convictions were more than seven years ago. That's in the wake of a damning New York Times investigation (the second in six months) into Uber's ongoing problems with safety, particularly for female riders.

The ride-hailing app does at least have a blanket ban on would-be drivers convicted of murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, or terrorism. But in 22 states, the Times uncovered approvals for drivers convicted of other violent acts past the seven-year horizon. It also found a loophole in 35 states:

Background checks are only looking for crimes committed in the place the driver lived, letting other convictions slip through the net.

Uber defended the seven-year time window as "striking the right balance" between rider safety and letting people who've been convicted of a crime rebuild their lives. But the company has also admitted — in a roundabout way — that its rides aren't safe enough.

Uber admits a serious report of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct was filed every 32 minutes.

When the previous Times report found that Uber received reports of sexual abuse or misconduct against drivers every eight minutes on average between 2017 and 2022, the company responded by saying that 75 percent of those reports were "less serious." By which it meant cases where drivers used explicit language, flirted, or made comments on a passenger's appearance.

Even leaving aside the likelihood that those 75 percent of passengers still felt unsafe enough to report an incident, this still means in effect that Uber admits a "serious" report of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct was filed every 32 minutes.

Meanwhile, a third of people arrested on rape charges have at least one felony conviction, according to a U.S. Department of Justice study. Several Uber drivers convicted of rape in the past five years, and one Lyft driver, had violent felony convictions. Two of these cases took place in California, where people with violent felonies are supposed to be permanently banned from working for ride-hailing apps.

SEE ALSO: Uber, Lyft face lawsuits from male drivers, claiming discrimination

So just how lax is Uber's background check? Our biggest clue comes from officials in Massachusetts, who did background checks of drivers on ride-hailing apps in 2017 and banned 8,000 drivers that had been approved, largely by Uber. (Lyft's policy is not to approve any drivers with violent convictions, no matter how much time has passed; Lyft has also recently allowed riders to block drivers altogether.)

If Massachusetts is any indicator, then, riders have a roughly 1 in 10 chance of getting a driver who would not be approved by state regulators.

Uber reportedly considered but rejected more than 20 new safety measures — including fingerprint checks, deemed too costly and too slow, at a time when Uber wanted to onboard new drivers faster. "We are def not doing everything we can," one Uber executive said in an internal email in 2018.

"The fact this is an internal policy that we don’t feel comfortable talking about," the exec added, "highlights the need for improvement here."

The moon is back into view now, and after a few nights of darkness, if you look hard enough, you should be able to catch a glimpse of come craters of mares.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Dec. 23, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 11% of the moon will be lit up tonight.

With an unaided eye tonight, you can spot the Mares Crisium and the Fecunditatis. If you add binoculars or a telescope, you'll also be able to see the Endymion Crater.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. This is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love German food.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 23, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Weaknesses

• Green: Philosophical ideas

• Blue: Superheroes wear them

• Purple: Meaty snacks

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Vulnerability

• Green: Freudian concepts

• Blue: Characters in capes

• Purple: Starting with slang for sausage

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 #926 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Vulnerability: ACHILLES' HEEL, DOWNFALL, KRYPTONITE, SOFT SPOT

• Freudian concepts: FIXATION, OEDIPUS COMPLEX, SUPEREGO, UNCONSCIOUS

• Characters in capes: DARTH VADER, DRACULA, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, SUPERMAN

• Starting with slang for sausage: BRATZ, DOGMA, FRANKENSTEIN, LINKLATER

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 23, 2025

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

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

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

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you don't like the heat.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 23, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: B-r-r-r-r!

The words are related to the temperature.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe lower temperatures.

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 Not So Hot.

NYT Strands word list for December 23

• Chilly

• Polar

• Cold

• Glacial

• Not So Hot

• Freezing

• Frigid

• Cool

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if there's a twinkle in your eye.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23, 2025 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 Pips hints, answers for December 23, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A glimmer.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.

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...

GLINT

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 23, 2025

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

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

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

TL;DR: A dependable, lightweight refurbished MacBook Air (2017) with up to 12 hours of battery life is just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping — an easy upgrade for everyday tasks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 2017 (Refurbished) $199.97
$999 Save $799.03   Get Deal

Most of us head into the new year with fresh goals. Whether they’re career-focused or more personal, like finally drafting that book idea you’ve been sitting on — this Apple MacBook Air (2017) is a surprisingly ideal companion.

At just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping, it’s an affordable way to add a reliable, lightweight laptop to your productivity lineup.

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This refurbished model delivers exactly what most people need from a daily-use computer. The 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor handles emails, documents, browsing, and light creative work smoothly. The 128GB SSD keeps things snappy and gives you room for files, drafts, photos, and essential apps.

And with up to 12 hours of battery life, you can work from the couch, a café, or a cross-country flight without worrying about an outlet.

The 13.3-inch display offers crisp clarity for streaming and video calls. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it simple to stay connected and transfer files. It’s also thin, quiet, travel-friendly, and ideal as a secondary laptop for freelancers or anyone who wants a dependable everyday machine.

As a Grade A/B refurbished unit, it may show minor cosmetic wear, but performance-wise, it’s tested and ready for regular use.

If you’re hoping to kick off the new year with better tools (and without overspending), this pre-holiday sale might do the trick.

Get this quality refurbished MacBook Air for just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping ahead of the new year.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: AdGuard Family Plan is currently just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN — block ads, boost privacy, and protect up to nine devices for life.

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

If your online experience doesn’t feel smooth or optimized, this holiday deal makes it almost too easy to declutter your digital life.

The AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription is just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) when you use code FAMPLAN, and it gives you powerful ad blocking and privacy protection across up to nine devices — forever.

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AdGuard is more than a simple pop-up remover. It’s a full ad-blocking and safety toolkit designed to make everyday browsing feel calmer, cleaner, and faster. Pages load without the usual clutter of banners, autoplay videos, and distracting overlays, and the built-in privacy shield helps keep trackers from collecting information about your family’s online habits.

Parents also get access to robust parental control tools, making it easier to filter out inappropriate content and maintain a safer digital space for kids. Combined with AdGuard’s malware and phishing protection, your family can click, browse, and stream with more confidence.

Setup is simple, and because this plan covers Android and iOS, everyone in the household can benefit — phones, tablets, and computers included. Even better, this is lifetime access, meaning updates, improvements, and new features are included without ongoing fees.

It’s a small one-time payment for a noticeably smoother online experience, and a helpful upgrade heading into the new year.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to invest in something like this, this is an ideal time.

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Elementary OS isn't as popular as it once was, but it's still a well-designed desktop Linux distribution with an excellent suite of custom-built applications. Now, a new major version is available with multitasking improvements, 64-bit ARM support, and much more.

Legendary video game designer Vince Zampella, who co-created the Call of Duty series, was killed Sunday in a car crash in southern California.

Zampella, 55, most recently led the Battlefield shooter series at EA Games, but also had his hand in many successful franchises, including Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legends.

Along with Grant Collier and Jason West, Zampella co-founded the Infinity Ward studio in 2002, which led to the creation of the iconic first-person shooter Call of Duty in 2003. After Infinity Ward was fully acquired by Activision, Zampella was later dismissed and went on to successfully sue the company for tens of millions of dollars in unpaid royalties and bonuses.

SEE ALSO: Electronic Arts nears $50 billion buyout by Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner's firm

Zampella was integral in some of Call of Duty's most acclaimed entries, according to the Guardian, including 2007’s Modern Warfare and 2009’s Modern Warfare 2. The Call of Duty series now encompasses nearly two dozen games and has sold half a billion units.

Zampella co-founded the Respawn studio with Jason West in 2010, which released two Titanfall games under Zampella's leadership before the company was acquired by EA in 2017. While under EA, Respawn released not only Apex Legends, but also Star Wars games, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

SEE ALSO: Where to pre-order 'Call of Duty: Black Ops 7' — Standard and Vault editions explained

Zampella, along with another person in his car, died on the Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash.

EA released the following statement to TMZ on Zampella's death:

"This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come."

Dolphin Progress Report, Release 2512, comes with substantial updates that focus on lowering frame latency. This improves performance in troublesome games and finally brings RetroAchievements support to Android users. This release also changes how the emulator handles frame pacing and input timing.

I’ll tell you what—you can keep that celebratory spirit going right through the New Year on HBO Max. The streamer has just released their January lineup, and it features several big reasons to keep the party going, which is good news for you.

Amazon has finally started rolling out the updated Alexa Home Theater feature. This lets you use the latest Echo speakers as a full, multi-channel surround sound system for your Fire TV. This update is coming after the debut of the new Echo Studio and Echo Dot Max earlier this year.

“The action can’t be completed because the file is open in another program” might be one of the least helpful messages Windows has ever shipped. It's been this way for as long as I can remember. So, I can't eject a drive, move a file, delete a file, or modify a file because a program is using it. Fine, which program? Why won't you tell me?!

Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Android, and other operating systems can trace their lineage back to the early commercial versions of Unix. One of the missing links in that chain, UNIX Fourth Edition, is now publicly available after being lost for decades.

This is a pretty sad time to be a PC gamer, or any kind of gamer really. Games are getting more expensive, more space-hungry, and the price of storage is going up and up.