Looking for the most recentregular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.Connections: Sports Editioncould be tricky today. But if you know East Coast sports and colleges, it might be right up your alley. Read on for hints and the answers.Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut onSuper Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That's a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn't show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic's own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.Read more:NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of BetaHints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groups Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Here are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: Take a chance.Green group hint: Red Sox, also.Blue group hint: Midwest and East Coast jocks.Purple group hint: Couch hoops.Answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsYellow group: BetGreen group: An AL East playerBlue group: A Big East athletePurple group: NBA video gamesRead more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Feb. 25, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is bet. The four answers are gamble, risk, stake and wager.The green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is an AL East player. The four answers are Blue Jay, Oriole, Ray and Yankee.The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is a Big East athlete. The four answers are Friar, Hoya, Musketeer and Pirate.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is NBA video games. The four answers are 2K, Jam, Live and Street.

If you're not able to pay your tax bill by April 15, you can expecta letter from the IRSsayingyour taxes are overdue. A late tax payment can rack up interest and penalty fees, but it actually land you in jail?The short answer is yes. But it's rarely the first step the Internal Revenue Service takes to get its money. If youowe the IRS money, they'll give you the opportunity to address the issue before it escalates to this extreme. But there are legal consequences for tax evasion or continuously failing to pay your taxes on time can be consequential. TAX SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK H&R Block Free Simple Tax Returns eFile: $0 (save $0) TurboTax Deluxe 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $56 (save $24) TurboTax Premier 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $83 (save $32) TaxSlayer Classic Plan: $28 (save $10) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. This story is part of Taxes 2025, CNET's coverage of the best tax software, tax tips and everything else you need to file your return and track your refund. I've been an accountant for over a decade and have helped many of my clients file their taxes. Here's what could happen if you don't pay your taxes and what to do if you can't afford to pay your tax bill.Tax evasion versus failing to pay your taxesTax evasion is when you intentionally avoid paying taxes, often by underreporting income or falsifying tax records. For instance, if you earn $100,000 annually but knowingly only report $60,000 on your tax return, that's fraud. It's a criminal act that can lead to severe consequences, including jail time. The IRS treats such cases as criminal offenses because they involve intentional deceit.Failure to pay, on the other hand, occurs when you owe taxes but cannot pay the full amount owed by the due date. This may be due to a financial hardship or errors in your tax withholding. Honest mistakes or late payments generally lead to IRS penalties and late fees, not prison. While both tax evasion and failure to pay are very serious, tax evasion involves intentional wrongdoing and carries harsher consequences like criminal charges.That's why it's crucial to report all income accurately no matter how small and ask a qualified tax professional if you have questions. If you want to reduce your tax liability, there are many legal ways to do so, such as tax deductions and credits without falsifying documents and breaking the law.What could happen if you don't pay your taxesIt's not uncommon to face an unexpected tax bill that you can't afford to pay immediately. If you can't pay your taxes on time, the IRS doesn't immediately resort to extreme measures. Instead, the agency will begin sending notices that outline your balance and explain how it was calculated.Depending on what your letter entails, interest and penalties may also start accruing. If these notices are ignored, the IRS could then go after their money in other ways, such as garnishing your wages (deducting a portion of your paycheck), placing alien on your property or even seizing funds from your bank account.The IRS typically starts with audits, collection letters and then repayment options. However, if unpaid taxes are ignored for an extended period, they could lead to a tax evasion case and potential jail time. While prison sentences for unpaid taxes are rare, they are possible. If the IRS sends you a letter in the mail, I recommend responding promptly and reaching out to a tax professional if you have any questions. Pro Tip Watch out for tax scams. The IRS will never initiate contact via phone or email. If you receive a call or email claiming to be from the IRS, it's likely a scam. The IRS will always begin with mailed notices, which include instructions and contact information. What to do if you can't afford your tax billYour tax bill is due on April 15 this year, even if you file an extension. If you're unable to pay your full tax bill, don't panic. The IRS offers payment plans that you can set up onlineor with your tax preparer.If your bill is significantly larger and you can't afford to pay the full amount, you can also apply for anoffer in compromise. This agreement lets you settle your debt with the IRS for less than your tax bill.For example, if you're unable to pay a tax bill that's $60,000, you may be able to settle your debt for $10,000 under the OIC program. With this option, the IRS will consider your income, expenses and assets to confirm if you qualify for a lower repayment option. If you have questions about your tax liability, it's always best to schedule an appointment with a tax attorney or certified public accountant.Double check your tax return before you file itIt's not likely that you'll go to jail for making a late tax payment to the IRS, but it's important to make sure you're not underreporting your income and paying less than you owe. When you're filing your tax return, make sure you double-check the income you're reporting. You're responsible for any errors or omissions, even if they were accidental.If you have a tax bill, work with a tax professional to understand your repayment options to avoid other consequences. The IRS provides a directory of qualified tax professionals which can be very helpful when you don't know where to start. More tax advice

February 24, 20252 min readWhy Temperatures Swung by 90 Degrees F in Parts of U.S.Much of the U.S. has swung from temperatures in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit to balmy weather in the 60s and 70s FBy Andrea Thompson edited by Dean VisserIce collects along the shore of Lake Michigan as temperatures were in the single-digits for most of the day on February 17, 2025, in Chicago, Ill. Scott Olson/Getty ImagesLast week people in eastern Nebraska experienced freezing temperatures in the 30s Fahrenheit and wind chills in the 60s F. Schools were cancelled because of the extreme Arctic chill. Then, on Sunday, I walked around the lake, and it was 57 degrees [F], and people were in shorts and T-shirts, says Van DeWald, a lead meteorologist at the National Weather Services (NWSs) office in Omaha.For Omaha and other places in and around the High Plains, temperatures have swung by 75 to 100-plus degrees F in just under a week. Other parts of the central and eastern U.S. have also seen a substantial warm-up, though more on the order of 20 to 30 degrees F.Last weeks big freeze came courtesy of an air mass moving southward from Canada, bringing with it extreme cold and high winds. Several places set daily temperature records: Bismarck, N.D., set a record of 39 degrees F on February 18 (besting one of 37 degrees F set in 1910). And on the same day Minot, N.D., saw a record of 33 degrees F (breaking one of 27 degrees F set in 1903). Temperatures in the High Plains were 30 to 40 degrees F below normal, says Matthew Johnson, a meteorologist at the NWSs Bismarck office. Outbreaks of extremely cold Arctic air arent unusual in the region. That happens every one to two years, that we get that cold, DeWald says.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Now the area is seeing temperatures in the 60s and even the 70s F, a good 25 to 30 degrees [F] above normal, says Brian Hurley, a senior meteorologist at the NWSs Weather Prediction Center. He explains that the meteorological seesaw is linked to a change in air patterns higher in the atmosphere: there a region of lower pressure that brought winds from the northwest has retreated, allowing a flow of warmer air from the south and southwest.Though the temperatures swings are sizable, theyre not entirely unexpected at this time of year: weather generally becomes more changeable during meteorological spring, which begins on March 1. We can kind of fluctuate pretty violently during this transition season, Johnson says.

ID@Xbox Showcase - everything announcedTanuki posties! Lies of P DLC! More!Image credit: Eurogamer News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Feb. 24, 2025 It's been a bit of a showcase-y start to the week - first with Annapurna Interactive doing its thing and now with another instalment of Microsoft's occassional indie-focused ID@Xbox showcase. This time around, we got a couple of new announcements, a whole bunch of release dates, a tanuki postie, a fresh helping of Tron, another look at that Lies of P DLC, and more. And if you missed any of the announcements, you can read on to learn more.Revenge of the Savage PlanetRevenge of the Savage Planet trailer.Watch on YouTubeIf it's lightly satirical sci-fi action you're after - and it absolutely must contain goo - then you might be interested in Revenge of the Savage Planet. This third-person follow up to 2021's Journey To The Savage Planet features new planets, online co-op, cross-play, and more - and it's coming to Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PS4, and PC on 8th May.Jump ShipJump Ship trailer.Watch on YouTubeKeepsake Games' Jump Ship is a co-op FPS where up to four players attempt to leap across the universe by selecting from a variety of hand-crafted missions. As the action plays out, they can seamlessly transition from operating their ship to on-foot planetary exploration, even space walks if need be. There's also talk of scavenging to make upgrades and repairs, as well as random elements to keep things fresh. Jump Ship comes to early access this summer.Echo WeaverEcho Weaver trailer.Watch on YouTubeEcho Weaver is a "time loop metroidBRAINia where time is [the] best resource and secrets are [the] only upgrades." It sees players navigating the remnants of a ruined society - a task made more challenging by the fact they're stuck in a glitching time loop. To escape, they'll need to rely on the energy of the loop itself, using it to heal, trade, and more. Developer Moonlight Kids also proudly proclaims, "No upgrades, no unlocks, just secrets... you can already do everything, you just don't know how yet." Echo Weaver doesn't have a release date, but it's coming to Xbox and PC with a day one release on Game Pass.Moonlighter 2: The Endless VaultMoonlighter 2: The Endless Vault trailer.Watch on YouTubeFans of rogue-lite dungeon-crawling and shop management can witness their loves smash together again later this year when Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault launches for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Game Pass. On a basic level, developer Digital Sun's sequel promises more of the same, but it does have a few new tricks - including a new setting and a leap from the original's charming pixel art to striking 3D.Blue PrinceBlue Prince trailer.Watch on YouTubeThere's a lot of buzz already for developer Dogubomb's "atmospheric architectural adventure", Blue Prince - a deeply intriguing puzzler set in an ever-changing house. The ultimate goal is to find the elusive Room 46 by unravelling the secrets on its 9x5 grid of chambers, but players can only venture so many steps before it reconfigures itself again. Blue Prince looks like fiendishly clever stuff and it now has a release date, coming to PlayStation, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Game Pass on 10th April.OutboundOutbound trailer.Watch on YouTubeIf, like me, you've been itching to get back into an orange camper van ever since your family's beloved Volkswagen dramatically burst into flames in the middle of the road somewhere in the 90s, developer Square Glade Games' Outbound should be pure bliss. It's a game of open-world wilderness roving and survival, where you'll need to grow your own crops, harness natural resources for energy, customise your vehicle, and build a comically impractical house on your roof. Sadly, it's not out until next year, but I'm ready and eager.HerdlingHerdling trailer.Watch on YouTubeHerdlings, the latest from Far: Lone Sails developer Okomotive, is a "stirring and beautiful journey into the mountains... and beyond" that sees players shepherding (or herding, I guess) mysterious creatures across a strikingly picturesque landscape of sweeping peaks, fog-shrouded forests, and more. You'll need to hone your skills to overcome its challenges, threats, and a smattering of light puzzles - and you'll probably need a few tissues too given it's promising an "emotional, wordless tale of trust, survival, and companionship during a great crossing through a fallen world". Herdlings is out this summer on PC and consoles.Wax HeadsWax Heads trailer.Watch on YouTubeWax Heads, from developer Patattie Games, continues to look a treat. It's a "cosy-punk" narrative game about running a struggling record store, where players are tasked with satisfying eccentric customers by rooting out the perfect musical purchase. It's got puzzles, arcade cabinets, stickers, and "punchy, humorous" dialogue - and it's coming to Xbox Series X/S and PC in "summer" next year.The Lonesome GuildThe Lonesome Guild trailer.Watch on YouTubeThe Lonesome Guild is a single-player action-RPG "full of heart, battles, and bonds that change everything". It's the work of developer Tiny Bull Studios and follows protagonist Ghost (a ghost) and their ragtag team of friends as they try to save the world. It promises puzzles, intense battles, and a land full of mystery and treasure that players can explore by seamlessly switching between party members - with new side quests and abilities unlocking as bonds are strengthened among the team. It's coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC this autumn.Buckshot RouletteBuckshot Roulette trailer.Watch on YouTubePretty much everything you need to know about Buckshot Roulette is right there in the title. Developer Mike Klubnika's grimly comedic twist on Russian Roulette - the twist being that it involves a shotgun - is a game of bargaining, begging, and betrayal, as players battle to walk away rich over the course of a 15-minute match. It was a bit of a viral sensation when it launches in 2023, and it's coming to Xbox and Game Pass "soon".Hotel BarcelonaHotel Barcelona trailer.Watch on YouTubeSuda51 and Swery's 2.5D slasher parody Hotel Barcelona didn't quite make its originally planned 2024 release date, but today's ID@Xbox showing indicates it's still on track to launch this year. Its weird, wild premise sees novice federal marshal protagonist Justine - who's got an insane serial killer named Dr. Carnival living inside her - breaking up a serial killer shindig in the titular Pittsburgh hotel. That involves rampaging across seven levels, each inspired by a different horror movie and featuring a distinct boss. She's also got a bit of extra help from the ghosts of her previous attempts, which manifest to fight alongside her.BalatroBalatro - Friends of Jimbo Pack 4 trailer.Watch on YouTubeDeveloper LocalThunk's poker-inspired roguelite Balatro has been a smashing success since releasing last year. But if you haven't had chance to play it yet, you've now got the option to do so via Game Pass. And to accompany its arrival on Microsoft's subscription service, a free new DLC - adding cosmetic card backs inspired by the likes of Assassin's Creed, Fallout, and Dead by Daylight - launches today on all platforms.RockbeastsRockbeasts trailer.Watch on YouTubeThe last band management game I can remember playing was Rockstar Ate My Hamster, and that came out over 35 years ago. Yet Rockbeasts from developer Lichthund somehow reminded me of that game's anarchic spirit, even if you're playing grumpy, grungy animals instead of parodies of real-life musos here. "Lead a band of misfits on a roller-coaster ride to stardom in the age of MTV, rock anthems, and bad haircuts," explains its official blurb, before dropping the bombshell that it also stars Iggy Pop. Rockbeasts, officially a "story-driven, role-playing management game" is coming to Steam and consoles later this year.RatatanRatatan trailer.Watch on YouTubeRatatan, if you're unfamiliar, is the spiritual successor to Sony Japan Studio's beloved PlayStation Portable rhythm adventure Patapon. It managed to smash its crowdfunding goal within an hour of launch back in 2023 and development's been quietly ticking along since then. Helmed by Patapon creator Hiroyuki Kotani, with original Patapon musician Kemmei Adach also onboard, it promises a roguelike blend of rhythm and side-scroller action in which players build an army of 100 Cobun to take on foes. Ratatan was originally targeting an Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC release this April, but its latest trailer - shared during ID@Xbox - now only says "2025".TempopoTempopo trailer.Watch on YouTubeWhen last we heard from developer Witch Beam, it was gracing us with Unpacking - a lovely little thing that would go on to be crowned Eurogamer's game of 2021. Four years later and it's poised to release Tempopo, a vibrant musical puzzler set across a world of floating islands. Each island is a puzzle and finding the solution enables protagonist Hana to reclaim a lost musical bloom and replant it in her garden. Finding the solution, however, involves using Hana's conducting skills to guide the titular Tempopo onward, encouraging them to smash, block, lift, and push their way to victory. It's coming to PC, consoles, and Game Pass on 17th April.WoodoWoodo official trailer.Watch on YouTubeTiny Monks Tales' Woodo is absolutely adorable, and I'm already sold based on that fact alone. But more specifically, it's a "cosy 3D puzzle matching game" in which players work through a series of dioramas charting a new episode in the life of Foxy and Ben the frog. Each new stage brings a new selection of items - lovely, chunky wood-carved things - and players have to figure out where they belong, dropping them into a scene with a satisfying plop. There's no release date for Woodo yet, but it's coming to Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation, and PC.Tanuki: Pon's SummerTanuki: Pon's Summer trailer.Watch on YouTubeIn Denkiworks' Tanuki: Pon's Summer, the Tanuki Festival is just a month away. Unfortunately, the shrine is also in need of repair - and so enters Pon, a well meaning Tanuki who gets himself a part-time job delivering packages, all in the name of raising some coin. There's a colourful cast of characters to befriend, a whole bunch of side activities and sports to pursue - from baseball and sushi-making to enthusiastic drumming - and best of all, you get a BMX you'll be using to hurtle around the game's four towns, inspired by Kyoto, Aomori, Sapporo, and Beppu. It's a delightful looking thing and it's out on PC, Switch, Xbox, and Game Pass later this year.Descenders NextDescenders Next trailer.Watch on YouTubeDescenders Next, an extreme-sports-focused sort-of-sequel to developer RageSquid's acclaimed downhill biking hit Descenders, has a release date and is coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass on 9th April. It's an intriguing one too, ditching the exhilarating mountain biking of its predecessor in favour of basically as many extreme sports as possible. That's obviously a pretty ambitious goal, so Descenders Next is starting smaller and focusing on boarding sports - the snow kind and otherwise - across "multiple huge biomes". It's got extensive customisation, a Monstercat soundtrack, and support for up to 12 players. Tron: CatalystTron: Catalyst trailer.Watch on YouTubeAfter getting its neon on in 2023's Tron: Idenity, Bithell Games is back with more future action in Tron: Catalyst. It's an "all-new story-driven, isometric action adventure game" in which players ride Light Cycles and engage in Identity Disc combat as they traverse the crumbling Arq Grid. There's talk of "intriguing stories within a budding revolution", as well as secret areas and shortcuts to find - all of which players will be able to experience when Tron: Catalyst comes to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC on 17th June.33 Immortals33 Immortals trailer.Watch on YouTubeAfter a bit of a delay nudged Spiritfarer studio Thunder Lotus' 33 Immortals into this year, it's finally launching into PC and Xbox Series X/S early access on 18th March. It's an intriguing thing too, serving up a striking action roguelike in which players, in the role of damned souls, must co-operative to defeat hordes of monsters and massive bosses in order to rebel against God's final judgment and fight for their eternal lives. There's a twist, however; as its name implies, this is a chaotic quest designed to be tackled by 33 players.Lies of P: OvertureLies of P: Overture trailer.Watch on YouTubeAnd finally, a bit of a treat for twinky puppet fans. Lies of P: Overture, the eagerly awaited expansion for 2023's well-received Souls-like adventure, just got an atmospheric new story trailer. Overture, a "dramatic prequel" to the base game, transports players to the city of Krat to witness its final days before the Puppet Frenzy massacre. They'll meet a legendary Stalker and journey through Krat together, uncovering untold stories and hidden secrets. And probably a bunch of extremely tough battles too. There's still no release date for Lies of P: Overture, however, so you'll just have to make do with its latest trailer for now.

Round Top, Texas, has a population under 100. But twice per year, during the Round Top Antiques Fair, over 100,000 peopleincluding design icons like Kelly Wearstler, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, and Joanna Gainesdescend upon the tiny town to dig through treasures large and small. (A smaller show in January also draws a crowd, even if not at the scale of the spring and fall events.) The fair started in 1968 with just a few vendors in a single barn focused on classic American antiques, and though it has grown to stretch across 17 miles of highway in the almost 60 years since, its original essence is still very much alive and well, carried on by antique and vintage lovers who believe in the power of finding unique pieces and bringing them into your space. The event can be overwhelming for newbies, so its best to come preparedheres everything you need to know before you hit the show, which kicks off its spring edition later this month.What, when, and whereRound Top is located around an hour from both Austin and Houston, and the fair is held three times per year, in January, March, and October. Though the smaller winter show has already passed, the grander spring edition runs March 27 to April 1. To get the real cream of the crop, you might be better off bookmarking Designer Dayan early shopping eventon March 26 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In the fall, the fair will be held from October 16 to 21, with Designer Day on October 15.Mismatched pottery on display at Layered by Paige Elise's showroom at The Horseshoe.Photo by Kristin CorpuzLighting at this booth at Marburger Farm was made from found objects like trash cans and phonographs.Photo by Kristin CorpuzThe fair is home to about 80 venues (or shows) that stretch across 17 miles of Texas State Highway 237. It could take a full week to thoroughly examine just one venue, much less the whole lot of themso it pays to plan ahead.What to know about the showBesides its sheer size, whats special about Round Top is that it doesnt focus on any specific style or era of decorin fact, thats probably its main selling point. You dont have to be looking for anything in particular to find something you love, and if youre on the hunt for something specific, you can bet youll find it buried amongst the seemingly endless acres of tents, barns, and stalls. Heading to Round Top this spring? Here are a few things youll want to do to guarantee a productive visit.Rent a carAs mentioned, the fair stretches across 17 miles of a state highway, so its imperative that you have a car. (It is Texas after all.) Unlike other large antique fairs and flea markets, Round Top is spread across multiple venues and is therefore not walkable or bike-friendly.Pack comfortable shoesThough youll be driving between venues, expect to get your steps in as you wander around each show. The terrain consists of grass, gravel, mulch, and rock, and many of the pathways arent paved, so wear shoes you dont mind getting dirty. In true Texas fashion (pun intended), cowboy boots are always acceptable attire, of course.You cant miss McLarensthanks to their array of eye-catching English telephone boothson display.Photo by Kristin CorpuzResearch the venues and dealers beforehandRound Top is so big its hard to tackle it all in one tripeven for experienced attendees. Mark Dooley, co-owner of venues Excess I and Excess II (as well as his own antiques business, North Star Antiques), recommends following each of the venues Instagram accounts so you can start to scope out some of the dealers you might want to visit. The accounts often post updates on who will be joining for the upcoming season and even post sneak peeks of what their dealers might be bringing. If youre on the hunt for something specific, he also recommends reaching out to dealers directly to get an idea of price points and inventory. The more legwork you can do before, the better experience youll have, he explains. Youre under a major learning curve the first time you come here because theres just so much to see.Its also important to remember that each of the venues is owned and operated separately, so you should have an understanding of how each one works before heading there. Some of them require tickets for admission; others are open for you to wander; you can pay for early admission at certain venues so you have access to inventory before general admission ticket holders; some have parking on-site, and others require you to walk a bit to the entrance. Unfortunately there isnt a central directory to track down this information so it requires quite a bit of research beforehand.Another photo moment outside McLarensPhoto by Kristin CorpuzVintage neon signs were displayed all over the fair, including this one at The Horseshoe.Photo by Kristin CorpuzCarry cashMany dealers only accept cash, so its good to have some on hand. Plus, if youre comfortable negotiating, a dealer might be a little more flexible on price if youre able to pay in dollar bills.Plan for weatherRound Tops ever-changing weather calls for versatile packing, ensuring youre prepared for any climate, notes Teressa Foglia, designer and founder of Teressa Foglia Millinery. She has been showcasing her custom and ready-to-wear collections of hats at Round Top, and currently has a showroom at the venue The Horseshoe. The temperature and precipitation can vary wildly from day to day, so wear and bring layers that can be shed or added as the day goes on.Where to stayRancho Pillow (Round Top)Every corner of Rancho Pillow is filled with eye candy.Photo by Kristin Corpuz

The renowned Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach makes its eighth return to the design-savvy city with a spectacularly fitting South Florida house: a 7,700 square-foot red-brick home originally built in 1937 with panoramic views of the sparkling blue Intercoastal Waterway and Palm Beach Island. Open to the public through March 16, the ticketed event not only brings together some of designs top talent, but also raises substantial funds for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. In the 50 years since its debut, Kips Bay Decorator Show House has raised more than $30 million to provide education and developmental programs for youth.Surely inspired by the lush, leafy landscaping Palm Beach is known for, spectacular shades of green resonate throughout the designers spaces, starting with the verdant entry veranda Louise W. Cronan Interior Decoration crafted for the Monterrey-style home. Cronan enlisted muralist Chuck Fischer to create a beautiful backdrop in the small foyer featuring birds of paradise intertwined with Australian tree ferns in vibrant greens. Other shades of green ring triumphant, from pops of Kelly green in Amanda Reynal Interiors living room, which debuts Lee Jofas upcoming interior fabric and wall covering collection for Lilly Pulitzer, to a custom coffered ceiling with Parrot Green lacquered insets in the dining room by Bierly Drake and Steele, Inc. to unexpected and very chic olive green and cream hand-painted Gracie walls by AD PRO Directory firm B.Berry Interiors in a guest room. We may have become the record for Gracies fastest-track delivery of their custom paper, Betsy Berry tells AD PRO. It was quite a Hail Mary, but they made it happen.The viridescence crescendos in the backyard with AD PRO Directory talent Garden 26 Landscape Designs Green Bliss: A Retreat into Nature, designed with the goal of reconnecting individuals with the gentle rhythms of the natural world via the utilization of layered tropical foliage, cascading greenery, and flowering plants surrounding a serene pool. This show house embraces a life en plein air, with multiple outdoor living spaces designed as richly as interior rooms. Fellow AD PRO Directory firm Meg Lonergan Interiors skillfully designed a covered loggia with a nearly 70-foot brick wall fabricated by The Shade Store using Sunbrella and Kravet drapery, trellising, and an ethereal mural on the ceiling. When we couldnt hang art in the typical sense because of the lack of walls and because of the brick, we used the ceiling, sculpture, and custom-designed commissioned furniture and our painterly rug as art form, Lonergan says. Our loggia and cabana also had two different ceiling heights, but youd never know that because of our use of trellis as valance.Oxford Design also employed a bold use of layered draping, with fabrics by Romo, Samuel & Sons, and Lee Jofa on an exterior covered terrace. To conceal some of the red-brick exterior walls, the AD PRO Directory practice turned to Splat Paint to upholster Andrew Martin wall panels to a frame substrate, along with some special detailed paint touches.The natural world is heavily referenced in the interior rooms as well, from botanical fabrics and wall coverings to a plaster bas-relief mural of tropical flora and fauna in the primary bathroom. The mural was hand-sketched by Laure Nell Interiors principal Laetitia Laurent and brought to life by the skilled artisans at Segreto Finishes. The interplay of texture and shadow brings a sculptural depth thats intended to make the space feel immersive and layered, shares the AD PRO Directory designer.Indeed, the homes gracious canvas enabled designers to create immersive and layered experiences thanks, in part, to generous sponsors such as Benjamin Moore, Cosentino, Hector Finch Lighting, JennAir, Kohler, Kravet, Made Goods, Primestones, Sherrill Furniture, and many others. Ellie Cullman of AD 100 Hall of Fame design firm Cullman Kravis and Steele Marcoux served as chairs, with Jonathan Savage and Billy Ceglia serving as vice chairs.Step inside the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach 2025Entry veranda by Louise W. Cronan Interior DecorationFoyer by Louise W. Cronan Interior DecorationLounge by Amanda Reynal InteriorsPhoto: Carmel Brantley c/o Lee JofaDining room by Bierly Drake and Steele, Inc.Kitchen by Rajni Alex DesignLaundry room by Rajni Alex DesignPowder room by Shakoor InteriorsPowder room by Shakoor InteriorsLiving room by Marshall Watson and Reid Deane Ganes InteriorsBar by Robin Henry StudioRecreation room by Moniomi DesignPowder room by Moniomi DesignCorridor by Nikki Levy InteriorsFoyer by Leta Austin Foster & Daughters Inc.Loggia by Meg Lonergan InteriorsSecond-floor lounge by Caroline Gidiere InteriorsGuest bedroom by B.Berry InteriorsBathroom by B.Berry InteriorsGentleman's retreat bedroom by Mally Skok DesignBathroom by Mally Skok DesignBalcony lounge by Amal Kapen InteriorsGetaway lounge by Nellie Howard Ossi InteriorsPrimary bedroom by David Mitchell BrownPrimary bathroom by Laure Nell InteriorsWellness sanctuary by Indigo Pruitt Design StudioPowder room by House of Clark InteriorsPhoto: Nickolas Sargent and Markus WilbornBalcony by Kristin Paton InteriorsLanai by Oxford DesignBackyard landscape design by Garden 26

Ofcom, the U.K.s internet safety regulator, has published another new draft guidance as it continues to implement the Online Safety Act (OSA) the latest set of recommendations aim to support in-scope firms to meet legal obligations to protect women and girls from online threats like harassment and bullying, misogyny, and intimate image abuse.The government has said that protecting women and girls is a priority for its implementation of the OSA. Certain forms of (predominantly) misogynist abuse such as sharing intimate images without consent or using AI tools to create deepfake porn that targets individuals are explicitly set out in the law as enforcement priorities.The online safety regulation, which was approved by the U.K. parliament back in September 2023, has faced criticism that its not up to the task of reforming platform giants, despite containing substantial penalties for non-compliance up to 10% of global annual turnover.Child safety campaigners have also expressed frustration over how long its taking to implement the law, as well as doubting whether it will have the desired effect.In an interview with the BBC in January, even the technology minister Peter Kyle who inherited the legislation from the previous government called it very uneven and unsatisfactory. But the government is sticking with the approach. Part of the discontent around the OSA can be traced back to the long lead time ministers allowed for implementing the regime, which requires parliament to approve Ofcom compliance guidance.However, enforcement is expected to start to kick in soon in relation to core requirements on tackling illegal content and child protection. Other aspects of OSA compliance will take longer to implement. And Ofcom concedes this latest package of practice recommendations wont become fully enforceable until 2027 or later.Approaching the enforcement start lineThe first duties of the Online Safety Act are coming into force next month, Ofcoms Jessica Smith, who led development of the female safety-focused guidance, told TechCrunch in an interview. So we will be enforcing against some of the core duties of the Online Safety Act ahead of this guidance [itself becoming enforceable].The new draft guidance on keeping women and girls safe online is intended to supplement earlier broader Ofcom guidance on illegal content which also, for example, provides recommendations for protecting minors from seeing adult content online.In December, the regulator published its finalized guidance on how platforms and services should shrink risks related to illegal content, an area where child protection is a clear priority.It has also previously produced a Childrens Safety Code, which recommends online services dial up age checks and content filtering to ensure kids are not exposed to inappropriate content such as pornography. And as its worked toward implementing the online safety regime, its also developed recommendations for age assurance technologies for adult content websites, with the aim of pushing porn sites to take effective steps preventing minors from accessing age-inappropriate content.The latest set of guidance was developed with help from victims, survivors, womens advocacy groups and safety experts, per Ofcom. It covers four major areas where the regulator says females are disproportionately affected by online harm namely: online misogyny; pile-ons and online harassment; online domestic abuse; and intimate image abuse.Safety by designOfcoms top-line recommendation urges in-scope services and platforms to take a safety by design approach. Smith told us the regulator wants to encourage tech firms to take a step back and think about their user experience in the round. While she acknowledged some services have put in place some measures that are helpful in shrinking online risks in this area, she argued theres still a lack of holistic thinking when it comes to prioritizing the safety of women and girls.What were really asking for is just a sort of step change in how the design processes work, she told us, saying the goal is to ensure that safety considerations are baked into product design. She highlighted the rise of image generating AI services, which she noted have led to massive growth in deepfake intimate image abuse as an example of where technologists could have taken proactive measures to crimp the risks of their tools being weaponized to target women and girls yet did not.We think that there are sensible things that services could do at the design phase which would help to address the risk of some of those harms, she suggested. Examples of good industry practices Ofcom highlights in the guidance includes online services taking actions such as:Removing geolocation by default (to shrink privacy/stalking risks);Conducting abusability testing to identify how a service could be weaponized/misused;Taking steps to boost account security;Designing in user prompts that are intended to make posters think twice before posting abusive content;And offering accessible reporting tools that let users report issues.As is the case with all Ofcoms OSA guidance not every measure will be relevant for every type or size of service since the law applies to online services large and small, and cuts across various arenas from social media, to online dating, gaming, forums and messaging apps, to name a few. So a big part of the work for in-scope companies will be understanding what compliance means in the context of their product.When asked if Ofcom had identified any services currently meeting the guidances standards, Smith suggested they had not. Theres still a lot of work to do across the industry, she said.She also tacitly acknowledged that there may be growing challenges given some of the retrograde steps taken vis--vis trust and safety by some major industry players. For example, since taking over Twitter and rebranding the social network as X, Elon Musk has gutted its trust and safety headcount in favor of pursuing what he has framed as a maximalist approach to free speech.In recent months, Meta which owns Facebook and Instagram appears to have taken some mimicking steps, saying its ending thirty-party fact-checking contracts in favor of deploying an X-style community notes system of crowdsourced labelling on content disputes, for example.TransparencySmith suggested that Ofcoms response to such high-level shifts where operators actions could risk dialling up, rather than damping down, online harms will focus on using transparency and information-gathering powers it wields under the OSA to illustrate impacts and drive user awareness.So, in short, the tactic here looks set to be name and shame at least in the first instance.Once we finalize the guidance, we will produce a [market] report about who is using the guidance, who is following what steps, what kind of outcomes theyre achieving for their users who are women and girls, and really shine a light on what protections are in place on different platforms so that users can make informed choices about where they spend their time online, she told us.Smith suggested that companies wanting to avoid the risk of being publicly shamed for poor performance on womens safety will be able to turn to Ofcoms guidance for practical steps on how to improve the situation for their users, and address the risk of reputational harm too. Platforms that are operating in the UK will have to comply with the UK law, she added in the context of the discussion on major platforms de-emphasizing trust and safety. So that means complying with the illegal harms duties and the protection of children duties under the Online Safety Act.I think this is where our transparency powers also come in if the industry is changing direction and harms are increasing, this is where we will be able to shine a light and share relevant information with UK users, with media, with parliamentarians.Tech to tackle deepfake porn One type of online harm where Ofcom is explicitly beefing up its recommendations even before its actively started OSA enforcement is intimate image abuse as the latest draft guidance suggests the use hash matching to detect and remove such abusive imagery, whereas earlier Ofcom recommendations did not go that far. Weve included additional steps in this guidance that go beyond what weve already set out in our codes, Smith noted, confirming Ofcom plans to update its earlier codes to incorporate this change in the near future.So this is a way of saying to platforms that you can get ahead of that enforceable requirement by following the steps that are set down in this guidance, she added.Ofcom recommended the use of hash matching technology to counter intimate image abuse due to a substantial increase in this risk, per Smith especially in relation to AI-generated deepfake image abuse.There was more deepfake intimate image abuse reported in 2023 than in all previous years combined, she noted, adding that Ofcom has also gathered more evidence on the effectiveness of hash matching to tackle this harm. The draft guidance as a whole will now undergo consultation with Ofcom inviting feedback until May 23, 2025 after which it will produce final guidance by the end of this year. A full 18 months after that, Ofcom will then produce its first report reviewing industry practice in this area.Were getting into 2027 before were producing our first report on whos doing what [to protect women and girls online] but theres nothing to stop platforms acting now, she added. Responding to criticism that the OSA is taking Ofcom too long to implement, she said its right that the regulator consults on compliance measures. However, with the final measure taking effect next month, she noted that Ofcom anticipates a shift in the conversation surrounding the issue, too.[T]hat will really start to change the conversation with platforms, in particular, she predicted, adding that it will also be in a position to start demonstrating progress on moving the needle when it comes to reducing online harms.UKs online safety regulator puts out draft guidance on illegal content, saying child safety is priority

In a bold move last month, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang took out a full-page ad in The Washington Post, telling President Trump that America must win the AI war.The statement sparked mixed reactions, as seen during Wangs appearance Sunday during the opening night of Web Summit Qatar. When Wangs interviewer, Axios Felix Salmon, polled the room, asking how many people agreed with that opinion, he counted just two hands. When he asked the room how many disagreed, Salmon noted an overwhelming number of hands went up.So Salmon asked Wang to defend his opinion. AI is going to fundamentally change the nature of national security, Wang explained. He noted that he grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico the birthplace of the atomic bomb and that both of his parents were physicists who worked at the National Lab.Wang said he views this as a race between the U.S. and China. And he expressed concern that AI will allow China to leapfrog the military might of Western powers, which is what prompted the full-page ad.Wang was echoing language thats increasingly coming from defense tech startups and VCs. They are pushing for more autonomy in AI weapons and more AI weapons generally. They point to China, hypothesizing a situation where China releases fully autonomous AI weapons, while the U.S. is slowed by requiring a human decision-maker in the loop before firing.Beyond the hypothetical weapons of another nation, Wang tried to make the case for choosing between China and the U.S. for baseline LLM models. He believes this will also be a two-horse race, not mentioning other players like Frances Mistral. He argued that U.S. models bake in free speech where Chinese models reflect communist society viewpoints.Its true that researchers have discovered that many popular Chinese LLM models have their governments censorship baked in. And concerns over Chinese government backdoors for data gathering plague the Chinese models as well.Wangs stated concerns about government influence in AI seemed especially timely as his talk coincided with Scale announcing an agreement with the Qatar government. Announced on Sunday, Wang said Scale will help Qatar build out 50 AI-powered government apps, ranging from education to healthcare.Scale is mostly known for employing legions of contract workers, often overseas from the U.S., to manually help train models. It works with Microsoft, OpenAI, Meta, most of the major U.S. foundational models. It also offers other products, like an AI data engine and AI apps, some designed for the defense industry.The overt pro-American language likely serves Scale AI well with its DoD customers. But the Web Summit talk also showcased how many people seem equally uncomfortable with the U.S. having AI superpowers, too.

CNET/ZDNETLive TV streaming services were designed to disrupt the cable monopoly. And for a while, it looked like the plan was working.Cable companies, no longer blessed with monopoly power, arelosing millions of customers every year. But the cord-cutting alternatives that were supposed to save us have been raising prices steadily, and today the price of a live TV streaming service is nearly as high as one of those old cable bills.Also: Bye bye, Wi-Fi: How to add a wired network to your home without running EthernetTake YouTube TV, for example. At its launch in 2017, Google's live TV streaming service cost a mere $35 a month. Since then, Google has raised prices every year. By the time I signed up in early 2020, the price had crept up to $50 a month. The latest price increase, which took effect in January 2025, raised the cost of the base plan to $83, plus an extra $10 for the 4K add-on. For the base plan alone, that's a 66% increase in five years.And then there's Fubo TV, which announced at the start of January that it would be acquired by Disney and would share the same corporate parent as Hulu with Live TV. And by the end of January ... yes, you guessed it: Fubo raised the monthly base prices of all its subscriptions.That flurry of price increases got me asking questions:Am I really getting my money's worth out of that $90-plus subscription?Are any competitors offering a better deal?What happens if I decide to just cut out my live TV streaming service altogether?The competitionFor customers in the US, there are currently six live TV streaming services to choose from. Each one works using an app on a streaming device or smart TV platform. Subscribers choose a plan that offers some combination of basic and premium cable channels, local broadcast channels, and regional sports networks, along with DVR capabilities so you can pause live TV and record shows to watch later.Also: Having trouble hearing whispery TV dialogue? I found 3 ways to fix thatZDNET has already done the work ofassembling the available choices. I reviewed each one of those services three years ago and decided to take a fresh look in 2025 to see what's changed.Four of those services offer strikingly similar lineups at prices that are nearly identical: between $82 and $87 a month, before add-ons. The other two are noticeably cheaper, so that's where I started, working from least to most expensive. At a mere $28 a month for 70+ channels, this service seems like a genuine bargain. You also get access to the AMC+ library and another 100+ free ad-supported channels. (You can see the whole lineup in Philo'schannel guide.)If you just want something to watch, Philo has plenty to offer, but its offering is too lean for me. It keeps costs low by not paying to carry the most expensive cable channels, so you won't find The Weather Channel, for example, or any of the three big US-based cable news networks: CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News. (The only news is via BBC World News.) Philo also doesn't include any local channels or regional sports networks, which means no weekend sports.Also:Mesh routers vs. Wi-Fi routers: What is best for your home office?Philo offers only stereo sound (all of the other streaming services in this list deliver at least some content in 5.1 surround sound). On-demand playback is in full HD (1080p), but live TV is available only in 720p. I'll pass. Show more View now at Philo Sling TV (ZDNET's choice as "best budget TV streaming service overall") is available in your choice of two basic packages, Orange and Blue, for $46 per month. Both offerings have a collection of extremely basic channels that include CNN. The Orange tier (billed as "Sports and Family") adds the Disney Channel and all the (Disney-owned) ESPN options. The Blue tier ("News and Entertainment") has a solid basic cable lineup that includes MSNBC, Fox News, FX, Bravo, and the like. But don't let the name fool you -- it also includes a fair amount of sports-related programming, including Fox Sports 1 and the NFL Network.For $61 a month, you can get a Blue+Orange combo that includes everything from both packages.The one wildcard in Sling TV's offering is local TV channels, where availability depends on your home market. No one gets CBS or PBS, but in some cities (Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, for example), the Sling Blue package includes ABC, Fox, and NBC channels. In Detroit, you get no local channels at all. In my hometown, Sling offers only the local ABC affiliate. If local channels are important, check your area's coverage atthe Sling TV Help Center.My biggest hesitation with Sling TV is its user interface, which has more than its share of rough edges and annoyances. To sign in for the first time on a new TV, you have to enter your username and password -- a tedious task with a remote control. Most competing services allow you to sign in by scanning a QR code or using a web browser on another device.Sling also displays ads whenever you hit the pause button while playing back a recording or watching TV. You can turn that feature off, but it's annoying. During playback, the skip buttons (back 10 seconds, forward 30 seconds) were glitchy enough to give me pause.I suppose all those tiny annoyances can be fixed, but will they? Sling TV is owned by Dish Network, which tried to sell itself to rival DirecTV last September for the princely sum of $1. The deal fell apart, which makes one wonder.Still, that $46 price tag for Sling Blue is literally half what YouTube TV charges for a package that has a lot of what I need. That's potentially a winning formula, even with those rough edges. Show more View now at Sling The tagline for Fubo is "watch live sports and TV without cable." That's a pretty accurate description, not surprising as this network started out as a service designed to deliver European ftbol to a sports-hungry overseas audience (ftbol, Fubo, get it?). After the latest price increase, the lowest-price package, Essentials, costs $85 a month and includes 202 channels with a genuinely impressive collection of sports-related content. The user interface and DVR features are slick and clean.Also:Ham radio is still a disaster lifeline, even in the iPhone era - here's whyThe biggest knock on Fubo is the long list of missing channels. With a subscription, you won't get AMC, BBC America, TBS, PBS, CNN, the Food Network, or any of a dozen more channels owned by theWarner Bros. Discovery Networks.If you want to watch 4K broadcasts, you need to upgrade to the Pro or Elite plans. But watch out for this gotcha: Those plans require a monthly fee for regional sports networks, which also went up in price with the latest increase, making the total cost of those plans somewhere between $98 and $111 -- that's eerily reminiscent of what your cable network used to do.Are any of those issues dealbreakers? If you're a sports fanatic, probably not. But for everyone else, there are better choices. Show more View now at Fubo Technically, Hulu's Live TV package costs a tiny bit less than YouTube TV, at $82 a month. But nobody in their right mind pays that price. Instead, most people will pay $1 a month more for a bundle that includes the live TV streaming, the Hulu library of movies and TV shows, and access to two additional premium channels, Disney+ and ESPN+, all in an ad-supported format.For another $13 a month, you can ditch the ads on Hulu and Disney+. If you were already going to pay $10 or $19 a month for a Hulu or Hulu ad-free package, that makes the net price for live TV $73 or $77, which is a relative bargain -- at least until the next price increase. And if history is any guide, you can make a note in your calendar to see that bill go up in October. (At least, that's what Hulu has done for the last three Octobers.)Also: Your TV's USB port has superpowers: 5 useful benefits you're not taking advantage ofI had to put together a spreadsheet to figure out the differences in channel lineups between YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. The basic lineup is nearly identical, with only a few differences. YouTube TV does not offer A&E, Bloomberg TV, FYI, History, Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network, MLB Network, Accuweather, and Boomerang; if you have Hulu with Live TV, you won't be able to watch Accuweather, AMC, BBC America, BBC World News, IFC, NBA TV, Sundance TV, Tastemade, or WE tv.The Hulu interface mixes live TV in with all the other Hulu content. Three years ago, that design was more cluttered than the alternatives and a bit confusing. Today, with the increased blurring of the lines between streaming services and live TV, it's cutting edge. And there's only one package to choose from, with minimal add-ons, upsells, and extras. Show more View now at Hulu YouTube TV (ZDNET's choice as "best live TV streaming service overall") offers a simple but sophisticated user experience and has probably the easiest, cleanest, fastest commercial-skipping option of any service I tried: Tap the Fast Forward button to skip ahead 15 seconds, with a freeze-frame thumbnail showing you exactly where you've landed. Need to skip ahead two minutes? Tap that button eight times and you're there, with no pauses or glitches -- at least on my set. It also has the best picture quality of any of its rival services, although that's a purely subjective judgment on my part.At $83 a month for the Base Plan, YouTube TV is competitive with its rivals in the premium tier. There's an option to pay $10 extra every month for a limited amount of 4K programming, which also includes the ability to download DVR'ed shows for offline viewing on mobile devices. That add-on might be worth it if you watch live sports in 4K, but otherwise don't expect to see a lot of 4K content. As a reader points out in the comments, YouTube TV is, for now at least, the best way to subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket. That package costs $379 per season for YouTube TV subscribers and at least $100 more if you get your TV elsewhere and get the live NFL programming as a premium YouTube channel. YouTube TV is fairly priced, and it has a channel lineup that is just as good as whatever your local cable company offers. Just be aware that the price is going to go up next year, and the year after, and the year after... Show more View now at Tv.youtube DirecTV Stream The closest thing to cable DirecTV's streaming options are confusing, to say the least. The service called DirecTV Stream (formerly known as AT&T TV Now) is the closest thing you can get to a cable network without actually having to plug something into a decoder box next to your TV. And despite its heritage, there's no satellite dish needed, either. It doesn't help thatdirectv.com/streamandstreamtv.directv.comgo to completely different destinations, with only the barest explanation of the differences between the alternatives.Like cable companies, DirecTV offers multiple packages and multiple ways to receive programming. You can still get the service with a satellite dish, or you can subscribe to DirecTV via Internet (which includes a streaming device).DirecTV Streamis a pure over-the-top service that works with most smart TVs and streaming devices. The base package is a pricey $87 a month, but it includes the C-SPAN and C-SPAN2 networks, which aren't on any other streaming service.Want more channels? You can go all the way to a cable-worthy $198 a month, which includes a bunch of premium channels like Max and Paramount+ with Showtime. Like the cable company, there are all sorts ofrequired fees, including a mandatory $ 18-a-month regional sports fee if you choose anything above the basic Entertainment package with DirecTV via the Internet. (Those fees are built into the price if you purchase the corresponding plans using DirecTV Stream.)Also:Changing these 6 TV settings instantly sped up its performanceIn February 2025, DirecTV Stream announced a new "skinny bundle,"designed for sports fans who don't want to pay for all those other cable channels. The MySports package is currently in beta, with a three-month offer that cuts the normal $70-per-month price tag down to $50. Despite the name, this isn't a sports-only package. Yes, it includes MLB TV, the NFL and NBA and Golf channels, all the ESPN variants, and both Fox Sports channels, along with a handful of other sports networks. But its channel lineupalso includes some big news networks (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and CNBC) and, depending on your market, local network affiliates from ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX/CW. It's worth checking out. Show more So, what did I choose?Years of disruption in the TV streaming business have completely changed the way I watch TV, and I suspect I'm not alone.I rarely watch prime-time network shows (what NBC used to call "Must See TV") anymore. If something earth-shattering is happening in the world, I'm just as likely to look for information online as I am to tune in to CNN, MSNBC, or Fox News. Every so often, there's a new series on FX or AMC, but those moments are becoming increasingly rare as other streaming services expand their offerings.Also: My home internet was frustratingly slow - so I checked these 3 things first for faster Wi-FiMostly, I tune in to live TV because there's a sports event I'm interested in watching as it happens, especially during playoff season for any major sport or for big events like the World Cup or the Olympics. But those occasions are also few and far between.I was tempted by Sling TV Blue. I could have added a bit of extra hardware from Tablo or AirTV to grant me access to local network channels, but those options meant extra complexity and hassle. Both Comcast/Xfinity and Charter/Spectrum are now offering their own streaming packages, too, based on the same Xumo platform. My week-long trial of Spectrum's service was unsatisfactory, and I can't recommend it.DirecTV's brand-new MySports bundle is worth a long look once it's out of beta as well. The winner: Hulu with Live TV Ultimately, I settled for Hulu with Live TV. I'm already paying for Hulu, and the Live TV add-on comes at a meaningful discount over the alternatives. But I will probably downgrade that plan to drop the Live TV during months when I don't expect to find much programming that warrants the "must-see TV" label. Show more View now at Hulu What do you get with each live TV streaming service?The most popular streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, offer extensive libraries of movies and TV shows for on-demand playback. Live TV services, by contrast, deliver linear content on predefined channels, using schedules that you access via a live program guide.In general, every live TV streaming service offers some combination of the following features:Basic cable channels. These are the bread and butter of every live TV streaming service. The list includes networks like CNN, The Weather Channel, AMC, and HGTV. There's lots of overlap, but each service has a unique lineup, based on deals with the content providers.Local channels. Some services include access to channels in your area that broadcast over the air and are affiliated with the major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) and PBS.Live sports channels. Sports fans need to look carefully at the lineup for each service, which typically includes Fox's FS1 and FS2, ESPN and ESPN2, and perhaps some regional sports networks. Some premium sports channels (MLB Network and NFL Red Zone, for example) might require paying for an add-on.DVR capabilities. Every service lets you record individual shows or series for watching later. Some include unlimited storage space, while others require a paid upgrade to increase storage beyond a basic amount.Options to add premium channels.Some services offer the option to add premium services (Max, Starz, Hallmark+, and so on) for an extra fee.Just to make things confusing, the lines between streaming services are becoming increasingly blurry. Some basic cable channels are now available in standalone apps. Local channels also have new options. With the Paramount+ app, for example, I can stream my local CBS channel live and watch the latest CBS shows on demand. Peacock TV offers similar access to local NBC affiliates and network content.I can watch anything from my local PBS affiliate using the PBS app on my smart TV -- no subscription required.If you want to compare the channel lineups for these services, go to our sister site CNET, where you'll find a regularly updated big chart comparing the top 100 channels available on each service.Editor's note: This article was originally published on September 2, 2022. It has been revised multiple times since then. The most recent update was February 24, 2025.ZDNET Recommends

How to solve today's Wordle.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesLooking for Tuesdays Wordle hints, clues and answer? You can find them here:Another day, another Wordle to solve. Its another lovely spring day in the mountains, though we ought to be shoveling out from under a major winter storm. No snow and all sunshine makes Jack a dull boy.Oh well, lets do this!How To Solve Todays WordleThe Hint: Useful after washing.The Clue: This Wordle begins and ends with consonants.Okay, spoilers below!...The Answer:Today's WordleScreenshot: Erik KainWordle AnalysisEvery day I check Wordle Bot to help analyze my guessing game. You can check your Wordles with Wordle Bot right here. SNAIL was kind of a terrible opening guess, leaving me with zero boxes and 514 remaining possible solutions. Ouch. CRONE slashed that number down to just 12 and then I got really, really lucky with DRYER for the win!Competitive Wordle ScoreToday's Wordle BotScreenshot: Erik KainI get 1 point for guessing in three and 0 for tying the Bot. Ill take it!How To Play Competitive WordleGuessing in 1 is worth 3 points; guessing in 2 is worth 2 points; guessing in 3 is worth 1 point; guessing in 4 is worth 0 points; guessing in 5 is -1 points; guessing in 6 is -2 points and missing the Wordle is -3 points.If you beat your opponent you get 1 point. If you tie, you get 0 points. And if you lose to your opponent, you get -1 point. Add it up to get your score. Keep a daily running score or just play for a new score each day.Fridays are 2XP, meaning you double your pointspositive or negative.You can keep a running tally or just play day-by-day. Enjoy!Todays Wordle EtymologyThe word "dryer" originates from the verb "dry", which comes from the Old English drge (meaning "free from moisture"). The suffix "-er" was added in Middle English to indicate an agent or device that performs the action of drying. The modern usage of "dryer" as an appliance (such as a clothes dryer or hair dryer) emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century.Let me know how you fared with your Wordle today on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog where I write about games, TV shows and movies when Im not writing puzzle guides. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.