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The Widows Bay cast breaks down their favorite scares from Season 1

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 10:48

It's almost unfair for Widow's Bay to be as hilarious and terrifying as it is.

SEE ALSO: 'Widow's Bay' review: Your new favorite TV town awaits in this tremendous horror comedy

Not an episode of Apple TV's latest hit went by without me belly laughing or letting out a shriek of terror. From Patricia's (Kate O'Flynn) cursed "Rhythm of the Night" dance circle to the finale's unsettling sacrifice, Widow's Bay crafted some of 2026's most effective horror moments. But which of these scares impacted the cast the most?

In an interview with Mashable, Widow's Bay stars Matthew Rhys, Stephen Root, and O'Flynn, as well as series creator Katie Dippold and director Hiro Murai, broke down their favorite scares from the season. Rhys's choice? The murderous Willy the Clown (Tim Baltz).

"He worked on that crawl, and the speed at which he came to me, I actually yelped," Rhys recalled. "I still look at it and go, 'how did he do that?'"

Elsewhere, O'Flynn recalled shooting Patricia's memorable final girl encounter with the Boogeyman (Airon Armstrong), a serial killer pulled straight out of Halloween.

"He did so many amazing stunts in one take, and it was quite extraordinary to watch," O'Flynn said. "I was worried about him walking through the fire, but he did it, no problem."

To hear more about the Widow's Bay team's favorite scares, as well as the show's many horror influences, check out the full video above.

Widow's Bay Season 1 is now streaming on Apple TV.

The new Google Home Speaker can run your house with Gemini for $99

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 09:00

Google's first smart speaker in years is finally here.

Or, it will be when it launches on June 25, anyway. Google finally gave us all the details on the new Google Home Speaker, which it says is the first smart speaker in its portfolio that was built with Gemini AI commands in mind. The device costs $99 and comes in four colors: Hazel, Porcelain, Jade, and Berry.

The news from Google also confirms a leak from earlier this month, though now we have additional details and photos.

SEE ALSO: Apple reportedly turning to Nvidia chips for Gemini-powered Siri There they are. Credit: Google

As expected, since Google first teased the product last year, this is very similar to the old Nest line of smart speakers in appearance, but it is now a Gemini-powered device. That means it can (theoretically) take natural-language commands that are more complex than what the old Google Assistant devices could do. One example given in Google's press release was "turn off all the lights except my bedside lamp." You'll also be able to string multiple commands together in one sentence.

The main problem with all of this is that $99 doesn't get you access to everything this speaker can do.

If you want all the tricks, you'll need a Google Home Premium subscription (which starts at $10/mo) in order to access conversations with Gemini Live or to ask about things happening on any Nest cameras you have installed. There's also a Home Brief feature that can catch you up on anything that happened around the house while you've been gone, but that seems to be locked behind Home Premium, too.

On the plus side, users who already have a subscription to Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription plans will automatically get access to Google Home Premium at no extra cost. If you're on the more expensive AI Ultra plan, you'll additionally get access to Google Home Premium Advanced, also at no extra cost.

One potential issue here is the efficacy of AI voice commands. Last year, users of previous Google Home products complained about Gemini being worse at taking commands than Google Assistant was. It's been a year, and this is a new generation of more powerful hardware, so that doesn't necessarily mean the new Home Speaker will succumb to these same problems. However, Google may need to earn back some goodwill with the new speaker

New York Knicks championship parade: Parade route, start time, livestream details

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 08:33

TL;DR: The New York Knicks 2026 NBA championship parade starts on Thursday, June 18 at 10 a.m. ET. If you can't make it to Lower Manhattan, you can livestream the entire celebration via FuboTV or DirecTV, both of which offer free trials for new users.

It actually happened. After a painful 53-year wait, the New York Knicks are NBA Champions.

Finals MVP Jalen Brunson put away the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, ending the longest active championship drought among teams that had previously won an NBA title. Predictably, the city has lost its mind. Now it's time to party.

Whether you plan on skipping work to stand 10-deep on the sidewalk or want to stream the entire historic moment from the comfort of your living room, here is everything you need to know about the logistics, the route, and how to watch.

What time does the Knicks parade start?

The parade is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026. The floats are set to begin rolling at exactly 10 a.m. ET.

What is the Knicks parade route?

The procession will follow New York City’s legendary Canyon of Heroes pathway in Lower Manhattan. The parade kicks off at The Battery (Bowling Green) and travels directly north along Broadway before culminating at City Hall Park.

SEE ALSO: Knicks' Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mike Brown thank fans on 'The Tonight Show'

Following the float progression, Mayor Mamdani will host a civic ceremony outside City Hall to present keys to the city to Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and the rest of the roster. Keep an eye out for Mitchell Robinson driving his own custom raised pickup truck in the parade lineup. That's the kind of unhinged energy that Knicks fans relish.

How to watch the Knicks parade from home

If you aren’t willing to brave the swarms of fans taking over the subways (we get it), you will need a reliable livestream. The parade will be broadcast locally on New York news and sports networks (including MSG Network, FOX 5, and ABC 7). If you don't have a cable box, your best bet is a live TV streaming service.

How to live stream the Knicks parade: Our top pick for cord-cutters FuboTV 7-day free trial Get Deal Best Alternative DirecTV 5-day free trial Get Deal

A few Dyson deals are live ahead of Prime Day. As a pro vacuum reviewer, Im not hyped (yet).

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 08:01
A quick look at the best Dyson deals ahead of Prime Day: Best Dyson vacuum deal Dyson V15 Detect Extra $629.99 (save $220 at Best Buy) Get Deal Best Dyson hair tool deal Dyson Supersonic Nural (Certified Refurbished) $249.99 (save $170 at Dyson) Get Deal Best Dyson fan deal Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 $249.99 (save $150 at Dyson) Get Deal

Dyson feels like one of those brands that'd be everywhere you look during an event like Prime Day. Amazon is a decent spot to find deals on the Dyson Supersonic or Airwrap, but historically, Amazon isn't known for its amazing deals on Dyson vacuums.

Instead, Dyson's website often takes Amazon's sale events as a sign to hold a big sale of its own. Early Prime Day deals on Dyson vacuums aren't super hot yet, but I'm confident that we'll see a big Dyson summer sale come June 23. In the meantime, I'm tracking the few good deals on Dyson vacuums, hair tools, and air purifiers that are already live. While you wait, sit on the following Dyson shopping advice from Mashable's resident vacuum reviewer (that's me).

SEE ALSO: Dyson V16 Piston Animal first impressions: A new apex Dyson vacuum has entered the villa

While a few Dyson models are some of the best cordless vacuums you can buy overall, not every Dyson vacuum is worth your money just because it's on sale. For example, the Dyson V8 Absolute's $349.99 sale price looks amazing, right? How can you pass up a $240 discount on a Dyson vacuum?

You may or may not have heard that Dyson just released three new stick vacuums at the beginning of June. One of them is a revamped version of the Dyson V8, offering 30 percent more suction power and nearly double the battery life of older V8 models. The new Dyson V8 Cyclone only costs $399.99 — just $50 more than the weaker V8 Absolute model that's on sale. Plus, a self-emptying docking station for the V8 Cyclone is coming in August.

Dyson vacuum dealsDyson hair tool dealsDyson air purifier and bladeless fan deals

Another pro tip: I wouldn't recommend the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai even if you see it on sale — there are more reliable robot vacuums on sale at Amazon that a much better bang for your buck.

40+ Best Buy deals that match or beat Amazons early Prime Day deals

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 07:53
The best anti-Prime Day deals at Best Buy (so far): Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $15.99 (save $19) Get Deal Best headphones deal Beats Studio Pro (Black/Gold) $159.99 (save $190) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Shokz OpenFit 2+ (Stone Blue) $149.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,199 (save $499) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB SSD) $749 (save $200) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular, 49mm) $549 (save $250) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Apple iPhone Air (256GB) $929.99 (save $69.01) Get Deal Best video game deal "Madden NFL 26" (Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X) $29.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars Cobb Vanth’s Speeder 75437 $27.99 (save $7) Get Deal

Prime Day is just around the corner, but it won't be the only huge sale we get this month. Other major retailers are planning to host competing sales that run alongside Amazon's festivities, turning late June into a savings smorgasbord.

Best Buy, for its part, will be running a weeklong "Tech Fest" sale from June 22 to 28. (It's almost double the length of Prime Day 2026, which goes from June 23 to 26.) Historically, the tech retailer has been one of Amazon's biggest rivals when it comes to Prime Day counter-programming, and I expect that to be the case again this year.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is next week: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

Already, the competition between the two retailers is vicious. Having spent several hours cross-checking their prices on popular gadgets, I've found many instances where Amazon is undercutting Best Buy by anywhere from two bucks to two cents. (That's just petty.) For now, its early Prime Day deals seem to be generally better the Best Buy's pre-Tech Fest offers.

That said, I've managed to scrounge up over 40 products that are price-matched or cheaper at Best Buy, or available exclusively there because Amazon's inventory has dried up. (There are some really good deals on older Apple devices that Amazon no longer stocks in new condition, including the M4 MacBook Air and M3 iPad Air.)

Check out the full list below. Just keep in mind that prices could get even better once Tech Fest officially begins next week.

Amazon device dealsHeadphones dealsEarbuds dealsLaptop dealsTablet dealsSmartwatch dealsUnlocked phone dealsVideo game dealsLego deals

Tell your friends on Spotify what you really think about their music taste with an emoji

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 07:46

Sometimes, it's best said with an emoji, right?

Spotify is rolling out a feature that lets you emoji-react to collaborative playlists on the platform. Collaborative playlists are just playlists that let users build and edit a playlist together, and now, when someone adds a track to such a playlist, you can let them know with an emoji.

Unfortunately, the choice of emoji is pretty slim, and boils down to heart, thumbs up, ROFL, fire, sad, and headphones emoji. We suspect, given the low number of negative emoji here, that the sad face will be used quite often.

Only playlist owners and collaborators can see or add these reactions, so there won't be any randos laughing at your song choices. Once you do get a reaction to one of the songs you added, you can choose to receive a notification through Spotify messaging when you and the person reacting are connected.

Reactions are enabled by default on eligible collaborative playlists, but owners can turn them on and off in the playlist settings.

SEE ALSO: Spotify adds editor videos to New Music Friday. We asked its curators why.

According to a post on Spotify's Community pages, the feature will be rolling out "over the coming weeks in select markets," which is about as imprecise as it can be. Hopefully, it'll be showing up on your profile soon.

Get Jiro brings Anthony Bourdains graphic novel to TV (and we saw the first 2 episodes)

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 07:30

Anthony Bourdain's 2012 graphic novel, Get Jiro, has received the Adult Swim treatment, with a new animated series bringing the chef and author's enigmatic protagonist to the screen. And of course, it's set in a world where cooking rules.

It's been a long road for the adaptation, almost a decade of conversations, approvals, a writer's strike, and finally, two years of production — all notably after the famed chef's passing in 2018. Created by filmmakers Alessandro Tanaka and Brian Gatewood, this unashamedly bloody series transports us to a dystopian future where the ruling class is something only Bourdain (and his co-writer Joel Rose) could come up with: chefs.

Mashable was lucky enough to view the first two episodes at Get Jiro's SXSW London premiere. And friends, from the very first scene, you'll be hungry.

SEE ALSO: Genndy Tartakovsky breaks down the animation of "Fixed" while drawing his iconic characters

In this cutthroat future Los Angeles, economic collapse has left one only non-virtual experience: food, which means it's big business. Chefs are revered as gods. Waiting lists for the top restaurants are years long, with coveted spots to die for. Here, the stakes are a little higher than the Chicago Tribune review in The Bear. Food itself is scarce, meaning ingredients are precious. Hospitality groups are run like crime syndicates, with fresh produce providers treated like drug suppliers. Fish markets are hushed affairs with blacklists. Armed chefs patrol their turf in veste de chef outfits and terrorise anyone who dares to grow their own ingredients at home.

Here, we meet the mysterious sushi chef, Jiro (voiced by Brian Tee), who has just moved from Japan set up shop in LA's lawless Outer Rim. Class divide rules this city, with all the fanciest restaurants located within the Inner Rim. However, such a societal divide will not stop Jiro from making pristine, top-level sushi — with no soy sauce allowed. (Seriously, a man could lose his head for such a request — and that would be a health code violation.)

"The spirit and the energy of Bourdain loom very large on this series."

From the very first moments of episode 1, the team's animation, editing, cinematography, and foley skills are on full display, using Bourdain's narrative as a jumping off point but finding a new style — though the chef's signature adoration for both the beautiful and grotesque is absolutely here. Clean lines and visceral sound effects make every slice of salmon, the process of making rice, and the plating of perfect nigiri a feast for the senses. If you're a fan of kitchen/cooking dramas like The Bear, Boiling Point, or Chef, or cinematically-shot cooking series like Chef's Table, you'll appreciate the detail these scenes.

"Obviously, we had to get the food right, because it's Bourdain," said series co-creator Tanaka at SXSW, who added that the team recruited a friend of Bourdain's, Matt Goulding, to consult on the show. "He was basically our food guy. Every script, every animatic, every rough cut of every episode went through him," he said.

Despite being made after his death, Bourdain feels undeniably present in Get Jiro. There are cameos from famous chefs including David Chang, Eric Ripert, and José Andrés. Those who know the chef's love for meat and disdain for vegetarians will enjoy a storyline entirely based on a rival vegan chef's empire with harsh, even puke-inducing commentary on meat substitutes. And the production team recruited Bourdain's Get Jiro co-writer Rose for the writers room, even penning an episode.

"He was kind of always there to make sure that we were doing right by Bourdain," said Tanaka. "The spirit and the energy of Bourdain loom very large on this series."

Featured Video For You 'Bob's Burgers' creator Loren Bouchard credits 'early fans' for the show's success

In terms of cinematography in this animation, Get Jiro also leans into Bourdain's love of cinema, shared by Tanaka and Gatewood, with references ranging from the work of Japanese cinema icons Akira Kurosawa and Yasujiro Ozu to George Miller's Mad Max films, and more.

"Bourdain was a huge cinephile. Brian and I also love movies, and so for us, we wanted to explore different genres," said Tanaka, explaining each episode is its own genre. "We're constantly making references to movies, cinema history, and to other filmmakers," he said. "We have an episode that's coming up that is a prison episode, and we did it all as one take, which in live action, you see it a lot — you don't often see that in animation. We use a lot of the tools from film in order to make the show."

Get Jiro will premiere on Adult Swim in 2026, with dates TBC. The graphic novel is available on Amazon.

‘Hard Fork’ Live Part 2: Dylan Field on Standing Out in the A.I. Era

NYT Technology - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 07:00
“I think if you have a creative voice in writing or design, you put yourself out there and you take a risk — this is a good time to do that,” said the Figma chief executive Dylan Field.

The Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV has never been cheaper — save over $1,000 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 06:57

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of June 17, the Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV has returned to its lowest-ever price of $2,297.99 at Amazon. This is $1,202 off its full price of $3,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K UHD HDR TV $2,297.99 at Amazon
$3,499.99 Save $1,202   Get Deal

Amazon's big Prime Day sale event is one of the best times of year to shop for a new TV. If you've been thinking it's time for an upgrade, and you want to go all-out with a huge model, the good news is there are already some early deals popping up at Amazon worth checking out. The gigantic Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV is among them, sitting at its lowest-ever price point.

As of June 17, this Hisense TV has plummeted to $2,297.99 from its original list price of $3,499.99 at Amazon. Overall, that saves you $1,202, which is a pretty fantastic discount, especially before Prime Day even begins. If you've been searching for a TV in this size range, now is your time to make a move on this model before its price goes back up.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

It's not just this Hisense TV's 100-inch screen size that's worth shouting about. While that will help transform your living room into a mini movie theater, it also boasts 4K resolution, Hi-QLED technology, and mini-LED backlighting that help bring out all of the colors, contrast, and detail in what you're watching. Summer streaming will look stunning on this TV.

And speaking of streaming, since it's a Fire TV, you'll also be able to easily access all of your favorite apps right from its home screen. On top of that, it even has a native 144Hz refresh rate, so no matter if you're watching the World Cup matches or booting up your favorite games, the action will look smooth and sharp.

If it sounds like the TV for you, act fast to take advantage of this huge deal on the Hisense 100-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED 4K TV at Amazon before it's gone.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for June 17, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 06:02

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, June 17, 2026:

AcrossWitty one-liners

  • The answer is Quips.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Common poster in a geography class

  • The answer is US map.

Country that's won the World Cup four times (but failed to qualify in 2018, 2022 and 2026)

  • The answer is Italy.

The one for Starbucks has a wavy-haired mermaid

  • The answer is Logo.

___ socks (1970s fad)

  • The answer is Toe

DownPatchwork blanket

  • The answer is Quilt.

"We feel the same!"

  • The answer is US too.

Word after spitting or mirror

  • The answer is Image.

___ Alto, Calif.

  • The answer is Palo.

Secret agent

  • The answer is Spy.

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

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

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

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for June 17, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:57

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will require baseball knowledge.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Arena of the mind maneuvers

  • Green: Football game locations

  • Blue: Athletic gear brands

  • Purple: Specific team-related

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Fantasy football moves

  • Green: NFL stadiums

  • Blue: Soccer cleat makers

  • Purple: Cincinnati Reds to win MVP

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #632 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Fantasy football moves: ADD, DROP, SIT, START

  • NFL stadiums: ARROWHEAD, HIGHMARK, METLIFE, SOFI

  • Soccer cleat makers: ADIDAS, DIADORA, LOTTO, PUMA

  • Cincinnati Reds to win MVP: BENCH, LARKIN, MORGAN, VOTTO

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

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

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

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

The 15 most popular books of 2026, determined by Goodreads members

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:52

Bestseller lists are great and all, but a lot goes into them and just because people are buying books, it doesn't mean people are actually reading them. So how do you find the books that people are actually reading and not just talking about? Goodreads. The site reports over 45 million users a month and those dedicated readers log everything they read on the site, which provides some incredible data for what people are reading and loving.

Now that we're halfway through the year, Goodreads has released the most popular books of 2026. The Goodreads team determined this list by how many members added this book to their currently reading or want-to-read shelves as well as how books were rated (out of five stars) and the list only includes books with at least a 3.5-star average rating.

So without further ado, these are the most popular 2026 releases according to Goodreads users.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke $19.50
$30 Save $10.50   Shop Now

It's no surprise to see Yesteryear on the list of the most popular books. A satire on tradwife culture in which an influencer wakes up to find herself in 1855, Yesteryear is a novel of the internet and people can't stop talking about it. With over 300K reviews on Goodreads, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke has a 4.0-star rating.

Strangers by Belle Burden Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Strangers' by Belle Burden $18.74 at Amazon
$30 Save $11.26   Shop Now

Belle Burden's memoir, Strangers, is a personal, revealing story of the unraveling of her marriage. It's clearly touched many readers as it reckons with heartbreak and divorce and coming out the other side of a major betrayal. It has a 4.2-star rating on Goodreads from nearly 175K reviews.

Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Dear Debbie' by Freida McFadden $19.08 at Amazon
$32.99 Save $13.91   Shop Now

The bestselling author of The Housemaid, Freida McFadden, is back with her next twisted thriller. Dear Debbie centers on Debbie Mullen, the author of the Dear Debbie advice column. As her life falls apart around her, she decides to take matters into her own hands with killer consequences. Dear Debbie has an impressive 4-star rating from 483K reviews.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Our Perfect Storm' by Carley Fortune $20.98 at Amazon
$30 Save $9.02   Shop Now

Carly Fortune's bestselling book, Every Summer After is now a Prime Video series, but her latest book Our Perfect Storm was released May 5. In Fortune's latest, best friends Frankie and George make the most of Frankie's called off wedding, taking her honeymoon to Tofino to heal Frankie's heart. It's chance to repair their friendship too, even if it means confronting long hidden feelings. With 108K reviews on Goodreads, Our Perfect Storm has a 4.1-star rating.

My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'My Husband’s Wife' by Alice Feeney $19.87 at Amazon
$28.99 Save $9.12   Shop Now

The twists keep coming in Alice Feeney's My Husband's Wife. In the novel, Eden Fox returned to her home, Spyglass, to find a woman answering the door. A woman who Eden's husband claims is his wife. In one house, there's one husband, two women both claiming to be his wife, but someone is lying. With a 4-star rating from 329K reviews, it's safe to say it was a fan favorite.

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Calamity Club' by Kathryn Stockett $24.01 at Amazon
$35 Save $10.99   Shop Now

The author of The Help, Kathryn Stockett has finally returned with her next novel The Calamity Club, in which a group of unbreakable women in 1933 Oxford, Mississippi, come together to fight for freedom, despite the consequences. Even though it was just released in May 5, it already has nearly 42K reviews and a 4.6-star rating.

Into the Blue by Emma Brodie Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Into the Blue' by Emma Brodie $23.56 at Amazon
$30 Save $6.44   Shop Now

Emma Brodie's Into the Blue is a decades spanning romance beginning in small town Massachusetts to New York City. It tells the story of AJ Graces and Noah Drew who found each other by chance and now must confront what happened between them all those years ago. With over 42K reviews, it has a 4.1-star rating.

Kin by Tayari Jones Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Kin' by Tayari Jones $19.04 at Amazon
$32 Save $12.96   Shop Now

Amazon book editor's named Kin by Tayari Jones the best book of 2026 (so far), and Goodreads users agree, giving it a 4.2-star rating from over 45K reviews. The novel centers on Vernice and Annie, best friends and neighbors since childhood, the pair a bound to different futures as each navigate the complexities of being a woman in the south.

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Lady Tremaine' by Rachel Hochhauser $19.92 at Amazon
$29 Save $9.08   Shop Now

Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine reimagines the evil stepmother myth, as Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley uncovers a secret hidden in the depths of a royal family. The royal family that Lady Tremaine's stepdaughter is meant to marry into. This fairytale reimagining has earned a 4.2-star rating from over 47K on Goodreads.

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'The Midnight Train' by Matt Haig $20.98 at Amazon
$30 Save $9.02   Shop Now

Author Matt Haig is expanding his Midnight World with his latest, The Midnight Train. In this time-traveling love story, the Midnight Train takes you back to relive the moments that mean the most, letting you go back and have the chance to relive it all.

Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Keeper of Lost Children' by Sadeqa Johnson $20.51 at Amazon
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According to Goodreads users, the historical fiction release of the year is Sadeqa Johnson's Keeper of Lost Children. The novel centers on three perspecitives. Ethel Gathers, the proud wife of an American Officer, who discovers an orphanage of abandoned mixed-race children of German women and Black American GIs. Ozzie Phillips, a volunteer in the now desegregated army who meets a local woman, Jelka, while serving in Manheim, Germany. And finally, Sophia Clark, attending a prestigious all-white boarding school, who discovers a secret that threatens to upend her entire identity. Johnson's Keeper of Lost Children has 28K ratings with a 4.4-star rating.

A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'A Parade of Horribles' by Matt Dinniman $22.38 at Amazon
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The eighth book in Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series, A Parade of Horribles, made a splash this year with fans giving it a 4.7-star rating out of 51K reviews. With the Faction Wars underway, Carl and Donut find themself on the 10th floor of the dungeon, and the stakes have never been higher.

Famesick by Lena Dunham Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Famesick' by Lena Dunham $25.99 at Amazon
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Lena Dunham was living the dream in the midst of her hit HBO series Girls. At least that's what it looked like from the outside. Because despite the awards shows and Met Gala appearances, Dunham felt that existing in her body was “like towing a wrecked car across town at midnight.” In Famesick, Dunham confronts if her ambitions were worth the cost of so much pain, in a book that's earned a 4.3-star rating on Goodreads from 50K reviews.

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What starts with a fire, unfolds into a family saga of heartbreak and forgiveness in Sarah Damoff's The Burning Side. In the face of their house burning in the middle of the night, April and Leo retreat to April's childhood Dallas home with their two young children. But that's just the beginning as the aftermath of the fire, exposes the cracks already present in their marriage. The Burning Side, has a 4.3-star rating from 18K reviews on Goodreads.

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Macy Mullins is intrigued when she sees the Craigslist post: Caretaker urgently needed. Three days of work. Competitive pay. Serious applicants ONLY. But little does she know, this job on the wild Oregon Coast brings her face to face with grave danger and soon she will be the only thing standing between evil and humanity. That all takes place in Marcus Kliewer's The Caretaker, which has a 3.7-star rating from 25K reviews.

Stephen King posts his 2-line review of Obsession

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:51

Obsession has had a phenomenal run at the Box Office, managed to get the entire internet talking, and achieved 94 percent from both audiences and critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

But what does horror legend Stephen King make of it?

SEE ALSO: 5 horror movies Stephen King recommended in 2025

On Tuesday the author took to Threads to share his thoughts, posting a two-line review that suggested he liked it but maybe didn't love it — and nonetheless can't get it out of his head.

"I gave OBSESSION a B+ in my movie book, but I keep thinking about it," wrote King. "That weird mixture of humor and horror."

View on Threads

The buzzy horror movie from YouTuber turned feature filmmaker Curry Barker follows a man called Bear (Michael Johnston) who uses a "One Wish Willow" novelty toy to ask for his heart's desire: his friend Nikki (Inde Navarrette). But being careful what you wish for is just the tip of the discourse iceberg here.

Mashable's Kristy Puchko also had a mixed reaction to the movie, praising Navarrette's performance while questioning the film's perspective.

"Obsession explores an incel's twisted idea of romance through scenes of brutal violence and gross-out gags involving blood, vomit, piss, and a cat corpse," she wrote in her review. "Barker and his cast go hard into the darkness, creating scenes that are visually disturbing and emotionally harrowing. For all that, I can imagine this becoming one of those movies horror fans dare each other to watch. However, even as the audience may come to understand that Bear is not the hero of this story but the villain, Obsession's cinematography favors his perspective, turning the female characters into fleshy, dehumanizing spectacles until the end." 

Meanwhile, if you want some more Stephen King horror movie recommendations, here are some of the films he shouted out in 2025.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro has hit a new record-low price at Amazon — save $50 right now

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:35

SAVE $50: As of June 17, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,049 at Amazon. That's $50 off the list price and the best-ever deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,049 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $50   Get Deal

There's been a lot of talk about the restrictions on DJI products in the U.S., but buyers can actually still purchase and use drones that are already available through normal retailers. The new rules only impact future imports. Devices that are already in stock are not affected.

If a new DJI drone is on your Prime Day wish list, you're in luck. As of June 17, there's already a stunning deal on the DJI Mini 5 Pro. It's down to its best-ever price, dropping to a new low of $1,049 at Amazon.

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This model is an ultra-light, palm-sized foldable drone that easily fits into your pocket. But despite its small size, it still offers 42GB of internal storage. It features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that records 4K/60fps HDR video, alongside a 225° flexible gimbal that lets you take vertical shots and from multiple angles.

It's a great option to use for night filming thanks to its nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing with forward-facing LiDAR that helps detect obstacles. It also has an upgraded ActiveTrack 360° which keeps the subjects of your shot in frame.

Get this DJI drone deal from Amazon now.

Im trying to work but I just watched the Heartstopper Forever trailer

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:34

Friends, I'm not ready.

Three years since Season 1 hit Netflix, followed by two sublime seasons, Heartstopper is coming to an end with a movie, dropping one hell of a moving trailer for Heartstopper Forever. Dammit Olivia Rodrigo and your perfect "Stupid Song" scoring this thing! I need to work!

High school is almost over but Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) aren't, with our protagonists preparing to go long distance as university looms. But they're not the only ones facing the future, with Tao (William Gao), Elle (Yasmin Finney), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), Tara (Corinna Brown), Darcy (Kizzy Edgell), Imogen (Rhea Norwood), and Tori (Jenny Walser) all figuring out their next chapters.

SEE ALSO: 'Heartstopper’s Joe Locke and Kit Connor talk teenage vulnerability

Heartstopper Forever will be based on the sixth volume of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels, which is set to be released on July 7. Directed by Still Alice's Wash Westmoreland with series director Euros Lyn executive producing, the film is unlikely to leave us without a few major cinematic "hi" moments.

Honestly, I'm not ready to say goodbye to the Paris Crew, but growing up is inevitable. Here's to Heartstopper and the joyous exploration of queer identity and figuring yourself out that it is. Happy Pride!

Heartstopper Forever is streaming on Netflix July 17.

Want more of the latest entertainment news, reviews, trailers, and interviews? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

The EcoVacs Deebot X11 Pro robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price ahead of Prime Day — save over $250

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:27

SAVE $250.99: As of June 17, the EcoVacs Deebot X11 Pro robot vacuum is on sale for $749 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoVacs EcoVacs Deebot X11 Pro $749 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $250.99   Get Deal

Prime Day officially gets underway on June 23, so if you're hoping to grab a bargain on a robot vacuum, there's not long to wait. But if your current model has already given up, you'll be pleased to know that there are already some early deals available, including this latest discount on the EcoVacs Deebot X11 Pro.

This popular model has dropped to a new record-low price. Normally $999.99, this model is currently reduced to $749.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This robot combines vacuuming and mopping for completely clean floors, with next to no effort required from you. For picking up dirt, it delivers up to 19,500Pa suction alongside 38 CFM airflow to remove dust, debris, and pet hair from hard floors and carpets, and it doesn't miss those hard-to-reach areas.

The Triple Lift System automatically separates wet and dry cleaning tasks by lifting brushes when liquids are detected and raising the roller when it moves onto carpet. The TruEdge 3.0 even extends the roller to clean along skirting boards and into corners, while the TruePass 4-Wheel Climbing system enables the robot to cross thresholds like steps or gaps.

This vacuum comes with a docking station. This is where it recharges, empties dust, refills mop water, and cleans the brushes.

This robot vacuum deal is available at Amazon now.

The Cloud Has Sound: The Unrelenting and Unseen Cost of the A.I. Boom

NYT Technology - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:00
As tech giants rush to build big data centers, some residents who live near them say a constant low-frequency vibration is ruining their health and homes.

House of the Dragon: Everything you need to remember about Season 2 in 60 seconds

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:00

House of the Dragon is finally back, with a spectacular third season you won't want to miss.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' review: Season 3 atones for the sins of Season 2

However, after a two-year wait for Season 3, some of the details from Season 2 may have gotten hazy. Don't worry: If you can't tell your dragons from your dragonseeds, or you just need a quick refresher, we're here to catch you up to speed in just 60 seconds.

Here, you'll find all the information you absolutely have to know going into the Season 3 premiere, from Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) new squad of dragonriders to the deal she struck with Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) in the Season 2 finale. Pop this on before diving into Season 3, and you'll be ready to return to Westeros in no time.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, with a new episode every Sunday.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for June 17

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:00

The first round of group-stage games from the 2026 World Cup is coming to an end. Eight teams are yet to compete, but that all changes today. And this final batch of fixtures is particularly interesting, with some of the biggest clashes on the schedule.

Today, June 17, is another huge day for the tournament. The action starts at 1 p.m. ET. The schedule is relentless, so we've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 17How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Portugal vs. DR Congo

A lot of fans think Portugal could go far in this competition, but DR Congo are a strong team. They've got the talent to produce a shock result at the NRG Stadium. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch England vs. Croatia

England will need the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to be at their best if they want to secure three points against Croatia. These teams are likely to battle it out for top spot in the group, so this opening game is vital. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Ghana vs. Panama

Most of the attention is on England and Croatia in this group, but Ghana will like it that way. They'll fancy their chances of advancing into the knockout rounds, but they need to start well against Panama. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Uzbekistan vs. Colombia

Colombia are strong favorites to win this opening game, but there are few genuinely easy games in this competition. They will still need big performances from star names if they want to progress from a tricky group that includes Portugal and DR Congo. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One (3-Month Subscription) $39.98
$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup for free. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpresVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

NASA blames hero mode culture for $4.6 million dish disaster

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:00

NASA staff accidentally broke a 230-foot-wide deep space antenna because they ran it on what investigators called "hero mode" — a culture that consistently called on them to step outside their training and improvise quick fixes. 

That approach helped keep the Deep Space Network's DSS-14 antenna online for years. But it also set the stage for a serious accident that caused up to $4.6 million in damage when the giant dish over-rotated and tore itself apart, according to a mishap investigation report. 

The mechanical failure happened on Sept. 16, 2025,  at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex near Barstow, California. The dish spun too far while tracking the Juno spacecraft orbiting Jupiter.

That mistake destroyed cabling, ruptured internal fire-suppression lines, and flooded the base structure with nearly 200,000 gallons of water. Mashable was among the first outlets to report on the accident. 

Investigators found that operators were trying to solve what looked to them like a safety-system glitch — and unknowingly disabled safeguards that prevent the antenna from moving past its limits.

When they saw water, the operators tried to park the antenna — but that only caused further destruction.

"Personnel described themselves (and were described by personnel at other sites) as 'willing to do whatever it takes to keep the antenna running,'" the NASA report says.

"Had GDSCC personnel acted with greater deliberation or shown more willingness to leave the antenna in a failed state at any point during the mishap, the undesired outcome likely would not have occurred."

SEE ALSO: NASA is daring to rescue a space telescope before it falls to Earth

The damage underscored the pressure NASA faces in keeping the aging Deep Space Network online with limited margins for error. The infrastructure operates on decades-old systems and dwindling numbers of staff who retain the necessary institutional memory.

Keeping those critical antennas running has increasingly depended upon informal protocols and workarounds, rather than fully documented procedures. 

Investigators found the Goldstone staff have often felt a cultural push to work long hours, troubleshoot during off-shifts, perform tasks outside their job descriptions, and skip any tests that might delay the antenna's return to service. 

A 70-meter antenna at the Goldstone Complex in California broke after over-rotating in September, triggering a mishap investigation. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech

"GDSCC personnel frequently referred to needing to be in 'hero mode' to maintain operations," according to the report.

The dish, sometimes called the Mars Antenna, is the largest at Goldstone — as large as a Boeing 747 jet. It is capable of tracking spacecraft traveling tens of billions of miles from Earth. 

NASA's Deep Space Network is the most powerful system on Earth for communicating with spacecraft. It commands and monitors more than 40 missions through three sites in California, Spain, and Australia.

Staff work around the clock so at least one complex can always reach spacecraft as the planet rotates.

It's not just aging hardware; the network itself is overburdened. Data load has risen sharply over the past 30 years, exceeding its original capacity by 40 percent. The NASA inspector general, who acts as the federal watchdog over the agency, has repeatedly pushed for upgrades.

Under the Deep Space Network Aperture Enhancement Program, the agency is adding six dishes, including a new 112-foot-wide antenna in California.

"The investigation at Goldstone made clear that we must strengthen our processes,"  said Joel Montalbano, acting associate administrator for NASA's space operations, in a statement. "NASA remains focused on learning from this and modernizing systems, so DSS-14 and the broader network are ready to support our ambitious future missions."

Though no one was hurt in the accident, NASA has classified the event as a Type A mishap, based on the total cost of the damages. The antenna will remain offline to complete repairs and previously planned upgrades. The agency doesn't expect the antenna to be back in service until October 2028. 

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