When Tough Talk Works

Here are some hints and the answer for Wordle No. 1,294 for Friday, Jan. 3.

On Thursday, a three-judge panel struck down net neutrality rules that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had hoped would stop broadband providers from varying speeds for users when connecting to different websites. In his opinion, US circuit judge Richard Allen Griffin wrote that the FCC lacked the authority to impose the net neutrality rules under the "telecommunications service" provision of the Communications Act. "The core of the dispute here," Griffin wrote, "is whether Broadband Internet Service Providers" like Xfinity or Spectrum offer a "telecommunications service" or an "information service." Because judges agreed they offer the latter, the court ruled that they could not be subjected to the FCC's net neutrality policies.

The more than two decades since Half-Life 2's release have been filled with plenty of rumors and hints about Half-Life 3, ranging from the official-ish to the thin to the downright misleading. As we head into 2025, though, we're approaching something close to a critical mass of rumors and leaks suggesting that Half-Life 3 is really in the works this time, and could be officially announced in the coming months. The latest tease came just before the end of 2024 via a New Year's Eve social media video from G-Man voice actor Mike Shapiro.

Samsung's new lower-cost phone will get support for years to come.

The Treasury Department says the disinformation was distributed across at least 100 websites designed to imitate legitimate news outlets, through a "network of U. S.-based facilitators."

Prep for anything in 2025 -- from inclement weather to off-grid adventures -- with the Jackery Explorer 300 while it's at an all-time low price.