Kiev's Persecution of Orthodox Church May Cause Major Sectarian Conflict in Europe -Moscow

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Kiev's persecution of the canonical Orthodox Church could result in the biggest intra-confessional conflict in Europe's modern history, Gennady Askaldovich, the special representative of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry on cooperation in the field of observance of the right to freedom of religion, has told Sputnik.

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The best tax software for freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers

Freelancing isn’t all sweatpants and snooze buttons.

Well, sometimes it is. But most of the time, it’s cabin fever, caffeine withdrawal, fickle cash flows, and fierce competition for clients.

When you boil it down, being your own boss is really hard work — and no time is that more apparent than during tax season.

Compared to those with a typical 9-to-5 job, freelancers, independent contractors, and other self-employed workers face a unique set of challenges when it comes to filing an annual return. For one thing, you need to maintain year-round business records that are separate from your personal ones to make sure you’re organized once tax season rolls around. You’re also responsible for making and keeping track of estimated tax payments each quarter, since the money isn't automatically deducted from your paychecks throughout the year.

Perhaps most frustratingly, instead of getting a tax refund like the 9-to-5 crowd, you may actually need to cough up extra money to cover the year's taxes in case those estimated payments were lower than needed. (You might even be penalized if you neglected to pay them altogether.)

SEE ALSO: How to know when to make a side hustle a main gig

Oh, and don’t forget about the whopping 15.3% federal self-employment tax you’re required to pay if you earned at least $400 from your freelance work. Sure, it goes toward Social Security and Medicare which is cool for Future You — probably maybe? — but not so fun for Current You.

If your head isn’t already swirling from all that tax talk, consider the fact that a QuickBooks survey of 500 freelancers found that doing one’s taxes is among the most difficult challenges facing modern self-employed workers. It’s an obnoxious, tedious ordeal — so obnoxious and tedious, in fact, that more than a third of freelancers don’t even bother paying taxes, according to the same poll.

Since tax evasion is sort of a felony, filing your return every year is in your best interest. However, simply filing your taxes is not enough. If you try to figure it all out on your own, you could still be hit with costly penalties and interest if you make a mistake. On the other hand, you could always go to a CPA and have them take care of your income tax return for you, but their fees could burn a hole in your pocket, too.

For a happy medium between the two, consider picking up some tax software.

What is tax software?

Tax software is a type of software program that’s designed to guide users through the process of preparing and filing their returns, helping them comply with tax laws while identifying any deductions and credits that may be available. Essentially, it’s software that makes it less taxing to do your own taxes.

Back in the day, tax software came in the form of a CD-ROM that could be downloaded to your desktop computer. (How retro.) Nowadays, you can just download a program from a trusted tax prep company’s website. Or, even better, some tax preparation tools are available completely online or via mobile app for maximum convenience.

What should you look for in a tax software program?

"Freelancer" is synonymous with "self-employed business owner" in the eyes of the IRS (more specifically "sole proprietor"), so you'll be reporting your business income and expenses on a Schedule C and your self-employment tax on a Schedule SE; include both with your Form 1040, the standard individual tax filing form. The tax software you use will definitely need to support that paperwork along with Form 1099-NEC, the non-employee income document you get from your clients instead of a W-2. You may also receive a Form 1099-K from a third-party payment network like Venmo or PayPal if your client(s) paid you at least $600 that way.

Other good-to-have features include:

• An intuitive e-filing process with straightforward questions and prompts

• Some sort of accuracy and maximum refund guarantees

• Solid customer support, with optional access to a real live tax expert in case of emergency

Don’t forget that you’ll also need to file your state taxes in addition to your federal taxes (unless yours doesn't collect an income tax — see Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming). Some tax software providers will include one state for free, but most will charge you per state where you need to file.

SEE ALSO: How to balance your side hustle with a full-time job

Also, keep in mind that the cheapest tax software option isn’t necessarily the best tax software option. The program you choose should be robust enough to handle complicated tax situations and sniff out tons of possible deductions, and also willing to promise a high-ish level of protection in case you’re audited. In other words, now’s not the time to get stingy: You want to get your taxes done, but also done right. That’s not to say you should pay for features you don’t need, but just make sure your bases are covered.

What can freelancers write off on their taxes?

Speaking of deductions: The one big thing freelancers have going for them during tax season is the fact that they can write off way more work-related expenses than the average employee — that includes office supplies, internet bills, meals, education, mileage, health insurance premiums, and the portion of your rent that covers your home office. Don't get too brazen, though: These expenses must be "both ordinary and necessary" to your business, per the IRS. (So you couldn't write off a just-for-fun road trip, for example.)

Is it worth it to have an accountant do your taxes?

If you have a pretty straightforward tax situation, if you already have a few years of filing as a freelancer under your belt, and/or if you make under $73,000 a year, you may be able to get away with a free filing option through the IRS' Free File program. However, most freelancers are going to have complicated-enough tax situations to warrant a paid software solution with premium features and built-in support from seasoned tax professionals. Budget for around $105 for your federal return and about $50 for every state return.

This is all to say that you probably don't need to splurge on a real, live CPA, but that's always an option if you don't feel great about filing on your own. According to a National Society of Accountants survey, the standard U.S. firm charges an average of $343 for an itemized Form 1040 with a state return and $220 for a non-itemized Form 1040 with a state return, plus $192 for a Schedule C and $41 for a Schedule SE. Most will also bill you for 1099s ($67.72 on average) and disorganized or incomplete files ($165.82 on average).

What’s the best tax software for freelancers?

Here are the software options with Schedule C, Schedule SE, Form 1099-NEC, and Form 1099-K support that we recommend for the 2023 tax season. (Note: All of the following are online products that were live in fall 2022.)

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US Charges Four Men Over Assassination of Haitian President

The country where prosecutors acknowledge the plot to murder Haiti’s last president was hatched is set to oversee all of the trials of his alleged assassins.

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US Actor Alec Baldwin Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter Over Fatal 'Rust' Shooting

Both Baldwin and the film's set armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who is 25-years-old, will be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

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The Academy will not revoke Andrea Riseborough's Oscar nomination

First, there was the word-of-mouth campaign promoting Andrea Riseborough's performance in the indie film To Leslie. Then, came Riseborough's surprising Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Then, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced a review of the nomination process, which could have resulted in a revoked nomination for Riseborough. Well, after all that hullabaloo, the results are in: Riseborough remains an Oscar nominee.

An underdog in award season, To Leslie is a lesser-known drama that made $27,000 in theaters and did not have a competitive budget for a For Your Consideration campaign. Riseborough's nomination came after a week-long social media blitz, in which her performance was lauded by the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, and many more.

SEE ALSO: Here are the 2023 Oscar nominations

To Leslie's approach to securing an Oscar nomination ruffled feathers, but there's more to the controversy than annoyance at a grassroots campaign. Riseborough, who is white, received a nomination over Black actors like The Woman King's Viola Davis and Till's Danielle Deadwyler, both of whom were considered contenders in the Oscars conversation. While some have viewed To Leslie's nomination as a victory for small-budget films, others have pointed that even high-profile films with more resources for an awards campaign might be snubbed because of how the awards ecosystem fails Black women time and time again.

On Jan. 27, in the wake of the nominations backlash, the Academy announced it would be reviewing the nomination process. Their statement mentioned neither Riseborough nor To Leslie. However, given the controversial nature of Riseborough's campaign, it seemed clear the review concerned her nomination.

The review garnered even more backlash, with actors like Christina Ricci sharing on social media that it felt "elitist and exclusive and frankly very backward." Comedian (and Riseborough's To Leslie co-star) Marc Maron also criticized the Academy's decision on his WTF podcast.

The Academy's decision came down in a Jan. 31 statement sent to media from AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer, who said: "The Academy has determined the activity in question does not rise to the level that the film’s nomination should be rescinded." The statement does continue to say that To Leslie's social media tactics were cause for concern and are being brought up with the responsible parties.

Kramer's full statement on the matter is as follows:

Based on concerns that surfaced last week around the To Leslie awards campaign, the Academy began a review into the film’s campaigning tactics. The Academy has determined the activity in question does not rise to the level that the film’s nomination should be rescinded. However, we did discover social media and outreach campaigning tactics that caused concern. These tactics are being addressed with the responsible parties directly.

The purpose of the Academy’s campaign regulations is to ensure a fair and ethical awards process—these are core values of the Academy. Given this review, it is apparent that components of the regulations must be clarified to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive, and unbiased campaigning. These changes will be made after this awards cycle and will be shared with our membership. The Academy strives to create an environment where votes are based solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible films and achievements.

Thus ends the contentious To Leslie saga — at least until the Oscars air on March 12. If Riseborough pulls off an underdog victory, it will no doubt be one of the most surprising (and yes, discourse-inducing) Oscar wins of all time.

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US Drydocks Close Over ‘Earthquake’ Risk, Calling Australian Submarine Deal Into Question

With top US legislators warning that America’s industrial submarine base is near a “breaking point,” plans to close four drydocks at a key base near Seattle could throw a wrench into a joint US-UK plan to sell submarines to Australia.

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Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro Applying for US Visa Amid Legal Concerns, Reports Say

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is seeking a visitor visa for the United States amid accusations of wrongdoing in his native country, media reported, citing a Bolsonaro attorney.

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Paramount+ and Showtime are merging into one service

Paramount is merging the premium tier of its streaming service Paramount+ with its pay-TV channel Showtime in the U.S., creating one big entertainment Brundlefly. And just like the ill-fated Jeff Goldblum-insect hybrid, it will also do a bit of shedding.

Announced by Paramount CEO Bob Bakish in a memo to staff, the factually named Paramount+ with Showtime will incorporate Showtime's content into the streaming service, while adding some of Paramount+'s original programs to its linear broadcasting lineup. This will bring Paramount+ in the U.S. more in line with its international version, which already offers Showtime content.

"And, very importantly, this integration will unlock operational efficiencies and financial benefits across our broader portfolio," said Bakish.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best shows to stream on Showtime

Bakish's optimism was echoed by continuing Showtime lead Chris McCarthy. In his own memo to staff, McCarthy celebrated the merger as providing the resources to build Showtime's more popular shows into "global hit franchises." 

"To do this, we will divert investment away from areas which are underperforming and that account for less than 10% of our views," McCarthy wrote, "We have already begun conversations with our production partners about what content makes sense moving forward and which shows have franchise potential."

Seemingly following this new directive, Showtime has already announced the cancellation of Let the Right One In, Three Women, and American Gigolo. 

Meanwhile, McCarthy specifically highlighted shows like Yellowjackets with "complex characters," "high-stakes powerful worlds" such as Billions, and "culturally diverse takes" as in The Chi as some of Showtime's stronger offerings. These ones are likely on the safer, "franchise potential" track.

Unfortunately, the law of equivalent exchange dictates that the kind of unholy alchemy Paramount is performing can't be executed without consequences. In addition to cutting programming, job cuts are also likely across both Showtime and Paramount+.

"While we are confident this is the right move for our company, our consumers, and our partners, we know this change brings uncertainty for the teams working on these brands and businesses," said Bakish. "We are committed to being as transparent and thoughtful as possible throughout this process, and we expect to share additional details in the coming weeks."

Paramount+ with Showtime's plans and pricing will also be announced in the coming weeks.

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US Poised to Expand Philippines Presence Amid Push for War With China

Just days after a top Air Force general said he expects to be in a hot war with Beijing by 2025, reports that the US military is increasing its Pacific footprint suggest the Biden administration got the memo as well.

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F-16s Not Needed in Ukraine With US Already Sending New Capabilities - White House

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States does not need to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets because it is already providing Kiev with lots of new capabilities that were recently announced in the latest aid packages, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said in an interview.

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Shocking Video Shows Massive Boulder Smash Through Hawaii House, Barely Miss Homeowner

A video released to social media shows a large boulder smashing through a family’s home in Hawaii. The incident, which happened on Saturday, is the third of its kind to occur within 24 hours after a nearby development in Palolo began construction.

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US ‘Main Beneficiary’ of Ukraine Crisis, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Says

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Washington is largely benefiting from the Ukraine conflict, particularly from European countries’ weapon supplies to Kiev, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik.

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‘The Last of Us’ episode 3: What was at the end of Bill’s letter?

Well, I think we can all agree that The Last of Us episode 3 ripped out our collective hearts and stomped on them pretty hard, eh?

The 76-minute episode, which tells the story of Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), a gay couple who lived for two decades by themselves in a post-pandemic small town outside Boston, is both a moving love story and a pretty hard gut punch, made all the more emotional by the little details sprinkled throughout.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' almost included a scene from Tess's past

One of the final elements you might have missed near the end of the episode? The ending of Bill's final letter to Joel (Pedro Pascal), who he'd made reluctant acquaintances with after Frank and Tess (Anna Torv) had covertly become friends over the radio.

Why did Bill leave a letter?

In 2023, the same year Joel, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Tess leave their apartment in the Boston quarantine zone to begin their journey into the Massachusetts wilderness, Bill and Frank have reached a tragic point in their decades-long relationship: Frank is terminally ill, presumably with cancer, and one morning he wakes Bill with his decision to make it his final day on Earth. He wants to suit up at their preserved boutique, get married to Bill, and have a final meal of rabbit and Beaujolais red wine — the same meal they shared on the day they first met — before Bill gives him a fatal overdose.

We watch their day play out in deeply moving montage, and everything goes according to Frank's plan until the very end, when he realises Bill has taken an overdose too.

"This isn't the tragic suicide at the end of the play," says Bill. "I'm old. I'm satisfied. And you were my purpose." The last we see of Bill and Frank is their retreat to the bedroom to die in each other's arms.

Later, when Joel and Ellie arrive at the now-empty house, they discover that Bill has left a letter on the table, marked: "To whomever, but probably Joel."

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What was at the end of Bill's letter?

After explaining his and Frank's fate and mindfully warning people away from the bedroom, Bill's letter addresses Joel directly. Ellie reads the letter aloud.

"I used to hate the world and I was happy when everyone died," Bill writes. "But I was wrong. Because there was one person worth saving. That's what I did: I saved him. And I protected him. That's why men like you and me are here: We have a job to do. And God help any motherfuckers who stand in our way.

"I leave you all of my weapons and equipment. Use them to keep—"

At this point Ellie abruptly stops reading, anticipating the emotional impact of the end of the sentence, and Joel takes the letter from her to read himself. We see a brief close up, and the words "Tess safe" are clearly visible in Bill's hand.

Credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO

The letter only goes on for a few more lines and Joel's hands keep us from reading it in full. But we can see "and she decide you're" on one line, followed by "I recommend pairing" on the penultimate line. On the last line we see a word that looks like a type of wine, possibly "Bordello".

It's slight guesswork, but it seems like Bill finished his letter by recommending a food and wine pairing to Joel and Tess, if they decided to stay the night. It's only a brief moment, but it's another poignant reminder of the first and the final meals that Bill and Frank shared ("A man who knows to pair rabbit with a Beaujolais" was Frank's admiring remark on their first meeting). These are the types of finite details that make the show — and episode 3 in particular — so moving.

The Last of Us is now streaming on HBO Max with new episodes airing weekly on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

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‘Bosch’ and ‘24’ Actress Annie Wersching Dead at 45

Wersching was a Hollywood actress best known for her roles in "24", "Bosch", "Timeless", "The Rookie" and "Star Trek: Picard" and even voiced the character of Tess in the popular video game "The Last of Us".

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'Star Trek: Picard' Season 3 trailer is here, but most of the crew is not

Paramount+ has released the official trailer for Star Trek: Picard's third and final season, giving us a look at the titular Starfleet Admiral's (Patrick Stewart) ongoing refusal to retire. Jean-Luc Picard will encounter two new characters played by Ed Speleers and Todd Stashwick on his continued space treks. However, much of the cast from Star Trek: Picard's past two seasons won't be returning, including weirdly human Borg Queen Agnes (Alison Pill), weirdly human android Soji Asha (Isa Briones), and weird Romulan Elnor (Evan Evagora).

Elnor's departure in particular seems like a pretty big waste considering Picard already went through the trouble of resurrecting him in the Season 2 finale. But at least we know Starfleet Academy's resident Space Legolas is still out there somewhere.

Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard will premiere on Paramount+ Feb. 16.

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Turnout in Tunisia's Parliamentary Elections Runoff Reportedly at Over 11%

CAIRO (Sputnik) - The preliminary turnout in the second round of the Tunisian legislative elections was 11.3%, the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) news agency reports citing President of the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), Farouk Bouaskar.

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The best dating apps for bisexual people

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

The bisexual community has an inside joke that describes what it's like to date as a bi person: People think it means double the options or double the fun, but it really just means double the rejection.

Self-deprecating jokes like this one are at the core of the Single People Club regardless of sexuality, but bisexual people do face extra roadblocks in the dating world.

Yes, online dating sucks for everyone. Horny jerks disguise themselves as relationship seekers, your DMs are constantly filled with bad pickup lines and overly persistent creeps, and many times, the site's algorithm ignores the filters that you've set. But the fact that there are no dating sites that cater specifically to bi people means that they're frequently swiping on people who don't take bisexuality seriously.

The "B" in LGBTQ+ makes up 50 percent of the queer community, but it's one of the least-acknowledged letters in the acronym. There are dating sites for lesbians and dating sites for gay men, but nothing specifically for those who identify as bisexual. What makes the bi dating landscape — especially the online one — so tricky to manoeuvre?

What is unicorn hunting?

One of the most antiquated stereotypes about bisexual people is that they're always down to get physical and down for polyamory. "Unicorn" is a term used to describe a bisexual person (usually a woman) who sleeps with heterosexual couples. In online dating, unicorn hunting is when a straight, taken female user toggles that she's "looking for women" — not genuinely looking for a girl to get to know romantically, but rather for a girl interested in a threesome with her and her boyfriend or husband or whoever. Of course, they don't mention this until later.

No one is saying that threesomes are bad. Reddit users who have experienced this mention that they don't have a problem with "ethical non-monogamy." They have a problem with being tricked into it.

Are bisexuals welcome on heteronormative apps?

Another frequent bisexual experience is one that all women face online, now heightened by the mere mention of "bi" in a dating app bio: men being creepy. Too many straight men have yet to grasp the concept that bisexuality is not a green light to ask a stranger how many girls they've been with or if she likes men or women better.

Catfishing is also an issue. Some men have such a rabid obsession with queer women that they'll sign up for a dating site as a woman just to see an all-women swiping field. It's a total privacy breach at the least, and certainly doesn't boost your willingness to meet up with someone in real life. Many dating sites are working to increase transparency about first name and age by requiring Facebook verification during sign-up.

Are queer dating apps inviting to bisexual users?

Does "gold star lesbian" ring a bell? The delineation is given to lesbians who have never slept with a man. Countless bisexual women have reported being ghosted after disclosing that they have been with a guy before, and profiles with "gold stars only" in the bio have popped up, too.

This crowd of Reddit users explain the ways they've experienced biphobia on gay or lesbian dating sites. They've been told that they're not "actually bisexual" if they haven't been with anyone of the same gender before or that they're "basically straight" if their most recent relationship was a heterosexual one. Summed up: if you're not monosexually gay, it's a cop-out. Invalidating someone's sexual experiences is the opposite of the supportive sex-positivity that you'd expect from inside the queer community, and it contributes to many bisexual folks' struggles of not feeling queer enough.

Should you put "bi" in your dating app bio?

Adding those two simple letters to your bio will draw some unwanted attention, and it's going to be a pain in the ass. But in the long run, it'll also act like a filter to weed out people who try to put sexual orientation into a box.

The idea that being bisexual is just a pit stop to being "fully-blown gay" — or that it means that you're attracted to everyone you see — probably aren't thoughts you'd prefer a partner to have. They're especially not opinions you'd like to hear about months down the road from someone you thought you knew well. The easiest way to ensure that you won't be left heartbroken over someone not accepting your sexuality? Let them know from the jump.

"Coming out" over and over again is unfair. But doing so right off the bat also acts as an early screening for people who identify as bi but say they wouldn't date another bi person — something that a lot of bi men experience from bi women.

Can you actually find a relationship online?

Do bisexual people get dealt a tough hand on dating apps? Yes. Does that mean meeting someone special online is impossible? Absolutely not. A 2017 study cited in the MIT Technology Review found that people who meet online are more likely to be compatible and have a higher chance of a healthy marriage if they decide to get hitched. Further, a 2019 study done at Stanford found that nearly two-thirds of modern same-sex couples meet online.

It sucks that there's no legit dating app specifically devoted to bi individuals and other singles who respect what it means to be bi — yet. However, this also means that a good portion of other single bi folks are probably on those popular dating apps that you've considered. At least you know the user base is there.

What is the best dating app for bisexual people?

There are a lot of dating apps out there, each offering a different set of features that will suit some daters better than others. To help you find something that suits you and your lifestyle, we have lined up a selection of standout options that should suit just about everyone.

These are the best dating apps for bisexual people in 2023.

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IDF Reporting on Shooting Attacks in West Bank

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Two separate incidents involving unidentified gunmen have occurred in the West Bank, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

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Russia Unwilling to Hold Talks With Tokyo on Fishing Near Kuril Islands

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Moscow has informed Tokyo that, due to anti-Russian measures taken by the Japanese government, Russia cannot agree on the holding of intergovernmental consultations on marine fishing cooperation in the area of the southern Kuril Islands, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik.

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Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for January 29

You made it! It's Sunday, it's Wordle time, and that means we're here to help, as always.

The bottom of this article features January 29's Wordle solution. If that's not why you're here, scroll down and see what's on offer here, from clues, to strategies. You'll find what you need.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans have even sprung up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for January 28.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The goal of Wordle is to have fun, and there's no right way to have fun. Just choose whatever starting word feels right to you, and don't let anyone shame you for it. However, if you want to take a more strategic approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that will spark joy. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordles used to be available for anyone to play in glorious days gone by. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It may feel as though Wordle is getting harder, but we can assure you it isn't. Conversely, if you're finding it too easy, you can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Occasionally the Wordle gods will accept two different answers on a single day, defying the accepted norm of one correct solution per day. This anomaly is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Something's...not quite right.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Not today.

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

Today's Wordle ends with the letter Y.

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What's the answer to Wordle today?

If you want to guess today's Wordle yourself, now's the time to do so! 

Is your answer locked in?

The solution to Wordle #589 is...

FISHY.

Don't be sad if you didn't get it this time — we still have many more Wordle puzzles ahead of us. Come back tomorrow for more helpful clues and hints!

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Ukrainian Forces Shell City of Donetsk Using 155mm Artillery - DPR

DONETSK (Sputnik) - Ukrainian troops have shelled the city of Donetsk multiple times overnight, using 155 mm artillery, the Donetsk People’s Republic’s (DPR) mission to the Joint Center for Control and Coordination of issues related to Ukraine's war crimes (JCCC) said.

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SCORPION Unit That Included Officers Who Beat Tyre Nichols Disbanded Permanently

Tyre Nichols died three days after being brutally beaten by Memphis Police Department officers earlier this month. His death has led to nationwide protests against police brutality.

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REC Holds First Selection of Companies to Exhibit Goods Abroad

The Russian Export Center (REC, part of the VEB.RF) has held the first selection of companies to promote their goods in foreign pavilions this year, a statement from the organization has said.

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Videos: Protests Erupt Across US in Response to Tyre Nichols Video

Body camera footage showed police savagely beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols, who died three days later. All five officers involved in the fatal incident have been fired from the Memphis Police Department and hit with murder charges. Additionally, two local deputies have been put on leave pending an investigation.

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Report: US Reaches Deal With Netherlands to Restrict China's Access to Microchips Tech

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States has reached a deal with Japan and the Netherlands to restrict China's access to their advanced semiconductor chip-making technology, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

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Elon Musk Reportedly Being Investigated by US Regulators Over Tesla Self-Driving Car Claims

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US regulators from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are investigating possibly misleading claims Tesla founder and owner Elon Musk may have made about the company's revolutionary new Autopilot driving system, US media reports said on Friday.

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Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for January 28

You made it! It's Saturday, it's Wordle time, and that means we're here to help, as always.

The bottom of this article features January 28's Wordle solution. If that's not why you're here, scroll down and see what's on offer here, from clues, to strategies. You'll find what you need.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans have even sprung up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for January 27.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The goal of Wordle is to have fun, and there's no right way to have fun. Just choose whatever starting word feels right to you, and don't let anyone shame you for it. However, if you want to take a more strategic approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that will spark joy. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordles used to be available for anyone to play in glorious days gone by. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It may feel as though Wordle is getting harder, but we can assure you it isn't. Conversely, if you're finding it too easy, you can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Occasionally the Wordle gods will accept two different answers on a single day, defying the accepted norm of one correct solution per day. This anomaly is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Think dating.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Nope!

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

Today's Wordle ends with the letter T.

---

Featured Video For You

---

Wordle 101: The best starting words to use and why

---

What's the answer to Wordle today?

If you want to guess today's Wordle yourself, now's the time to do so! 

Is your answer locked in?

The solution to Wordle #588 is...

FLIRT.

Don't be sad if you didn't get it this time — we still have many more Wordle puzzles ahead of us. Come back tomorrow for more helpful clues and hints!

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Russia’s Latest Pantsir Air Defense Systems to Be Used in Special Operation Zone - Source

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia’s air defense system in the zone of the special military operation in Ukraine will soon be reinforced with the latest Pantsir-SM systems, an informed source told Sputnik.

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Astronomers Confirm Detection of Oldest Galaxy Ever Observed

It has been estimated through observations and computer simulations that the universe likely contains something close to two trillion galaxies.

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DoNotPay's AI lawyer stunt cancelled after multiple state bar associations object

Last week DoNotPay CEO Joshua Browder announced that the company's AI chatbot would represent a defendant in a U.S. court, marking the first use of artificial intelligence for this purpose. Now the experiment has been cancelled, with Browder stating he's received objections from multiple state bar associations. 

"Bad news: after receiving threats from State Bar prosecutors, it seems likely they will put me in jail for 6 months if I follow through with bringing a robot lawyer into a physical courtroom," Browder tweeted on Thursday. "DoNotPay is postponing our court case and sticking to consumer rights."

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)

The plan had been to use DoNotPay's AI in a speeding case scheduled to be heard on Feb. 22. The chatbot would run on a smartphone, listening to what was being said in court before providing instructions to the anonymous defendant via an earpiece.

However, numerous state prosecutors did not respond well to DoNotPay's proposed stunt, writing to Browder to warn him that it would potentially be breaking the law. Specifically, Browder may be prosecuted for unauthorised practice of law, a crime which could put him behind bars for half a year in some states.

In light of this, Browder opted to pull the plug on the whole experiment rather than risk jail time.

"Even if it wouldn't happen, the threat of criminal charges was enough to give it up," Browder told NPR.

It's probably for the best. DoNotPay's legal chatbot was developed using OpenAI’s ChatGPT which, while no doubt sophisticated for an AI chatbot, still has significant flaws. Relying on it for anything of importance isn't the best idea at this stage.

SEE ALSO: The ChatGPT chatbot from OpenAI is amazing, creative, and totally wrong

This near miss with the wrong side of the law also appears to have DoNotPay reassessing its products. Previously the company offered computer-generated legal documents for a wide variety of issues, covering everything from child support payments to annulling a marriage. Now Browder has announced that DoNotPay will only deal with cases regarding consumer rights law going forward, removing all other services "effective immediately."

"Unlike courtroom drama, [consumer rights] cases can be handled online, are simple and are underserved," Browder tweeted. "I have realized that non-consumer rights legal products (e.g defamation demand letters, divorce agreements and others), which have very little usage, are a distraction." 

The CEO also stated that employees are currently working 18-hour days to improve DoNotPay's user experience, which doesn't seem like something to boast about.

Though DoNotPay's AI experiment would have applied AI to a new area, it wouldn't have been the first use of artificial intelligence in a U.S. courtroom. States such as New York and California have previously used the Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS) AI tool to assess whether someone is likely to reoffend, taking it into account when determining bail.

Unfortunately, even this AI software is flawed. A 2016 study by ProPublica found COMPAS is more likely to falsely score Black defendants as higher risk, while also falsely marking white defendants as lower risk. 

Artificial intelligence may seem like an exciting technology with many useful purposes. But some things are still best left to actual humans.

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Raids, Drone Strikes & Rockets: The IDF's Jenin Operation and Its Aftermath

Ten Palestinians were killed on Thursday during raids on a refugee camp in the city of Jenin, including a 61-year-old woman. It was the deadliest attack on the West Bank in two decades, according to Palestinian officials. Nine were killed in the morning hours of Thursday and the tenth during a subsequent raid on Thursday night.

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Russia's Lavrov Says Western Media 'Twisted, Distorted' His Africa Tour

MASSAWA (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday that Western media have been distorting facts while covering his tour across Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Sirens Sound in Southern Israel After Israeli Forces Carry Out Counterstrikes in Gaza Strip

A barrage of air raid sirens sounded off across southern Israel for the second time overnight Friday, mere moments after Israeli forces carried out counterstrikes against Palestinian sites in the Gaza Strip.

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Zaporozhye Authorities Slam IAEA Reports About Powerful Explosions at NPP as Provocation

SIMFEROPOL (Sputnik) - The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report about powerful explosions in the vicinity of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is not true and is a provocation, Vladimir Rogov, a member of the Zaporozhye regional administration's main council, told Sputnik on Thursday.

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Biden Vows to 'Veto Everything' That Republicans Propose on US Tax Hikes

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - President Joe Biden said he would fight his Republican rivals’ plans to tax all goods and services in the United States instead of income, saying such moves would destroy the US economy and the best jobs market in 50 years.

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Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for January 26

Thursday has arrived once again, Wordle heads, and today's puzzle is here for you to puzzle over. Today's solution is not the kind of word that will stump most players, but it's a little off kilter nonetheless. Maybe you could use a hand.

The bottom of this article features January 26's Wordle solution. If that's not why you're here, scroll down and see what's on offer here, from clues, to strategies. You'll find what you need.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans have even sprung up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for January 24.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The goal of Wordle is to have fun, and there's no right way to have fun. Just choose whatever starting word feels right to you, and don't let anyone shame you for it. However, if you want to take a more strategic approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that will spark joy. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordles used to be available for anyone to play in glorious days gone by. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It may feel as though Wordle is getting harder, but we can assure you it isn't. Conversely, if you're finding it too easy, you can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Occasionally the Wordle gods will accept two different answers on a single day, defying the accepted norm of one correct solution per day. This anomaly is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

It may be take a hearty effort to guess it.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Yep!

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

---

Featured Video For You

---

Wordle 101: The best starting words to use and why

---

What's the answer to Wordle today?

If you want to guess today's Wordle yourself, now's the time to do so! 

Is your answer locked in?

The solution to Wordle #586 is...

BEEFY.

Don't be sad if you didn't get it this time — we still have many more Wordle puzzles ahead of us. Come back tomorrow for more helpful clues and hints!

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Japan Successfully Launches New Surveillance Satellite Into Orbit - MHI Launch Services

TOKYO (Sputnik) - Japan's aerospace exploration agency JAXA on Thursday successfully launched an H-IIA Launch Vehicle to put the new IGS-Radar 7 reconnaissance satellite into orbit, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Launch Services said.

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Weapon Manufacturers Record Skyrocketing Profits From US Arm Sales in 2022

War has always been big business in the United States. According to the seminal anti-war essay "War is a Racket," gunpowder manufacturer Du Ponts saw their profits increase by more than 950% during The Great War.

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Man Suspected of Sending Letter Bombs to Ukrainian Embassy Detained in Spain

MADRID (Sputnik) - A 74-year-old man was detained in Spain on Wednesday on suspicion of sending envelopes with explosive substances, including to the US and Ukrainian embassies in Madrid, media reported.

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Meta allows Trump back on Facebook and Instagram

Get ready to see Trump posts shared on your Facebook feed again.

Meta announced on Wednesday that it would be reinstating Donald Trump's accounts on both Facebook and Instagram. The move ends the company's over two-year long suspension of Trump. 

"Two years ago, we took action in what were extreme and highly unusual circumstances," Meta's President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg said in a statement posted to the company's website, referring to Jan. 6, 2021. According to Clegg, the company's decision comes after assessing whether there was still "serious risk to public safety." 

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump has an aide who follows him on the golf course to show him positive articles

"We have evaluated the current environment according to our Crisis Policy Protocol, which included looking at the conduct of the US 2022 midterm elections, and expert assessments on the current security environment," the statement reads. "Our determination is that the risk has sufficiently receded, and that we should therefore adhere to the two-year timeline we set out."

"As such, we will be reinstating Mr. Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts in the coming weeks," it continued.

The former president had been suspended from Meta's platform in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 events, which saw a pro-Trump mob violently storm the Capitol building in an attempt to stop the certification of Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election and overturn the results in favor of Trump. In the lead up to, and during, the riots Trump had been posting incendiary messages to his followers, which resulted in his suspension from numerous social media platforms.

"We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great," Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a statement on his Facebook page at the time.

Following the suspension, Meta referred the case to its Oversight Board, which upheld the suspension but criticized the company for not making it clear if it was a permanent suspension or a temporary one. If the latter, the Oversight Board said Meta should make it clear what the timeframe was for the suspension to be lifted. Meta responded to the Oversight Board's decision by saying it would last for two years. After that, the company said it would review if the account was still a risk to public safety.

With Meta's announcement reinstating Trump, the company shared that it was adding "new guardrails" in order to "deter repeat offenses" in the future. According to Clegg, if Trump or any other reinstated account violates Meta's policies on Facebook or Instagram, there will be harsher penalties for these repeat offenses. Breaking these rules could result in the removal of content and a new suspension lasting anywhere from one month to two years, depending on the severity of the violation.

Meta says it will also limit the visibility or reach of content or even remove the ability to share posts outright that contributes to public risk, even if it doesn't break its policies outright. The company shared examples such as content that "delegitimizes an upcoming election or is related to QAnon."

The decision from Meta to restore Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts is not a surprise. Clegg had hinted at the possibility at an event in September of last year. A few months later, Elon Musk announced that Twitter would reinstate Trump's account, further giving a preview as to what Meta's future decision on Trump would likely be.

Trump has been locked into an exclusivity agreement with his own social media platform, Truth Social, so he has yet to tweet since being reinstated on Twitter last year. However, recent reports have stated that Trump was looking to end that agreement, so he could post on other social media platforms as he ramps up his 2024 presidential campaign.

Critics of Meta's decision were quick to point out how Trump has increasingly promoted far-right content on Truth Social since being suspended from Facebook.

"Today, Meta chose to put its own profits above American democracy and the real-world safety of its users," said Nicole Gill, co-founder and executive director of the advocacy nonprofit Accountable Tech in a statement provided to Mashable. "I want to be very clear: there is absolutely no justification for allowing Donald Trump back on Facebook...This is a man who used the platform to incite a deadly insurrection against the United States – and whose behavior has only gotten more dangerous in the years since. Trump has repeatedly used Truth Social to fuel violence, spread election lies, and promote domestic terrorist organizations like QAnon."

Trump currently has 34 million followers on Facebook. Furthermore, the former president's Facebook page may now also utilize Facebook ad campaigns, which were an integral part of his previous presidential campaigns.

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MTG Reportedly Looking to Serve as Trump's Running Mate in 2024 Election Bid

The firebrand representative has long been a darling of the far-right but has been making inroads with the establishment wing of the Republican Party recently.

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Russia's Ambassador Antonov: US Abrams Tanks Delivered to Ukraine Will Be Destroyed

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Tuesday, following reports on the supply of Abrams tanks to Ukraine by Washington, that the delivery will become another "blatant provocation" against Russia and warned the Russian military would destroy the equipment.

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Video: Tornado Leaves Path of Destruction in Texas Amid Severe Thunderstorm Blast

The structural damage from the tornado is being labeled as “catastrophic” according to local law enforcement. One person was reported to be injured thus far, but the city’s mayor is saying the damage is far-reaching, and that some buildings have collapsed as a result.

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'Not Anything Political': House Speaker McCarthy Boots Democrats Schiff, Swalwell From Intel Panel

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unilaterally blocked Democratic Congressmen Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell from serving on the House Intelligence Committee in an attempt to restore credibility to the panel, the lawmaker said in a statement.

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Adult Swim dumps 'Rick and Morty' co-creator and star Justin Roiland after domestic violence charges

Adult Swim has cut ties with Rick and Morty co-creator and star Justin Roiland, and is moving forward with the cult show's new season without him. The announcement comes in the wake of felony domestic violence charges against Roiland being made public.

Roiland's presumably involuntary departure was revealed in a post on the official Rick and Morty Twitter account on Tuesday. The post was subsequently retweeted by the official Adult Swim account.

"Adult Swim has ended its association with Justin Roiland," the account wrote in a black and white text image. "Rick and Morty will continue. The talented and dedicated crew are hard at work on Season 7."

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)

In addition to co-creating and executive producing Rick and Morty, Roiland has provided the voice for both title characters for all six seasons of the show thus far. A spokesperson for Adult Swim's parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has said these roles will now be recast.

Roiland was charged with domestic violence in May 2020, however the public wasn't made aware of the case until he appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing earlier this month. NBC News reported that the 42-year-old has pleaded not guilty to two felonies: domestic battery with corporal injury, and false imprisonment by menace, fraud, violence, or deceit. His hearing is currently scheduled for Apr. 27.

SEE ALSO: 'Rick and Morty' fans, Adult Swim's messed up horror short will haunt you

Adult Swim ordered at least 70 more episodes of Rick and Morty back in 2018, signing a long term deal with Roiland and co-creator Dan Harmon. The show has since released 30 episodes across three seasons, meaning more than half of that original 70-episode order will now be made with a new cast.

UPDATE: Jan. 25, 2023, 12:02 p.m. AEDT High on Life developer Squanch Games has just announced it is also no longer working with Roiland. "On January 16, 2023, Squanch Games received Justin Roiland's resignation," the studio announced via Twitter. "The passionate team at Squanch will keep developing games we know our fans will love while continuing to support and improve High on Life." Released in December last year, High on Life is a first-person shooter based on a concept by Roiland, who was heavily involved in its development.

Tweet may have been deleted (opens in a new tab)

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Peru’s Boluarte Refuses to Bow to Popular Demands, Calls for ‘National Truce’ Instead

The embattled and highly-controversial leader took pains to cast herself as a reasonable actor in Peru’s ongoing unrest but wouldn’t meet demonstrators’ number one demand: her resignation.

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US Sues Google for 15 Years of Monopoly, Advertising Abuse

NEW YORK (Sputnik) - The Justice Department and the attorney-generals of eight US states filed a joint lawsuit against Google, determining to end its 15 years of monopoly of the internet through alleged abuses of the digital advertising space.

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Dozens of Peruvians Detained in Draconian Crackdown Released Amid International Outcry

Demonstrators who were jailed in an alarming mass detention were released after influential observers at home and abroad reacted with horror to the coup-borne regime’s latest human rights transgression.

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'Harley Quinn' Valentine's Day special trailer reveals she's so good at sex that it's a problem

HBO Max has released a trailer for the upcoming Harley Quinn Valentine's Day special, giving us a look at Harley and Poison Ivy's romantic plans getting thoroughly derailed by an excellent railing. They clearly don't have the same sexual hangups as Batman.

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special follows Harley and Ivy's first Valentine's Day as a couple, with the duo's relationship still going strong by the end of season 3. While Ivy is content keeping the celebrations low-key, Harley is thrilled at the opportunity to do "cheesy shit" with her girlfriend, and determined to make it "the best VD ever!"

This apparently involves making Ivy orgasm so hard that she loses control of her powers and makes everyone start fornicating in the streets.

"Oh, you can't possibly be mad at me for getting you off too good," Harley says in her own defence. "That is not a thing!"

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special premieres Feb. 9 on HBO Max.

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UN Humanitarian Agency: Afghanistan Faces Real Risk of ‘Systemic Collapse’

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Afghanistan is on the verge of systemic implosion with two-thirds of the population now in need of assistance, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a new report.

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Biden & Neocon War on Russia Leading World to Annihilation, Global Peace Activist Warns

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - President Joe Biden has surrounded himself with hardline neocons and together they are waging a war on Russia in Ukraine that is leading the world towards nuclear annihilation, anti-nuclear campaigner and peace activist, Dr. Helen Caldicott, told Sputnik.

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Biden’s Approval Drops as Classified Document Crisis Envelops White House

US President Joe Biden is nearing his lowest approval rating in months, new surveys indicate.

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How to unblock and watch HBO Max with a VPN

SAVE 49%: Access your HBO subscription from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN. A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £83.90 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time.

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Your HBO Max subscription is not able to travel around the world with you, so if you want to sign in from one of the many countries not included on this list, you'll need to use a streaming-friendly VPN to unblock and watch HBO Max.

With a VPN, you can hide your real IP address and connect to a secure server in a location that supports HBO Max. Then you won't be blocked when you next attempt to sign in to your favourite streaming platform, because HBO Max will think you are based in an approved country. It's a simple trick, but it's effective.

The process is not as simple if you don't already have a subscription to HBO Max. Most of HBO's leading shows are also available on other platforms, but it also has plenty of exclusives that you can't find elsewhere. If you desperately want to subscribe to HBO Max from a location that doesn't support the service, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Open up the VPN of your choice on your iOS/Android device and connect to a server in the U.S.

2. Create an Apple ID/Google Play account

3. Register your account on the app store

4. Download and install the HBO Max app

5. Create a new account in the HBO Max app with your email address and password

6. Pay with your UK PayPal account

There are a few VPNs out there that can handle this task, but ExpressVPN is probably the best for streaming. Users get strong connection speeds, powerful levels of encryption, and access to thousands of secure servers located all around the world. You can also connect up to five devices simultaneously with the same account.

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £83.90 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock HBO Max with the best deal on ExpressVPN.

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Credit: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) (opens in a new tab)

£83.90 only at ExpressVPN

(opens in a new tab)

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Ex-Roscosmos CEO Says He Has Detailed Information on Weapon Used in Donetsk Attack

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The former CEO of Russian space agency Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, told Sputnik that satellite imagery had helped spot the howitzer from which he was attacked in Donetsk.

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Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for January 22

Have you heard the good Wordle? A new puzzle is ready for you to tackle this Sunday, offering you the chance to win a sweet sense of accomplishment. As such, we've come up with a few hints and tips to help you along if you get stuck.

If you prefer to just find out the solution straight up, you can jump to the bottom of this article for January 22's Wordle solution revealed. But if you prefer to work through it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to help you out.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans have even sprung up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for January 21.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The goal of Wordle is to have fun, and there's no right way to have fun. Just choose whatever starting word feels right to you, and don't let anyone shame you for it. However, if you want to take a more strategic approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that will spark joy. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordles used to be available for anyone to play in glorious days gone by. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It may feel as though Wordle is getting harder, but we can assure you it isn't. Conversely, if you're finding it too easy, you can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Occasionally the Wordle gods will accept two different answers on a single day, defying the accepted norm of one correct solution per day. This anomaly is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Think pirates.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Not today!

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

---

Featured Video For You

---

Wordle 101: The best starting words to use and why

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What's the answer to Wordle today?

If you want to guess today's Wordle yourself, now's the time to do so! 

Is your answer locked in?

The solution to Wordle #582 is...

MATEY.

Don't be sad if you didn't get it this time — we still have many more Wordle puzzles ahead of us. Come back tomorrow for more helpful clues and hints!

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