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Apple's new iPad Pro will have an OLED display and new keyboard, report says

Apple is working on a new generation of iPad Pro devices, and it might be one of the biggest updates the company's tablet has received in years.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new iPad Pro devices, which are likely to be launched in the spring or summer of 2024, will have OLED displays. Currently, the 11-inch iPad Pro has an LCD display, while the larger, 12.9-inch model has a mini-LED display; switching to OLED displays should provide deeper blacks, more accurate colors, higher brightness, and (perhaps) improved battery life.

Gurman also says that the larger iPad Pro will measure 13 inches, a small but noticeable upgrade. Notably, the report doesn't mention the previously rumored, extra-large iPad Pro. It also echoes a 2022 report from analyst Ross Young, who claimed that Apple will launch slightly larger iPad Pro devices with OLED displays in 2024.

The new iPad Pro models will reportedly have Apple's new M3 chip, as well as the optional Magic Keyboard with a larger trackpad and other improvements.

The iPad Pro definitely needs a breath of fresh air. The current variant has been updated in 2022 but the changes were minor. And while it's unclear when, exactly, the new iPad Pro is coming, Gurman is quite certain that it won't be part of Apple's upcoming September event, where the company will probably launch new iPhones.

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for August 28

New day, new wek, new Wordle puzzle to solve — and would you look at that? It's the 800th one. Where did the days go? It seems like only yesterday we were being confused by those green and yellow squares popping up on what used to be Twitter. Sigh. We're still here for you, as we are every day, with some tips and tricks to help you figure out the solution.

If you just want to be told today's answer, you can jump to the end of this article for August 28's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that brings you the most joy. But if you like being strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. 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 might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it has rebelled against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This 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.

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

It's closely related to how you play Wordle.

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 W.

What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #800 is...

WRITE.

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

'Quordle' today: Here are the answers and hints for August 28, 2023

If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you've come to the right place for hints. There aren't just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you'll get what you need.

What is Quordle?

Quordle is a five-letter word guessing game similar to Wordle, except each guess applies letters to four words at the same time. You get nine guesses instead of six to correctly guess all four words. It looks like playing four Wordle games at the same time, and that is essentially what it is. But it's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.

Is Quordle harder than Wordle?

Yes, though not diabolically so.

Where did Quordle come from?

Amid the Wordle boom of late 2021 and early 2022, when everyone was learning to love free, in-browser, once-a-day word guessing games, creator Freddie Meyer says he took inspiration from one of the first big Wordle variations, Dordle — the one where you essentially play two Wordles at once. He took things up a notch, and released Quordle on January 30. Meyer's creation was covered in The Guardian six days later, and now, according to Meyer, it attracts millions of daily users. Today, Meyer earns modest revenue from Patreon, where dedicated Quordle fans can donate to keep their favorite puzzle game running. 

How is Quordle pronounced?

“Kwordle.” It should rhyme with “Wordle,” and definitely should not be pronounced exactly like "curdle.”

Is Quordle strategy different from Wordle?

Yes and no.

Your starting strategy should be the same as with Wordle. In fact, if you have a favorite Wordle opening word, there’s no reason to change that here. We suggest something rich in vowels, featuring common letters like C, R, and N. But you do you.

After your first guess, however, you’ll notice things getting out of control if you play Quordle exactly like Wordle.

What should I do in Quordle that I don’t do in Wordle?

Solving a Wordle puzzle can famously come down to a series of single letter-change variations. If you’ve narrowed it down to “-IGHT,” you could guess “MIGHT” “NIGHT” “LIGHT” and “SIGHT” and one of those will probably be the solution — though this is also a famous way to end up losing in Wordle, particularly if you play on “hard mode.” In Quordle, however, this sort of single-letter winnowing is a deadly trap, and it hints at the important strategic difference between Wordle and Quordle: In Quordle, you can't afford to waste guesses unless you're eliminating as many letters as possible at all times. 

Guessing a completely random word that you already know isn't the solution, just to eliminate three or four possible letters you haven’t tried yet, is thought of as a desperate, latch-ditch move in Wordle. In Quordle, however, it's a normal part of the player's strategic toolset.

Is there a way to get the answer faster?

In my experience Quordle can be a slow game, sometimes dragging out longer than it would take to play Wordle four times. But a sort of blunt-force guessing approach can speed things up. The following strategy also works with Wordle if you only want the solution, and don’t care about having the fewest possible guesses:

Try starting with a series of words that puts all the vowels (including Y) on the board, along with some other common letters. We've had good luck with the three words: “NOTES,” “ACRID,” and “LUMPY.” YouTuber DougMansLand suggests four words: “CANOE,” “SKIRT,” “PLUMB,” and “FUDGY.”

Most of the alphabet is now eliminated, and you’ll only have the ability to make one or two wrong guesses if you use this strategy. But in most cases you’ll have all the information you need to guess the remaining words without any wrong guesses.

If strategy isn't helping, and you're still stumped, here are some hints:

Are there any double or triple letters in today’s Quordle words?

One word has a double letter.

Are any rare letters being used in today’s Quordle like Q or Z?

No.

What do today’s Quordle words start with?

P, A, F, and F.

What are the answers for today’s Quordle?

Are you sure you want to know?

There’s still time to turn back.

OK, you asked for it. The answers are:

1. PAINT

2. ALLOY

3. FORTY

4. FIBER

Charge 3 Apple devices with this $19 cable

TL;DR: As of Aug. 27, you can get the three-in-one USB-C, iPhone, and Apple Watch Lightning charging cable for just $18.99 (reg. $39.99) in the Mashable Shop — a savings of 52%.

Whether you’re at work or on the road, it can be really annoying to need a separate charger for each of your devices. A simpler alternative is just to carry one charger that can connect to all your daily tech. And iOS users could get a whole lot of mileage out of the three-in-one USB-C, iPhone, and Apple Watch Lightning charging cable. Plus, it’s 52% off.

Apple gave iPads a USB-C port but hasn’t done the same for iPhones yet, so now you can’t use the same cable for your tablet and your phone. Add in an Apple Watch, and that’s three separate chargers unless you have one of these. Power all three of your devices with this one cable that has connectors for Lightning, USB-C, and Apple Watch. 

This three-headed cable is 48 inches long with a sturdy build that might put your fraying stock Apple cables to shame. The build quality is especially important when you’re relying on one cable for all your devices. This one is designed to be heat-resistant and is made from braided nylon, TPE plastic, and an aluminum shell. Plus, it’s lightweight, and the charger heads only split close to the end to limit tangles. 

Whether you’re packing up for vacation or getting ready for a long workday, you should only need to bring one charger to power your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. 

For a limited time, get the three-in-one USB-C, iPhone, and Apple Watch Lightning charging cable on sale for $18.99 (reg. $39). 

Prices subject to change.

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Credit: Tech Zebra

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Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for August 27

It's Sunday, and while you're picking your next period drama to obsess over today, there's another Wordle puzzle to solve. We're here for you, as we are every day, with some tips and tricks to help you figure out the solution.

If you just want to be told today's answer, you can jump to the end of this article for August 27's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for Aug 26.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that brings you the most joy. But if you like being strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. 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 might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it has rebelled against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This 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.

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

✌️

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Yes, both vowels.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #799 is...

PEACE.

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

'Quordle' today: Here are the answers and hints for August 27, 2023

If Quordle is a little too challenging today, you've come to the right place for hints. There aren't just hints here, but the whole Quordle solution. Scroll to the bottom of this page, and there it is. But are you sure you need all four answers? Maybe you just need a strategy guide. Either way, scroll down, and you'll get what you need.

What is Quordle?

Quordle is a five-letter word guessing game similar to Wordle, except each guess applies letters to four words at the same time. You get nine guesses instead of six to correctly guess all four words. It looks like playing four Wordle games at the same time, and that is essentially what it is. But it's not nearly as intimidating as it sounds.

Is Quordle harder than Wordle?

Yes, though not diabolically so.

Where did Quordle come from?

Amid the Wordle boom of late 2021 and early 2022, when everyone was learning to love free, in-browser, once-a-day word guessing games, creator Freddie Meyer says he took inspiration from one of the first big Wordle variations, Dordle — the one where you essentially play two Wordles at once. He took things up a notch, and released Quordle on January 30. Meyer's creation was covered in The Guardian six days later, and now, according to Meyer, it attracts millions of daily users. Today, Meyer earns modest revenue from Patreon, where dedicated Quordle fans can donate to keep their favorite puzzle game running. 

How is Quordle pronounced?

“Kwordle.” It should rhyme with “Wordle,” and definitely should not be pronounced exactly like "curdle.”

Is Quordle strategy different from Wordle?

Yes and no.

Your starting strategy should be the same as with Wordle. In fact, if you have a favorite Wordle opening word, there’s no reason to change that here. We suggest something rich in vowels, featuring common letters like C, R, and N. But you do you.

After your first guess, however, you’ll notice things getting out of control if you play Quordle exactly like Wordle.

What should I do in Quordle that I don’t do in Wordle?

Solving a Wordle puzzle can famously come down to a series of single letter-change variations. If you’ve narrowed it down to “-IGHT,” you could guess “MIGHT” “NIGHT” “LIGHT” and “SIGHT” and one of those will probably be the solution — though this is also a famous way to end up losing in Wordle, particularly if you play on “hard mode.” In Quordle, however, this sort of single-letter winnowing is a deadly trap, and it hints at the important strategic difference between Wordle and Quordle: In Quordle, you can't afford to waste guesses unless you're eliminating as many letters as possible at all times. 

Guessing a completely random word that you already know isn't the solution, just to eliminate three or four possible letters you haven’t tried yet, is thought of as a desperate, latch-ditch move in Wordle. In Quordle, however, it's a normal part of the player's strategic toolset.

Is there a way to get the answer faster?

In my experience Quordle can be a slow game, sometimes dragging out longer than it would take to play Wordle four times. But a sort of blunt-force guessing approach can speed things up. The following strategy also works with Wordle if you only want the solution, and don’t care about having the fewest possible guesses:

Try starting with a series of words that puts all the vowels (including Y) on the board, along with some other common letters. We've had good luck with the three words: “NOTES,” “ACRID,” and “LUMPY.” YouTuber DougMansLand suggests four words: “CANOE,” “SKIRT,” “PLUMB,” and “FUDGY.”

Most of the alphabet is now eliminated, and you’ll only have the ability to make one or two wrong guesses if you use this strategy. But in most cases you’ll have all the information you need to guess the remaining words without any wrong guesses.

If strategy isn't helping, and you're still stumped, here are some hints:

Are there any double or triple letters in today’s Quordle words?

No.

Are any rare letters being used in today’s Quordle like Q or Z?

No.

What do today’s Quordle words start with?

V, B, S, and S.

What are the answers for today’s Quordle?

Are you sure you want to know?

There’s still time to turn back.

OK, you asked for it. The answers are:

1. VOWEL

2. BLUNT

3. STOKE

4. SHADY

Wildlife officials say SpaceX launch left behind significant damage

SpaceX's Starship launch this past April was a big success. Yes, the rocket ship exploded, which at the time was the focus of most criticism. But, as experts have explained, that was a planned part of Elon Musk's highly-subsidized space exploration company's milestone achievement.

The real failure of SpaceX's Starship, however, is now coming fully to light in the months following the launch.

According to a new report by Bloomberg, the Starship launch left behind devastating destruction to the local environment, as reported by U.S. Wildlife officials following an investigation of the site shortly after the launch. These reports by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists were obtained by the news outlet via a Freedom of Information Act request.

Wildlife officials note that upon surveying the scene after Starship's launch, they found chunks of concrete across the area and foot-deep craters on the tidal flats. The report states that four acres of the nearby Texas state park were burned. A group of blue land crabs and seven bobwhite quail eggs were "incinerated" by the launch. 

Overall, the explosion from the launch "left a 385-acre debris field that flung concrete chunks as far as 2,680 feet from the launchpad and sparked a 3.5-acre fire."

There had been concern for years about the proximity of SpaceX's rocket base to endangered species, including a loggerhead sea turtles nesting beach. A group of environmental groups sued the FAA following SpaceX's April launch, claiming the agency failed to perform an adequate environmental review. As for the harmed species, U.S. wildlife biologists did not find any deceased endangered animal life.

However, biologists note that their investigation into this matter was greatly hindered by SpaceX. Wildlife officials were not allowed into the site area until a whole 48 hours after Starship's launch. This means that any possible animal life that was killed could've been previously removed from the site, washed away by the currents, or eaten by other animals before experts could properly document the aftermath.

Much of the damage was caused by a purposeful decision from SpaceX that seemingly baffled experts in the documents. SpaceX did not use flame-suppression technology like a flame diverter or flame trench, a standard in the industry that redirects energy away from the rocket ship. Without it, Starship blew a hole in the ground underneath it, subsequently destroying its launchpad.

The FAA is currently reviewing an investigation into the launch and has temporarily grounded further attempts. But one Wildlife official noted in the documents that it's likely SpaceX won't be ready for another launch anytime soon.

"Pad site was totally destroyed and will likely force them to re-design the whole thing," the official wrote. "Probably won't see another launch for a while."

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Tech billionaires are buying up land in San Francisco to build their own utopia

For years, a little-known company by the name of Flannery Associates has been buying up undeveloped land directly northeast of San Francisco in Solano County. Hundreds of landowners who have received offers for their properties, many times more than what the land is actually valued, have wondered exactly who is behind these real estate purchases — now thousands of acres of rolling hills.

A new report from the New York Times details what's going on here: A group of tech elites have come together to buy up land in an attempt to create a city of their own. The group includes tech billionaires like Marc Andreessen of the VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. (The firm Andreessen Horowitz itself is also an investor.) Other notable names like Chris Dixon, who leads Andreessen Horowitz's crypto fund, as well as the founders of the payment company Stripe have invested. Even Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Job's politically-active widow, is involved.

According to the report, the mastermind behind Flannery Associates is a 36-year-old former Goldman Sachs trader named Jan Sramek. A quick search of Sramek's name pulls up a flurry of glowing articles on the former investment banker from about a decade ago. In those days he was in his 20s, and for a moment he was a sort of golden child in the finance world.

A 2017 pitch from Flannery Associates breaks down what the company claims its looking to do: "Take an arid patch of brown hills cut by a two-lane highway between suburbs and rural land, and convert [it] into a community with tens of thousands of residents, clean energy, public transportation and dense urban life."

In light of its agreeable stated intentions, it's odd that Flannery Associates' has chosen to keep the locals living in the area in the dark about what it's attempting until very recently. The company has been operating in such secrecy that even local Congresspeople couldn't figure out the identity of those behind it. 

However, the company lifted its cloak of anonymity just this past week, reaching out to public officials and requesting meetings to discuss its plans.

Why? The reason is likely because Flannery Associates has been mostly buying up farmland and other property that's not actually zoned for residential use. That means it's going to need to lobby officials and convince the locals to vote on a rezoning effort. The company is hoping the promise of jobs, new homes and public spaces will win them over.

But current residents just need to look dozens of miles south at Silicon Valley to see who a city that caters to the whims of the tech elite ends up actually being for.

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Confused about federal student loan forgiveness? Here's what you need to know.

With a cumulative federal student loan debt of $1.6 trillion held by more than 45 million borrowers — an almost unfathomable figure shared periodically by the federal government — the nation and its post-graduate borrowers are pining for some relief. 

Student loan forgiveness has been a hot congressional topic, peaking in response to the added financial constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic and successive attempts by federal actors to alleviate, or continue, the often devastating loan burden. 

As the nation's student loan debt is used as a political bargaining chip, the potential for confusion is high amid the changing programs, complex payment processes, and sheer volume of loans, payment plans, and economic policies — especially as promises of forgiveness are pledged and struck down. 

Here's the rundown of where student loan forgiveness, and repayment, stand. 

Are student loan repayments still paused? 

On March 13, 2020, addressing rising concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden issued an official administrative forbearance, or pause, on federal student loan payments. The administration also set all interest, which would normally accrue even while loans were in a forbearance period, to zero percent. The pause did not apply to privately-held student loans. 

In 2021, the administration and the acting secretary of education extended the student loan repayment pause and zero interest, writing, "Too many Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities and to provide for their families. They should not be forced to choose between paying their student loans and putting food on the table." The U.S. Department of Education also extended the parameters of the forbearance to include some privately-held loans, such as those under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. 

With this announcement, the continued forbearance applied to all federal Direct Loans (defaulted and nondefaulted), FFEL Program loans (defaulted and nondefaulted), Federal Perkins Loans (defaulted and nondefaulted), defaulted FFEL Program loans not held by the Department of Education, and defaulted loans through the Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL) program.

The pause was extended several more times through 2022 and early 2023, despite continued pressure from congressional Republicans. In May, as part of a legislative deal to raise the national debt ceiling, the forbearance period was called to an end, and Biden was blocked from extending the period yet again.

Student loan interest will begin accruing again on Sept. 1, 2023. Student loan payments will restart in October. 

What's the status of Biden's $400-billion forgiveness plan?

In 2022, Biden announced the biggest student loan forgiveness plan yet, pledging to forgive up to $20,000 for individual lower- to middle-income borrowers. The forgiveness plan relied on the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act of 2003, which gives the secretary of education authority to adjust student loans in response to a national emergency. Under this one-time plan, borrowers earning less than $125,000 annually would be eligible for $10,000 in loan forgiveness after applying. Borrowers who had taken out need-based Pell Grants could apply for an additional $10,000 cancellation, for a total loan forgiveness of $20,000. 

Following an application period in October 2022, 16 million Americans were approved for the forgiveness plan, but the Biden administration's effort was quickly met by several legal challenges. Many borrowers were also confused by a series of emails that incorrectly identified eligible borrowers. 

In February, two lawsuits issued against Biden's plan went to the Supreme Court, challenging Biden's use of the HEROES Act. The first case (Biden v. Nebraska) was issued collectively by six states: Nebraska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Carolina. The second (Department of Education v. Brown) is a Texas-based case issued on behalf of two individual borrowers. 

In June, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the states in Biden v. Nebraska, deciding that federal law does not allow the Biden administration to unilaterally cancel student debt. 

Because of this decision, the $400-billion forgiveness plan has been canceled. Student loan forgiveness cannot move forward under this plan, even if an individual submitted an application and was deemed eligible for forgiveness. 

What is Biden's SAVE plan?

Immediately following the court decision, the Biden administration announced a new repayment plan, intended to create an affordable payment option for the majority of borrowers. Known as the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, the income-driven repayment plan "will cut borrowers' monthly payments in half, allow many borrowers to make $0 monthly payments, save all other borrowers at least $1,000 per year, and ensure borrowers don't see their balances grow from unpaid interest," according to the White House. 

Details of the plan include:

• Borrowers earning under 225 percent of the federal poverty level — the annual equivalent of a $15 minimum wage, according to the Department of Education — will not have to make monthly payments. 

• Undergraduate loan payments will be cut from 10 percent to five percent of the borrower's discretionary income. 

• For borrowers with starting loans of $12,000 or less, remaining loan balances will be forgiven after 10 years of payments, rather than 20. 

• Borrowers won't be charged with unpaid monthly interest.

While student loan repayment begins in October, the new lowered payments under the SAVE plan will not go into effect until July 2024. 

All student borrowers in repayment will be eligible to enroll in the SAVE plan. Borrowers already enrolled in a Revised Pay as You Earn (REPAYE) plan will be automatically enrolled in the new SAVE plan. To learn more, read through the SAVE plan fact sheet or visit the income-driven repayment plan site.

Interested borrowers can now apply for the SAVE plan under the updated income-driven repayment application.

Who is affected by the recent student loan settlements?

In addition to the ongoing efforts to cancel federal student loan debt for general borrowers, civil settlements might affect those with both federal and private loans. 

On July 25, the Biden administration approved $14.7 billion in debt relief for 1.1 million student loan borrowers "whose colleges took advantage of them or closed abruptly." It also announced it would be forgiving $130 million in student debt for 7,400 borrowers who attended CollegeAmerica, a now-defunct private institution that was accused of misleading borrowers about loans.

In April, the U.S. Supreme Court gave the green light to a $6-billion student loan debt cancellation settlement brought forth by students of 151 for-profit educational and vocational institutions. After these institutions were found to be misleading their student borrowers and saddling them with higher debt, the Department of Education pledged to forgive the debts of affected borrowers. 

Eligible borrowers who attended one of these colleges and applied for a borrower defense loan discharge — a federal claim on behalf of borrowers who allege they were defrauded by their schools — on or before June 22, 2022, are entitled to automatic relief. Some borrowers may also be reimbursed for previous payments. 

Visit the Federal Student Aid or Department of Education sites to learn more about ongoing cases and recent borrower defense updates. 

Are there any other forgiveness plans in the works?

In an announcement following the Supreme Court decision, Biden announced a potential path forward for nationwide student loan forgiveness under the Higher Education Act of 1965, a similar provision to the first law invoked for student loan forgiveness but with more expansive language, giving the secretary of education the authority to "compromise, waive, or release any right, title, claim, lien, or demand, however acquired, including any equity or any right of redemption." Some congressional Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have argued for using this law to grant widespread student loan forgiveness.

Tweet may have been deleted

As of July, the Biden administration has yet to provide further information about this route.  

Status of Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans

In April 2022, the Biden administration and Department of Education announced that the department would retroactively help borrowers who struggled to repay student loans due to poorly managed Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, following several investigative reports and lawsuits alleging administrative failures left borrowers in decades-long limbo. At the time, the department planned to apply a "one-time account adjustment" to give borrowers credit for any time spent in what it considers unjustifiably long forbearances. It would also provide immediate debt cancellation for at least 40,000 borrowers who now qualified for Public Service Loan Forgiveness under new guidelines. Several thousand borrowers would also qualify for debt cancellation under adjusted IDR. 

In July, Biden formally announced an even larger IDR borrower pool, with a total of $39 billion in federal student loan debt relief. Borrowers are eligible if they have accumulated the equivalent of either 20 or 25 years of qualifying months, the U.S. Department of Education explains. Distribution of the automatic payments began in August for more than 804,000 borrowers, with eligible borrowers receiving notification directly from their loan servicer via email.

Assistance for the majority of federal student loan holders

Following the cancellation of Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, the Department of Education announced it would be instituting a 12-month "on-ramp" period for borrowers whose payments would resume in October. During this period — running from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024 — "financially vulnerable" borrowers will not be considered delinquent, reported to credit bureaus, placed in default, or referred to debt collection agencies if they miss a monthly payment.

Federal resources 

For more information on the status of your personal loans, visit the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website, as well as the website of your loan servicer. Servicer information can be found on your Federal Student Aid profile. 

For general information on federal student loans, visit the FSA Loan Repayment Page.

Learn more about how to avoid falling for student loan repayment scams as you revisit your repayment plans. 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also provides resources on student loans and repayment, including the basics on finding information on your personal loans, deciding between repayment options, and even a guide to key terms borrowers will come across. 

Additional resources

While borrowers should turn towards the Department of Education, a Federal Student Aid site, or their own loan servicer directly for information, reputable third-party sites may provide additional context for student loan borrowing and payment.  

Financial websites like NerdWallet publish a variety of student loan resources, including accessible guides to repayment plans; NerdWallet also hosts a podcast, Smart Money, that dives into the student loan debate. 

The American Bar Association has published a list of organizations, like the National Consumer Law Center's Student Loan Borrower Assistance Project and Equal Justice Works, that provide both information and support for borrowers. 

Advocacy groups and nonprofits like the Student Debt Crisis Center, which advocates for debt-free education and the cancellation of nationwide student debt, also provide resources for student loan borrowers.

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Mashable will update this story as the status of federal student loan forgiveness continues to change.

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UPDATE: Aug. 25, 2023, 2:30 p.m. EDT This story, originally published in July 2023, was updated in August 2023 with additional information on the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans.

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Snag luxurious Bose headphones 700 for $80 off at Amazon right now

SAVE $80: As of August 25, the Bose headphones 700 are on sale at Amazon for $299, down from $379.

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Credit: Bose

Bose headphones 700 (silver)

$299 at Amazon (save $80)

Get Deal

A high-quality pair of headphones can enhance all of your listening experiences. Whether you want to have great sound as you work, study, or catch up with friends, it's smart to get the best headphones you can find. If you've been wanting to snag a pair of Bose wireless headphones, there's a deal today that just might put them in your grasp.

As of August 25, the Bose headphones 700 (silver) are on sale at Amazon for only $299. That's $80 lower than the asking price of $379 and will save you 21%. You can also get these headphones in black at the same price.

These wireless headphones are made with tilted ear cups and a stainless steel headband for maximum comfort. They offer up to 11 active noise-canceling levels so you can focus or let some sound in as you take walks. Bose designed these headphones to offer deep bass and crisp treble for an immersive experience.

A 20-hour battery life ensures you can enjoy your music and audio or take calls all day (and night) long. Busy folks will also appreciate features such as one-touch listening to Spotify (with iOS devices only for now), and the ability to sync to Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free multitasking.

Bose headphones offer professional sound quality, which makes this deal worth checking out while it's available.

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Stream everything you love with a new Fire TV device on sale at Amazon

Looking for a new streaming solution? Select Amazon Fire TV streaming devices are on sale now. Here are the best Amazon Fire TV streaming device deals as of August 24, just in time for the return of fall TV.

• BEST FIRE TV STICK: The Fire TV Stick 4K Max packs WiFi 6 and 40% more streaming power into a small package — $26.99 $54.99 (save 51%)

• BEST BUDGET FIRE TV STICK: The Fire TV Stick is a budget pick that can handle all your streaming needs and more — $24.99 $39.99 (save 38%)

• BEST FIRE TV SPLURGE: The Fire TV Cube is the most powerful Fire TV device Amazon has to offer, with WiFi 6 support and an octa-core processor — $119.99 $139.99 (save 30%)

Looking for a new streaming device? You've got several choices, like Roku, Google's Chromecast, or Amazon's Fire TV lineup. Their streaming sticks and other devices are great options for just about any user. They're super easy to set up and they also go on sale pretty often — like right now!

As of August 24, there are several Fire TV streaming devices on sale for up to 51% off. You can snag the latest and greatest addition to the line, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, for just $26.99. You could also opt for the Fire TV Stick or the Fire TV Cube.

Whether you're gearing up for a movie marathon or just want an easier time streaming your favorite shows, now's a great time to bring home a Fire TV Stick and start your next binge-watching sesh.

Best Fire TV Stick

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Credit: Amazon

Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

$26.99 at Amazon (save $28)

Get Deal

Why we like it

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max comes packing 40% more streaming power and WiFi 6, which makes it the best of the Fire TV offerings. While it's usually a bit more cost-prohibitive than the other models in the line (but barely more than a regular Fire Stick today), it's well worth the extra cash with improved navigation, support for 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio. Plus, it can connect to your Echo smart home devices.

Best budget Fire TV Stick

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Credit: Amazon

Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick

$24.99 at Amazon (save $15)

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Why we like it

The Fire TV Stick is a great base streaming option for just about anyone. Amazon says the latest model is 50% more powerful than its previous generation and it offers full HD streaming, so whether you're watching Love is Blind or The Super Mario Bros. Movie everything looks crisp and colorful. However, if a couple of bucks doesn't matter too much to you, it's best to grab the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (above) over this model while they're both on sale.

Best Fire TV splurge

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Credit: Amazon

Our pick: Amazon Fire TV Cube

$199.99 at Amazon (save $20)

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Why we like it

The Fire TV Cube is the fastest Fire TV device you'll find. It boasts an octa-core processor that Amazon claims is two times as powerful as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, with 4K HD and Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos support. It also supports WiFi 6. Not only can you control streaming services with it, but it comes with a built-in mic and speakers so it can be used as a media hub as well. It's by far the priciest of the Fire TV options, but well worth it if you want the best of the best.

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Light up the night with a JBL Partybox speaker for $100 off

SAVE $100: As of August 24, the JBL Partybox is on sale for $299.99 at Walmart, down from its MSRP of $399.95. That's a savings of 25%.

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Credit: JBL

JBL Partybox Bluetooth speaker

$299.99 at Walmart (save $99.96)

Get Deal

From outdoor gatherings to indoor listening, a high-quality Bluetooth speaker can quickly create a fun ambiance. If you've been looking for a reliable, powerful speaker that can handle all kinds of social settings—and give off good vibes with glowing neon lights—then this deal might be for you.

As of August 24, the JBL Partybox Bluetooth speaker is on sale at Walmart for $299.99, down from its MSRP of $399.95 at the JBL store. That's a savings of $99.96, or 25% off. Enjoy an immersive experience with big sound thanks to features such as JBL Original Pro Sound technology and two levels of Bass Boost. Plus, the JBL Partybox has an input for a guitar or microphone so you can have a concert (or epic karaoke night) at home.

The JBL Partybox includes colorful LED lights that will transform any room or yard into party central, and this Bluetooth speaker won't die and kill the vibes in the middle of the evening because it boasts a battery life of up to 12 hours. It also has IPX4 water resistance, which means some raindrops won't stop the beat. Plus, the PartyBox app lets you play with settings and control the playlist (and queue up special song requests) right from your phone.

Check out this deal on the ultimate party accessory while it's still available.

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The TCL RayNeo X2 is the all-in-one smart assistant

These glasses are the first in the world of Augmented Reality. The TCL RayNeo X2 glasses use AR to display assistant features. With the use of MicroLEDs in both lenses of the glasses the RayNeo X2 displays information right in front of your eyes. Smart GPS navigation can be used to locate a desired location. Auto translation text can be displayed to understand a foreign language or text. Take phone calls, listen to music, and capture photos and video change the way you look at the world with the RayNeo X2.

Where have the Good Omens 2 characters been since Season 1?

Mashable supervising producer Mark Stetson sits down with the cast of Good Omens to discuss where their characters are in season two.

These interviews were conducted before the SAG-AFTRA strike.

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10,000 feet down, scientists find 'enormous' octopus colony

In the lightless deep sea, an octopus settlement thrives atop a tranquil volcano.

Scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute sent a deep ocean robot to an "octopus garden" located some 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) below the ocean's surface, in a dark marine region dubbed the "midnight zone." Here, the only natural light comes from glowing critters.

The deep sea scientists captured high-resolution imagery, shown below, on the recent journey to the Davidson Seamount, located far off the California coast. (More footage will be added as it becomes available.) They spotted a whopping 5,718 octopuses over a six-acre area, including 4,707 females nesting over their eggs.

The octopus species, M. robustus, might be drawn to the warmth at this specific location, the researchers speculate. Warm water still vents from the extinct volcano, perhaps speeding up the development of the growing embryos, a process that can take years in the profound cold of the deeps. The brooding females were "scattered across hydrothermal springs that emanated warmth, barely visible by the hazy, shimmering boundary between cold ambient seawater and warm venting fluid – like a mirage," the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute wrote in a release. "Dead octopuses and lone embryos were quickly scavenged by other deep-sea species before being replaced by new arrivals."

The deep sea research was published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances.

Footage of an expansive octopus colony on the Davidson Seamount. Credit: MBARI

A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surrounded by hundreds of octopi. Credit: MBARI

Deep sea exploration missions are vital. Scientists want to shine a light — literally and figuratively — on what's down there. The implications of knowing are incalculable, particularly as deep-sea mineral prospectors prepare to run tank-like industrial equipment across parts of the seafloor. For example, research expeditions have found that ocean life carries great potential for novel medicines. "Systematic searches for new drugs have shown that marine invertebrates produce more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms," notes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The location of the expansive octopus garden off the coast of Central California. Credit: MBARI

Brooding octopi observed over 10,000 feet beneath the ocean surface Credit: MBARI

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Expect more deep-sea discoveries. "We always discover stuff when we go out into the deep sea. You're always finding things that you haven't seen before," Derek Sowers, an expedition lead for NOAA Ocean Exploration, told Mashable last year.