Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? I thought 1-Across and 1-Down were pretty tough today. Read on for all the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

Mini across clues and answers

1A clue: Word before “time” or “potatoes”
Answer: SMALL

6A clue: Spot for a backyard grill
Answer: PATIO

7A clue: “Moving right ___ …”
Answer: ALONG

8A clue: Major or general
Answer: RANK

9A clue: Sprouting part of a potato
Answer: EYE

Mini down clues and answers

1D clue: Word before “time” or “ribs”
Answer: SPARE

2D clue: Language spoken in Kuala Lumpur
Answer: MALAY

3D clue: Make amends
Answer: ATONE

4D clue: Sausage segment
Answer: LINK

5D clue: Fuel for a firepit
Answer: LOG

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from the nothing-to-see-here dept

The Trump administration’s war on science has been a furious one. Be it deep cuts to scientific research, policies that ignore scientific research, or the appointment of deeply unscientific people to lead scientific cabinet positions, it seems that Trump thinks that knowledge is the enemy.

You will recall how RFK Jr. fired every single member of the CDC’s ACIP vaccination panel last summer. It became obvious in the aftermath why he did so, after installing a cadre of anti-vaxxers to replace them and moving to shift immunization policy away from vaccines at the federal level. Trump appears to have taken a page from Kennedy’s playbook, as he recently terminated the entire board of the National Science Foundation days ago.

All 22 members of the National Science Board were terminated by the Trump administration via a terse email on Friday. The administration has provided no explanation for purging the board, which helps steer the National Science Foundation and acts as an independent advisory body for the president and Congress on scientific and engineering issues, providing reports throughout the year. The ousters represent another severe blow to the NSF and the overall scientific enterprise in America.

Members received a two-sentence email saying that, “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump,” their positions were “terminated, effective immediately.”

The post is filled with commentary from the board members and others pointing out that this leaves America with a gaping hole of leadership from a scientific advisory standpoint. The NSB advises both the Executive and Legislative branches. Trump has also nominated Jim O’Neill, an investor, to be the next Director of NSF. There is speculation that this move was done as a way to clear the field for O’Neill to replace them with hand-picked members that will further his tech bro agenda. He also already works for the federal government as Kennedy’s Deputy Secretary of HHS.

But maybe the explanation for the timing here is much more simple: Trump may have caught wind of a forthcoming NSB report about America falling behind in scientific research.

Multiple dismissed members believe the timing was deliberate, as the board was finalizing a report highlighting a widening U.S.–China gap in research and development spending. The report addresses areas central to Trump’s stated priorities, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and the Moon race, but underscores lagging U.S. investment. Critics suggest the administration may seek a board more aligned with short-term political goals rather than long-term, exploratory research.

Now that sounds more like the Donald Trump I’ve come to know. This is less likely to be 4D chess at work then he simply didn’t want to be embarrassed by this report. There’s a simple test for whether that was part of the impetus here. If that same report does get finalized eventually and gets released, then it wasn’t. If we never get that report, it probably was. Simple.

But wasn’t isn’t simple is going to be digging ourselves out of the scientific debt that Trump is placing upon the country. If knowledge is power, as the saying goes, then America is less powerful today than it was before this administration.

Filed Under: donald trump, nsf, rfk jr., science, scientific research

New Year’s Day is one of the easiest days to end up scrolling Netflix without actually committing to anything. The problem isn’t a lack of options, but choosing something that fits how you’re likely to watch, which usually means a show that starts quickly or keeps a steady rhythm without demanding too much attention.

Whether you’re recovering from a late night or just easing into a slower start to the year, the right show can do most of the work for you. This list narrows it down to five that are particularly effective right now, not just because they’re popular, but because they’re built for this kind of viewing. Some are structured for fast, high-retention binges, others are easier to sit with, and a couple justify a more focused watch if you’re in the mood to engage. Each one fits the kind of momentum that makes getting through a full season or a limited series feel natural, whether it’s today or any other day you want something that holds up without effort.

Need to watch more movies and shows to ring in 2025? Then try 5 great free movies to watch on New Year’s Eve, 5 great Netflix movies to watch on New Year’s Day, 5 great Netflix thrillers to watch on New Year’s Eve, and 5 great Netflix sci-fi movies to watch on New Year’s Eve.

1. XO Kitty

Best for: A light, easy watch when you don’t want anything too demanding

XO, Kitty is one of those shows that pulls you back into rom-coms without trying to overcomplicate what makes the genre work. Built as an extension of the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before films, it follows Kitty as she navigates relationships, friendships, and her own impulsive decisions, which is where most of the appeal lies.

The show leans into those shifting dynamics rather than forcing high-stakes drama, which is also why it works better here than something like Nobody Wants This. That show leans more into a slightly older, messier version of romance, while XO, Kitty keeps things breezier and easier to stay with. The K-drama influence shows up in how emotional beats are handled, but the tone stays light and accessible.

It’s the kind of series you can return to easily because the pull comes from characters rather than plot. This is also the one on this list that holds up best for repeat viewing, and the one I’d most likely go back to without thinking too much about where I left off.

Watch XO Kitty on Netflix

2. His & Hers

Best for: A mystery that rewards attention and gives you something to stay with beyond the episode

His & Hers stands out because of how it builds its story through shifting perspectives, which keeps you actively involved rather than just following along. The structure isn’t complicated for the sake of it, but it does expect you to stay with it, and that’s where the engagement comes from.

This is one of those shows where the experience carries beyond individual episodes. It’s the kind of mystery that keeps you thinking about it even when you’re not watching, which is also why it works as a strong pick here if you’re in the mood for something more involving.

If XO, Kitty is the one you can let run, this is the one you sit with. It’s not passive viewing, but it doesn’t feel heavy either. It just asks for a bit more attention, and rewards it.

Watch His & Hers on Netflix

3. The Night Agent

Best for: A high-retention binge that keeps moving without effort

With three seasons now available, including Season 3 released in February 2026, The Night Agent is no longer just a breakout hit. It’s one of the few Netflix thrillers that still delivers a clean, episode-to-episode hook without slowing down.

Each season runs at around 10 episodes, which means you’re not realistically finishing the full series in a day. What does work is committing to a single season, and Season 1 remains the strongest entry point if you’re starting fresh. It introduces the core premise quickly and maintains a steady pace without getting weighed down by subplots. Season 2 and Season 3 expand the scale, but follow the same structure, making it easy to continue if you want to stay in that rhythm.

What makes it worth watching right now is how little friction there is once you start. There’s no slow build, no complicated setup, and no need to track multiple threads. It’s built to keep moving, which is exactly what works on a day like this. If you’re looking for something that can hold attention without demanding it, this is one of the safest picks on Netflix. And If you are all done with the Night Agent and looking for similar show, then here’s another 10 similar shows for you to consider.

Watch The Night Agent on

Netflix

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Stranger Things

Best for: A familiar, high-stakes binge that’s easy to pick up or revisit

With Season 5 rolling out through late 2025 and its final episode landing on New Year’s Eve, Stranger Things comes back into focus at exactly the right time. Whether you’ve been following it or haven’t started yet, this is one of those rare points where the entire story is available to move through without waiting.

What makes the show work is how it balances scale with simplicity. The world expands with each season, but the story always stays anchored in its core group, which keeps it easy to follow even as the stakes get bigger. That clarity, along with its mix of nostalgia, horror, and character-driven storytelling, is what gives it that lasting cult appeal.

It’s also one of the few shows that works equally well as a rewatch. Personally, this is one that holds up every time you go back to it, whether you’re revisiting key moments or staying with it across multiple episodes without having to think too much about it.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

Best for: A family-friendly watch that’s easy to get into and stay with

Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender is a good pick for this time of year because it gives you something structured without feeling heavy. Season 1 lays out the world clearly, so you’re not spending time figuring things out, and it’s easy to move from one episode to the next without losing track.

With Season 2 confirmed and the story continuing, it also doesn’t feel like a one-off watch. You can start it now and know there’s more to come, which adds to the appeal if you’re looking to settle into something over a few days.

What stands out is how it balances familiarity with accessibility. Whether you’ve seen the original or not, the story stays clear, the characters are easy to follow, and the progression is steady. That makes it one of the easier shows to put on with others, while still being engaging enough to keep watching on your own.

We’ve also rounded up all the best new shows to stream this week, the best movies on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime, and the best shows on Disney+ because we take our streaming seriously. Watching while traveling abroad? Use a Netflix VPN to access your country’s catalog from anywhere in the world.

GameStop wants to slash eBay marketing budget

Morgan Stanley similarly doubted the potential cost savings. “On the expense side, we also think the potential opportunities would likely be minimal as physical and digital business require different cost bases, as do 3P marketplaces vs. 1P wholesalers. To add another challenge, GameStop has already undergone a series of large cost cuts,” the research note said.

Morgan Stanley analysts expressed skepticism about “how a deal would be financed given the material valuation gap.” If completed, they said it could end up as the largest leveraged buyout ever, “surpassing the recently announced $55 billion Electronic Arts transaction.”

GameStop said that eBay spent $2.4 billion on sales and marketing in fiscal 2025 but added only 1 million net active buyers, increasing the total from 134 million to 135 million. GameStop said it would cut $1.2 billion from eBay’s sales and marketing budget, arguing that the current spending “is not producing more users on a marketplace with near-universal brand recognition.”

GameStop proposed cutting another $300 million from eBay’s product development expenses and $500 million from general and administrative functions. The combined company will consolidate its finance, HR, real estate, legal, IT, and professional services after the merger to save money, GameStop said.

GameStop touted its own financial performance under Cohen, saying that it “moved from a $381 million net loss in fiscal 2021 to $418 million of net income in fiscal 2025.” eBay meanwhile said in its press release today that its “board and leadership team are executing a focused strategy to drive sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value.”

eBay last week reported Q1 2026 revenue of $3.1 billion, up 19 percent year over year. eBay’s GAAP net income was $512 million, up 2 percent.

GameStop, which is on a different fiscal schedule, reported net sales of $1.1 billion in Q4 2026. That was down from $1.28 billion in the prior year’s fourth quarter. GameStop’s Q4 net income also fell year over year, from $131.3 million to $127.9 million.

Online collaboration is an important tool for companies, big and small. Services like Slack and Microsoft Teams are perhaps the most successful, but their scope is limited primarily to real-time chatting between colleagues, regardless of platform. Another solution is Nextcloud Hub, an open-source, self-hosted content collaboration platform.

Admittedly, I knew little about Nextcloud Hub until recently. However, as a Hostinger client, I noticed the solution was easy to install on my website and recognized it could be a perfect solution for some of our readers.

Denmark generates more than 80 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources. Its wind farms, both onshore and offshore, have made the country a global model for clean energy transition. Its grid operator, Energinet, has spent decades building the infrastructure to support a decarbonised power system. In March, Energinet paused all new grid connection agreements. The reason was not a failure of renewable capacity. It was an explosion of demand from AI data centres that the grid was never designed to accommodate. Denmark, the country that solved clean energy, has become the first Nordic nation to confront a question that the rest of Europe will face within months: what happens when the AI industry’s appetite for electricity exceeds the grid that was built for something else entirely.

The pause

Energinet’s temporary moratorium covers all new large-scale grid connection agreements, not only data centres, but data centres are the proximate cause. Approximately 60 gigawatts of projects are waiting for grid connections in Denmark. The country’s peak electricity demand is roughly 7 gigawatts. The queue is nearly nine times the peak load, and a significant portion of it is data centre capacity. Denmark had around 398 megawatts of installed data centre capacity at the start of 2026, with an additional 208 megawatts under construction and projections to reach 1.2 gigawatts by 2030. Hyperscale facilities, the kind operated by Microsoft, Google, and Apple, account for 60 per cent of the country’s current data centre footprint.

Microsoft alone has committed $3 billion to data centre construction in Denmark between 2023 and 2027. Apple operates a data centre in Viborg. Google has expanded its Danish operations. The hyperscalers chose Denmark for the same reasons the country built its renewable grid: stable governance, reliable infrastructure, cool climate that reduces cooling costs, and abundant wind power. The irony is that the success of Denmark’s green energy model is what attracted the data centres, and the data centres are now overwhelming the grid that made Denmark attractive in the first place.

The 💜 of EU tech

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The numbers

The scale of AI-driven electricity demand has outrun every forecast. The International Energy Agency reported that data centre electricity consumption surged 17 per cent in 2025, with AI-focused facilities growing even faster. Global data centre electricity use is projected to double by 2030, and power consumption from AI-specific data centres is expected to triple. Startups are racing to curb data centre energy consumption, but the efficiency gains from hardware innovation and cooling technology are being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new capacity coming online.

A single AI inference task can consume up to 1,000 times more electricity than a traditional web search. Training runs for frontier models require hundreds of megawatts sustained over weeks. The hyperscalers’ combined capital expenditure is projected to exceed $690 billion in 2026, a 36 per cent increase over 2025, and the majority of that spending is directed at data centre construction and the power infrastructure to support it. Efforts to reduce AI’s computational footprint through architectural innovation, including brain-inspired approaches that promise orders-of-magnitude efficiency gains, are years from deployment at scale. In the meantime, the industry is building as fast as grid operators will allow, and Denmark has just demonstrated that grid operators have limits.

The Nordic question

Denmark is not alone among the Nordics in facing this pressure, but it is the first to act. Sweden, Finland, and Norway have all attracted significant data centre investment for the same reasons: renewable energy, cool climates, and stable governance. Sweden’s Lulea, home to a major Facebook data centre, and Finland’s Hamina, where Google operates a facility cooled by Baltic Sea water, are established hyperscale locations. But none of these countries have implemented a grid connection pause.

The Danish moratorium is designed to last three months, during which Energinet will assess how to manage the queue and develop new criteria for prioritising grid connection requests from large energy users. Soren Dupont Kristensen, Energinet’s Chief Operating Officer, described the pause as a “window of opportunity” to rethink regulation. Data centre operators globally are accelerating capital deployment, with Australia’s NEXTDC launching a A$2.2 billion plan anchored by a new campus in Western Sydney. The concern among data centre operators in Denmark is that a three-month pause becomes a longer-term regulatory framework that deprioritises their projects in favour of other industrial uses or residential demand growth.

The tension

The structural tension is between two policy objectives that Denmark has pursued simultaneously: building the world’s cleanest electricity grid and attracting the world’s largest technology companies. Both objectives succeeded. The grid is among the cleanest in Europe. The technology companies arrived. But the grid was designed for a decarbonised industrial economy, not for an AI industry that treats electricity as a raw material consumed at petrochemical scale. Data centres are becoming a financial asset class, with Blackstone preparing the first AI-era data centre REIT. The financialisation of data centre capacity means that capital will flow toward the jurisdictions with the fastest grid connections and the most permissive regulatory environments, and away from jurisdictions that pause.

Denmark’s dilemma is that a pause protects the grid but signals to the hyperscalers that their next billion-dollar facility should be built somewhere else. Ireland faced a similar situation in 2021 when EirGrid imposed a moratorium on new data centre connections in the Dublin area, a pause that lasted more than two years and redirected investment toward other European markets. Denmark’s grid operator has been explicit that the current pause is temporary, but the precedent it sets may be more important than its duration. If Denmark establishes that grid capacity for data centres is not guaranteed, the hyperscalers will diversify their Nordic footprint toward Sweden and Norway, where grid operators have not yet imposed similar restrictions.

The reckoning

Europe has been trying to build a tech ecosystem that can compete with the United States and China. Data centres are the physical infrastructure of that competition: every AI model, every cloud service, and every enterprise deployment runs on hardware that sits in a data centre connected to a power grid. Europe’s total data centre investment is projected to reach €176 billion between 2026 and 2031, but the European Commission’s own analysis warns that future capacity growth will be constrained primarily by grid readiness rather than access to capital. Denmark is the first demonstration of that constraint in practice.

The question Denmark’s pause raises is not whether it was necessary. Given a 60-gigawatt connection queue against 7 gigawatts of peak demand, some form of prioritisation was inevitable. The question is what comes after the pause. If Energinet develops a framework that allocates grid capacity based on economic value, energy efficiency, and contribution to the domestic economy, Denmark could emerge with a model that other European grid operators adopt. If the pause simply delays projects without resolving the underlying capacity mismatch, it will have achieved nothing except pushing investment toward competitors. Denmark built the grid the AI industry wanted. The AI industry showed up with an appetite the grid cannot satisfy. What happens next will determine whether Europe’s cleanest energy market can also be its most competitive data centre market, or whether those two ambitions are, at the scale AI demands, incompatible.

NGC 3137 is a spiral galaxy located 53 million light-years away in the constellation Antlia, and the Hubble Space Telescope has captured it in exquisite clarity. It captured images of this galaxy at six different wavelengths, enabling astronomers to combine ultraviolet, visible, and hydrogen emission data into a single complete picture. At first impression, the image is beautiful, with the galaxy dominating the frame at a sharp angle and its loose arms fanning out like feathers in a summer wind. The older stars in the galaxy’s center have a warm golden tone, whilst the hotter, younger groups of stars on the periphery appear pale blue.

You can see thin dust lanes flowing through the galaxy’s disk, as well as these gorgeous pink spots showing where new stars are being formed as we speak. There are thick clusters of dazzling blue stars that have formed amid the pink clouds of incandescent gas, and each cluster represents a new generation of stars that are just beginning to light. Hubble targeted these features as part of a wider study to examine fifty-five neighboring galaxies. The data is being used to determine how star clusters age from when they first begin to shine brightly until they finally become the older populations that make up the majority of a galaxy. The results provide a vivid picture of life in a spiral galaxy similar to our own Milky Way.

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So, what exactly is NGC 3137? It belongs to a small group of galaxies known as the NGC 3175 group, which is named after the Local Group, of which we are a member. It comprises of two large spiral galaxies, NGC 3137 and its neighbor NGC 3175, as well as hundreds of smaller, microscopic galaxies that are still being tallied. Astronomers are interested in this group because the layout and movement of the galaxies are quite similar to what we see in the Local Group. Every new discovery about how galaxies behave and interact allows us to gain a better understanding of how our own cosmic backyard operates.

NGC 3137 has a supermassive black hole that is estimated to be sixty million times the mass of our own Sun. There are small dust clouds ringing the core location, adding a lot of dimension to the scene. Because NGC 3137 is inclined slightly towards us rather than directly facing us, we obtain a side-on perspective of the galaxy, which highlights the 3D structure of the arms. There are a few background galaxies in the scene, but they’re just small orange dots, and then there are a few foreground stars that have drifted into the shot; they’re like photobombs, coming out of nowhere and taking the spotlight.