NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Saturday, June 22 (game #377)

As back-to-school season approaches, students should carefully consider their laptop options, focusing on operating systems and specifications that ensure longevity and performance. The Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025) is highly recommended for its excellent battery life, build quality, and overall performance, making it a solid choice for most students. Want More Context? 🔎

Earth's water is predominantly found in oceans (97%), with only 3% as freshwater, much of which is frozen; just 0.3% is accessible for drinking. This limited resource faces threats from climate change, pollution, and urbanization, leaving over 2 billion people in regions with contaminated water, leading to serious health risks. Want More Context? 🔎

Researchers from the University of South Florida have discovered that Hurricane Ian's rapid intensification from Category 3 to Category 5 was driven by unusually warm waters in the Gulf, due to the Loop Current failing to mix surface and subsurface temperatures. This lack of upwelling near a critical "pressure point" led to the warm conditions that contributed to the storm's strength before it made landfall in Florida on September 28, 2022. Want More Context? 🔎

A recent Echelon firmware update has rendered its smart gym equipment unusable offline, requiring a connection to Echelon's servers for basic functionalities, including access to workout stats and compatibility with third-party apps like QZ. Developers like Roberto Viola have criticized this change, warning that if Echelon ceases operations, users' equipment could be rendered entirely inoperable. Want More Context? 🔎

Hot on the heels of a major ransomware group's takedown, a new group named Chaos has emerged, likely composed of some of the same members, engaging in high-stakes attacks primarily against US organizations since February. They demand around $300,000 in ransom, promising victims a decryptor and vulnerability reports, while threatening severe repercussions for non-payment. Want More Context? 🔎

Christina Chapman, a 50-year-old woman from Arizona, has been sentenced to 102 months in prison for aiding North Korean hackers in stealing U.S. identities to secure remote IT jobs with over 300 American companies, including Nike, which funneled millions to North Korea. In her apology, she expressed remorse, explained her motivations related to her mother's illness, and shared plans to write books and start a business upon her release. Want More Context? 🔎