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The Justice Department Has Disbanded Its Voting Rights Division

The Justice Department Has Disbanded Its Voting Rights Division

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When a fresh administration arrives in Washington, DC, there are always shifts in policy focuses and staff. Alex, an attorney within the Department of Justice’s Voting Section, had managed to navigate Donald Trump’s initial term and believed he could endure the second.

Just hours after the president’s inauguration, he recognized his miscalculation.

“I was simply mistaken,” he states. “It was drastically different from the first Trump administration. There was an undeniable feeling that this would not be identical. And then within the Voting Section, the response was to start dismissing cases.”

The Voting Section was created in the agency’s Civil Rights Division after the groundbreaking Voting Rights Act of 1965 to guarantee that every American possesses an equal right to vote.

Alex, whose name has been altered to safeguard his identity, is among the numerous attorneys who have been removed since Trump returned to the White House.

Approximately 30 lawyers were present in the Voting Section when Trump was inaugurated in January 2025. Three months later, only two remained. The departing attorneys have been supplanted by half a dozen newcomers with minimal federal court experience, making numerous fundamental mistakes in court documents. They have also shown a readiness to adhere to Trump’s anti-voting orders, filing numerous lawsuits in an effort to compel states to submit unredacted voter rolls.

WIRED consulted a dozen experts and former Voting Section attorneys regarding the extensive dismantling of the Justice Department’s Voting Section under Trump. Many spoke anonymously due to concerns about backlash from the Trump administration.

As the November midterms approach, multiple sources inform WIRED that the harm inflicted on the DOJ’s Voting Section may be beyond repair. They express concern that the ultimate aim is to furnish Trump with what they term evidence to usurp control of elections from the states. “I believe in the long run, it’s about creating material to contest or subvert elections,” states Alex, who has worked in the Voting Section for many years.

“They’ve transformed what was once the centerpiece of the Civil Rights Division, the Voting Section, into a tool against voters,” Michelle Kanter Cohen, policy director and senior counsel at the Fair Elections Center, informs WIRED. “This was formerly a section that upheld individuals’ voting rights, fought against intimidation, and enforced federal voting regulations designed to shield individuals from discrimination and to make voting fair and accessible. It is being twisted into a political instrument to advance conspiracy theories of the Trump administration.”

Former attorneys from the Voting Section concur. “I dedicated eight years in the Voting Section as a trial attorney engaged in what was the core mission of the section since its inception, which was enforcing the Voting Rights Act and other federal laws that safeguard the right to vote,” Eileen O’Connor, who is now senior counsel at the nonprofit Brennan Center for Justice, tells WIRED. “The activities they are pursuing now are the exact opposite.”

The White House did not respond to inquiries regarding the new Voting Section lawyers, but spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated to WIRED that “the Civil Rights Act, National Voting Rights Act, and Help America Vote Act all grant the Department of Justice complete authority to ensure states align with federal election laws, which require accurate state voter rolls.”

Voting Rights

In the period following the 2020 presidential election, Trump attempted to weaponize the Justice Department by appointing special counsels to probe into election conspiracy theories. It failed. At every instance, officials and political appointees at the department resisted, even threatening mass resignations.

Currently, Trump is again looking to exploit the power of the Justice Department to erode confidence in the election process. This time, sources inform WIRED, no one is standing in opposition.

Colorado's Repair Legislation Rejected

Colorado’s Repair Legislation Rejected

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A controversial bill in Colorado aimed at undoing repair protections within the state has been defeated. Advocates for the right to repair had focused on the bill, perceiving it as a sign of how technology companies might seek to weaken repair legislation more broadly across the United States.

The state’s significant 2024 repair law, referred to as the Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronic Equipment, came into effect in January 2026, ensuring individuals have access to the tools and documentation necessary to repair digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and Wi-Fi routers. The proposed SB26-090 bill aimed to introduce an exception for “critical infrastructure,” a term that is vaguely defined and raised concerns among repair advocates.

Introduced during a Colorado Senate hearing on April 2, SB26-090 gained backing from companies including Cisco and IBM and was unanimously passed in that hearing. It subsequently passed the Colorado Senate on April 16. However, during an extensive hearing in the Colorado House’s State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, the bill was ultimately stopped with a 7 to 4 vote.

Danny Katz, executive director of CoPIRG, remarked on the collaborative effort to fight the bill, which included repair advocates from groups such as PIRG, Repair.org, iFixit, Consumer Reports, along with local businesses and environmental organizations.

“While we were making headway in reducing its momentum, we were still facing losses,” Katz stated in an email. He attributed the significant impact to the diverse testimonies from cybersecurity specialists, businesses, repair advocates, recyclers, and others.

Supporters of the bill, backed by firms like Cisco, pointed to possible cybersecurity threats as justifications for modifications to the law. They contended that granting repair tools to all individuals could enable malicious entities to reverse engineer essential technology. However, opponents argued that this logic was flawed, pointing out that most hacks occur remotely, rather than through physical interference.

During the hearing, Democrat Chad Clifford, a state representative from Colorado, emphasized Cloudflare’s use of a lava lamp wall for internet encryption, advocating for the necessity of keeping sensitive systems confidential for security purposes. He remarked, “How they accomplish that, in my opinion, should remain a secret, even in Colorado.” Nevertheless, cybersecurity experts highlighted that the majority of cyber attacks result from remote actions, not physical modifications.

The Most Desired Anti-AI Gadget: A Cyberdeck

The Most Desired Anti-AI Gadget: A Cyberdeck

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After the launch of a particular book, a group of enthusiasts started to experiment with their own electronic configurations to craft DIY devices, frequently for hacking or on-the-go coding. Conventionally, these gadgets, referred to as decks, were akin to sturdy laptops featuring a screen and keyboard, engineered to be practical and packed in a resilient briefcase for survival situations. A year ago, a niche YouTuber presented a video entitled “DIY Doomsday Cyberdeck EMAIL/TEXT without INTERNET,” utilizing the “prepper” hashtag.

Tan’s cyberdeck is distinctive for its aesthetic. Within a redesigned clamshell handbag is a Raspberry Pi computer equipped with a petite keyboard and display. It adheres to standard hardware, yet the deck’s feminine facade and intricate design defy conventional expectations. “I haven’t seen anyone create a hyper-femme version before,” she remarks, while appreciating the tactical designs of existing decks but desiring one that reflects her own style. “I have always been quite anti-minimalist,” she continues. “In my life, I crave color, and I want everything I possess to express that it represents me.”

To reduce reliance on the internet, Tan filled her mermaid cyberdeck with an array of files from her computer, such as songs, books, maps, Wikipedia entries, and cat pictures. When linked to a custom mouse, it can even operate Doom.

Tan also showcased a solar panel-equipped deck on TikTok. The majority of her TikTok viewers are female. “Many reacted with, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize you could create a computer like this. I thought it needed to be a gray box, like every other Mac or Dell or whatever,’” states Ling Lu, a product designer from New York City, who was motivated by Tan’s videos to develop her own unique gadget, the “cyberduck” audio journal, a bird-shaped recording device for personal use.

Best Buy Discount Codes: Save as much as 60%

Best Buy Discount Codes: Save as much as 60%

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Best Buy has successfully navigated the challenging landscape, while competitors like Circuit City have struggled in the era of Amazon. It stands as a top online electronics retailer, providing an excellent shopping experience alongside brick-and-mortar stores for convenient delivery or pickup of your latest phone, TV, laptop, or audio equipment. Utilizing Best Buy discount codes allows you to save further on their already competitive prices. Current offers include:

**Earn 10% Back in Rewards with the My Best Buy Credit Card**
This Best Buy Credit Card promotion is ideal for those buying electronics such as OLED TVs and headphones. Earn 10% back on purchases made on the first day, plus 2.5 bonus points and an additional 5% back in rewards. Keep in mind that purchases must be completed within 14 days after opening a new account, some exclusions apply, and offers may differ by location and online.

You can also consider financing options such as 12-month financing on purchases exceeding $299, 18-month financing on appliances over $599, or 24-month financing for unlocked phones beyond $649.

**Enjoy Discounts Up to 60% with Best Buy’s Top Deals**
Best Buy presents daily offers, with Top Deals providing discounts up to 60%, along with 24-hour limited-time pricing on fluctuating daily items like laptops and TVs. Since deals change rapidly, make sure to check back often to catch the best savings.

**Sign Up for My Best Buy to Access Free Shipping, Member Prices, and More**
Become a My Best Buy member for free to unlock Best Buy discounts, promotions, and benefits such as Free Standard Shipping.

Upgrading to My Best Buy Plus ($50/year) or My Best Buy Total ($180/year) includes expedited two-day shipping, exclusive member discounts, special sales event access, and a 60-day return policy on most items.

The My Best Buy Total membership includes additional benefits such as AppleCare+ protection plans, complimentary support for computers and tablets, 24/7 tech assistance, 20% off repairs, and more.

**Unlock Extra Benefits as a My Best Buy Plus or Total Member**
Join My Best Buy Plus or Total for more Membership Deals, including a daily opportunity to win $1,000 in My Best Buy certificates (until May 2).

Paid memberships also grant access to subscriptions like 30 days of free Fubo Pro, a 2-month Tastemade+ trial, 6 months of SiriusXM All Access radio for free, 3 months of YouTube Premium, and 60 days of discounted LifeLock ID theft protection in the first year. Plus, enjoy 90 days free of McAfee Privacy and Identity Guardian, and a complimentary month of Discord Nitro for enhanced features on Discord.

Certain Jurors in the Musk v. Altman Case Have an Aversion to Elon Musk

Certain Jurors in the Musk v. Altman Case Have an Aversion to Elon Musk

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A jury was selected on Monday as the trial of Musk v. Altman commenced in a federal court in Oakland, California. Some of the jurors indicated concerns regarding Musk and the AI technology at the heart of the case, yet assured their ability to put these aside for the duration of the trial. The trial’s commencement also triggered a series of events outside the courtroom.

Sam Altman and Greg Brockman from OpenAI were spotted in the courthouse security line, with Elon Musk notably absent. Journalists crowded into an overflow room to catch an audio feed of the proceedings.

The goal was to select nine unbiased and fair jurors, a daunting task given the prominence of the tech leaders involved. Although many jurors expressed unfavorable opinions about Musk, the majority were not disqualified, though one was excused due to strongly negative feelings toward Musk.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers recognized that numerous individuals held negative perceptions of Musk but maintained that jurors with such views could still support the judicial process. The jury will determine whether Altman and others diverted OpenAI’s nonprofit mission from its original purpose, potentially violating the law. Their verdict will be advisory, with Gonzalez Rogers making the ultimate decision.

The selected jurors represent a varied group, including a painter, a former employee of Lockheed Martin, and a psychiatrist. While some held negative views on AI technology, they assured the court that these would not hinder their ability to ascertain the facts.

OpenAI attorney William Savitt expressed his satisfaction with the jury selection process. He conveyed that Altman, Brockman, and OpenAI are keen to present their case and are confident in their position, aiming to reveal the truth.

In the meantime, Musk is actively seeking public backing, utilizing his social media platform X to promote a New Yorker inquiry into Altman’s supposed business misconduct. This aligns with OpenAI’s newsroom account describing Musk’s lawsuit as an effort to derail their mission to ensure that AI benefits humanity. Demonstrators outside the court demanded a halt to AI development.

The trial proceeds on Tuesday with opening statements from attorneys and the first witness taking the stand.

Elon Musk's XChat App Looks More Like Facebook's Messenger Than Signal

Elon Musk’s XChat App Looks More Like Facebook’s Messenger Than Signal

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Elon Musk utilized Friday to share critiques of rivals after the debut of the XChat app, a standalone messaging service for X users. “Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage all have significant security issues,” stated a message Musk shared, asserting that “XChat is the sole secure, encrypted messaging application.” Encryption specialists I consulted voiced measured skepticism regarding XChat’s implementation and supported other platforms like Signal.

A primary worry concerning XChat is that users are required to link an existing X account for login. “I’m somewhat wary of that since more data points equate to more tracking,” remarks Maria Villegas Bravo from the Electronic Privacy Information Center. She perceives Musk’s earlier criticisms of other apps as self-serving.

When Musk initially presented XChat as an upgraded, encrypted version of X direct messages, security professionals raised concerns about the storage of users’ cryptographic keys on X’s servers. “Considering XChat’s track record of security flaws, I would hesitate to use it until it undergoes a comprehensive audit,” states Cooper Quintin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Musk aims for the discussion to zero in on which encrypted messaging app reigns supreme. However, after trying XChat, it feels more akin to Facebook’s Messenger. Rather than launching an elegant, new application, Musk revealed a straightforward extension of his social media platform that features encrypted messaging.

When the XChat team disclosed the app’s launch, the initial release date on Apple’s App Store was set for April 17 but was postponed several times before its surprise launch on April 24. The appropriate app did not consistently appear in searches, with a Russian-language app called “XChat App” briefly ascending Apple’s download rankings. “Scam app,” cautioned one user review.

Upon XChat’s eventual launch, access was initially restricted to the U.S., leaving U.K. users feeling disappointed. “UK should be live soon; had one issue,” wrote X’s head of product, Nikita Bier. Bier attributed the confusion early downloaders faced during the onboarding process to Apple.

After downloading XChat, I found it challenging to locate contacts to message. None of my top iMessage contacts possess X accounts, emphasizing XChat’s niche attraction. After revisiting my old DMs, I revived a few conversations. Following my messages, a pop-up confirmed, “This conversation is now end-to-end encrypted.” Despite this, no responses were received, just some emoji reactions.

'Saros' Highlights PS5's DualSense Capabilities

‘Saros’ Highlights PS5’s DualSense Capabilities

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**Spoiler Alert for the Opening Scene of the Upcoming Game Saros:** The game kicks off by showcasing a sequence of words. These characters materialize on the screen one at a time, presenting certain world-building aspects to lay the groundwork for the narrative. The exact details are easy to miss because of the strong tactile experiences prompted by the controller. Each letter evokes a sharp haptic buzz, creating a clicky-clacky sensation. From the very beginning, Saros emphasizes its commitment to immersive storytelling through physical experiences.

Since the launch of the PlayStation 5, its DualSense controllers have enabled developers to harness haptic feedback, allowing the controller to vibrate in targeted ways. This innovation can replicate various on-screen sensations, such as typing letters, the sound of rain, or the powerful tremor when discharging a weapon or executing a melee strike. The adaptive triggers offer varying levels of resistance, clarifying the difference between a light pull and a full press.

Saros, scheduled for release on April 30, is crafted by Housemarque, a Finnish studio under Sony’s ownership. The studio previously introduced the widely praised PlayStation 5 title Returnal in 2021. As a launch title for the console, Returnal highlighted the newest advancements in Sony’s hardware, particularly the haptic and adaptive features of the DualSense controller. Gregory Louden, the creative director at Housemarque, managed the development of both titles and felt a distinct pressure to showcase the console’s potential.

“Releasing Returnal, there was a feeling of obligation since it was a launch title for PlayStation 5. We aimed to explore what the hardware could accomplish,” Louden revealed to WIRED. “We develop for the audience, but we also seek to advance the gaming medium and inspire others.”

Similar to Returnal, Housemarque’s new installment takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controllers. It also incorporates 3D audio to enrich the game’s atmosphere. Although both titles operate on the same hardware, Louden is confident that the integration and experience are now more fluid.

“We pushed the graphics and hardware boundaries,” Louden articulated. “Our ambition was to provide something exceptional to players and fully leverage the potential of the DualSense.”

After several hours of gameplay, Saros emerges as a captivating experience. This dark sci-fi roguelike features intense confrontations where players fend off swarms of ominous aliens with dynamic, tactile action. The immersion is amplified by the synergy between what is displayed and the feedback from the controller. Clear mechanics like firing weapons or absorbing hits with a shield through haptic feedback are augmented by subtler techniques, such as during cinematic moments, where steady haptic pulses heighten the tension and emotions conveyed by the characters.

Key Focus Applications of 2026: Focus Buddy, Forest, Focus Voyager

Key Focus Applications of 2026: Focus Buddy, Forest, Focus Voyager

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When attempting to maintain concentration, distractions from your phone, web browser, or outside can be abundant. With attention spans diminishing in the TikTok age, there exists an entire category of applications aimed at helping you stay on task.

These applications operate in a similar manner, providing an easy method to monitor the time spent on an assignment and offering motivation to persist for the designated duration. Some features include the ability to block access to other applications.

To create this particular article without frequently switching between browser tabs and applications, I evaluated three leading focus tools. Here’s how they stack up.

Focus Friend

Focus Friend delivers a warm, inviting experience. Upon initial setup, you are given a personal bean to name. After going through the introductory screens, your bean begins to knit—and will stop if you pick up your phone.

If you keep your focus session intact, your bean crafts various knitted creations, which can be traded for home decor in its living area. Additionally, you can buy decorations, and a Pro subscription ($2/month) grants access to more creative knitting options.

You determine the duration of focus sessions and can play soothing music, block other applications, or keep the screen active while working or studying as your bean knits. The setup is charming and straightforward, requiring no account registration.

The effectiveness of Focus Friend relies on your connection to the bean and its projects. Although it essentially serves as a stopwatch, the app’s capability to block other applications is beneficial. The companionship aspect aids in improving my concentration.

Focus Friend for Android and iOS (free or from $2/month)

Forest

Forest helps you maintain focus by cultivating virtual trees. The longer you remain free from distractions, the more trees you collect, eventually forming your own forest on your phone. Forest has teamed up with the nonprofit Trees for the Future to plant millions of real trees globally.

Humanoid Robot Sets New Half-Marathon Record in China

Humanoid Robot Sets New Half-Marathon Record in China

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Over the weekend in China, a humanoid robot broke the world half-marathon record—the human record—by seven minutes.

The standout was a robot created by the Chinese firm Honor (the smartphone manufacturer), which completed the 13.1-mile race in 50 minutes, 26 seconds. The human benchmark, established by Ugandan Olympic medalist Jacob Kiplimo, is 57 minutes, 20 seconds. This result signifies a remarkable achievement especially considering that, merely a year prior, the fastest robot at the same half-marathon event took two and a half hours to finish the distance.

However, Honor’s robot was not the sole contender. The competition featured over 100 humanoid robots from 76 organizations throughout China. The robots lined up alongside 12,000 human runners in Beijing’s E-Town, albeit on separate routes to prevent mishaps. The disparity in performance between humans and robots was clearly evident.

Run, Robot, Run

A humanoid robot is crafted to replicate the structure and movement of the human body, equipped with legs, arms, and sensors that enable it to interact with its surroundings. In this instance, the victorious robot integrated features inspired by elite athletes: long legs (nearly a meter), sophisticated balance systems, and a liquid cooling system, akin to that of smartphones, to avert overheating during the race.

Furthermore, many participating robots operated autonomously, functioning without direct human intervention. Utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms, they could modify their speed, maintain equilibrium, and adapt to the terrain fluidly. Notably, the Honor robot that reached the 50-minute mark functioned autonomously. The Chinese manufacturer also showcased another robot, controlled remotely, that covered the same distance in even less time: 48 minutes, 19 seconds.

As anticipated, there were some mishaps during the race. Some robots toppled over, others strayed off course, and several required technical support along the route. While the physical capabilities of humanoid robots have progressed swiftly, their reliability is still under development. Naturally, the laughter and mockery are no longer as prevalent as they once were, replaced by applause and expressions of astonishment.

Robot Superiority

Similar to the robots that gained attention for their impressive martial arts performance a few weeks ago, this long-distance race forms part of China’s broader strategy to showcase its leadership in advanced robot development.

One doesn’t need to be a robotics specialist to recognize that this achievement illustrates that machines can surpass humans in specific physical tasks under controlled circumstances. (It’s difficult to envision the winning robot achieving the same outcome, for instance, if it started to rain during the race.) Yet humans still possess advantages: Running straight is fundamentally different from executing intricate real-world tasks, such as manipulating fragile items or engaging socially.

Nevertheless, it’s understandable that the image of a robot crossing the finish line in record time, outpacing human athletes, prompts several questions. Is this the dawn of a new era where machines redefine physical boundaries?

One might contend that a car is a machine, and those have always outpaced humans. Yet a humanoid robot is specifically designed to imitate humans. It’s more concerning to witness one best humanity at its own game—even if many of them are still stumbling along the way.

This story originally appeared in WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.

Hyundai Ioniq 3 2026: Cost, Features, Release Information

Hyundai Ioniq 3 2026: Cost, Features, Release Information

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Hyundai has introduced the Ioniq 3, a completely electric compact hatchback designed for city driving with an emphasis on aerodynamic performance while offering an unexpectedly spacious interior—a characteristic the manufacturer refers to as Aero Hatch. Positioned to connect Hyundai’s Inster supermini and Ioniq 5 crossover, the Ioniq 3 features a streamlined silhouette with a flowing roofline that enhances rear passenger headspace and achieves a class-best drag coefficient of 0.263. This design aims to enable a range surpassing 300 miles on a single charge.

The vehicle shares its underpinnings with Kia’s EV2 and comes with two battery choices, providing an estimated WLTP range of 344 km (roughly 214 miles) for the Standard Range variant, while the Long Range variant reaches up to 308 miles. Constructed on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it employs a 400-volt system for cost-effectiveness, contrasting with the 800-volt architectures found in the Ioniq 5 N, 6, or 9 SUVs. In theory, with rapid DC charging, it can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in around 29 minutes and supports AC charging of up to 22 kW.

José Muñoz, the president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, recognizes the challenge posed by BYD’s Blade 2.0 battery technology, which enables quick charging in fewer than ten minutes. While he acknowledges the competitive pressure, Muñoz views it as a chance for enhancement, highlighting Hyundai’s continuous advancements in fast charging and the careful integration of various cutting-edge technologies.