Census Proposal Would Stop Counting Undocumented Immigrants—and Ignore Race and Sexual Orientation

The US Department of Commerce, which oversees the Census Bureau, is circulating a proposed rule that would cease the collection of demographic data on racial minorities and LGBTQ+ people and prevent undocumented immigrants from being counted in the 2030 census, according to documents viewed by WIRED. The decision could have far-reaching implications for federal funding,…

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Things to Never Put in Your Washing Machine

Leather, suede, silk, and linen: These are all items that should be dry-cleaned and not machine-washed to protect the fabric, says Sarah Armstrong, new product brand manager at the home appliance maker Maytag. Shoes: Leather, wool, velvet, silk, and shoes with cork soles or any kind of beading on them would be damaged if you…

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Our Favorite Earbuds for Android Users Are $60 Off

Hunting for a fresh pair of earbuds for your Android phone? The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are currently marked down to just $169 at Amazon, a $60 markdown from their usual price. I spotted the discounted price in three colors, Porcelain, Hazel, and Peony, with Moonstone and Wintergreen already sold out. Photograph: Julian Chokkattu…

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Bluesound Pulse Cinema Review: A Pretty Sonos Alternative

If you’re looking for a top-notch Dolby Atmos soundbar, it’s hard to beat the Sonos Arc Ultra. But Sonos is still recovering from its self-imposed 2024 software fiasco, and many of its once-loyal customers have sought refuge with the company’s competitors. Chief among these is Bluesound, a wireless, multiroom audio ecosystem from the Great White…

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Europe Pledges $600 Billion for Clean Energy Projects in Africa

“From the outset, the Global Gateway has been described as the European Union’s attempt to rival the Belt and Road Initiative’s overseas infrastructure investment funds. At €300 billion through 2027, however, it is a David-versus-Goliath-style undertaking,” says Gabriele Rosana, an associate fellow at the Institute of International Affairs in Rome. China has already been investing…

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6 Best Electric Ranges of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

While sleek styling and a dazzling array of features might impress, what’s most important is a range’s ability to perform some very basic tasks really, really well, day in and day out. And that’s what we zero in on when we’re choosing the best electric ranges. Here’s what our recommended ranges have in common: They…

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The DEA Plans to Ban Opioid-Like Kratom Compound 7-OH

The Drug Enforcement Administration plans to temporarily ban 7-OH, a component of kratom that has opioid-like effects and is sold in gas stations and smoke shops around the country in the form of gummies, drinks, and capsules. In a draft notice of intent in the Federal Register, scheduled to be published Monday, the federal agency…

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Best Cars of the Year: 10 Top Picks of 2026

For the first time, every CR Top Pick is either a hybrid (or available as one) or an electric vehicle. While you can’t go wrong with any version of our picks, the hybrid option is often quieter and more refined at speed, and its improved fuel efficiency usually saves you money in the long term….

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