Trump Doesn’t Need the Proud Boys Anymore
In a world where ICE agents are shooting US citizens on the street, the need for militias and extremist groups like the Proud Boys to support far-right interests has evaporated.
Science/Tech
Trump Warned of a Tren de Aragua ‘Invasion.’ US Intel Told a Different Story
Hundreds of records obtained by WIRED show thin intelligence on the Venezuelan gang in the United States, describing fragmented, low-level crime rather than a coordinated terrorist threat.
UK Police Blame Microsoft Copilot for Intelligence Mistake
The chief constable of one of Britain’s largest police forces has admitted that Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant made a mistake in a football (soccer) intelligence report. From a report: The report, which led to Israeli football fans being banned from a match last year, included a nonexistent match between West Ham and Maccabi Tel Aviv. Copilot hallucinated the game and West Midlands Police...
In Photos: One Week Since the Shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis
Protests across Minnesota—and around the country—are ongoing, as residents demonstrate against their federal government.
Eskom shoots the lights out
Eskom’s power system is more stable and predictable than it has been for the past half-decade.
Europe is Rediscovering the Virtues of Cash
After spending years pushing digital payments to combat tax evasion and money laundering, European Union ministers decided in December to ban businesses from refusing cash. The reversal comes as 12% of European businesses flatly refused cash in 2024, up from 4% three years earlier. Over one in three cinemas in the Netherlands no longer accept notes and coins. Cash usage across the euro area...
South Africa’s maths pipeline is collapsing – and the economy will pay
Fewer learners studying mathematics at school level threatens South Africa’s economic competitiveness.
Nuclear Weapons Are Now ESG Compliant
The European Union published guidance on December 30 that reclassified nuclear weapons as acceptable investments under its sustainable finance framework, completing a policy change approved in November that narrowed the definition of banned armaments from “controversial” to “prohibited.” The shift addresses earlier vagueness that the Commission said hindered efforts to raise $932 billion in...
The company slashing petrol bills in South Africa
South Africa’s oldest and largest electric vehicle (EV) leasing and management fleet operator Everlectric is seeing increased demand for its offering and plans to radically expanding its model line-up in 2026.
BNPL market hots up as Shoprite enters space
Buy now, pay later gives customers flexibility, but light regulatory oversight may ensure safe, responsible financial access.
Senior government member denies lying about Starlink in South Africa
A senior member of Parliament responsible for the subcommittee on communications has explained why she believes Starlink should not be permitted to provide free Internet connectivity to rural schools.
Never-Before-Seen Linux Malware Is ‘Far More Advanced Than Typical’
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Researchers have discovered a never-before-seen framework that infects Linux machines with a wide assortment of modules that are notable for the range of advanced capabilities they provide to attackers. The framework, referred to as VoidLink by its source code, features more than 30 modules that can be used to customize capabilities to meet...
15 Best Office Chairs of 2026— I’ve Tested Nearly 65 to Pick Them
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
WIRED Tested Dozens of Blenders. These Are Our 8 Favorites (2026)
The perfect kitchen companions, these versatile blenders can whip up breakfasts, dips, milkshakes, cocktails, and everything in between.
Former FPB CEO tackles online risks with new venture
Former Film and Publication Board CEO Dr Mashilo Boloka ventures into fighting online threats through the establishment of Online Safety Lab.
The Merach Vibration Plate Is the Funniest Workout I’ve Ever Done
It turns out that this TikTok-viral vibration plate may have some surprising health benefits.
The fastest South African neighbourhoods for mobile data
MyBroadband Insights research revealed that Century City was the neighbourhood with the fastest mobile data at the end of 2025.
How AI Companies Got Caught Up in US Military Efforts
Two years ago, companies like Meta and OpenAI were united against military use of their tools. Now all of that has changed.
TikTok Shop Showed Me Search Suggestions for Products With Nazi Symbolism
Even after TikTok removed swastika jewelry from its online shop, I was algorithmically nudged toward a web of Nazi-related products during searches, like “double lightning bolt” and “ss” necklaces.
HHKB Professional Classic Type-S Review: A Brilliant but Niche Keyboard
The keyboard for someone who wishes they could buy a ’97 Tacoma off the lot today.
Activists call for X, Grok to removed from app stores
Women’s groups, tech watchdogs and progressive activists are calling on Google and Apple to remove the apps.