The Logoff is a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here.Good afternoon, and welcome to The Logoff the newsletter that gives you the Trump news you need so that you can log off and get back to the rest of your life.The Justice Department has reversed course on its work monitoring police discrimination, freezing, and potentially unwinding, some of the most significant federal efforts at police reform launched in the wake of 2020s Black Lives Matter protests. The move didnt dominate todays headlines President Donald Trumps blustery speech in Davos got more attention but its clearly an action with long-term consequences.Under the Biden administration, the Justice Departments civil rights division investigated a dozen police forces over accusations of racial bias. Many of those investigations led to consent decrees legally binding agreements mandating anti-discrimination measures. It was meaningful, if imperfect, progress on police reform.So whats Trump doing? According to memos obtained by multiple news outlets, the Trump administration is halting any ongoing investigations and reviewing settlements made with police departments in Minneapolis (where George Floyd was killed), Louisville (where Breonna Taylor was killed), and Memphis (where Tyre Nichols was killed). The department now may wish to reconsider the arrangements, which have not been finalized by a federal judge.Is this normal? To some extent, yes. New administrations routinely change course at the Justice Department, particularly in the civil rights division. But an across-the-board freeze is extreme, experts tell the Washington Post.Why does it matter? After 2020s George Floyd protests, there was a national upswell of support for racial justice in policing. But legislative efforts at police reform died in Congress, and so the Justice Departments work has so far been the most powerful federal lever.Whats next? We dont know, exactly: The investigations are frozen, not closed, and the consent decrees may yet survive. But given Trumps outspoken skepticism of police reform efforts and his calls for hardline policing tactics, the Justice Departments civil rights division is almost certain to take a radically different tack. The change in course will have ramifications for police forces nationwide and for the millions of people who live under them.And with that, its time to log off...Amid a tough week for the transition from gas-powered to electric cars, its worth remembering that technological innovation continues to fly forward. Thanks to new advances, electric cars can now run longer and go farther between charges, even when its extremely cold. Federal policy matters, but its not everything and human ingenuity cant be governed away.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: