Just install an On/Off switch in the microphone line to ensure it's not listening when you don't want it to.

The article in Newscientist reads somewhat like a tabloid. In one sentence they say "It might be a different exotic object called a magnetar" and in the very next sentence they write "But ASASSN-15lh is more powerful than magnetars can possibly become". Why not just suggest it is MAGIC.

Cases such as this make me suspicious that perhaps the Prosecutor(s) deliberately bungled the case so as to provide a reason for appeal and overturning of the conviction. They may not have wanted to charge in the first place, but given the likely outcry if they didn't, they decided to mishandle the case so the defense could win an easy appeal.

Hint: Once you get to WikiLeaks via the IP number, bookmark the page and it is saved using the IP number so you no longer have to worry about DNS being down (or locked). This can work for any site once you know the IP number (easily findable) for that site.