Rob Pegoraro
@robpegoraro.com
D.C.-based freelance technology journalist covering, and often vexed by, computers, gadgets, and other things that beep. May or may not be notable. He/him. Read: PCMag, Fast Company, etc. Write: [email protected]
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Rob Pegoraro
@robpegoraro.com
· Jan 16
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🔎 disclosures: robpegoraro.com/disclosures
📷 photos: flickr.com/robpegoraro
🤳 less-edited photos: instagram.com/robpegoraro
🧾 resume: linkedin.com/in/robpegoraro
➕ B-sides, outtakes, other extras: patreon.com/robpegoraro
🔎 disclosures: robpegoraro.com/disclosures
📷 photos: flickr.com/robpegoraro
🤳 less-edited photos: instagram.com/robpegoraro
🧾 resume: linkedin.com/in/robpegoraro
➕ B-sides, outtakes, other extras: patreon.com/robpegoraro
The WSJ's journalists unpack how ICE ignores police best practices and escalates to unhinged violence: "13 instances of agents firing at or into civilian vehicles since July, leaving at least eight people shot with two confirmed dead." DHS responded with the lies we've seen before.
(gift link)
(gift link)
Videos Show How ICE Vehicle Stops Can Escalate to Shootings
A WSJ visual investigation found that the Minneapolis ICE killing is one of 13 incidents where federal immigration agents have used deadly force against civilians in vehicles since July.
www.wsj.com
January 10, 2026 at 4:05 PM
The WSJ's journalists unpack how ICE ignores police best practices and escalates to unhinged violence: "13 instances of agents firing at or into civilian vehicles since July, leaving at least eight people shot with two confirmed dead." DHS responded with the lies we've seen before.
(gift link)
(gift link)
Just woke up from the third nap I needed to recover from last night's LAS-IAD red-eye, in case anybody was wondering how well that travel choice worked out for me. (I did sleep most of the way over, but we must have had a serious tailwind because our flight time was only three hours and 35 minutes.)
January 9, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Just woke up from the third nap I needed to recover from last night's LAS-IAD red-eye, in case anybody was wondering how well that travel choice worked out for me. (I did sleep most of the way over, but we must have had a serious tailwind because our flight time was only three hours and 35 minutes.)
From the conversations I've had with advocates of plug-in and balcony solar power, this new program from UL looks like a big and needed step forward for that category of cheaper solar setups in the U.S.
UL Solutions Debuts Testing and Certification Framework for Safer Plug-In Solar Across the United States
Our new plug-in solar system certification program gives manufacturers and consumers the clarity they need to embrace plug-in solar systems with confidence.
www.ul.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:07 PM
From the conversations I've had with advocates of plug-in and balcony solar power, this new program from UL looks like a big and needed step forward for that category of cheaper solar setups in the U.S.
Reposted by Rob Pegoraro
Weird how “car” keeps doing that
Car knocks down light pole, smashes bench in Clarendon crash
Car knocks down light pole, smashes bench in Clarendon crash | ARLnow.com
A reported single-vehicle crash took out a pole and a sidewalk bench in Clarendon this afternoon. Police responded to the intersection of N. Highland Street and Clarendon Blvd around 3:10 p.m. after the...
www.arlnow.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Weird how “car” keeps doing that
I had somehow forgotten how much I hate the Venetian Expo's combination of horrible T-Mobile reception and no free WiFi. It's yet another bit of evil in the world for which we can blame Sheldon Adelson, along with no monorail stop at this complex and his enormous campaign donations to Trump.
January 9, 2026 at 12:35 AM
I had somehow forgotten how much I hate the Venetian Expo's combination of horrible T-Mobile reception and no free WiFi. It's yet another bit of evil in the world for which we can blame Sheldon Adelson, along with no monorail stop at this complex and his enormous campaign donations to Trump.
The robotaxi revolution seems to require some waiting in Vegas.
January 8, 2026 at 6:13 AM
The robotaxi revolution seems to require some waiting in Vegas.
It's called being at CES.
Is your phone, tablet, or laptop typically in the battery red zone before the day's end?
The Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2026
Is your phone, tablet, or laptop typically in the battery red zone before the day's end? These portable chargers and power banks give you the most boost when you're out of juice.
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 5:19 AM
It's called being at CES.
Thanks for your testimony about this, @wandrme.paxex.aero.
Avelo Airlines will stop flying deportation charters for the Department of Homeland Security after facing protests, boycotts and backlash from travelers, flight attendant unions, local politicians and immigration activists.
Avelo Airlines to stop deportation flights after months of backlash
Houston-based Avelo is shutting down its base in Arizona after facing protests and boycotts for flying deportation charters for Homeland Security.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:12 AM
Thanks for your testimony about this, @wandrme.paxex.aero.
Reposted by Rob Pegoraro
Good news about Anchor Brewing!
"They sent me a photo of what appears to be a grain truck pulled up to the brewery’s Mariposa St. frontage to deliver bulk malt. I texted the photo around to a few brewer sources, who all surmised the same thing. “Gearing up for production, by the looks of it.”
"They sent me a photo of what appears to be a grain truck pulled up to the brewery’s Mariposa St. frontage to deliver bulk malt. I texted the photo around to a few brewer sources, who all surmised the same thing. “Gearing up for production, by the looks of it.”
For Fingers' first edition back in publication in 2026, I sketched out some editorial plans, broke some news, and analyzed a truly heinous industry chart. It's live now, and free for all to read:
Like Damp January? Sure, if that helps
Plus: After years idle, there’s action at Anchor Brewing!
www.fingers.email
January 7, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Good news about Anchor Brewing!
"They sent me a photo of what appears to be a grain truck pulled up to the brewery’s Mariposa St. frontage to deliver bulk malt. I texted the photo around to a few brewer sources, who all surmised the same thing. “Gearing up for production, by the looks of it.”
"They sent me a photo of what appears to be a grain truck pulled up to the brewery’s Mariposa St. frontage to deliver bulk malt. I texted the photo around to a few brewer sources, who all surmised the same thing. “Gearing up for production, by the looks of it.”
Whoever programmed this "gesture tracking" demo at the CES exhibit of a Shenzhen-based firm named Zhaowei clearly hasn't watched enough Star Trek. 🖖🏻
January 7, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Whoever programmed this "gesture tracking" demo at the CES exhibit of a Shenzhen-based firm named Zhaowei clearly hasn't watched enough Star Trek. 🖖🏻
My two unsolicited thoughts:
1) DHS has lied repeatedly about the actions of its personnel, so I find no reason to believe their story this time, and you shouldn't either.
2) Why is the suspect not already in a jail somewhere in Minneapolis?
1) DHS has lied repeatedly about the actions of its personnel, so I find no reason to believe their story this time, and you shouldn't either.
2) Why is the suspect not already in a jail somewhere in Minneapolis?
Live updates: ICE says agent, ‘fearing for his life’, kills woman in south Minneapolis
ICE officials say the woman was shot and killed Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis after attempting to run over agents with her car. Mayor Jacob Frey and other city officials are expected to speak...
www.mprnews.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:18 PM
My two unsolicited thoughts:
1) DHS has lied repeatedly about the actions of its personnel, so I find no reason to believe their story this time, and you shouldn't either.
2) Why is the suspect not already in a jail somewhere in Minneapolis?
1) DHS has lied repeatedly about the actions of its personnel, so I find no reason to believe their story this time, and you shouldn't either.
2) Why is the suspect not already in a jail somewhere in Minneapolis?
My day two of CES features the very Washington flex of seeing a panel of other Washington types 2,000 miles from home--discussing trade policy. I trust that none of you will be surprised that Trump's tariffs are taking a beating in this session.
Competing in a Trade-Disrupted World
CES® is the most powerful tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where brands get business done, meet new partners and where the indu...
www.ces.tech
January 7, 2026 at 5:27 PM
My day two of CES features the very Washington flex of seeing a panel of other Washington types 2,000 miles from home--discussing trade policy. I trust that none of you will be surprised that Trump's tariffs are taking a beating in this session.
Free PR advice: Tech journalists at CES are not the optimum audience for Dry January pitches.
January 7, 2026 at 4:11 AM
Free PR advice: Tech journalists at CES are not the optimum audience for Dry January pitches.
The Vegas Loop's recently opened tunnel from the LVCC Central Plaza to Encore saves some serious time--as in, a trip time of 1:57 in the Model X I just took, at a reasonable fare of $4.25.
(I do feel a little dirty about the transaction, if you were about to ask.)
(I do feel a little dirty about the transaction, if you were about to ask.)
January 7, 2026 at 2:39 AM
The Vegas Loop's recently opened tunnel from the LVCC Central Plaza to Encore saves some serious time--as in, a trip time of 1:57 in the Model X I just took, at a reasonable fare of $4.25.
(I do feel a little dirty about the transaction, if you were about to ask.)
(I do feel a little dirty about the transaction, if you were about to ask.)
Reposted by Rob Pegoraro
Can any of y'all using the Obsidian Android app tell me what would make this weird and non-responsive keyboard mode surface in the middle of a note? It usually goes away in a minute, but it's annoying anyway. And I've never seen Gboard do that before; am running Android 16 on a Pixel 9 Pro.
January 6, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Can any of y'all using the Obsidian Android app tell me what would make this weird and non-responsive keyboard mode surface in the middle of a note? It usually goes away in a minute, but it's annoying anyway. And I've never seen Gboard do that before; am running Android 16 on a Pixel 9 Pro.
What I posted on Twitter five years ago today: "I just remembered the image this invasion of the Capitol by an armed mob evokes: the U.S. embassy in Tehran being overrun in 1979."
Jan. 6, 2021 remains the most viscerally frightening day that I can remember for my city after Sept. 11, 2001.
Jan. 6, 2021 remains the most viscerally frightening day that I can remember for my city after Sept. 11, 2001.
January 6, 2026 at 5:56 PM
What I posted on Twitter five years ago today: "I just remembered the image this invasion of the Capitol by an armed mob evokes: the U.S. embassy in Tehran being overrun in 1979."
Jan. 6, 2021 remains the most viscerally frightening day that I can remember for my city after Sept. 11, 2001.
Jan. 6, 2021 remains the most viscerally frightening day that I can remember for my city after Sept. 11, 2001.
Las Vegas Convention Center WiFi pricing continues to make 6-to-5 blackjack, the $3 surcharge to pay for a taxi here with a credit card, and the "CNF" junk fee on bar and restaurant tabs all look like consumer-friendly bargains in comparison.
January 6, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Las Vegas Convention Center WiFi pricing continues to make 6-to-5 blackjack, the $3 surcharge to pay for a taxi here with a credit card, and the "CNF" junk fee on bar and restaurant tabs all look like consumer-friendly bargains in comparison.
Reposted by Rob Pegoraro
Tonight we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the *first* constitution in the Americas.
On January 5, 1776 New Hampshire declared "the lives and properties of the honest people of this colony are liable to the machinations and evil designs of wicked men" and sought a new government.
#NHPolitics
On January 5, 1776 New Hampshire declared "the lives and properties of the honest people of this colony are liable to the machinations and evil designs of wicked men" and sought a new government.
#NHPolitics
January 6, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Tonight we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the *first* constitution in the Americas.
On January 5, 1776 New Hampshire declared "the lives and properties of the honest people of this colony are liable to the machinations and evil designs of wicked men" and sought a new government.
#NHPolitics
On January 5, 1776 New Hampshire declared "the lives and properties of the honest people of this colony are liable to the machinations and evil designs of wicked men" and sought a new government.
#NHPolitics
Hyundai Motor Group's CES presentation featured robots instead of cars, courtesy of HMG's Boston Dynamics subsidiary. Truth-in-advertising credit: They disclosed that the prototype Atlas humanoid robot showing off its 360-degree joints onstage was remotely controlled, not operating autonomously.
January 5, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Hyundai Motor Group's CES presentation featured robots instead of cars, courtesy of HMG's Boston Dynamics subsidiary. Truth-in-advertising credit: They disclosed that the prototype Atlas humanoid robot showing off its 360-degree joints onstage was remotely controlled, not operating autonomously.
Reposted by Rob Pegoraro
Can confirm: On a random Wednesday in January, 5 of the 10 @amtrak.com Acela departures from DC to NYP are on NextGen equipment.
January 5, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Can confirm: On a random Wednesday in January, 5 of the 10 @amtrak.com Acela departures from DC to NYP are on NextGen equipment.
Dear Allbirds: I bought the shoes a week and a half ago, so can you please stop showing me ads for them?
(There isn't an "I already purchased this product" button in Google's stop-seeing-this-ad dialog.)
(There isn't an "I already purchased this product" button in Google's stop-seeing-this-ad dialog.)
January 5, 2026 at 7:27 PM
Dear Allbirds: I bought the shoes a week and a half ago, so can you please stop showing me ads for them?
(There isn't an "I already purchased this product" button in Google's stop-seeing-this-ad dialog.)
(There isn't an "I already purchased this product" button in Google's stop-seeing-this-ad dialog.)
My county's public school system stopped posting on X almost a year ago, making Bluesky its "primary platform for updates." I have yet to see any negative consequences from that choice; I am sure that whoever runs @apsva.us appreciates not getting yelled at quite so often by random online bigots.
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, could you please establish an official NYC Mayor account on Bluesky and post everything your office is currently posting on X over here?
And please remove all city accounts from X, which has become a CSAM creation and distribution site?
No money for Musk, ever, please.
And please remove all city accounts from X, which has become a CSAM creation and distribution site?
No money for Musk, ever, please.
January 5, 2026 at 5:13 PM
My county's public school system stopped posting on X almost a year ago, making Bluesky its "primary platform for updates." I have yet to see any negative consequences from that choice; I am sure that whoever runs @apsva.us appreciates not getting yelled at quite so often by random online bigots.
Quantified self meets CES product-launch hype.
January 5, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Quantified self meets CES product-launch hype.