Zac Estrada
@zacestrada.com
L.A. freelance writer/editor.
Contributor, Gizmodo. Prev. The Verge, Jalopnik, others.
Climate/energy, transportation, tech, TV.
@zacestrada elsewhere. Signal zacestrada.01
https://linktr.ee/zacestrada 🏳️🌈
Contributor, Gizmodo. Prev. The Verge, Jalopnik, others.
Climate/energy, transportation, tech, TV.
@zacestrada elsewhere. Signal zacestrada.01
https://linktr.ee/zacestrada 🏳️🌈
"That is precisely what makes this moment so heartbreaking: the very excellence we seek to sustain is hindered by fear and uncertainty."
NEW: “CBS Evening News” producer Alicia Hastey sends a bombshell farewell note:
Stories are “evaluated not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations.”
Stories are “evaluated not just on their journalistic merit but on whether they conform to a shifting set of ideological expectations.”
February 12, 2026 at 5:48 AM
"That is precisely what makes this moment so heartbreaking: the very excellence we seek to sustain is hindered by fear and uncertainty."
"A woman in her 50s said, 'I don't pay to go to church, to get a spiritual message, you know? And if you're true, and your mission is to relay facts that are fundamentally important for people's well-being, do I need to pay you for that?'"
Coupons as offering? www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/most...
Coupons as offering? www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/most...
Most Americans don’t pay for news and don’t think they need to
For a new report released Wednesday, the Pew Research Center surveyed 3,560 U.S. adults in December 2025 about their relationship to the news and how they perceive its value in everyday life. The stud...
www.niemanlab.org
February 12, 2026 at 12:47 AM
"A woman in her 50s said, 'I don't pay to go to church, to get a spiritual message, you know? And if you're true, and your mission is to relay facts that are fundamentally important for people's well-being, do I need to pay you for that?'"
Coupons as offering? www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/most...
Coupons as offering? www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/most...
Self-checkout is for those days when I only end up buying gummy bears and floss
February 11, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Self-checkout is for those days when I only end up buying gummy bears and floss
Reposted by Zac Estrada
The Very American Toyota Highlander Goes All-Electric
The Very American Toyota Highlander Goes All-Electric
Will its customer base follow?
gizmodo.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:56 PM
The Very American Toyota Highlander Goes All-Electric
Reposted by Zac Estrada
February 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM
The Toyota Highlander is going very electric and it'll be interesting to see if its traditional customers will be nudged into a full EV and if it does anything to boost US appeal for three-row EVs as the early results aren't exactly promising gizmodo.com/the-very-ame...
The Very American Toyota Highlander Goes All-Electric
Will its customer base follow?
gizmodo.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:25 PM
The Toyota Highlander is going very electric and it'll be interesting to see if its traditional customers will be nudged into a full EV and if it does anything to boost US appeal for three-row EVs as the early results aren't exactly promising gizmodo.com/the-very-ame...
Will they just use "Good" or "Bad?" Pretty sure Thumbs Up/Down is still trademarked
Gallup will no longer measure presidential approval after 88 years thehill.com/homenews/med...
February 11, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Will they just use "Good" or "Bad?" Pretty sure Thumbs Up/Down is still trademarked
The lack of clear wording and names and accurate education has gone on for far too long considering how many vehicles have such technologies
sooooo - maybe i blame SAE for their "levels," and lawmakers for ignoring this too long, and influencers for promoting BS, and the entire auto industry for lack of clarity but... imo, in the US, we should be ashamed that drivers and even police get confused about what's driver assist vs. autonomous.
Gift link:
February 11, 2026 at 6:29 PM
The lack of clear wording and names and accurate education has gone on for far too long considering how many vehicles have such technologies
Reposted by Zac Estrada
In case anyone's wondering how Jeff Bezos feels about climate policy these days, the Washington Post editorial board just heartily endorsed Trump ripping up the EPA's "endangerment finding," which allows the federal government to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants.
February 11, 2026 at 6:01 PM
In case anyone's wondering how Jeff Bezos feels about climate policy these days, the Washington Post editorial board just heartily endorsed Trump ripping up the EPA's "endangerment finding," which allows the federal government to regulate greenhouse gases as pollutants.
Reposted by Zac Estrada
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
February 11, 2026 at 4:46 PM
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
Reposted by Zac Estrada
It's a "whole new era at Amtrak," @amtrak.com President Roger Harris said Tuesday.
Its new Airo trains will debut on the Cascades this summer and East Coast in 2027, becoming the workhorse of Amtrak's fleet by replacing Amfleets that date to the 1970s.
thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-...
Its new Airo trains will debut on the Cascades this summer and East Coast in 2027, becoming the workhorse of Amtrak's fleet by replacing Amfleets that date to the 1970s.
thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-...
February 11, 2026 at 2:39 PM
It's a "whole new era at Amtrak," @amtrak.com President Roger Harris said Tuesday.
Its new Airo trains will debut on the Cascades this summer and East Coast in 2027, becoming the workhorse of Amtrak's fleet by replacing Amfleets that date to the 1970s.
thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-...
Its new Airo trains will debut on the Cascades this summer and East Coast in 2027, becoming the workhorse of Amtrak's fleet by replacing Amfleets that date to the 1970s.
thepointsguy.com/news/amtrak-...
Vigliotti's reporting on the LA fires last year was irritatingly combative, rather than pressing, at times, and this is obviously a book-promoting opinion piece. But this still raises a few good points and the weight of optics on rebuilding quickly www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
February 11, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Vigliotti's reporting on the LA fires last year was irritatingly combative, rather than pressing, at times, and this is obviously a book-promoting opinion piece. But this still raises a few good points and the weight of optics on rebuilding quickly www.latimes.com/opinion/stor...
Reposted by Zac Estrada
Horrific account of what so-called "less lethal" munitions do to people's faces.
Don't forget: LAPD fired over 1000 rounds in a single day at mostly peaceful protesters.
Important coverage by @shoton35mm.bsky.social for @lataco.bsky.social.
WARNING: Graphic. Don't read while eating or near kids.
Don't forget: LAPD fired over 1000 rounds in a single day at mostly peaceful protesters.
Important coverage by @shoton35mm.bsky.social for @lataco.bsky.social.
WARNING: Graphic. Don't read while eating or near kids.
LAPD Replaces ‘Less-Lethal’ Gun ‘Known To Maim People’ With Another ‘Less-Lethal’ Gun Capable Of Doing The Exact Same Thing ~ L.A. TACO
“Since we don't have access to the [40mm launcher], the FN303 is an alternative option,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said. “[And] we're looking at other options that are available as well on the field.”
lataco.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:26 AM
Horrific account of what so-called "less lethal" munitions do to people's faces.
Don't forget: LAPD fired over 1000 rounds in a single day at mostly peaceful protesters.
Important coverage by @shoton35mm.bsky.social for @lataco.bsky.social.
WARNING: Graphic. Don't read while eating or near kids.
Don't forget: LAPD fired over 1000 rounds in a single day at mostly peaceful protesters.
Important coverage by @shoton35mm.bsky.social for @lataco.bsky.social.
WARNING: Graphic. Don't read while eating or near kids.
Reposted by Zac Estrada
So do Japan, France, Italy and Germany
Yes, China has impressive high-speed trains. That is no reason for the West to adopt iron-fisted rule
Are liberal values a luxury the West cannot afford?
Yes, China has impressive high-speed trains. That is no reason for the West to adopt iron-fisted rule
econ.st
February 10, 2026 at 11:41 PM
So do Japan, France, Italy and Germany
Reposted by Zac Estrada
your new family SUV has 656 HP but you still have to change the aim of the air vents from the touchscreen. okay man yeah sure whatever
February 10, 2026 at 11:00 PM
your new family SUV has 656 HP but you still have to change the aim of the air vents from the touchscreen. okay man yeah sure whatever
Reposted by Zac Estrada
but jokes are... funny not terrifying
NEW: Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff ‘joked’ with employees who had traveled to the United States for a Salesforce all-hands meeting that ICE agents were in the building keeping tabs on them, 404 Media has learned.
Marc Benioff 'Jokes' ICE Is Watching Salesforce Employees Who Traveled to the U.S.
"Employees are going absolutely apeshit in internal Slack about how completely awful it was."
www.404media.co
February 10, 2026 at 7:44 PM
but jokes are... funny not terrifying
Reposted by Zac Estrada
(🚨) MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: Trump Personal Lawyers Bondi, Blanche, and Patel Hid From American Voters a *Minimum* of *95%* of All References to Donald Trump in the Epstein Files (950,000 of 1M+), Establishing the Largest Political Coverup in American History
Trump is in the unredacted Epstein files "more than a million times," Raskin alleges
One document recounts that Trump said he "never" asked Epstein to leave Mar-a-Lago.
www.axios.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:32 PM
(🚨) MAJOR BREAKING NEWS: Trump Personal Lawyers Bondi, Blanche, and Patel Hid From American Voters a *Minimum* of *95%* of All References to Donald Trump in the Epstein Files (950,000 of 1M+), Establishing the Largest Political Coverup in American History
Reposted by Zac Estrada
NEW: ICE has a plan to lease offices across the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
ICE Is Expanding Across the US at Breakneck Speed. Here’s Where It’s Going Next
ICE plans to lease offices throughout the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign. WIRED is publishing dozens of these locations.
www.wired.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:13 PM
NEW: ICE has a plan to lease offices across the US as part of a secret, months-long expansion campaign.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
Today, @wired.com is publishing dozens of those locations. Many are near schools, medical offices, and places of worship.
Vital work from @leahfeiger.bsky.social that I'm proud to publish.
"The R2, however, is a different animal. If anything, it feels a bit closer to an overpowered Toyota 4Runner than another Model Y clone."
I get the sentiment but an overpowered 4Runner sounds more like horror than dark comedy, I guess insideevs.com/reviews/7868...
I get the sentiment but an overpowered 4Runner sounds more like horror than dark comedy, I guess insideevs.com/reviews/7868...
I Drove A Rivian R2 Prototype. It's Going To Surprise People
Rivian’s 300-mile, 656-horsepower SUV is a breath of fresh air for the American EV space. Here are five things to know.
insideevs.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:10 PM
"The R2, however, is a different animal. If anything, it feels a bit closer to an overpowered Toyota 4Runner than another Model Y clone."
I get the sentiment but an overpowered 4Runner sounds more like horror than dark comedy, I guess insideevs.com/reviews/7868...
I get the sentiment but an overpowered 4Runner sounds more like horror than dark comedy, I guess insideevs.com/reviews/7868...
Reposted by Zac Estrada
incredible that this came out *the day after* The Beatles first Ed Sullivan performance
Happy birthday to 'The Times They Are a-Changin',' released on this date in 1964
February 10, 2026 at 4:59 PM
incredible that this came out *the day after* The Beatles first Ed Sullivan performance
Reposted by Zac Estrada
February 10, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Some of these endorsements really make you wonder how much these people want certain endorsements www.latimes.com/california/s...
Schiff endorses Swalwell for California governor
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has endorsed Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) for California governor.
www.latimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:31 AM
Some of these endorsements really make you wonder how much these people want certain endorsements www.latimes.com/california/s...
"There was a world where the Tesla Diner could’ve been great...It operates next to more than 70 EV charging stations that are hugely needed if America wants to wean the auto industry off fossil fuels."
That was the original pitch, now done by others with less baggage www.eater.com/food-culture...
That was the original pitch, now done by others with less baggage www.eater.com/food-culture...
Is It Okay to Like the Tesla Diner?
Eater’s correspondent returns to the Tesla Diner six months after it opened. Unfortunately for Elon Musk haters, the food is pretty good for what it is.
www.eater.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:26 PM
"There was a world where the Tesla Diner could’ve been great...It operates next to more than 70 EV charging stations that are hugely needed if America wants to wean the auto industry off fossil fuels."
That was the original pitch, now done by others with less baggage www.eater.com/food-culture...
That was the original pitch, now done by others with less baggage www.eater.com/food-culture...
The most interesting thing about the story for me ended up being that Audi just skipped to 2027 since I almost gave the Q6 up for dead at the end of last year.
Few(er) touch-sensitive controls? Well, a win's a win www.caranddriver.com/news/a702687...
Few(er) touch-sensitive controls? Well, a win's a win www.caranddriver.com/news/a702687...
The Revised 2027 Audi A6 and Q6 EVs Mark the Triumphant Return of Physical Controls
After skipping the 2026 model year, the changes largely mirror the new A5 and Q5 lineups and focus on improved cabin functionality.
www.caranddriver.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:33 PM
The most interesting thing about the story for me ended up being that Audi just skipped to 2027 since I almost gave the Q6 up for dead at the end of last year.
Few(er) touch-sensitive controls? Well, a win's a win www.caranddriver.com/news/a702687...
Few(er) touch-sensitive controls? Well, a win's a win www.caranddriver.com/news/a702687...
Reposted by Zac Estrada
The Ford worker who heckled Trump during a visit to the company's plant still has his job and "has no discipline on his record," a union official said
Ford worker who heckled Trump keeps job, 'no discipline' for incident
The United Auto Workers union said TJ Sabula remains employed and called out the president for making an obscene gesture toward the worker.
www.detroitnews.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
The Ford worker who heckled Trump during a visit to the company's plant still has his job and "has no discipline on his record," a union official said