Geek Life 5.24.11
Ahead of Protests, Waymo Scales Back Robotaxi Service Nationwide
A week after five robot cars were burned in Los Angeles, the Google sister company isn’t taking risks.
Aarian Marshall
‘No Kings’ Protests, Citizen-Run ICE Trackers Trigger Intelligence Warnings
Army intelligence analysts are monitoring civilian-made ICE tracking tools, treating them as potential threats, as immigration protests spread nationwide.
Dell Cameron
The Chatbot Disinfo Inflaming the LA Protests
On this episode of Uncanny Valley, our senior politics editor discusses the spread of disinformation online following the onset of the Los Angeles protests.
Zoë Schiffer
The High-Flying Escalation of CBP's Predator Drone Flights Over LA
Customs and Border Protection flying powerful Predator B drones over Los Angeles further breaks the seal on federal involvement in civilian matters typically handled by state or local authorities.
Lily Hay Newman
Trump Wants to Kill California’s Emissions Standards. Here’s What That Means for EVs
Experts say that disrupting the electrification plans for the US car fleet could lead to long-term pain.
Aarian Marshall
The Best 2-in-1 Laptops to Flip Between Work and Play
These 2-in-1 computers upgrade the norm with touchscreen displays, 360-degree hinges, and detachable keyboards.
Daniel Thorp-Lancaster
Best Totes for Travel When You’ve Run Out of Room in Your Carry-On
These hard-working travel totes handle everything from a work trip to a weekend getaway.
Boutayna Chokrane
Here’s What Federal Troops Can (and Can’t) Do While Deployed in LA
Pentagon rules sharply limit US Marines and National Guard activity in Los Angeles, prohibiting arrests, surveillance, and other customary police work.
Dell Cameron
33 Gifts Teens May Actually Like
Teenagers can be scary and impossible to shop for. These adolescent-approved gifts can help.
Louryn Strampe
The 13 Best Packing Cubes for Every Kind of Trip
Whether you’re a no-frills backpacker or a bag-checking fashionista, there’s a perfect packing cube out there for you.
Kat Merck
The 8 Best Air Fryers for Keeping it Crispy
We tested dozens of air fryers to find the best basket cookers, ovens, combi fryers, and even a great portable model.
Matthew Korfhage
Dyson Has Killed Its Bizarre Zone Air-Purifying Headphones
“One of the things we’ve learned is people really do care about what it looks like when it’s on your head.”
Simon Lucas