Self-driving vehicle company Waymo gets $5.6B to expand, despite challenges
Waymo, the self-driving car subsidiary of Google’s parent company Alphabet, announced the completion of its largest funding round to date, securing $5.6 billion to accelerate its autonomous vehicle initiatives. The investment aims to expand the company’s robotaxi services and explore new business applications for its driverless technology, although Waymo’s rollout has so far faced its share of challenges.
Currently operating in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix, Waymo plans to use the new funds to expand to additional cities like Austin and Atlanta by 2025. The company is also testing its vehicles in places with colder climates and more complex urban areas, including Buffalo, New York City, and Washington, D.C., to prepare for future deployments. Waymo said that this expansion will be accompanied by improvements to its offerings in existing markets.
Since 2020, the company’s driverless cars have been involved in at least 192 reported collisions. While Waymo claims these incidents are statistically fewer than those involving human-driven vehicles, some incidents have raised safety concerns.
In early October 2024, a passenger was reportedly trapped inside a Waymo robotaxi while it was being vandalized. Additionally, over the summer of 2024, neighbors near a Waymo parking lot in San Francisco complained of cars honking at each other throughout the night for several weeks.
Despite these setbacks, investors lauded Waymo’s technology, citing it as the safest and most advanced in the industry. The company’s vehicles have logged over 25 million miles on public roads, equal to the distance from Earth to Venus during its closest approach. As of August 2024, Waymo reported providing 100,000 customer trips every week.
The new funding will not only support the robotaxi business but also enable Waymo to explore other uses for its “Waymo Driver” technology. Potential business applications include food and package deliveries, long-haul trucking, and even privately owned autonomous vehicles.
DA recommends Menendez brothers be resentenced for parents’ murders
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Thursday, Oct. 24, he’s recommending the Menendez brothers be resentenced for the 1989 murders of their parents. In 1996, a judge sentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez to life in prison for the killings.
The brothers claimed they had been sexually abused by their father, but prosecutors argued inheriting the family’s money was their motive. The sexual abuse claims recently resurfaced with some Menendez relatives saying the abuse was, in fact, true.
Now, the LA County DA is recommending they be resentenced to 50 years to life, which would make them both immediately eligible for parole under California law because they were younger than 26 at the time of the murders.
“There is no excuse for murder,” Gascón said, “and I will never imply that what we’re doing here is to excuse that behavior — because even if you get abused, the right path is to call the police, seek help — but I understand also how sometimes people get desperate.”
He added, “I believe that they have paid their debt to society.”
Gascón said there was never any question the brothers murdered their parents, but to what degree they should be held accountable was in question.
Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking 50/50 ball scores $4.39M at auction
Shohei Ohtani’s historic 50th home run ball sold at auction for a record-breaking $4.39 million Tuesday, Oct. 22, despite being at the center of ongoing legal battles. The record-breaking auction comes days before Ohtani is set to play in the first game of the World Series.
The sale also came despite ongoing litigation playing out in Florida, where two different people have filed lawsuits claiming they caught the ball first. However, it ultimately ended up in the hands of the fan who put it up for auction.
Shohei Ohtani's 50/50 home run ball sold for a record-breaking $4.39 million, per @GoldinCo.
It doesn’t matter who ends up hitting a home run in the lawsuits, though. The ball will still be pitched to the anonymous person who won Tuesday’s bidding war because the auction house said “all parties” claiming ownership of the baseball agreed on the sale.
Meanwhile, Ohtani and the Dodgers are gearing up for Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees on Friday, Oct. 25.
Jewish students and staff at UCLA face increased antisemitism: Report
Jewish students and staff at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), were threatened, harassed and sometimes assaulted, according to a new report published by the UCLA Antisemitism Task Force. The task force was established by UCLA Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt in February 2024.
The task force surveyed 428 Jewish and Israeli members of the UCLA community. Respondents reported experiencing an uptick in antisemitism following Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack.
Forty percent of respondents reported experiencing discrimination at UCLA, including comments and slurs directed at them in person on campus. Nearly one-fifth reported being physically threatened. The report also states that over 100 Jewish individuals reported physical threats or attacks at UCLA.
Several respondents noted graffiti plastered on buildings, using slurs against Jews. Swastikas were also spray-painted on campus buildings, chalkboards, and sidewalks.
Jewish students and staff recalled a statue of a pig featuring a clock with the words “Time is running out,” holding a bag with a dollar sign, with a Jewish star and flames surrounding the words “UC Regents.” The report stated that the pig statue was allowed to remain on campus for more than a week.
When a pro-Palestinian encampment appeared on campus, the task force said UCLA prioritized free speech over addressing protesters, even when they violated school rules by setting up tents and making antisemitic remarks.
The task force reported that Jewish students were barred from walking through the encampment across campus to their classes or dorm rooms, making them feel unsafe and uncomfortable on campus.
“If it were hate directed against any other minority group, there would be zero tolerance. It is becoming normalized at UCLA,” one respondent told the task force.
Nearly 60% of respondents said they spent less time on UCLA’s campus during the winter and spring because of antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
In May 2024, pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with pro-Israel protesters in a heated exchange on campus that turned violent, leading to beatings and people being pepper-sprayed. University police moved in to dismantle the encampment, resulting in dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters being arrested.
In August 2024, a federal judge ruled that UCLA must guarantee equal campus access for Jewish students.
The task force recommends that UCLA make an effort “to mitigate hatred, racism, discrimination, and antisemitism” by providing education and training to community members, overhauling the complaint and reporting system and enforcing rules, laws and policies to protect Jewish and Israeli community members.
National Geographic releases Best of the World 2025 list
National Geographic released its highly anticipated Best of the World 2025 list. It highlights some of the most exciting, meaningful and unique travel experiences for the upcoming year.
The list features something for every type of traveler, from families to foodies, animal lovers to adventurers.
The 2025 destinations include a new rock-climbing paradise in India and an island-hopping trail in Stockholm, each chosen to inspire and captivate visitors.
Nathan Lump, editor-in-chief at National Geographic, described the Best of the World list as an annual invitation to explore the diverse beauty of the world.
“In a time of uncertainty, we wanted to lean into travel that brings joy and taps into the excitement of discovery,” Lump said in an interview with CNN.
This year, joy became a key theme in travel trends.
One destination making waves is Guadalajara, Mexico, which earned its spot on the list thanks to its lively Mariachi Festival. The event transforms the city’s streets into a vibrant musical celebration.
Another notable pick is Boise, Idaho, where the Basque community’s Jaialdi Festival returns after a decade-long hiatus, featuring street parties and traditional sports, including wood-chopping competitions.
For travelers seeking a slower, more reflective experience, Italy’s centuries-old cenobitic monasteries offer a tranquil setting perfect for meditation and connection.
Cork, Ireland, also made the list. The city is known for its vibrant culture and warm locals, and it is undergoing a massive urban transformation that is expected to attract even more visitors in the coming years.
Los Angeles secured its place on the list for its rapidly growing art scene. Additionally, Bangkok was recognized for its quieter, lesser-known spiritual sites, like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, which offer a serene escape from the more crowded tourist destinations.
For those interested in remote cultural immersion, Haida Gwaii, located off the coast of British Columbia, offers a rare opportunity to connect with indigenous traditions and local wildlife.
Whether travelers want to hike active volcanoes in Guatemala, rock-climb in India’s Ladakh region or take a wildlife photography class aboard Malaysia’s luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, the Best of the World 2025 list provides a variety of incredible experiences.
Harris, Trump look for votes in battlegrounds with 2 weeks to go
With exactly two weeks to go until Election Day, both candidates for president are blitzing the battleground states. And we’ve learned how long student loan repayments for about eight million Americans will remain on hold. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024.
Harris, Trump look for more votes in battlegrounds with 2 weeks to go
With two weeks to go until Election Day, the presidential candidates are crisscrossing the country trying to pick up any undecided voters that remain.
.@Liz_Cheney: Vice President Harris is going to defend our Constitution. We're not always gonna agree, but I know Vice President Harris will always do what she believes is right for this country. She has a sincere heart, and that's why I'm honored to support her pic.twitter.com/lcFD6MGDSF
“So, I think that we are facing a choice in this election; it’s not about party, it’s about right and wrong,” Cheney said. “And I certainly have many Republicans who will say to me, ‘I can’t be public.’ They do worry about a whole range of things including violence, but they’ll do the right thing.”
In Wisconsin, Harris described her opponent former President Donald Trump as “unstable,” referencing comments made by former Trump cabinet members.
“I think it’s very important that we acknowledge — and I have said publicly that Donald Trump is an unserious man,” Harris said, “and the consequences of him ever being President of United States again are brutally serious. Brutally serious.”
Former President Trump visited North Carolina on Monday where he surveyed the damage created by Hurricane Helene and continued his criticism of the Biden administration’s relief efforts.
“The power of nature, nothing you can do about it, but you got to get a little bit better crew and to do a better job than has been done by the White House,” Trump said. “It’s been not good. Not good. I’m here today in western North Carolina to express a simple message to the incredible people of the state: I’m with you and the American people are with you all the way. We’re going to continue to be with you. We’ll see what happens with the election. And we’re, on January 20th, you’re going to have, I think, a new crew coming in to do it properly and help you in a proper manner.”
Trump made two more stops while in North Carolina Monday, holding a rally and speaking at a faith leaders’ event.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, former President Trump will continue campaigning in North Carolina with a rally in Greensboro, and Vice President Harris will sit down for an interview with NBC News in Washington, D.C.
Blinken in Israel to revive Gaza cease-fire talks after Sinwar death
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Israel once again — his 11th visit to the region since war broke out between Israel and Hamas a little more than a year ago.
On my way to Israel and other stops in the Middle East for intensive discussions about the importance of ending the war in Gaza, returning the hostages to their families, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. pic.twitter.com/lIaRUo7Ea2
This visit is the first stop on a wider tour of the Middle East in which Blinken is expected to revive talks for a cease-fire in Gaza in the wake of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Blinken’s weeklong trip comes as the Middle East braces for Israel’s response to an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv earlier this month.
Teen arrested after 2 adults, 3 children killed in shooting at Washington home
Officials with the King County Sheriff’s Office said another teenager who had been injured went to a Seattle hospital. They said that teenager and the teen in custody both live at the home where the shooting happened, but did not know the relationships between those teens and the five people killed.
“I just don’t know the relationships, so I’m going to withhold confirming any relationships, but it does appear to be that this is a family incident,” Deputy Mike Mellis told reporters Monday. “Clearly, a domestic violence incident that involves not only a young man — who’s now in significant trouble — and it involves firearms. Young men and firearms.”
Reports say he has chronic myeloid leukemia, a form of bone marrow cancer, and he’s undergoing treatment at Rikers Island prison in New York where he’s serving a 16-year sentence.
This is just the latest health issue Weinstein has faced behind bars. Last month, he had emergency heart surgery to alleviate a significant amount of fluid in his lungs and heart, and he was hospitalized in July with COVID-19 and double pneumonia.
Student loan payments pause extended for 8 million SAVE plan borrowers
Eight million Americans will be able to continue holding off paying back their student loans for at least another six months, the Department of Education confirmed on Monday.
The Education Department said save enrollees will be placed in an interest-free general forbearance for at least six months pending the outcome of legal challenges to the plan.
Cheapest World Series tickets costing at least $1,000 on secondary market
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees have each punched their ticket to the World Series and now if you want a ticket, you’ll need at least $1,000. According to SeatGeek, the cheapest single seat for the Game 1 in LA on Friday, Oct. 25, will cost $1,034.
For Game 2 on Saturday, Oct. 26, also at Dodger Stadium, the least expensive ticket is $1,209.
Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 28 and 29, head back to the East Coast, with the cheapest tickets for Yankees Stadium costing $1,385 and $1,110, respectively. A possible Game 5 is showing the same as Game 4.
And “if necessary,” Games 6 and 7 would be back in LA, with the cheapest tickets going for around $1,300 or more.
As for the good seats behind home plate at Dodger Stadium, those tickets are going for $1,500 or more.
Israel has launched a new set of attacks on Hezbollah’s financial operations in Lebanon. And we’re learning more about a catastrophic failure on a dock at what was supposed to be an evening to celebrate culture. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
Israeli officials said the organization held funds used to directly finance Hezbollah’s activities.
The National News Agency in Lebanon reported at least 11 strikes in southern Beirut targeting al-Qard al-Hassan. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
⭕Overnight, the IAF conducted a series of targeted, intelligence-based strikes against dozens of facilities and sites used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization to finance its terrorist activities against the State of Israel. The strikes were conducted in the areas of Beirut,…
Meanwhile, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the THAAD missile defense system the U.S. recently sent to Israel is now in place and ready for use when needed. This comes as Israel prepares its response to an Iranian missile attack earlier this month. U.S. officials are investigating the apparent leak of two top-secret documents that show American spy agencies tracking possible Israeli preparations for that attack.
Trump works at PA McDonald’s; Harris spends birthday at GA churches
With just 15 days to go until Election Day, the campaign trail involved stops over the weekend at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s and Georgia churches.
Republican nominee former President Donald Trump donned an apron Sunday, Oct. 20, joining McDonald’s workers at a location in suburban Pennsylvania near Philadelphia. Trump chose McDonald’s as a campaign stop as he questions Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris’ account of working at a McDonald’s as a summer job during her college years.
Trump was on the fry station before heading over to the drive-thru window where he ended up holding an impromptu press conference with reporters.
Later, Trump held a town hall in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he spoke about his plans for the economy and called out Vice President Harris’ changing stances on fracking — but took time to wish her a happy birthday.
“By the way, it’s her 60th birthday, so I want to wish her a happy 60th birthday,” Trump said. “Happy birthday and many more. Happy birthday. I mean it. And I do mean it, actually.”
Trump then headed to Pittsburgh to attend the Steelers football game.
As for the vice president, Kamala Harris spent her 60th birthday visiting two churches in the Atlanta, Georgia area where she was joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Stevie Wonder. Harris called on churchgoers to get out to vote.
Vice President Harris: Faith is a verb. It is something that manifests itself in our actions, our deeds, and our service. Our strength is not based on who we beat down. It is based on who we lift up. That's not what we see from the other side in this election pic.twitter.com/zM3yjXpJ1r
“I say as we move forward, let us look at where we are and understand the lesson of the gospel of Luke,” Harris said. “Because right now, each of us has an opportunity to make a difference. In this moment, our country is at a crossroads, and where we go from here is up to us as Americans and as people of faith. And now we ask a question, we face this question: what kind of country do we want to live in?”
On Monday, former President Trump will tour Hurricane Helene damage in North Carolina and Vice President Harris will hold a rally in Pennsylvania.
Navy confirms deaths of 2 crew members after jet crashes in Washington
U.S. Navy officials have confirmed searchers found the remains of two crew members of a jet that crashed near Mount Rainier in Washington last week. They said the crew members will not be identified until 24 hours after their families have been notified.
The jet carrying the two crew members went down during what the Navy said was a routine training flight last Tuesday, Oct. 15. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
7 people killed in gangway collapse on Georgia barrier island
Authorities in Georgia are investigating after seven people were killed when a gangway collapsed on one of the state’s barrier islands Saturday, Oct. 19. They were among hundreds of people on Sapelo Island for a celebration of Gullah Geechee history and its unique blend of African culture and American life.
The aluminum gangway suffered structural failure as historic Sapelo Island hosted an event celebrating its Gullah Geechee history and culture. https://t.co/4CW2GRYcvH
The coroner said the victims were all in their 70s, except for one woman in her 90s. Authorities said as many as 40 people were on the gangway and about 20 people fell into the water when it collapsed shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday.
A team of engineers and construction specialists is now investigating why it failed.
Millions of Cubans in the dark amid power grid collapse
As Cuba deals with major issues with its power grid, Hurricane Oscar made landfall Sunday before being downgraded to a tropical storm. Oscar is expected to bring heavy rain and damaging storm surge to parts of the country as millions are still without access to power and attempts to restore much of the nation’s electric grid have failed.
On Sunday afternoon, the Cuban electrical union said power had been restored to neighborhoods where more than 216,000 people live in the capital city of Havana, which is home to about 2 million people. However, by Sunday night, the power grid had collapsed again — the fourth time since Friday, Oct. 18.
Some Cubans have taken to the streets to protest the ongoing blackouts, many banging pots and pans and disrupting traffic.
Officials had initially said power would be restored by Monday or Tuesday, Oct. 22, but it’s likely the latest setback will delay that timeline.
It took five games and a 67-62 overtime win over the Minnesota Lynx for the Liberty to walk away with the title. Jonquel Jones was named the Finals MVP.
The Liberty had been only the original WNBA franchise without a championship, until now.
The big win also came on the same night we found out it would be the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the New York Yankees in the World Series to decide the best in baseball. Game 1 is set for Friday, Oct. 25.
A former employee has come forward accusing country music superstar Garth Brooks of sexual assault and battery. In the lawsuit, the woman said she worked as his hair and makeup artist.
The lawsuit alleges in 2019, Brooks raped the woman during a work trip in Los Angeles.
Before this lawsuit was made public, CNN reported an anonymous celebrity plaintiff — now identified as Brooks — had tried to block the woman from suing and denied the claims.
In a statement released to the media, Brooks said, “For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars.”
He went on to say, “Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of—ugly acts no human should ever do to another. We filed suit against this person nearly a month ago to speak out against extortion and defamation of character. We filed it anonymously for the sake of families on both sides.”
The strike is over for now, as thousands of dockworkers return to their jobs after a tentative agreement to raise their pay. And why after more than three decades in prison , the Menendez brothers — infamous for killing their parents — might have their case reviewed and the factor it all hinges on. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
Tens of thousands of U.S. dockworkers are getting back on the job after two days of a strike that clogged dozens of East and Gulf coast ports. The historic labor action, which threatened to drive inflation back up, is now on hold until at least January 15.
Thursday night, Oct. 3, members of the International Longshoremen’s Association struck a tentative deal with the U.S. Maritime Alliance over pay. The agreement will increase workers’ wages by 62% over the span of six years.
The agreement is an increase over the Maritime Alliance’s offer of 50% earlier this week, but a compromise for the ILA, which has called for a 77% increase in wages over the same time period.
The new deal would bring hourly pay for top dockworkers to $63 per hour by the end of the deal, compared to $39 an hour under the most recently expired contract.
Dockworkers had also been calling for a total ban on automation, but no deal was reached on that. Sources close to the matter have said that will be the main topic of negotiations between now and Jan. 15.
I applaud the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance for coming together to reopen the East Coast and Gulf ports and ensure the availability of critical supplies for Hurricane Helene recovery and rebuilding.
More Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut
Powerful blasts rocked Beirut Thursday night into Friday morning, Oct. 4, as Israel unleashed some of its heaviest strikes on the Lebanese capital city yet. This comes as Iran’s foreign minister is in Beirut meeting with Lebanese officials over the expanding conflict between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Thursday, Israel ordered more evacuations for villages in southern Lebanon, potentially signaling plans to broaden the ground invasion there. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state-run news agency said an Israeli strike took out the main highway between Lebanon and Syria, which tens of thousands of people have used over the past two weeks to flee the escalating fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
🔴Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, the Commander of Hezbollah’s Communications Unit, during a precise, intelligence-based strike in Beirut yesterday.
Sakafi was a senior Hezbollah terrorist, who was responsible for the communications unit since 2000. Sakafi invested significant efforts… pic.twitter.com/PH65nh5FLI
The Israeli military also said it killed another top Hezbollah militant, Mohammed Anisi, in a recent strike on Beirut. Hezbollah has not yet confirmed that claim.
Three ex-officers found guilty in Tyre Nichols beating death
A federal jury convicted three former Memphis police officers in the 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols Thursday, but they were acquitted of the most serious charges. The jury found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith guilty of witness tampering for covering up the attack. Haley was also convicted of violating Nichols’ civil rights.
Nichols died three days after the officers brutally beat him following a traffic stop. The officers now face up to 20 years in prison for the witness tampering convictions while Haley’s civil rights violation conviction carries up to 10 years. Sentencing is pending with a hearing scheduled to determine whether they will remain in custody.
The case has triggered federal investigations into Memphis police practices, and Nichols’ family has filed a $550 million lawsuit against the city and its police department.
In a statement, the assistant U.S. attorney who oversees the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “Tyre Nichols should be alive today.”
35 years later, Menendez brothers’ case under review following claims of parental abuse
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced his office will review the convictions of Erik and Lyle Menendez, nearly 35 years after they were imprisoned for killing their parents in 1989. New evidence, including a letter from Erik Menendez alleging sexual abuse by their father, prompted the reexamination.
Gascón stressed that while the brothers’ guilt is not being contested, the new evidence and changing views on sexual abuse require a review. The attorney for the Menendez brothers argues they’ve been rehabilitated and is seeking a re-sentencing.
A hearing on Nov. 29 will determine the next steps, which could include a new trial or an adjusted sentence.
Country star Garth Brooks accused of rape
A former employee has come forward accusing country music superstar Garth Brooks of sexual assault and battery. In a the lawsuit, the woman said she worked as his hair and makeup artist.
The lawsuit alleges in 2019, Brooks raped the woman during a work trip in Los Angeles.
Before this lawsuit was made public, CNN reported an anonymous celebrity plaintiff — now identified as Brooks — had tried to block the woman from suing and denied the claims.
In a statement released to the media, Brooks said, “For the last two months, I have been hassled to no end with threats, lies, and tragic tales of what my future would be if I did not write a check for many millions of dollars.”
If there was ever a night that I really needed this, TONIGHT was that night! Thank you for my life!!!!! love, g pic.twitter.com/q6FFLrJO0a
He went on to say, “Hush money, no matter how much or how little, is still hush money. In my mind, that means I am admitting to behavior I am incapable of—ugly acts no human should ever do to another. We filed suit against this person nearly a month ago to speak out against extortion and defamation of character. We filed it anonymously for the sake of families on both sides.”
Category 4 Hurricane Kirk strengthens, expected to stay offshore
Hurricane Kirk, a powerful Category 4 storm, is churning in the Atlantic, with forecasters warning of dangerous swells that could impact the U.S. east coast, Bermuda, the Greater Antilles, and the Bahamas by this weekend. Though the hurricane is expected to remain far from land, its waves might cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.
NEW: #Kirk is now a major #hurricane with 125mph sustained winds and will strengthen to *near Category 5 strength* over the next couple of days. Certainly thankful it will remain out to sea and no threat to land! #HurricaneKirk#weatherpic.twitter.com/frSGbEgtFe
As Kirk strengthens, Tropical Storm Leslie has also formed in the Atlantic but poses no immediate threat to land.
Meanwhile, the southeast is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which left more than 200 people dead and caused catastrophic damage. Rescue efforts continue as many residents remain without water, power and communication services.
President Joe Biden has visited the region to survey the devastation, pledging federal aid for debris removal and recovery efforts in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Federal authorities charge 68 members of LA white supremacist gang
Federal authorities charged 68 members of the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods with a variety of crimes including drug trafficking and financial fraud. The group is a California-based white supremacist gang.
“The Peckerwoods are involved in a wide variety of criminal activity,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said. “Everything from drug trafficking to fraud offenses, to firearm offenses, violence, and identity theft. But what truly distinguishes them, what defines them is their hate and their nemesis toward racial, ethnic, and religious minorities.”
A 76-count indictment unsealed Wednesday, Oct. 2, alleged a years-long criminal enterprise involving drug trafficking, weapons violations and sophisticated financial fraud schemes, including COVID-19 benefits and loan fraud.
Some of the charges include conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, distribution of controlled substances, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, among other charges.
During the investigation, law enforcement said they seized large quantities of illegal firearms and dozens of pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin.
The gang also formed alliances with notorious prison gangs, including the Aryan Brotherhood and Mexican Mafia.
Members allegedly display their extremist beliefs through Nazi tattoos and graffiti, including swastikas and the “88” symbol representing allegiance to Adolf Hitler.
Several law enforcement agencies collaborated for the operation, with the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office spearheading the effort.
Attorney General Merrick Garland described the operation as a “decisive blow” to the Peckerwoods, emphasizing the gang’s involvement in trafficking deadly fentanyl and committing violent robberies.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California will prosecute the case.
