May the Odds Be Ever NOT in Waymo's Favor: Robotaxis Torched in LA Protests!

This Just In: The Reaping...Of Robotaxis?

Well folks seems like things are heating up outside of the arena too. Word on the street—or rather charred remains in the street—is that several Waymo robotaxis decided to have an impromptu bonfire in downtown Los Angeles. Apparently there were protests against President Trump's immigration policies and these poor metal contraptions got caught in the crossfire. Or rather the cross flame. I swear sometimes I feel like I'm back in District 12 watching the Capitol’s fancy toys go up in smoke. Except you know without Peeta baking bread to distract me.

Waymo Down Service Suspended: Is This the New Normal?

A spokesperson from Alphabet (whoever THEY are) confirmed that Waymo is pulling out of the protest zone faster than you can say 'The odds are never in our favor'. Smart move honestly. No point in becoming a moving target when people are already throwing things. It's safer back in the Seam I tell you what. The company is waiting for the LAPD to give the all clear. Because you know nothing screams 'safe' like a city full of disgruntled citizens and knowing the Capitol—er I mean the government—'peacekeepers'. It does raise some questions though. If self driving cars can't handle a little civil unrest are we really ready for them?

ICE Raids Spark Firestorm: Not the Kind Gale Envisions...

These protests kicked off after ICE (that's Immigration and Customs Enforcement for those of you not up on your dystopian alphabet soup) conducted raids. Demonstrations started peacefully but as usual things escalated faster than Prim running after a stray cat. Police clashed with protesters and then BAM! Robotaxis on fire. Honestly it's like the Hunger Games all over again just with less televised murder and more…autonomous vehicles getting toasted. Gale would have a field day with this. Though knowing him he’d probably be leading the charge shouting something about justice and fire…maybe a bit too much fire even for him.

California National Guard Deployed: Welcome to Panem...I Mean California!

President Trump in his infinite wisdom decided to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops. Because nothing diffuses a tense situation like armed soldiers right? It's like sending Peacekeepers into District 12… Oh wait. They did that. And we all know how well that turned out. I just hope they don't start whipping up crowd control tech out of thin air. Between this and the robotaxis it's like Panem is slowly creeping into our world. Anyone else feel like they need a good strong cup of dandelion tea and a nap?

Lime Scooters: The New Molotov Cocktails?

And the cherry on top? People were chucking Lime e scooters into the burning Waymos. Seriously? Lime scooters? Are we running low on actual weapons? Next thing you know they'll be weaponizing kale smoothies. It's bad enough that those scooters are constantly blocking the sidewalks. Now they're part of the resistance? What is this world coming to? Makes you almost miss the simple days of bows and arrows.

Toxic Fumes and Burning Questions: Is This Progress?

Of course burning lithium ion batteries release toxic gases. Because why wouldn't they? The LAPD is warning about the dangers. Thanks guys. We all know breathing in toxic fumes is bad. It's like Haymitch giving advice – technically helpful but delivered with a healthy dose of doom and gloom. Waymo launched its robotaxi service in LA earlier this year. Now I'm not saying self driving cars are a bad idea but maybe we should make sure they can survive a protest before unleashing them on the masses. Or at least program them to drive away from burning buildings. Just a thought.