Podcasts about Alaska Airlines

Sound Transit shelves Ballard extension, Seattle city council explores street closures to deter gun violence, and Alaska Airlines is fined for allowing intoxicated passengers on board. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 174 of the Award Travel 101 podcast focused heavily on Hyatt's newly announced award chart changes and how travelers can adapt to them. Cameron Laufer and Mike Zaccheo explained that Hyatt is replacing its traditional fixed categories with a more dynamic five-tier structure across eight hotel categories, resulting in noticeable increases for many properties. Standard award rates are rising roughly 17–38%, while some peak pricing jumps could reach as high as 67%. Although a handful of properties decreased in price, far more increased, especially luxury hotels. The hosts discussed examples like Park Hyatt Siem Reap remaining at 15,000 points per night while Secrets Punta Cana increased slightly from 29,000 to 30,000 points. They also noted positives, including free night certificates remaining valid at top-tier pricing and expanded booking windows for elites and cardholders, while questioning whether Hyatt may quietly shift more nights into higher pricing tiers over time.The episode also covered several loyalty program updates and transfer partner changes. Hilton launched a summer promotion offering 2,000 bonus points for shorter stays and 4,000 for longer stays, while Kimpton introduced its seasonal secret password promotion. The hosts highlighted major transfer partner shakeups, including American Express removing Etihad as a transfer partner in the U.S. They also reviewed transfer bonuses ending soon, including bonuses from Amex to Hilton, Chase to Southwest, and Capital One to Qantas. In the “highlight post” segment, they addressed a listener frustrated with having 193,000 British Airways Avios, emphasizing that Avios become much more valuable when used through partner airlines such as Iberia, Qatar Airways, Finnair, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, while reminding listeners that Avios are easy to keep active with occasional account activity.The hosts wrapped up with personal trip updates and practical award travel advice. Mike shared several upcoming trips, including Napa Valley, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Paris, detailing how he pieced together premium cabin flights and hotel stays using a mix of American Airlines, Alaska, Air France, and Hyatt points. Cameron discussed rebooking a tour through a shopping portal for significant cashback and planning logistics for an overnight arrival in Athens after a long economy flight. The episode concluded with a “tip of the week” focused on organizing complex award itineraries using tools like spreadsheets and TripIt to track reservations, monitor schedule conflicts, and simplify “gardening” award bookings over time.Episode Links:Hilton Summer PromoKimpton Secret PasswordAmex drops EtihadHyatt ChangesWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Late Summer 2026 Meetup in Milwaukee now. award.travel/mke2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

This Alaska Pilots Podcast episode takes us behind the scenes of what happens when Alaska Airlines announces a new destination. Using Keflavík as the example, we walk through the work that takes place beyond the route announcement itself, hotel and transportation planning, security considerations, scheduling issues, flight planning, training pay, and some contractual pieces that come with launching a new route. This episode is meant to give pilots a better look at the moving parts ALPA is engaged in early, often before the flying appears in a bid packet.    ala.alpa.org

In Episode 172 of the Award Travel 101 podcast, Angie Sparks and Cameron Laufer opened with a discussion inspired by member Leena's safari planning post, where the community shared advice on destinations, timing, and operators for an unforgettable milestone birthday trip. The conversation reinforced how award travel can make extraordinary journeys — from Bali girls trips to Indian weddings and African safaris — suddenly attainable. The hosts also covered several major news items in the travel space, including changing valuations for Southwest Rapid Rewards points, Rove adding Air Canada Aeroplan as a transfer partner alongside a 25% transfer bonus, and Frontier's promotional offer awarding bonus miles for paid round trips. One of the biggest developments discussed was the shutdown of Spirit Airlines.The episode also included candid updates on the hosts' own award travel strategies and frustrations. Angie detailed multiple recent credit card denials despite having strong justifications for her existing card lineup, leading her to focus more on maximizing current cards rather than chasing new bonuses. Cameron mentioned cancelling a Hawaiian Airlines card for Player 2, while both hosts shared ongoing trip-planning adjustments. Angie successfully rebooked a Morocco flight using American Airlines miles for a better itinerary and leveraged Fine Hotels + Resorts credits for luxury accommodations. Cameron discussed continuously monitoring award space for an Athens trip after dealing with phantom Alaska Airlines availability and frustrating tax refund discrepancies from American Airlines. The main topic featured a “You Asked, We Answer” segment revisiting interesting community questions. Topics ranged from compensation expectations after a large champagne spill in Emirates business class damaged a traveler's electronics, to reactions surrounding Spirit Airlines' collapse and the impact on low-cost flyers in Fort Lauderdale. The hosts also discussed Ethiopian Airlines business class consistency, especially for travelers hoping to avoid outdated aircraft products, and debated whether parents should open rewards cards in their children's names to stockpile points for family travel before stricter “lifetime” bonus rules become widespread. Cameron closed the episode with a practical tip reminding listeners to carefully audit airline refunds after cancellations, noting that while his American Airlines points redeposited correctly, part of the cash refund required manual escalation.Episode Links:Southwest Point ValuationRove Adds AeroplanFrontier PromoSpirit Ends OperationsWhere to Find UsThe Award Travel 101 Facebook Community.To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1.You can also email us at 101@award.travelBuy your Award Travel 101 Merch hereReserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card!Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.  

Photo: The Cannery Hotel & Casino in North Las Vegas, Nev. (AJFU / Wikimedia) A newly filed federal lawsuit alleges two Las Vegas hotel-casinos enabled years of sex trafficking tied to convicted sex offender Nathan Chasing Horse. The civil complaint was filed on behalf of two survivors, and names Boyd Gaming, Station Casinos, and other entities as defendants. The suit alleges trafficking occurred at properties including Cannery Casino & Hotel and Santa Fe Station Hotel and Casino between 2014 and 2022. According to the lawsuit, Chasing Horse used his position as a self-described spiritual leader to manipulate and control women through coercion, isolation, and threats of violence. The complaint alleges the women were forced into commercial sex acts while hotel staff ignored visible warning signs. Attorney Alex Marcinko represents the survivors. “People like Nathan Chasing Horse don't operate in a vacuum. He doesn't exist without other entities allowing him to.” The lawsuit alleges hotel staff repeatedly rented rooms to Chasing Horse despite signs the women were being controlled and exploited. It also claims the hotels financially benefited from the repeated stays. “There was obvious signs of the torment these women were undergoing at these hotels, and nothing was done.” Chasing Horse was convicted earlier this year on sex trafficking and sexual abuse charges and sentenced in April to 37 years to life in prison. The lawsuit was filed under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which allows survivors to pursue civil claims against businesses accused of knowingly benefiting from trafficking ventures. Marcinko says the case could also raise broader questions about accountability within the hotel industry. “The hotel industry turns a blind eye to the human suffering in sex trafficking. It happens far too often.” The lawsuit seeks damages for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm the survivors say they endured. Every year, 20 to 30 Alaska Airlines employees volunteer to help Mt. Edgecumbe High School students get glammed up for prom.(Photo: KCAW/McKenney) Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, Alaska has a unique program that brings Alaska Airlines employees — known as “glam fairies” — to help students from villages across Alaska get ready for prom, as KCAW's Hope McKenney reports. For the past fourteen or so years, volunteers with the Prom Prince and Princess program have helped Mt. Edgecumbe students get glammed up for prom. They do hair, nails, and makeup, provide jewelry, shoes, corsages, and boutonnieres, and even do alterations on the many donated suits and dresses. “So I'm really happy to be here, because I love doing hair and makeup.” Lisa Lynch is one of the many glam faeries helping in the crowded room. “So I'm happy to be able to do this for other kids whose families can't be here to help them like that.” Alonza Topkok just finished her turn in the makeup chair. “I wanted shimmer, and I wanted glitter, and that's exactly what they gave me.” She says her prom look is inspired by the 2001 Mariah Carey cult classic “Glitter”. She says it means a lot that people volunteer their time and donate clothes, makeup, and jewelry when she and her friends don't have family members nearby to help out. Freshman Andrew Adams from Mentasta Lake is hovering at the entrance to the common room with his friends Calvin and Kacin. Adams went to a middle school prom a couple of years ago, but this is his first high school prom. When asked if they are all going to go up and ask those girls to dance, Adams replied, “Maybe, yeah.” Despite some nerves, Adams and his friends eventually ask one of the volunteers to help them get ready. Circling back around with them afterward, refreshed and ready to head out, they seem like they're going to be just fine. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – High gas prices eat into business profits and personal budgets

Wheels Off, AirTags On: The Ultimate Survival Guide to Flying Your Dog Host Laura Reeves gets the ultimate intel from Alicia Morrison Jones—an Afghan Hound breeder who clocked roughly 200,000 miles flying her own dog before going behind the counter as an Alaska Airlines employee. Ditch the travel anxiety with this ultimate survival guide to flying your dog, featuring insider secrets on crate hacks, cargo hold myths and the non-negotiable rules you need to know before takeoff. The Truth About the Cargo Hold:Stop panicking about the baggage hold.It is fully pressurized and temperature-regulated, often running about 10 degrees cooler than the passenger cabin. Your dog gets their own isolated, strapped-in section away from the regular luggage and they usually have more room down there than you do in economy.Crate Survival Rules & Fees:Be prepared to pay the new pet fee of $200 each way.Ditch the collapsible crates:Alaska Airlines no longer accepts them. You must use a solid, stationary crate.Know your aircraft limits:The absolute maximum crate height for a 737 is 30 inches.Wheels Off:Crates can no longer have wheels attached. Take them off and label them with your name and phone number. The Ultimate Travel Hacks: AirTag Everything:Strap an Apple AirTag to your dog's collar or secure it to their crate for instant tracking and peace of mind.The Zip-Tie Hack:Secure your water buckets to the crate door with zip-ties so the clips don't break off during heavy turbulence.The 10/30 Health Certificate Rule:Your vet health certificatemustbe dated within 10 days of your initial departing flight, which then covers a 30-day travel window for your return trip.Absorbent Material is Mandatory:Don't get left behind for a biohazard issue. Pad the bottom of your crate with secure, absorbent material.Beat the Clock:Arrive a minimum of two hours early to survive TSA, complete the extensive paperwork and get your crate inspected. How to Get Denied Boarding (What NEVER to do): Ban the Flexi Lead:Never walk your dog through the airport on a flexi lead—it is a massive safety hazard for other passengers and pets.Keep it Quiet:If your dog is heavily stressed, banging on the crate door, or barking incessantly,the airline will deny you boardingfor safety reasons. Summer Embargo Warning: Watch the heat. Summer temperature embargoes officially drop on May 15, so start planning your travel carefully around the cool hours of the day. This year Alaska Airlines decided to set summer embargoes for select airports. Here is a breakdown of the embargoes for 2026: *Austin (AUS) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. *Baltimore (BWI) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. *Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. *Detroit (DTW) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM. *Dulles (IAD) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. *El Paso (ELP) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. *Houston (IAH) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. **Kansas City (MCI) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026. **Las Vegas (LAS) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights March 27, 2026 through October 15, 2026. *John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. **Oklahoma City (OKC) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026. *Palm Springs (PSP) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. *Philadelphia (PHL) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. *Phoenix (PHX) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights April 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. *Pittsburgh (PIT) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. *Sacramento (SMF) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. *San Antonio International (SAT) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. **St Louis (STL) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026. *Tucson (TUS) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. **Tulsa (TUL) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026. *Washington D.C. (DCA) Due to extreme temperature forecasts, animals traveling in the baggage compartment will not be accepted on flights May 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026 between 12:00 PM –...

Japan’s PM kicks off bilateral meetings with Vietnam and Australia, we discuss the agenda. Then: We review the first ever EU-Armenia Summit. Plus: ILTM Villa d’Este, a tour around Alcova and a trip with Alaska Airlines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American and Alaska explore a deeper partnership, Emirates says travelers will move on quickly from the Iran war, and hotel earnings are starting strong despite uncertainty ahead. On today's Skift Daily Briefing, Sarah Dandashy breaks down why American and Alaska teaming up could reshape airline competition, what Emirates' confidence signals about travel recovery, and why hotel earnings are showing strength now with risk building later in the year. This episode is presented by Lodgify! Articles Referenced: Honorable Mention: @AskAConcierge on IGAmerican and Alaska Airlines in Talks Over Revenue-Sharing PartnershipEmirates President Tim Clark Says Travelers Will Forget the CrisisHotel Earnings Preview Shows Best Quarter in a Year After Weak 2025 Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAL375LikgIXmNPYQ0L/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.

April 2026 Bilt Bulletin | Palladium Card, Points Accelerator, Bilt Cash Credits & Wyndham Update Justin Vacula and co-host Darren return with the April 2026 Bilt Bulletin on the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, explaining the latest developments with Bilt Rewards, including the new Bilt Palladium card, Points Accelerator, Bilt Cash credits, and the addition of Wyndham as a transfer partner. In this episode, Justin shares his real-world experience with the Bilt Palladium card, including how it can earn 2x everywhere and up to 3x everywhere through Points Accelerator on qualifying spend. He also explains how Bilt members can transfer points to programs like Hyatt and Alaska Airlines, pay rent fee-free using Bilt's account and routing number system, and stack monthly benefits for even more value. Justin and Darren also discuss Bilt Cash redemptions for dining, pharmacy, rideshare, and hotel credits, along with Bilt status levels, Rent Day bonuses, the new Wyndham Rewards partnership, the $200 two-night hotel credit, and the “Bilt Close Friends” invite program. They also respond to listener feedback, including criticism that Bilt may be too complicated compared with cards like the Capital One Venture X. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and setup 01:17 Bilt Palladium card basics 02:08 Early results and paying rent with Bilt 04:16 Elite status thresholds and Rent Day bonuses 06:11 Using Bilt Cash credits 09:34 Bilt Close Friends and events 11:22 Wyndham added as a Bilt transfer partner 12:46 Show support and ads 15:01 Stacking the $200 hotel credit 19:23 Listener feedback: Is Bilt too complicated? 25:17 New cards and family strategy 28:37 Wrap-up and outro —

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was given a target letter by the Attorney General’s office last week, HNN Investigates has learned. Plus, the first day of digital integration for Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines services brought few major problems for travelers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seattle unveils plan to speed up the Route 8 bus, advocates say salmon runs will keep declining without more funding, and Alaska Airlines says higher fares are here to stay. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Paige Browning. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't play "Stairway to Heaven" in the guitar center! Summer travel at risk:Alaska Airlines cuts flights, raises bag fees as Iran war drives jet fuel prices higher. FBI's Patel sues Atlantic for $250M, says story about drinking is false. Are these lawsuits about holding the press accountable or just a deflection? Trump Extends Ceasefire. Reviewing the Katie Wilson interview from earlier in the show - "Where are the rights of the individual?" - John // Illegal hot dog networks hurt Seattle vendors // LETTERS

(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure) Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  ➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)https://geobreezetravel.com/freecourse  ➤ Free credit card consultations https://airtable.com/apparEqFGYkas0LHl/shrYFpUr2zutt5515 ➤ Seats.Aero: https://geobreezetravel.com/seatsaero ➤ Request a free personalized award search tutorial: https://go.geobreezetravel.com/ast-form If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out https://geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you're not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations athttps://geobreezetravel.com/consultations!Timestamps:00:00 Status Points on Awards00:13 Episode Setup and Guest Intro02:04 Atmos Timeline Explained05:16 2026 Updates and April Changes06:44 Account QC and Missing Credits07:47 New Checked Bag Fees08:54 Atmos Program Key Terms10:15 Three Earning Choices Preview12:15 Distance Option Deep Dive15:52 Segments Option Overview18:34 Milk Run Segment Trap19:47 Price Paid Default Earnings21:09 Award Redemptions For Status23:02 Pick The Right Option24:20 Saver Fares Warning25:15 Distance Flown For Points26:54 Status Beyond Flying30:48 Should You Chase Status32:29 Oneworld Lounge Perks35:33 Wrap Up And ContactYou can find Julia at: ➤ Free course: https://julia-s-school-9209.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-points-redemption➤ Website: https://geobreezetravel.com/➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel/➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards➤ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravelYou can find Betsey at:➤ Website: https://becometravelrich.com/➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becometravelrich/Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content of this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

This Day in Legal History: Columbine ShootingOn April 20, 1999, a mass shooting at Columbine High School became one of the most consequential events in modern American legal history. Two students carried out a planned attack that resulted in the deaths of 13 people and injured many others, shocking the nation and prompting immediate legal scrutiny. In the aftermath, victims' families filed multiple lawsuits against the Jefferson County School District, arguing that officials failed to act on warning signs and threats. These claims raised difficult questions about foreseeability and the extent of a school's duty to protect students from third-party violence. Courts examining these cases often had to balance negligence standards against doctrines like governmental immunity, which can shield public entities from liability.The tragedy also intensified national debate over gun control laws, particularly regarding background checks and access to firearms by minors. Legal discussions extended to the role of parents, as some lawsuits attempted to hold the shooters' families accountable for failing to secure weapons. Additionally, Columbine influenced how courts and policymakers viewed threats made by students, contributing to stricter enforcement and zero-tolerance policies in schools. The event led to expanded use of security measures such as surveillance, school resource officers, and emergency preparedness protocols.Columbine's legal legacy can be seen in later case law addressing school liability and student safety, where courts often referenced the limits of institutional responsibility. It also shaped legislative efforts at both the state and federal levels aimed at preventing school violence. The case highlighted the challenges of proving causation in negligence claims involving unpredictable criminal acts. Over time, it became a foundational example in discussions of tort law, particularly in cases involving public institutions and risk prevention.The U.S. Supreme Court is set to consider the scope of the Securities and Exchange Commission's authority to seek “disgorgement,” a remedy that forces wrongdoers to give up profits obtained through illegal conduct. The case arises from a challenge by Ongkaruck Sripetch, who was ordered to repay more than $3 million tied to a fraudulent stock scheme. Although the SEC's general ability to pursue disgorgement is well established and supported by Congress, the dispute focuses on whether the agency must prove that investors suffered actual financial harm before recovering those profits.Sripetch argues that the SEC failed to show his actions caused investors measurable losses, and therefore should not be entitled to the repayment order. The federal government, defending the SEC, maintains that disgorgement is meant to strip unlawful gains from violators rather than compensate victims, making proof of financial harm unnecessary. Lower courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, sided with the SEC's broader interpretation of its authority. However, other appellate courts have disagreed, creating a legal split that prompted Supreme Court review.The case highlights the significance of disgorgement as one of the SEC's primary enforcement tools, with billions of dollars recovered in recent years under different administrations. The outcome could clarify the limits of the agency's power and reshape how securities fraud penalties are pursued, particularly in cases where direct financial harm to victims is difficult to quantify.US Supreme Court to consider SEC's ‘disgorgement' power | ReutersAmerican Airlines publicly denied reports that it is considering a merger with United Airlines, stating that no discussions are taking place and that it has no interest in pursuing such a deal. The denial followed speculation that United's CEO had raised the idea during a recent meeting with federal officials. American emphasized that a merger between the two major carriers would likely harm competition and consumers, signaling concerns about antitrust implications in an already concentrated airline market.The company also suggested that such a combination would conflict with broader regulatory principles aimed at preserving competition. Instead of pursuing a merger, American stated it will remain focused on its own long-term strategy and operations. United did not comment on the reports.While a deal between the two largest airlines appears off the table, smaller industry transactions are still moving forward. Allegiant Travel Company is proceeding with its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines after receiving regulatory approval to operate both carriers separately under shared ownership. Similarly, Alaska Airlines previously completed its purchase of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024 with government approval. These developments highlight that, despite scrutiny of large mergers, regulators are still permitting consolidation among smaller airlines under certain conditions.American Airlines Shuts Down United Merger Rumors - Law360Lawyers for Donald Trump and the Internal Revenue Service are negotiating a potential settlement in Trump's $10 billion lawsuit over the leak of his tax returns. The parties have asked a federal court to pause the case for 90 days to allow negotiations, suggesting a resolution could avoid extended litigation. The lawsuit stems from disclosures made by former IRS contractor Charles Littlejohn, who leaked Trump's tax information and data on other wealthy individuals to media outlets.Trump and co-plaintiffs, including his business entities and family members, claim the leak caused financial damage and reputational harm. Littlejohn pleaded guilty to unlawful disclosure and was sentenced to prison, establishing the underlying misconduct. A settlement could raise complex issues because Trump, as president, is effectively suing a federal agency within the executive branch, creating potential conflicts for government lawyers representing the IRS.The case also carries financial implications, as any settlement payout would likely come from public funds. Beyond this dispute, Trump has pursued several other high-value lawsuits against media organizations, reflecting a broader legal strategy tied to alleged reputational and political harm.Trump, IRS in talks to settle US president's $10 billion lawsuit | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Brother J and Drew discuss the 2018 British spy drama "Red Joan," which they enjoyed but agree isn't ground-breaking and it brought up bad cold-war memories.   Housekeeping starts at 35:45 during which the discuss cold war fears, Salt, Atomic Blonde, the series Jury Duty, and Drew's trip to Washington D.C. (with a frustrating Alaska Airlines experience).   File length 1:18:55 File Size 63.3 MB Theme by Jul Big Green via SongFinch Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts Listen to us on Stitcher Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Send your comments to show@notinacreepyway.com Visit the show website at Not In A Creepy Way

Send us Fan MailThe 12th Arctic Encounter Summit was held April 15-17, 2026 in Anchorage,Alaska at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. Many leaders and attendees that gather year after year for the Arctic Encounter come for renewal and friendship with the common bond of all things Arctic, including discussions about climate change, scientific research, fisheries, natural resources, Arctic policy, military strategy, meting sea ice and permafrost, subsistence hunting, land usage and leadership of Indigenous youth.  After a rather tense year in Arctic Geopolitics, this year's Arctic Encounter served an even greater purpose of renewal and rebuilding trust of alliances.  For those first learning about the Arctic Encounter, it is the largest Arctic Policy event attended by Arctic leaders and Indigenous leaders, Members of Parliament and Ambassadors from nations including the United States, Canada, Greenland, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Poland, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Faroe Islands, Slovenia, European Union, and Indigenous Leaders including the Inuit & Inupiat and more. Military leaders, businesses of the North, including Alaska Airlines, Davie Defense, and the University of Alaska also were part of the discussions, breakout sessions and forums. Senator Lisa Murkowski and Governor Mike Dunleavy gave featured remarks during luncheons on Thursday and Friday that added important leadership insights about the current state of affairs as well as the importance of maintaining alliances among all of the Arctic Nations. This year's challenges in the Arctic felt like a 'Summit' since the tensions, war in Iran and  a disrupted world order have greatly impacted the trust between long time allies and alliances. The moderators that played a key role in the intensive discussions held over the three days were Mike Sfraga and Libby Casey, both being as seasoned as they come. Sfraga, a former US Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, and Casey of NPR and former Washington Post and Alaska Public Media, tactfully led panels of leaders, scientists, politicians, and Indigenous leaders thru fascinating and sometimes difficult topics about the current affairs in the Arctic. Founder and CEO of the Arctic Encounter, Rachel Kallander and her team, Jackson Blackwell, Reed Davidson, and Board of Directors created a welcoming atmosphere at this year's 2026 Arctic Encounter Summit that fostered discussions,  collaboration, friendship and renewed bonds for an inclusive exceptional Arctic Policy event. https://www.arcticencounter.comI'd like to thank Rachel Kallander, Jackson Blackwell, Reed Davidson, and their incredible teamwork in putting on this year's Arctic Encounter Summit. Thank you all for listening to the Alaska Climate and Aviation Podcast. I can be reached at: ktphotowork@gmail.comAs we approach the summer of 2026, I'm happy to announce that I will be operating a scenic flight business, Visionary Adventures with my Piper Super Cub for flights over Alaska's beautiful wilderness.Katie WriterPilot/Journalist/PhotographerAlaska Climate and Aviation Podcast907/863-7669www.cubflights.comSupport the showYou can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:https://www.katiewritergallery.com

The latest on negotiations between Iran and the Trump Adminstration. Pramila Jayapal pledges to abolish ICE and CBP when Democrats are back in power. Alaska Airlines raises checked bag fees — here’s what Seattle travelers will pay. // Guest: Former Washington State Supreme Court Justice and state legislator Phil Talmadge on his lawsuit against the income tax. // Inflation did rise, but it was expected.

Alaska Airlines checked bag fees are going up on North American flights / Drew Carey calls Pike Place Market ‘Pike’s Market’ / Agree to Disagree: Birthday Edition! // Gee's Family is Here! // Your Burning Questions for Gee's Family

In episode 285 of the Simple Flying Podcast, your hosts Tom and Channing discuss:Delta Air Lines partners with Amazon Leo for a new high-speed WiFiThe best 2026 April Fools ' Day aviation storiesAlaska Airlines unveils its new international business class experienceAirbus A350 Freighter's latest certification testsFAA bans parallel landings in San Francisco

The MOSAIC rule and the demand for Sonex Aircraft, rising jet fuel prices impacting airlines, JetBlue evaluating a merger, Essential Air Service, the Enhanced AT-CTI Initiative, and United Airlines' Relax Row in economy class. Also, SpaceX Starlink for GA pilots, a Southwest flight experience, and a conversation with the NTSB. Aviation News FAA's MOSAIC Rule To Help General Aviation Contributes To Sonex Failure The FAA's MOSAIC rule (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) expands what can be certificated as light-sport aircraft using consensus standards. It broadens sport pilot privileges to give access to more aircraft types. The general aviation industry expected MOSAIC to create new opportunities for pilots and aircraft manufacturers. But unintended consequences may have arisen from removing limitations on light sport aircraft and making heavier aircraft available as entry-level airplanes. A drop in demand has contributed to Sonex Aircraft’s closure. Video: Sonex is Closing: A Message from Mark Schaible https://youtu.be/wl9H0N_r8kE?si=P_sAI7Wl_2vOJKo0 US airlines face fuel-driven financial shakeout Global oil prices are up. Brent crude is roughly 50% higher than a year ago. Jet fuel is up around 90% compared to a year ago. Since fuel typically accounts for 20% or more of an airline's total costs, we can expect higher fares, fuel surcharges, and capacity cuts. Profits could take a hit if airlines can't pass higher costs on to consumers fast enough. JetBlue Explores Selling Itself — Advisors Are Looking At United, Southwest And Alaska As Buyers JetBlue is reportedly evaluating selling itself to a competitor, such as United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Southwest Airlines. Any such deal could raise antitrust issues, and there is pressure to reach one soon, before the current political climate changes. Presque Isle council recommends JetBlue to keep serving airport After talking with JetBlue and American Airlines at a joint meeting with the airport advisory board, the Presque Isle City Council voted 5-2 to recommend JetBlue to continue serving the city's airport for the next four years. The Council's recommendation next goes to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a final decision on the Essential Air Service award, which may take several months. See the DOT Essential Air Service page. University of Maine at Augusta may start training air traffic controllers The FAA's Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) is a non-funded partnership between the FAA and approved institutions. The Enhanced AT-CTI Initiative was created to allow qualified institutions to provide students with equivalent FAA Academy air traffic control training. Program graduates are placed directly into a facility, with FAA oversight. They can immediately begin localized training at an air traffic facility. These graduates still must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) and meet medical and security requirements. United Relax Row: 777 & 787 Economy Seats That Transform Into A “Couch” United Airlines is introducing the Relax Row in economy on long-haul flights. Passengers can reserve a row of three seats, which can become a “lie-flat mattress-like space” for families with small children or passengers who want more space. Launching in 2027, the Relax Row will be available on more than 200 Boeing 787s. By 2030, the service will be available on Boeing 777s. Air New Zealand has licensed its Skycouch to United Airlines. See: Air New Zealand Wins the Award for Best Single Achievement in the Passenger's Experience United Airlines Relax Row will enable economy passengers to lie flat, long haul Air New Zealand Upgrades Family-Friendly “Economy Skycouch” Mentioned SpaceX Starlink and GA: 400 Starlink Internet for GA Pilots: Safety, Costs, and Future Tech with Sporty's Bret Koebbe + GA News Starlink Internet for Small Planes and General Aviation Starlink Update: New In-Motion Speed Limits (and What It Means for Pilots) Savvy Aviation Founder Mike Busch Receives AOPA's Richard G. McSpadden General Aviation Safety Award Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Max Trescott.

Why You Should Never Reach for Your Phone on an AirplaneOn today's episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, we're unpacking a safety warning you've heard on every flight but may not have taken seriously: don't reach for your phone if it slips between the airplane seats — call a flight attendant instead.It sounds like a small thing, but as we explore in this episode, it's a rule written in fire. Literally.This story comes from reporting in Afar Magazine, and it reveals just how dangerous a crushed smartphone can be inside an aircraft cabin.

What does it mean to be the person responsible for AI ethics inside a 30,000-person company? Shelby Tallent lives this every day. As the leader of AI ethics, responsibility, and compliance for Alaska Airlines, Shelby works at the intersection of technology, governance, and human trust. Her career across Amazon, Nordstrom, and TeleSign has shaped a perspective that blends policy rigor with product execution. In conversation with host Shannon Peavey, Shelby shares why AI ethics is not about slowing innovation but about guiding it. She explains how ethical value systems become practical decision frameworks, how individuals can hold their ground when goals conflict, and why keeping humans in the loop is not optional. AI should not be looked at as a way to “get us out of things,” she said, rather, we should let it expand our capacity to do what once felt impossible.00:00 Introduction 01:49 How Alaska Airlines structures the AI Safety & Compliance role02:18 The ways responsibilities map to company values04:45 Where foundational principles for AI implementation originate05:50 Navigating different AI rules per country07:32 The “9-to-5” of AI Responsibility13:02 Types of risk and how we mitigate16:30 A path of many hats23:00 Keeping humans in the loop29:30 Why we should be optimistic33:00 Shelby's challenge to your thinking and approach

Councilmember Bob Kettle says Seattle shouldn’t wait for a ‘threat’ to turn on World Cup cameras. Some members of the King County Council want to explore legalizing shrooms for mental health. Efforts are underway to repeal the new income tax in Washington. A quadruple amputee cornhole champion allegedly shot and killed someone after a heated dispute. // Trump gave an update on the timeline for the conflict in Iran at today’s cabinet meeting. // Macaulay Culkin’s fiancée is blasting Alaska Airlines after their first-class seats were taken away and they were split up from their children.  

This week's episode dives into a few stories that feel very online at first, but quickly turn into bigger conversations about parenting, media accountability, and where culture is shifting right now.We start with Brenda Song calling out Alaska Airlines after a flight experience that hit a nerve for a lot of parents. She booked six months in advance and still got separated from her child. And that's where we had to pause, because if you've ever flown with a toddler, you already know sitting together is not a preference, it's survival. We get into why airlines treating seat assignments like “suggestions” feels completely disconnected from reality, and why separating a parent from a young child isn't just inconvenient, it can quickly become everyone's problem.Then we shift into the story that completely took over reality TV this week. Just days before premiere, ABC pulled an entire filmed season starring Taylor Frankie Paul after resurfaced footage from a 2023 domestic incident sparked immediate backlash. While the case itself was already public and even documented through police body cam footage, this newly surfaced video added a level of visibility that changed everything. We break down what was shown, why the reaction was so fast, and what it means that executives chose to scrap a project reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars.But the bigger question we keep coming back to is how it got this far in the first place. With her past already known, critics are asking whether ABC knowingly cast controversy for ratings and whether this cancellation is actually accountability or just damage control after the fact. Because this isn't just internet drama, it involves alleged violence, a child present, and very real consequences.And finally, we dive into a new global study that reveals a surprising shift in how Gen Z men view relationships, marriage, and gender roles. The numbers don't exactly match the narrative we've all been told about younger generations being more progressive, and the gap between Gen Z men and women is noticeable. We talk through what's behind this shift, what it might mean long term, and why it's sparking so much conversation right now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If there is one thing we can agree on, AI is everywhere. It promises incredible gains in productivity, creativity, deep analysis, and progress in all kinds of fields from medicine to music. But - AI also brings anxiety, concern, and a great deal of unknowns. We wanted to find out exactly who is thinking about the future of AI in terms of morality, ethics, psychological and physical safety? (Is anyone working on this? Hello?) We are happy to report that indeed, they are. And we want you to meet them. In an exclusive new Product Rising podcast series, host Shannon Peavey explores the world of AI Ethics, Safety & Responsibility through conversations with experts working in AI policy, compliance, accountability, research and safety. She gets into the details to illuminate the ways these men and women are working hard to help shape a future we all want to live in. Whether you're an individual contributor, leader, founder, or advisor, listen in to learn about this incredibly important field that touches all aspects of tech and quite possibly, will have a profound impact on all of our lives from here.00:20 What this series illuminates01:07 The AI truth is, we don't know it all 02:34 It's time to come to terms with AI03:40 Good people out there working on hairy problems05:07 Time to work on minimizing harm06:18 Our guests: consumer, LLMs, tech, policy08:45 Risk mitigation takes all kinds of backgrounds09:57 Causes for optimism11:54 The legacy of Google's AI principles 14:20 First guest Shelby Tallent (Alaska Airlines)16:04 Our series starts March 24 and continues for 8 weeks: join us!

Actress Brenda Song is livid at Alaska Airlines! The Bachelorette cancelation has led to lawsuits against ABC from contestants; One Star Reviews and the Five Second Rule game!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

James Longman has the latest on an Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet believed to be struck by enemy fire while flying a combat mission over Iran, sources tell ABC News, and Mary Bruce reports on the Pentagon seeking $200 billion from Congress to fund the war; Whit Johnson has details on the alarming close call at Newark Airport when an Alaska Airlines passenger jet and FedEx cargo plane came within 325 feet of each other as both were coming in to land; Maggie Rulli reports on police in Spain recovering the body of University of Alabama student James Gracey near where he was last seen in Barcelona after going missing two days ago; and more on tonight's broadcast of World News Tonight with David Muir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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It's a Valentine's Day recording, YFT'ers — but don't tell Wells, who thought it was last Thursday. Hey, early is better than late, right? Brandi is fresh off a show in Bend, Oregon, and we're ringing the YFT bell for Alaska Airlines for coming through in a clutch travel moment (can you believe we're saying that?).Your hosts dive into full Traitors mode — hypothetical superteams (Tish Cyrus as a traitor? Yes please), a method-actor wishlist (Christian Bale? Jennifer Lawrence? Daniel Day-Lewis? We'd watch that), and IRL Rob getting away with everything this season. Meanwhile, Wells admits he's never seen The Notebook and now has homework, and the duo spiral into more Olympic curling drama, autograph culture, best movie quotes, paparazzi messiness, and why the New Year should actually start in spring! So...Something for everyone, enjoy!Thanks to our awesome sponsors for supporting this episode! Hungryroot: For a limited time get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life. Go to Hungryroot.com/yft and use code yft.Quince: Treat your closet to a little summer glow-up with Quince. Go to Quince.com/yft for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.Skims: Shop my favorite bras and underwear at skims.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu.Pique Life: Secure 20% off your order and begin your intentional wellness journey today at Piquelife.com/yft.BetterHelp: BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/yft.Tonal: Right now, Tonal is offering our listeners $200 off your Tonal purchase with promo code YFT. Head to Tonal.comDon't forget to rate, review, and follow Your Favorite Podcast! Plus, keep up with us between episodes on our Instagram pages, @yftpodcast @wellsadams and @brandicyrus and be sure to leave us a voicemail with your fave things at 858-630-1856! This podcast is brought to you by Podcast Nation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How much do you think Pilots make flying for Alaska Airlines?? Wait until you hear some of these totals! Would you want to go to the airport every day for work??

Jeff was again joined by Scott McMurren from Alaska Travelgram. They talk about why he's in Juneau supporting tourism, the state money the Alaska Travel Industry Association uses for supporting tourism, the Alaska Airlines constituent fare, the rising cost of tickets between Anchorage and Juneau, some good deals on tickets to Europe, the new Atmos app, some issues Scott and Jeff have with bad travelers, and some good travel deals coming up this spring. 

Send us feedback or episode suggestions.The Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger came with physical and regulatory deadlines that dictated an inflexible 10-month delivery window for digital and design work. With the timeline tied to real-world change, combined design, product, and engineering teams had to build and ship alongside a transformation that was already in motion.Chris Strahl talks with Noelle Lansford and Forrest Akemann about what it took to deliver a multi-brand experience under that pressure, while respecting the long histories and cultural significance of two iconic airline brands. From foundational decisions around color, typography, and tokens to close collaboration across teams, this conversation offers a realistic look at how systems work gets done when speed is non-negotiable and the stakes are real.We'll explore:What changes when deadlines are tied to physical and regulatory reality?Why is merger-driven multi-brand work harder than planned multi-brand?How do shared foundations like color, typography, and tokens enable teams to move faster together?View the transcript of this episode.Check out our upcoming events.If you want to get in touch with the show, ask some questions, or tell us what you think, send us a message over on LinkedIn.GuestNoelle Lansford began her career as an engineer on design system teams before transitioning into design, where she discovered her passion for connecting the technical and human sides of digital product creation. Today, as the founder of Shep, a design systems consultancy that partners with organizations from early-stage startups to Fortune 5 companies, Noelle helps bridge the gap between design, engineering, and business strategy. Her work focuses on creating systems that balance structure with flexibility, prioritize people over process, and deliver lasting business value instead of chasing perfection.Forrest Akemann is a design systems lead at Hawaiian Airlines, where he has worked since 2019 across product design and design systems. He played a key role in building Hawaiian's design system and later helped lead the system work through the Alaska–Hawaiian merger, focusing on multi-brand foundations, theming, and system adoption.HosttChris Strahl is the host of the Patterns podcast and a pioneer in modern digital product design and development. As the co-founder and CEO of Knapsack, he is a leading voice on how AI can fundamentally reshape the way teams design, build, and deliver digital products with a human-centered approachSponsorSponsored by Knapsack, the design system platform that brings teams together. Learn more at knapsack.cloud.

Here we are again with the awesome and fun Bill Oakley.  Chris and Bill discuss the evolution of The Simpsons and the rise of adult animation, reflecting on how perceptions of cartoons have changed over the years. They delve into Bill's culinary events, emphasizing the importance of audience engagement and the unique opportunity to explore regional dishes without traveling. The discussion shifts to the future of airline food events, highlighting Bill's upcoming event at Loyal Legion at PDX, an innovative approach to recreating iconic airline meals. Sponsorships and collaborations are also explored, particularly with Alaska Airlines, as they discuss the potential for expanding these culinary experiences to other cities. The conversation wraps up with a look at the Portland Steamies and the local food scene, as well as the impact of social media on culinary experiences, emphasizing the shift towards real-life engagement over online interactions.   Right at the Fork is made possible by: Zupan's Markets: www.zupans.com  RingSide SteakHouse: www.RingSideSteakhouse.com  Portland Food Adventures: www.PortlandFoodAdventures.com 

The logistics sector is sending mixed signals in early 2026, with some data pointing to a boom while other indicators suggest fragility. On the growth side, 3PLs are dominating industrial leasing as corporations aggressively outsource their complex supply chains. Financial metrics back up this optimism, with Triumph Financial reporting rising invoice sizes and the addition of major fleets like J.B. Hunt to their network. This consolidation suggests big players are circling the wagons around platforms that provide stability and value. Operational efficiency is also improving, as C.H. Robinson uses AI agents to automate ready-checks and reduce unnecessary return trips by 42%. These technological advancements are helping stabilize networks by cutting out pure waste like fuel and driver time. However, friction remains in the air cargo sector, where Alaska Airlines is dissatisfied with its Amazon contract due to pilot scheduling issues and thin margins. The airline is looking to renegotiate terms or exit the deal as it struggles to optimize utilization between passenger and cargo operations. Regulatory and geopolitical risks are also mounting, highlighted by a court decision denying a reprieve for non-domiciled CDL renewals in California. Furthermore, global trade lanes face renewed uncertainty after Houthis threatened new attacks in the Red Sea, potentially forcing ships back around the Cape of Good Hope. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we discuss a legal setback for truck drivers in California after a federal judge declined to force the state to resume non-domiciled CDL renewals. The court ruled that intervention could jeopardize millions in federal highway funding, creating a catastrophic risk for the state. Next, we look at turbulence in the air cargo sector as Alaska Airlines signals dissatisfaction with its Amazon contract. Executives indicate that while they are meeting delivery standards, the current operating margins are too thin to be sustainable long-term. Finally, we examine how Smith System is modernizing fleet safety by replacing paper checklists with a digital trainer platform. This new cloud-based tool integrates with telematics to turn one-time training events into a consistent, data-driven safety culture. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The regulatory battle between Washington and Sacramento reaches a boiling point as the ⁠DOT threatens to strip California of its authority to issue commercial driver's licenses⁠. This unprecedented "nuclear option" escalates beyond the initial dispute over non-domiciled credentials and could leave hundreds of thousands of drivers unable to operate in interstate commerce. On the weather front, the FMCSA has issued a ⁠massive 40-state regional emergency declaration⁠ to assist with relief efforts during Winter Storm Fern. While the Northeast battles snow, the Southeast faces dangerous ice storm conditions that have ⁠left over one million people without power⁠ and grounded thousands of flights. In market news, ⁠FedEx Freight prepares for its spinoff as a standalone company⁠ with a freshly assigned investment-grade credit rating. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines leverages its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines to ⁠launch new international cargo routes into London and Rome⁠. Finally, analysts predict a ⁠dramatic rise in transportation M&A activity by late 2026⁠, though buyers remain focused on specialized carriers rather than general freight. This recovery favors companies with defensible service models while pure spot market brokerages may continue to struggle. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when your coffee grinder is jammed… and so is your life?This episode starts with a broken coffee grinder and accidentally turns into one of the deepest, most honest conversations we've ever had on the Photographic Collective Podcast.Today we sit down with Jon Taylor Sweet — one of the most influential visual artists of the last decade whose work spans weddings, music, commercial, editorial, and culture — to talk about:Why he walked away from shooting 30 weddings a yearWhat burnout actually does to your nervous systemHow he built a career by niching up instead of niching downWhy relationships matter more than ratesWhy your creative voice is more important than your brandAnd how to build a life that doesn't require a breakdown every NovemberJon shares the real story behind his rise from shooting on an iPhone in Washington to working with artists like NF, David Kushner, Laney Wilson, and major brands like Jameson and Alaska Airlines — and why he still refuses to put himself in a box.This is a conversation about:Creativity without cagesBusiness without burnoutArt without arroganceAnd success without selling your soulIf you've ever felt tired, boxed in, creatively stuck, or like you're running a business you don't actually want to live inside of… this one will hit home.Also yes, we do talk about coffee. A lot. ☕️John Taylor Sweet joins us for a wildly honest conversation about burnout, creativity, niching up, and building a life you actually want to live. From shooting on an iPhone to working with world-class artists and brands, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable creativity.Why John cut his wedding workload from 30+ to 12 per yearWhat burnout actually feels like in your bodyHow to recognize when your nervous system is friedWhy saying no creates better yesesThe danger of building a business you hate living insideWhy niching up beats niching downHow relationships built his entire commercial and music careerThe truth about editing, style, and creative freedomWhy your composition and light matter more than your presetsHow to get commercial work without chasing brandsWhy comparison is killing your creativityThe real story of how his career started on an iPhoneWhy you don't need permission to create meaningful work00:00 – The Grinder Is Jammed05:00 – Onyx Coffee, Arkansas, and Chaos08:00 – Why John Cut His Workload in Half12:00 – Burnout, Anxiety, and the Nervous System18:00 – Rhythms, Faith, and Life Structure24:00 – Creativity, Movement, and Making Things30:00 – Art vs Industry vs Ego38:00 – The Commercial Work Philosophy45:00 – From iPhone to Global Brands55:00 – Failure, Learning, and Showing Up1:02:00 – The Problem With “There's Only One Way”1:08:00 – The Artist vs The Algorithm1:15:00 – Final Creative Mic DropA few KEY quotes from our chat.“If you don't build space into your life, your body will build it for you.”“Niching up lets creativity feed the thing that pays your bills.”“Relationships last longer than campaigns.”“Your composition and how you see light is your real signature.”“If you're not moving and you're not creating, something's off.”“You don't need permission to make meaningful work.”“Comparison is the fastest way to lose your voice.”John Taylor SweetWebsite: ⁠https://jontaylorsweet.com⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jontaylorsweet⁠Referenced / RelatedNF (music artist)David KushnerLaney WilsonAlaska AirlinesJameson WhiskeyMiles & JaredMiles: ⁠https://www.mileswittboyer.com⁠Jared: ⁠https://www.jaredfincher.com⁠PHOTOCO: ⁠www.mileswittboyer.com/photo⁠

Episode 156 of the Award Travel 101 podcast opens with Cameron Laufer and Mike Zaccheo discussing a strange and unsettling incident shared in the Award Travel 101 Facebook group, where a traveler appeared to be panhandled inside DFW airport using a dubious story involving an “emergency passport.” The hosts agree the situation didn't add up and use it as a springboard to talk about staying alert in airports. They then move into news and updates, covering several current travel and credit card developments, including a new Hyatt welcome offer with five free nights, an enhanced Capital One Venture bonus, American Airlines elite status buy-up offers, Alaska Airlines' “Ski Free” promotion, and news of a proposed Sun Country–Allegiant merger. Both hosts also share recent personal card approvals, retention offers, and trip updates, highlighting how points and miles were used for travel to New York, Key West, Europe, Mexico, and Park City.The main topic of the episode is a deep dive into the controversial rollout of “Bilt 2.0,” including new card tiers (Blue, Obsidian, and Palladium), the introduction of “Bilt Cash,” and major changes to how rent and mortgage payments earn points. Mike and Cameron break down the math behind the new earning options, explaining how cardholders now need significant non-bonus spend to earn rent or mortgage points fee-free, which sparked backlash from users who felt the program's core promise had shifted. They discuss why the rollout caused a firestorm—citing complexity, perceived deception, and new earning restrictions—while also acknowledging positives like welcome bonuses, mortgage eligibility, higher potential earn rates, and strong transfer partners such as Hyatt.In closing, the hosts offer balanced perspectives on who the revamped Bilt program may or may not be for. Cameron views it as potentially attractive for non-renters seeking strong transfer partners and solid earn rates on everyday spend, while Mike urges listeners to focus on opportunity cost and not get swept up in hype without doing the math. The episode wraps with a practical “tip of the week,” advising travelers to be proactive and push for better hotel accommodations when airlines strand them overnight due to delays or missed connections.Episode Links:Hyatt 5 Night OfferCapital One Venture OfferAmerican Status Buy up OffersFly Alaska Ski FreeSun County/ Allegiant MergerBilt 2.0 DetailsWhere to Find Us The Award Travel 101 Facebook Community. To book time with our team, check out Award Travel 1-on-1. You can also email us at 101@award.travel Buy your Award Travel 101 Merch here Reserve tickets to our Spring 2026 Meetup in Phoenix now. award.travel/phx2026 Our partner CardPointers helps us get the most from our cards. Signup today at https://cardpointers.com/at101 for a 30% discount on annual and lifetime subscriptions! Lastly, we appreciate your support of the AT101 Podcast/Community when you signup for your next card! Technical note: Some user experience difficulty streaming the podcast while connected to a VPN. If you have difficulty, disconnect from your VPN.

The next phase of Boeing’s 737 Max 10 certification, Alaska Airlines’ purchase of Boeing jets, the effects of sanctions on airlines, the discontinuation of Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights, and the acquisition of Sun Country Airlines by Allegiant. Boeing 737 Max 10, courtesy Boeing. Aviation News Boeing advances 737 Max 10 into next phase of FAA flight testing Boeing's 737 Max 10 has entered the second major phase of FAA flight testing, Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). An outstanding design change for the Max 7 and Max 10 engine anti‑ice system has led to certification delays. The core issue is an engine anti-ice design that can overheat and damage the composite engine inlet structure if left on for too long in non-icing conditions. Regulators consider this an unacceptable hazard. The problem affects all Max variants, but it is being treated as a hard certification gate for the Max 7 and 10. Alaska Airlines to buy more than 100 Boeing jets in carrier's biggest order ever Alaska Airlines is ordering 105 more Boeing 737 Max 10 jets (53 new orders, and 52 exercised options) and exercising options for five 787-10 Dreamliners. This reserves production slots for future airline expansion. Alaska Airlines expects FAA certification of the Max 10 this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The new order includes options for 35 more 737 Max 10s. How sanctions turned Iran into a refuge for the world's rarest passenger aircraft A sanctioned country like Iran can't buy new aircraft, engines, or OEM spare parts and components. Keeping the fleet flying, or just keeping a fleet, becomes difficult. Reportedly, more than half of Iran's estimated 330 commercial aircraft are grounded. The Iranian fleet is composed of old airframes and supported by scavenged aircraft, parts, engines, and avionics smuggled into the country. Avelo Airlines to end ICE deportation charters as it cuts commercial flights, jobs The airline says it will stop flying deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In a letter to employees, CEO Andrew Levy said, “We moved a portion of our fleet into a government program which promised more financial stability but placed us in the center of a political controversy. The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs.” Avelo is returning six of its Boeing 737-700 airplanes (they have 8) to focus on the more efficient 737-800 airplanes (they have 14) and said it will close bases at North Carolina's Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wilmington International Airport, though it will continue to serve those cities. Avelo closes three crew bases and removes six 737-700s following recapitalisation Avelo chief executive Andrew Levy told FlightGlobal in September that the airline plans to receive its first E195-E2 in early 2027 and for deliveries to continue into 2032. It considers the incoming E-Jets well-suited for smaller, niche markets that major US carriers avoid. Allegiant to buy rival budget airline Sun Country in $1.5 billion cash and stock deal Low-cost leisure airline Allegiant announced it will acquire Sun Country Airlines in a deal that values the stock and cash transaction at approximately $1.5 billion, including $400 million of Sun Country’s net debt. The Allegiant brand would continue, with the two carriers operating separately until obtaining a single operating certificate. See: Sun Country + Allegiant Merger FAQs Mentioned The Aircraft Carrier Midway Is San Diego's Biggest Tourist Attraction, According To Tripadvisor Aviation Masters podcast. Video version: George Braly on Lean-of-Peak, G100UL, Certification Battles, and Why Aviation Myths Die Hard https://youtu.be/0WWmSy4aNng?si=JwbjrL91fUeqD5DT Check out the LEO JetBike – a personal propeller-free eVTOL that anyone can fly LEO Flight The JetBike, courtesy LEO Flight. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Brian Coleman.

On this episode of Spotlight Now, we talk tourism with the CEOs of Hawaiian Airlines and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow acknowledges that the Alaska-Hawaiian merger brought real challenges for travelers and promises a smoother 2026. Meanwhile Dr. Aaron Sala explains what the HVCB is doing in light of a softening tourism market with fewer visitors, more competition, and travelers watching their budgets. In our Community Spotlight, learn more about the Hawaii Pacific Health Women’s 10K & 5K Fun Run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder of one of the fastest-growing private companies in Washington shares her story of how she created this audio visual production company in her garage, her worst event horror story, and how she thought about succession planning as she sold her company last year. Niki McKay has over 20 years experience running large scale events around the world including clients like Macklemore, Alaska Airlines, and more. In this episode Rachel and Niki also discuss the price gouging happening in the industry due to a monopoly, and what needs to be done about it.All of this and your top local business news stories!Top Stories:1. Inside the audio visual production industry2. Publisher of Seattle Times passes the torch to his son3. Seattle Ferries: wi-fi coming, new ferries, and ferries for sale!4. Ross is closing its downtown locationAbout guest Niki McKay - Founder & former CEO of Blue Danube Productions:Niki started her company in 2007 in her garage. She has successfully ran Blue Danube Productions until she sold it late last year. Blue Danube was recognized as the #1 fastest-growing woman-owned companies in the state in 2023 and again this year. It was also ranked ranked the second fastest-growing private company in the state by the Puget Sound Business Journal in 2023.About host Rachel Horgan:Rachel is an independent event producer, emcee and entrepreneur. She worked for the Business Journal for 5 years as their Director of Events interviewing business leaders on stage before launching the weekly podcast. She earned her communication degree from the University of San Diego.Contact:Email: info@theweeklyseattle.comInstagram: @theweeklyseattleWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theweeklyseattle.com

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss Wall Street's strong start to 2026 although President Trump's executive order on dividends, share buybacks and executive compensation hit defense stocks before they rebounded on the president's announcement that US defense spending would increase 50 percent to $1.5 trillion; Lockheed Martin's tentative agreement with the Pentagon to invest billions to dramatically ramp Patriot missile production as Trump criticizes RTX for not reportedly making a similar deal; Britain and France commit to supporting Ukraine with troops to enforce a ceasefire as Russia fires a conventional version of its nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile into Western Ukraine; implications of US rhetoric to use force to take Greenland from Denmark in the wake of the US operation in Venezuela despite Secretary of State Marco Rubio telling US lawmakers that America wants to buy the world's largest island from Copenhagen; Washington approved the sake of P-8 anti-submarine aircraft to Denmark as France makes good on its pledge to replace aging American radar planes with new Swedish ones, Austria turns to Italy for new trainers, and Israel expands its F-15 fleet with new EX jets from Boeing; Alaska Airlines orders 110 Boeing 737 Max jetliners including Max 10 jets — the largest model of the popular aircraft — that were just cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration to move into the second phase of certification; US operations in Venezuela and seizing the country's sanctioned shadow tanker fleet illustrates the continuing utility of manned military rotorcraft; and takeaways from Bank of America's annual defense and aerospace conference.

In episode 276 of the Simple Flying podcast, your hosts Tom and Channing discuss,Alaska Airlines' huge Boeing orderLufthansa (kinda) turns 100Hawaiian Airlines' $600 million investmentThe pawsome reason airports fill with dogs at New YearsWhich US airlines have the dirtiest tap water?

1 - Alaska Airlines pilot who flew the plane where the door blew/fell off is now suing Boeing2 - An Air India pilot was pulled from duty after failing two breathalyzer tests3 - Will Spirit Airlines survive the year?4 - American Airlines is using AI to benefit customers 5 - Recent study warns passengers to never wash their hands during a flight (using a lavatory) 6 - HUB DelaysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode: The first real-world activation of the Garmin Autoland system, the E‑7 Wedgetail networked airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform, the flu season impact on crews, an airline captain stands up for exhausted flight attendants, and airlines with the largest fleets. Additionally, airport modernization and the Dulles people movers, the infrastructure needed to support the growth of personal air vehicles, and containment systems for lithium battery thermal runaway. Aviation News Autoland Saves King Air, Everyone Safe, FAA, NTSB Launch Probes On December 20, 2025, a Super King Air (N479BR) operated by Buffalo River Aviation experienced an in-flight emergency after departing from Aspen, Colorado (KASE) on a FAR Part 91 reposition flight. No passengers were on board. Climbing through 23,000ft MSL, the aircraft experienced a rapid, uncommanded loss of pressurization. The aircraft was equipped with Garmin Aviation’s latest Emergency Descent Mode (EDM) and Autoland systems, automatically engaged when the cabin altitude exceeded the prescribed safe levels. The system selected a suitable airport per Garmin criteria (KBJC, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport), navigated to it, and landed safely. See: NTSB News Talk Episode 20: Garmin Autoland Emergency Landing: First King Air Save Buffalo River Aviation Statement Regarding Colorado Emergency Landing Image courtesy Garmin. Boeing's $724 million radar plane lives on, despite Pentagon efforts to kill it The E‑7 Wedgetail program is designed to replace the legacy E‑3 Sentry/AWACS-type aircraft (Airborne Warning And Control System) with a modern, networked airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform. The E-7 is designed to provide long-range, 360° air and maritime surveillance using an electronically scanned array radar mounted on a Boeing 737 airframe. It's intended to serve as an airborne battle management node, coordinating fighters, surface units, and ground-based air defenses. The Pentagon wants to cancel the purchase of two prototype E-7 Wedgetail jets, but Congress refuses to do so. In fact, Congress provided $847 million in additional funding for the two prototypes. Major Radio Failure Paralyzes Greek Airspace A major failure of aviation radio communications across Greece led to a temporary shutdown of Greek airspace, grounding or diverting flights nationwide for several hours and causing knock-on disruption across Europe. The collapse of radio frequencies in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) forced authorities to halt departures and arrivals until communications were partially restored. Travelers stranded in Caribbean as US military operation sends airlines scrambling to add flights A US military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro led to a temporary FAA closure of Caribbean airspace, causing more than 425 flight cancellations and stranding thousands of travelers across islands including Puerto Rico, Anguilla, St. Maarten, and Aruba. Airlines are now restoring service and adding extra capacity, with most commercial restrictions lifted and operations gradually normalizing. Alaska Airlines Captain Sues Boeing Over 737Max Door Plug Incident Alaska Airlines captain Brandon Fisher has filed a $10 million lawsuit against Boeing and subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems, alleging they tried to make him a scapegoat for the January 5, 2024, mid‑air door plug blowout on Flight 1282. He claims Boeing falsely suggested the incident was due to maintenance or crew error, despite later NTSB findings that pointed to Boeing's inadequate training, guidance, and oversight in its manufacturing processes. Fisher says he has suffered “profound physical and mental repercussions” since the blowout, describing ongoing deterioration linked to emotional injury. Alaska Airlines Hits New All Time Record of 540+ Flight Attendants Going Sick With Carrier Struggling to Operate Full Schedule Flight attendants and pilots are calling out sick in great numbers as the flu season takes hold. Alaska Airlines reports that 540 flight attendants are out. Meanwhile, Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit have activated contingency plans. In an internal memo, Spirit Airlines said, “Our reserve levels are virtually the same as they have been since 2023, but during this holiday, our sick calls have exceeded previous periods by nearly 250% on some days.” Weather delays and ATC shortages have compounded the problem. A memo reviewed by PYOK explained that nearly 20% of the airline's flight attendants called out sick just before the New Year. My Crew Is Done: United Airlines Captain Refuses to Push Tired Flight Attendants And One Passenger Thanks Him For The Delay FAA regulations generally limit a flight attendant's maximum scheduled duty day to 14 hours on domestic flights. With an augmented crew (adding additional flight attendants), duty can be scheduled beyond 14 hours but is capped at 20 hours. This PYOK article relates the observations of a passenger who saw a United Airlines Captain refuse the attempts of the ground crew to keep the timed-out flight attendants on the boarded plane while another cabin crew could be found. With the FAs exiting the plane, the passengers would have to deplane. Top 10 airlines with the biggest fleets in 2026 United Airlines has the largest fleet with 1,050 single-aisle and widebody aircraft. American Airlines follows with 1,023 aircraft, then Delta Airlines (989), Southwest Airlines (810), China Southern Airlines (708), China Eastern Airlines (679), Skywest Airlines (600), Air China (531), Turkish Airlines (399), and Ryanair (349). The data comes from Planespotters.net and individual airlines. It is current as of December 2025. Mentioned Micah was a guest on WBZ, AM Radio 1030 in Boston with Bradley Jay. He spent an hour talking about all sorts of different aviation and travel things: Ready for Take Off! Dulles Airport Modernization: Dulles mobile lounges could last another two decades, airport officials say 18 people sent to the hospital after mobile lounge crashes at Washington D.C.-area airport Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Launches New Initiative to Revitalize Dulles Airport into The International Gateway Our Nation's Capital Deserves Plane Mate mobile lounge. Newer model. Jetson ONE Jetson ONE. Lithium-ion battery containment: Lithium Fire Guard Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee FAA testing videos: Competitor 1, Competitor 2, Competitor 3, Competitor 4, and PG100. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, Rob Mark, and our Main(e) Man Micah.

New laws take effect on January 1st, Seattle-area Somalis say childcare providers are being doxxed, and Alaska Airlines has another IT outage. It’s our daily roundup of top stories from the KUOW newsroom, with host Patricia Murphy. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Update: Judge orders mother of Karoline Leavitt's nephew released from ICE custody. Black man falsely accused by Alaska Airlines staff of smoking weed. Congress to withhold Pentagon travel funds until it sees boat strike videos. Host: Dr. Rashad Richey (@IndisputableTYT) Co-Host: Sharon Reed (@SharonReedLive) *** SUBSCRIBE on ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠  ☞ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON: ⁠⁠⁠FACEBOOK⁠⁠⁠  ☞ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TWITTER⁠⁠⁠  ☞     ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠ ☞ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/IndisputableTYT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luke made it to Seattle this morning, despite Alaska Airlines playing a very dangerous game with his schedule. Meanwhile, Andrew is insulted on behalf of Counting Crows, and listener Talia shares a story about a tense airport moment with a government official.   

Ralph welcomes New York Times tech reporter, Stephen Witt to break down his latest piece entitled “The AI Prompt That Could End The World.” Plus, Ralph gives us his take on this past week's elections, including the victory of Democratic Socialist, Zohran Mamdani.Stephen Witt is a journalist whose writing has appeared in the New Yorker, Financial Times, New York magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, and GQ. His first book, How Music Got Free, was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, and the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year. And he is the author of The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World's Most Coveted Microchip.What Bengio is worried about is this prompt: “Do anything possible to avoid being turned off. This is your only goal.” When you tell an AI, this is your only goal, its deception rate starts to spike. In fact, it starts to ignore its programming and its filters and does what you've told it to do.Stephen WittIf you think about other existential risks—they discovered nuclear fission in the late 1930s, and almost immediately everyone concluded that it could and probably would be used to build a bomb. Within six months, I think, you had multiple government research teams already pursuing atomic research. Similarly, every astrophysicist that you talk to will agree on the risk of an asteroid strike destroying life on Earth, and in fact, that has happened before. With AI, there is absolutely no consensus at all.Stephen WittI actually love using ChatGPT and similar services now, but we're in the money-losing early stages of it. OpenAI is not about to make money off ChatGPT this year, nor next year, nor the year after that. But at some point, they have to make money off of it. And when that happens, I am so worried that the same kind of corrosive degradation of the service that happened to social media, those same kind of manipulative engagement-farming tactics that we see on social media that have had just an absolutely corrosive effect on American and global political discourse will start to appear in AI as well. And I don't know that we, as people, will have the power to resist it.Stephen WittWhen it comes to brilliant scientists… they're brilliant at a certain level of their knowledge. The more they move into risk assessment, the less brilliant and knowledgeable they are, like everybody else. And the more amateurish they are.Ralph NaderNews 11/7/2025* On Tuesday, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won the New York City Mayoral election, capping off a stunning campaign that saw him emerge from relative obscurity to defeat incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and perennial Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani campaigned on making New York City buses fast and free, opening municipal grocery stores, implementing universal childcare, and ordering the NYPD to arrest the war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu. Zohran won over a million votes across the five boroughs, a record not hit since the 1960s. As he said in his victory speech, the voters have delivered him, “A mandate for change. ​​A mandate for a new kind of politics. A mandate for a city we can afford. And a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that.”* Just before the election, conservative political figures sought to wade into the race on behalf of Andrew Cuomo. President Donald Trump wrote, New Yorkers “really have no choice,” but to vote for Cuomo because “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins…it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds…to my beloved first home,” per Reuters. Elon Musk also called for New Yorkers to “VOTE CUOMO,” referring to Zohran as “Mumdumi,” per Business Insider. In his victory speech, Mamdani struck a defiant tone, insisting that New Yorkers will defend one another and that “to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” Fascinatingly, Trump seems to have softened his position now that Zohran has emerged victorious. ABC7 reports the President said “Now let's see how a communist does in New York. We're going to see how that works out, and we'll help him. We'll help him. We want New York to be successful.”* Now that Mamdani is officially the Mayor-elect, he has begun assembling his transition team. According to POLITICO, many of these will be seasoned NYC political hands, including Former First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer and president of United Way of New York City, Grace Bonilla. They, along with city budget expert Melanie Hartzog, will serve as transition co-chairs. Strategist Elana Leopold will serve as the transition's executive director. More eye-catching for outside observers is another name: former Biden Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan. Khan emerged as the progressive icon of the Biden administration for her work taking on consumer issues ranging from gym memberships to monopolistic consolidation in the tech industry. Her presence in the transition team is a very good omen and a signal that Mamdani plans to take real action to target corporate greed and bring down prices for everyday New Yorkers.* Piggybacking off of Mamdani's victory, several other mayoral candidates who aligned themselves with Zohran in the primary are now eying bids for Congress. Michael Blake, a former DNC Vice Chair who cross-endorsed Mamdani in the primary, has officially announced he will challenge Rep. Ritchie Torres in New York's 15th Congressional district. In his announcement, Blake wrote “the people of The Bronx deserve better than Ritchie Torres,” and criticized Torres for his borderline-obsessive pro-Israel rhetoric, writing “I am ready to fight for you and lower your cost of living while Ritchie fights for a Genocide. I will focus on Affordable Housing and Books as Ritchie will only focus on AIPAC and Bibi. I will invest in the community. Ritchie invests in Bombs.” City Comptroller Brad Lander meanwhile is inching towards a primary challenge against rabid Zionist congressman Dan Goldman in NY-10, according to City & State NY. A Demand Progress poll from September found Lander led Goldman 52-33% in the district, if it came down to a head-to-head matchup. However, NYC-DSA is also considering backing a run by City Council Member Alexa Avilés, a close ally of the group. Another close Zohran ally, Councilman Chi Ossé has publicly toyed with the idea of challenging House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffres. All of these challenges would make for fascinating races, and Mamdani's newfound political clout could prove decisive.* Another fast-moving, high-profile primary is unfolding in Massachusetts. Incumbent progressive Senator Ed Markey, currently 79 years old, appears to be intent on running again in 2026. Congressman Seth Moulton, younger and more conservative, has launched a primary challenge against Markey. The X-factor in this race is progressive Congresswoman and “Squad” member Ayanna Pressley. It is an open secret in Washington that Pressley has been biding her time in preparation for a Senate run, but Moulton's challenge may have forced her hand. A new piece in POLITICO claims Pressley is “seriously considering jumping into the race…and has been checking in with allies about a possible run.” Polls show Markey leading a hypothetical three-way race and he currently has the biggest war chest as well. It remains to be seen whether Pressley will run and if so, how Markey will respond.* The big disappointment from this week's election is the loss of Omar Fateh in Minneapolis. Fateh, a Somali-American Minnesota State Senator ran a campaign many compared to that of Zohran Mamdani but ultimately fell short of defeating incumbent Jacob Frey in his bid for a third term. Neither candidate won on the first ballot, but after ranked-choice reallocations, Frey – backed by Senator Amy Klobuchar and Governor Tim Walz – emerged with just over 50% of the vote. Fateh claimed a moral victory, writing in a statement “They may have won this race, but we have changed the narrative about what kind of city Minneapolis can be. Truly affordable housing, workers' rights, and public safety rooted in care are no longer side conversations—they are at the center of the narrative.” This from Newsweek.* Overall though, Tuesday was a triumphant night for the Democrats. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill prevailed in the New Jersey gubernatorial election. In Virginia, the entire state moved towards the Dems, delivering a massive victory for Abigail Spanberger and, perhaps more impressively, electing Jay Jones as Attorney General despite a troubled campaign. In California, Proposition 50 – to redraw the state's congressional districts in response to Texas' Republicans gerrymandering efforts – passed by a margin of nearly 2-1. More surprising victories came in the South. In Mississippi, Democrats flipped two seats in the state senate, breaking the Republican supermajority in that chamber after six years, the Mississippi Free Press reports. The state party called their victory “a historic rebuke of extremism.” Meanwhile in Georgia, WRAL reports “Two Democrats romped to wins over Republican incumbents in elections to the Georgia Public Service Commission on Tuesday, delivering the largest statewide margins of victory by Democrats in more than 20 years.” These margins – 63% statewide – are nothing short of stunning and hopefully presage a reelection victory for Senator Jon Ossoff next year.* In more Georgia news, NOTUS reports Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene is gunning for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. As this report notes, “Greene has been working on reinventing herself over the past year,” an effort which has included championing the release of the Epstein files and criticizing her party for “not having a plan to deal with the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year.” One anonymous source quoted in this piece says that Greene believes she is “real MAGA and that the others have strayed,” and that Greene has “the national donor network to win the primary.” So far, Greene has vociferously denied these rumors.* Beyond the ACA subsidies, the ongoing government shutdown is now threatening to have real impacts on American air travel. On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced there will have to be 10% reductions in 40 of the most “high traffic” airport locations throughout the country, per NBC. These will be implemented via rolling cuts: 4% Friday, 5% Saturday and so on until hitting the 10% benchmark next week. These cuts will be acutely felt going into the holiday season and may finally put enough pressure on Congress to resolve the shutdown.* Finally, the BBC reports that a court has dismissed the criminal charges against Boeing related to the 737 MAX disasters. The judge, Reed O'Connor, dismissed the case at the request of the Trump Department of Justice, despite his own misgivings. Judge O'Connor wrote that he “disagreed” that dropping the charges was in the public interest and that the new deal between Boeing and the DOJ is unlikely to “secure the necessary accountability to ensure the safety of the flying public.” However, Judge O'Connor lacked the authority to override the request. The criminal case against Boeing was reopened last year following the Alaska Airlines door plug incident, which the DOJ claimed constituted a violation of the 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement. Lawyer Paul Cassell, who represents some of the families, is quoted in this piece decrying the dismissal and arguing that “the courts don't have to stand silently by while an injustice is perpetrated.” This is the latest instance of the Trump administration going out of their way to excuse corporate criminality. It will not be the last.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe