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Scheim gives us the news for the day. Update on the bomb threat that halted a JetBlue plane at Logan, A Florida man story and a recap of the Oscars.
An aircraft dispatcher describes how weather, war, space launches, and other disruptions can throw airline operations into chaos. In the news, Rolls-Royce on the open-rotor engine design, pilots petition SpaceX Starlink over a price increase, an NTSB board member is fired, Lufthansa changes the carry-on policy for violins, and Barbados controllers stage an unexpected strike. Guest Mike Karrels is an aircraft dispatcher and air traffic manager for the Southeast U.S. with a major U.S. carrier, and he's also a pilot. That combination gives him a unique view of how decisions get made when things don't go as planned. Mike describes the aircraft dispatcher as the captain's partner on the ground. The two share responsibility for operational control of the flight, which means they work together to decide if a flight should continue, divert, or turn back. When an unplanned event hits, the dispatcher is often the first one building the big-picture view: what's happening, who it affects, and what options are actually realistic. Sometimes the disruption is regional. An airport closes, weather rolls in, military operations pop up, or a space launch creates airspace that suddenly can't be used. In those cases, it's not just about one flight. Crews and aircraft can end up scattered in the wrong places, the passengers need to be taken care of, and the operation has to be reassembled. Aircraft dispatchers and other teams work together to untangle that mess and put airplanes and people back where they need to be. Other times, it's just one airplane with a problem. Maybe a mechanical issue, a medical situation, or conditions deteriorating at the destination. The aircraft dispatcher has to make a decision. Divert to another airport? Return to the origin? Each choice has tradeoffs. Mike walks through the kinds of factors that come into play. Beyond passenger impact and safety, aircraft dispatchers look at things like whether there's ground staff at the diversion airport, what kind of ground transportation is available, and how quickly the airplane can be turned around and put back into service. Crew duty and rest rules are another major piece: a decision that solves the immediate problem might leave a crew out of legal flying time later, stranding passengers or aircraft. On top of government regulations, airlines often layer on their own rules. For example, there may be company policies about diverting into an uncontrolled field, even if it's technically legal. Dispatchers have to navigate both sets of requirements while still making timely decisions in a dynamic situation. Getting to that level of responsibility takes serious training and certification. Aircraft dispatchers are required to understand aircraft performance, weather, navigation, regulations, and company procedures. They also need to stay aware of the geopolitical environment. Overflight restrictions, conflict zones, and international rules all shape where a flight can and should go on a given day. Spaceflight adds yet another wrinkle. Mike talks about the Aircraft Hazard Area, or AHA, around space launches: the region where debris might fall if something goes wrong. Those areas can close significant chunks of airspace and affect routes and alternates, even for flights that seem far from the launch site. Mike owns a share of a vintage 1963 Beechcraft Musketeer. He produced the Flying and Life podcast, where he shared stories and perspectives from both sides of the cockpit door. The back catalog of those episodes is still available for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the world of flight dispatch and everyday aviation life. See: FAA: Airplanes should stay far away from SpaceX's next Starship launch Environmental Impact Statement, SpaceX Starship-Heavy Launch Vehicle at Launch Complex 39A [PDF] New Glenn AHA Aviation News Rolls-Royce remains unconvinced that open-rotor benefit outweighs integration risk What type of engine (or engines) will be offered on next-generation single-aisle aircraft? Will it be an open-rotor (an unducted fan) or a conventional ducted fan engine? What will the airframers want and what will the engine OEMs offer? All those questions are unanswered. In wind tunnel tests ten years ago, RR looked at open-rotor noise and high-speed performance. More recently, the company validated its previous work and sees propulsion efficiency advantages. RR sees two areas of concern: risk and integration issues. Integration issues include: engine noise entering the cabin that would have to be attenuated, protecting against a blade-out event, aerodynamic interaction with the wing, and the effect on overall aerodynamics. Rolls-Royce director of research and technology Alan Newby says the company is unconvinced the open-rotor is the way to go, saying, “I can do windtunnel work. I can do simulations, if you like, and I can go and fly on an A380. But the time you realise whether it works or not is when you run that first engine on your production aircraft. That's a long way down the road. That discovery of risk is a long time in the process.” After considering performance and risk, Newby says Rolls-Royce favours the ducted fan configuration: “We've gone into it with our eyes open. We've looked at the previous data. And, on balance, we're sticking with what we've got. We think it's the right solution.” Rolls-Royce makes a play for narrowbody aircraft engines with £3bn UltraFan 30 programme In February 2026, Rolls-Royce revealed a mock-up of the ducted UltraFan 30 concept with a geared turbofan. The company is looking for up to £200 million in UK government support to help fund development and testing of a scaled demonstrator. More than £500 million has already been invested. The overall program could cost around £3 billion. The Rolls-Royce UltraFan 30 narrowbody engine is a 30,000 lb thrust-class geared turbofan derived from Rolls-Royce's UltraFan architecture. It features a 90-inch fan and targets up to 20% better fuel burn than current engines. Ground testing is from 2028, with entry into service targeting 2035. Pilots Petition Starlink Following Shift to New Speed Tiers Airlines are switching to SpaceX Starlink service on their airplanes. Many GA pilots use the compact Mini dish and a Roam plan because it gives them the ability to use phone and tablet applications for real-time weather access, flight planning updates, and communications. SpaceX has changed its Starlink in-motion service offerings, which moves many GA pilots into a higher-priced plan. A change.org petition, Request reinstatement of Starlink roaming plans for pilots has been created and signed by thousands of pilots: “For those of us in general aviation, Starlink has been nothing short of a revolution. As a general aviation pilot, having Starlink service on board has dramatically enhanced my flying experience, improving not only my situational awareness but also my ability to access up-to-date weather and airport safety information while airborne. These capabilities are critical to ensuring the safety and efficiency of our flights, and allow us to maintain communication with others while traveling, providing peace of mind to both pilots and our loved ones.” “However, Starlink has recently made the disappointing decision to raise the cost of the plans serving general aviation by 5 times, while providing less than half of the data of the previous plans simply based on the speed that our planes travel. Many of us are not commercial operations nor traveling near the speeds that these plans are targeting.” “We urge Starlink to reconsider their decision and reinstate the roaming plans with a speed that accommodates general aviation…” The Current in-motion speed limits for Roam, Local Priority, and Global Priority (land/sea use) are up to 100 mph in motion. Above that, Starlink expects you to move to an aviation plan. The new Aviation 300MPH plan is $250 per month and includes 20 GB of data, with overage billed at $10 per GB. The new Aviation 450MPH plan is $1,000 per month and includes 20 GB of data, with additional data billed at $50 per GB. Includes land and ocean coverage. NTSB board member Inman says he was fired by White House A Republican member of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Sunday he was fired on Friday by the White House without any explanation. Todd Inman, a former chief of staff to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, was fired by the White House, at the time without any explanation. Inman had served on the NTSB since April 2024. White House says NTSB member was fired for inappropriate alcohol use, harassment After the firing, a White House statement said, “The White House lawfully removed Todd Inman from the NTSB after receiving highly concerning reports of inappropriate alcohol use on the job, harassment of staff, misuse of government resources, and failure to attend at least half of NTSB meetings. Inman told Politico, “I categorically deny the allegations made in the White House statement. It has become increasingly obvious this action was a political hit job. While not my original intent, I look forward to defending my reputation through all legal means possible.” Lufthansa Softens Violin Policy After Backlash Over “Naked Violin” Incident Lufthansa strictly limits carry-on baggage item dimensions to 55 x 40 x 23 cm. At the same time, the airline allows violins and other small musical instruments to travel in the cabin free of charge. However, many standard violin cases are greater than 55 cm in length. That means the options are to check the instrument or purchase a second seat. The classical music community exploded after a viral video of a musician carrying a violin onboard without the case. Lufthansa now says airline staff can exercise more flexibility to allow small instruments in the cabin. The combined dimensions of the hand luggage cannot exceed 125 centimeters. In the United States, federal law requires airlines to allow small instruments such as violins onboard if they can be safely stowed in the cabin. Europe has no equivalent rule, leaving each airline to develop its own policy. See: Tom Paxton – Thank You, Republic Airlines (1985) Dave Carrol & Sons of Maxwell (2009) – United Breaks Guitars Carlton Cases Multiple Planes Performed ‘Flights to Nowhere' After Air Traffic Controllers Stage Shock Walkout After an unsanctioned strike by air traffic controllers, the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and International Transport said that the airspace over the country was shut down for about seven and a half hours. The March 7, 2026, job action left passengers at the island's Grantley Adams International Airport stranded. The controllers were protesting a number of grievances, including staff shortages. These have caused controllers to assume additional responsibilities without extra compensation. An emergency meeting was held with the Barbados Workers' Union and the National Union of Public Workers, which represent air traffic controllers. They returned to work, and another meeting is scheduled for March 11, 2026. Delta, United, Air Canada, JetBlue, and WestJet flights to Barbados were impacted. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today's episode covers a mix of current events. We're discussing the latest news, including a ground stop at Jet Blue due to IP issues, and the Boston City Council's push to ban Kratom sales. We'll also dive into the Boston Public schools' record-breaking graduation rates and the ongoing war in Iran. Additionally, we'll touch on the top songs on the Billboard charts and sports updates, including the World Baseball Classic and the Bruins' upcoming game against the Kings. It's a packed episode with a little something for everyone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this wildly unpredictable episode of The Other Side of Midnight, Lionel takes you on a late-night rollercoaster through the dark triumphs and hilarious absurdities of modern society. The episode kicks off with true crime, breaking down the shocking guilty verdicts of the Alexander brothers' sex trafficking ring and dissecting the bizarre legal defenses used in court. From there, Lionel passionately bemoans the absolute decline of civilization as seen at JetBlue airport terminals—where the golden age of glamorous flying has been tragically replaced by sad snacks and passengers shamelessly wearing pajamas, slippers, and shower bonnets in first class. The conversation then pivots to the wild tech revolution, exploring how user-generated YouTube videos have officially dethroned Walt Disney in revenue, while poking fun at the ridiculous, all-inclusive luxury of Google and Uber corporate campuses that feature indoor ice cream trucks and sleeping pods. Finally, Lionel and his callers take a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of television with Mike Douglas and Ed Sullivan, asking the ultimate question: with everyone launching a podcast today, where have all the real movie stars gone? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the 5 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Bethany Mandel discussed: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani hosts anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil and his family at Gracie Mansion for Ramadan. Bethany Mandel spars with Piers Morgan on X over support for Israel. One of the Capitol Police Officers who was honored in the new January 6th plaque in the Capitol was just indicted on nine felony charges including rape & sodomy. JetBlue flights to resume after request for ground stop, FAA says. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow the Show Podcasts on Apple podcasts, Audible and Spotify. Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @Jgunlock, @patricepinkfile, @bethanyshondark and @heatherhunterdc. Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Show Website: https://www.wmal.com/oconnor-company/ How to listen live weekdays from 5 to 9 AM: https://www.wmal.com/listenlive/ Episode: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 / 5 AM Hour See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to episode 128 of The Journey Is the Reward!On this episode, Brian and Micah discuss the trek to the Singapore Airshow 2026, but first, the guys have some listener feedback to clear from the runway. Listener Eric writes in about his luggage choices and why "Team Carry-On" sometimes hits maximum capacity for his lifestyle, while Listener Mark issues a "correction notice" to Brian regarding the Auto Train. We also hear from Listener Tanya, who gives us a nice climb in altitude with a compliment on our last episode featuring Carlos of Plane Talking UK.As we reach cruising altitude, the guys dive into the industry radar. Listener Lu wants to know about the potential mergers of Sun Country and Allegiant, along with the rumored "hookup" between United and JetBlue. As usual, Brian and Micah have a different flight path than the rest of the pundits. Then, Micah shares a cautionary tale about his cousin who decided to ignore "Air Traffic Control" (Micah's advice) for a long-haul flight to Thailand—proving that sometimes, ignoring the pre-flight briefing leads to a bumpy ride. In much happier news, Connie's baby finally has a name! We are officially cleared to welcome Chepego as our newest (and youngest) listener.For the main event, listen in as Brian and Micah discuss the potential turbulence of booking through Chase Travel and the pitfalls of third-party manifests. While United didn't disappoint on the long haul to Singapore, the flight was so empty that Brian discovered the "Poor Man's First Class"—where a full row of coach seats might have actually been a better value than a premium pod. Regardless, Brian made a safe landing in Singapore just in time for the airshow. As always, our ears are blessed by the soul-stirring sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir. Their Welcome and Goodbye songs, recorded at the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia, are the perfect way to bring this flight to a close.You can always find the audio recording at www.thejourneyisthereward.org
The crew are live for the last day from JetBlue park. Their thoughts on the legendary Payton Tolle locker room presentation.
Hour 1 - Greg. Wiggy and Curtis are live from JetBlue park for one final day. How the Red Sox went about creating the roster this season. Scheim and Curtis get their leads in and more!
Hour 1 - The crew are live from JetBlue park! for Red Sox Spring training! Tired of all the Tatum reports, another dream number one WR for the Pats and more!
Send a textWelcome to the What's Up in Business Travel podcast for Week 8 of 2026. This weekly podcast is great for those who need to know what's happening in the world of business travel - in under 15 minutes.On this week's podcast, we cover the following stories:United & JetBlue expand Blue Sky partnershipNorth American On-Time performance reboundsAir Canada reports record Q4 and strong year resultsExpedia Group leans into AI and direct booking growthUnited to acquire O'Hare Gates from SpiritEurope's Entry/Exit System causes airport delaysAir Transat exits U.S. market due to demand dropNavan Study highlights transparency challengesIxigo launches airport cab serviceSouthwest rolls out Starlink WiFi Uber expands Autonomous Vehicle rolloutAmadeus to decommission self-service developer portalOTAs gain share in Tours and ActivitiesSabre and WestJet extend technology partnershipYou can subscribe to this podcast by searching 'BusinessTravel360' on your favorite podcast player or visiting BusinessTravel360.comThis podcast was created, edited and distributed by BusinessTravel360. Be sure to sign up for regular updates at BusinessTravel360.com - Enjoy!Support the show
We take a look at the Lockheed Constellation with one of the last pilots to have flown the L-1649A Starliner Constellation. In the news, the ROTOR Act and an ADS-B In mandate, GAMA's annual Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report, the Government’s partial shutdown impact on the TSA, Government luxury jets, and a plan to market an Embraer aerial tanker. Also, an interview from the Singapore Airshow with a Product Development VP from Textron Aviation. Lockheed Starliner L-1649A flying in TWA colors. Guest Philip Kemp has been an Airline Transport Pilot for 17 years, and he has more than a little experience with the Lockheed Constellation. That connection came about in the 1980's after meeting Maurice Roundy, a Lockheed Constellation fan and collector of the airplane. Philip is one of the last pilots to have flown the L-1649A Starliner Constellation. Philip describes the development of the Lockheed Constellation and its variants, and how the airliner was obsoleted by jet transports. He tells us about his adventures ferrying Connies, the remaining examples that still exist, and the sale of Maurice's Constellations, including an ultimately unsuccessful attempt by Lufthansa to make one of the aircraft flightworthy. Philip explains that N8083H is now at the TWA Hotel at JFK after a cosmetic restoration, N974R is with Kermit Weeks also for a cosmetic restoration, and that N7316C was shipped to Hamburg for the 100th Lufthansa anniversary. Ferry flight from Sanford, Florida, to Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight. October 2001. Philip started his career with Continental Express, and then he flew Part 135 jet charter with Charter Ops for two years. He returned to the airlines with SkyWest, then back to Continental Express (ExpressJet). Philip spent nine years with North American Airlines flying troops all over the world, and his last six years were with JetBlue. He was the Manager of Crew Training at Waltzing Matilda Aviation/Connect Airlines, a new Part 121 airline, flying Dash 8 Q400's. Philip is now looking for a good teaching opportunity in the aviation world. N8083H L-1649A at the TWA Hotel, JFK. N7316C and N8083H next to Maurice Roundy's airport house. Maurice Roundy, the day before the last flight. Lockheed 749 Constellation versus the Lockheed 1649A Starliner Constellation. See Ralph M. Pettersen’s Constellation Survivors Website. Aviation News After DCA crash, Congress acts to mandate decades-old aircraft tracking tech Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is an aviation system that uses GPS to determine aircraft position and also provides other flight information. ADS-B has two functions: ADS-B In and ADS-B Out. ADS-B Out broadcasts position and other identifying information, and has been required for many aircraft in the U.S. since 2020. ADS-B In receives transmissions from other aircraft and from ground stations. The bi-partisan Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act (S.2503) would require ADS-B out aircraft to have ADS-B In to display information about nearby traffic in the cockpit. The ROTOR Act was unanimously passed by the Senate in December 2025, and at the time of recording, a vote in the House was scheduled. House to vote Monday on ROTOR Act following deadly midair collision After recording, the House voted on the bill, but it did not pass due to insufficient votes. Under the ROTOR Act: FAA must issue final rules for ADS‑B In equipage not later than 2 years after enactment, effective within 60 days of publication. The final rule has a fleet-wide compliance deadline of December 31, 2031, for affected aircraft, with at most a 1‑year extension for certain operators. FAA must start regular briefings and public reports on the rulemaking status within 180 days after enactment and then every 90 days. GAMA Reports Strong 2025 for OEMs The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its 2025 Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report: Airplane shipments in 2025 compared to 2024: Piston airplanes flat (+0.6%) Turboprops declined by 5.1% Business jets increased 11.8% with 854 units. The value of airplane deliveries for 2025 was $31.0 billion, an increase of 16.1%. Helicopter shipments in 2025 compared to 2024: Piston helicopters were down 2% Turbine helicopters down 2% (preliminary) The preliminary value of helicopter deliveries for 2025 was $4.7 billion, an increase of approximately 5.5%. Homeland security reverses course on TSA PreCheck suspension Citing staffing shortages caused by the partial government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially suspended the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs. Soon thereafter, DHS revised the directive in a social media post saying, “TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly.” Chris Sununu, president and CEO of the trade association Airlines for America, said in a statement that the group “is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended and that the traveling public will be, once again, used as a political football amid another government shutdown”. Geoff Freeman, head of the US Travel Association, accused Democratic and Republican lawmakers of putting politics first. “Air travel is essential for our economy and daily life, and it's disgraceful for travel to be used as leverage in political disagreements,” he said in a statement. No Expense Has Been Spared’: Inside a Luxury Jet DHS Wants to Buy for Deportations DHS has been leasing a Boeing 737 Max 8 featuring bedrooms, showers, a kitchen, four large flat-screen TVs, and a bar. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is asking the OMB to approve its purchase of the jet for $70 million. ICE says that it would be used for deportations and travel for Cabinet officials. A DHS spokesperson said, “at least one of the bedrooms is currently being converted for seating to prepare the aircraft to meet the demands of its deportation mission set.” In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said, “This plane flies at 40% cheaper than what the military aircraft flies for ICE deportation flights—saving the American taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars. This is part of Secretary Noem's broader efforts to clamp down on inefficiencies and save taxpayer dollars.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Spends $200 Million of Taxpayer Money on Pair of Gulfstream G700 Private Jets During Government Shutdown House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Homeland Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Lauren Underwood (IL-14) requested more information from the Secretary regarding the purchase, which does not align with earlier funding requests for the Department. Northrop, Brazil's Embraer partner on KC-390 to pitch US, others Under a memorandum of understanding, Embraer and Northrop Grumman are looking at adding an autonomous boom refueling system to the KC-390 Millennium, which currently employs a hose and drogue system. A new boom would enable the tanker to refuel U.S. Air Force aircraft. Singapore Airshow 2026 Brian Coleman brings us interviews from the Singapore Airshow. In this episode, he talks with Jimmy Beeson, Textron Aviation Inc. VP of Product Development. Mentioned Fantasy of Flight Alaska Airlines’ 20-minute baggage guarantee Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Brian Coleman
Sam Kennedy calls into the show and mentions who will step up will Bregman's absence and says that this team still has a long road ahead. Rob Bradford sits down with the crew and weighs in on rules changes and says Pete Alonso was the guy this offseason. And Deadweight is all about the slander on USA Men's Hockey
The News includes the latest on the Nancy Guthrie case, Connor Hellebuyck receiving the medal of honor at the State of the Union address, and robot vacuums with cameras in peoples homes. And can you rely on pitching to make it deep in the MLB?
Jason Varitek joins the crew to discuss the energy of the current Red Sox, the importance of Alex Bregman while he was here, and claiming that his expectations are to win the world series. They said it includes Eliot Wolf answering if he's satisfied with Drake Maye and Reggie Miller saying that the Celtics are the scariest team in the East with or without Jayson Tatum
The crew kicks off the show going around and sharing what their expectations are for the Red Sox this season. The Leads include the impact of Alex Bregman's absence and the USA men's hockey team receiving backlash for attending the State of Union address. Wilyer Abreu joins the show and explains that Boston sports expectations are high and how he's feel health wise.
HR 1 - What are some reasonable expectations for the Red Sox? Wilyer Abreu joins HR 2 - Jason Varitek says the expectations is to win the World Series HR 3 - People are slamming the USA Men's Hockey team HR 4 - Sam Kennedy calls in & Rob Bradfo weighs in
RUNDOWN Mitch and Hotshot Scott open Episode 372 setting the stage for the 2026 Prediction Show while reacting to Team USA's Olympic hockey gold and debating why the United States can compete in hockey but not soccer. Mitch checks in from Mariners spring training in Peoria, describing a genuine World Series vibe around the pitching staff — before admitting he needed a personal "attitude adjustment" on 22-year-old second baseman Cole Young. Mitch welcomes back Danny O'Neil, Jason Puckett, and Dave "Groz" Grosby for the 2026 Prediction Show, teasing last year's misses while crowning Puckett as the new champ. The panel makes rapid-fire forecasts on the Seahawks' 2026 season: record, playoff finish, key contract calls (Kenneth Walker, Riq Woolen, Josh Jobe, Rashid Shaheed), draft/free-agent priorities, Sam Darnold's contract future and stat lines, plus big-number projections for JSN and other core pieces. The panel shifts to college football, with Danny projecting a 12-win Washington season and a College Football Playoff berth—while also predicting major turnover with Jed Fisch and Demond Williams gone by 2027. They then pivot to baseball, where Puck and Groz forecast an AL West title and a Mariners trip to the World Series, while Danny takes the contrarian path with 88 wins and no playoffs. The panel finishes Mariners predictions with bold calls on Colt Emerson's debut date, Andrés Muñoz's save total, and the club's World Series outlook—while Danny pegs the Yankees as champions. The conversation widens to NBA expansion in Seattle, where opinions split on timeline and ownership possibilities, and then to the 2026 World Cup, with wildly different forecasts for Team USA. The segment wraps with NBA championship picks, MVP projections, and LeBron James' uncertain future as the Prediction Show heads toward its finale. The panel turns to March Madness, NFL draft projections, and bold NFL quarterback predictions before branching into golf, tennis, the World Baseball Classic, and the Kraken's playoff outlook. Danny calls for Houston to win the NCAA title, Puck backs Arizona, and Groz picks UConn—while wild swings follow on Scheffler majors, Rory's chances, and LeBron's future. The segment culminates with dramatic wild-card predictions, including a potential MLB lockout, a Jamal Crawford-led Sonics return, and a blockbuster Seahawks in-season trade. GUESTS Dave Grosby | Seattle sports radio personality Jason Puckett | Seattle sports radio host and founder of The Daily Puck Drop Danny O'Neil | Veteran Seattle sports columnist and longtime Seahawks analyst TABLE OF CONTENTS 0:00 | Prediction Show Kickoff — Hockey Gold, Mariners Optimism, and a Cole Young Attitude Adjustment 22:22 | 2026 Prediction Show: Seahawks Repeat Forecasts, Roster Calls, and League-Wide Bold Picks 49:57 | 2026 Prediction Show: College Football and Mariners 2026 Predictions – Playoff Calls, Coaching Hot Seats, and a World Series Push 59:47 | 2026 Prediction Show: Mariners Prospect Timelines, World Cup Takes, NBA Futures, and Sonics Expansion Speculation 1:14:14 | 2026 Prediction Show: March Madness Picks, NFL Draft Forecasts, Golf Majors, Kraken Playoff Hopes, and Wild Card Bombshells 1:21:30 | Other Stuff Segment: USA wins men's and women's Olympic hockey gold, JSN comments on becoming highest-paid WR and looming Seahawks extensions, Zach Charbonnet ACL surgery delay raises questions, Stephen A. Smith floats presidential ambitions, Tony Clark resigns as MLBPA head amid inappropriate relationship controversy, JetBlue baggage theft allegation involving Dion Dawkins, "JetBlue the dog" abandoned at airport and adopted by officer, former Miami officer blasts Tyreek Hill after release, TSA PreCheck outage, Nantucket cocaine wastewater report, Kid Rock ticket sales struggles, smart underwear study shows humans pass gas more than previously thought RIPs Ronnie Moore (25), Robert Duvall, Bill Mazeroski (89), Eric Dane (53), Trey Johnson (54), Doug Moe (87), Mike Wagner (76), Reverend Jesse Jackson
A dog that got abandoned at the Las Vegas airport this month has a new forever home. He's a two-year-old mini golden doodle named "JetBlue", because he was left at a JetBlue counter. STORY:https://www.wdjx.com/abandoned-dog-at-the-airport-gets-adopted/
Jeff's best-known for being a mainstay of New York's world-famous speakeasy-behind-a-phone-booth Please Don't Tell (PDT), where he was hired by Jim Meehan and has worked since 2010, and which post-pandemic he bought from its founder Brian Shebairo along with the hotdog stand it's housed inside, Crif Dogs. In a city where bartenders hop around jobs willy-nilly, Jeff credits his tenure at a single bar with helping him gain the trust of investors (Apres Cru Hospitality) and become an owner. I've known Jeff since 2011, when he was a world finalist in the G'Vine Gin Connoisseur Program, a contest I created and executed for several years; we had a lot of fun that Finals week in Cognac, France!This is a really great episode: we talked about starting his career in Seattle, his break into NY bartending, working at PDT, how he became an owner, his new businesses Tacos 1986, Cocteleria Mixteca (with fellow longtime PDT bartender Victor Lopez) and elegant speakeasy Kees (where we recorded), how he scaled back his travel to spend more time with his wife and children, helping Hilton reopen the Waldorf-Astoria's historic Peacock Alley bar and Lex Yard restaurant, keeping Jet Blue airline supplied with cocktails, and a bunch more of really thoughtful, insightful stuff. Classic Jeff. Enjoy!Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreymbell/Apres Cru Hospitality: https://www.aprescru.com/PDT: https://www.instagram.com/pdtnyc/Crif Dogs: https://www.instagram.com/crifdogs/Mixteca: https://www.instagram.com/cocteleriamixteca/Kees: https://www.instagram.com/seekkeesnyc/ (Get in touch with Duff!Podcast business enquiries: consulting@liquidsolutions.org (PR friends: we're only interested in having your client on if they can talk for a couple of hours about OTHER things besides their prepared speaking points or their new thing, whatever that is. They need to be able to hang. Oh, plus we don't edit, we won't supply prepared or sample questions, nor listener or “reach” stats, either, and no, you can't sit in on the interview (or lurk on the Zoom.) Retain Philip's consulting firm, Liquid Solutions, specialised in on-trade engagement & education, liquor brand creation and repositioning: philip@liquidsolutions.orgPhilip on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philipsduff/ Philip on Facebook: Philip Duff Philip on X/Twitter: Philip Duff (@philipduff) / Twitter Philip on LinkedIn: linkedin.com Old Duff Genever on Instagram: Old Duff Genever (@oldduffgenever) • Instagram photos and videos Old Duff Genever on Facebook: facebook.com Old Duff Genever on X/Twitter: ...
Congratulation to the US men’s Olympic hockey team for progressing to the finals! You’ll have to be up early to watch the televised match at 5 a.m. on Sunday — let’s hope it’s worth it! The San Bernardino Mountains got some big dumps ... of snow. Tim’s suggestion? Pay a local to install your tire chains; it’ll be the best $40 you’ll ever spend. Mr. Clean is hanging up his mop and retiring his bucket! Ruth’s Chris Steak house in Marina Del Rey is shutting down after 5 violations, insects and rodents. Venice Beach to get three Olympic events. Culver City is getting its first IKEA! A dog was abandoned by his owner in a Las Vegas airport. The cute pooch has since been taken in by a local adoption center Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, who renamed him Jet Blue, and the former owner was arrested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome back to another completely normal episode of your favorite daily comedy show — where we try to cover the news and instead end up arguing about how grown adults wipe.It's Friday, February 20th, and we kick things off with breaking news out of Overland… or at least what King Scott thinks is breaking news. Police standoff? Barracuda? Barricade? Nobody knows. But what we DO know is that Overland crimes are apparently “nice crimes.” So that's comforting.From there, things spiral — as they always do — into a full-blown Costco obsession. Beard nets. Free samples. Elite memberships. Business Costcos (??). Is it a warehouse store or a secret society? Why are people lining up 45 minutes for half a grape in a Dixie cup? And most importantly: why are people fighting with shopping carts like it's Thunderdome?Then we enter what may be the most detailed bidet conversation ever recorded on radio. Rafe is remodeling his bathroom and suddenly finds himself staring down a futuristic Japanese toilet that looks like it was designed by NASA. Heated seats. Oscillating spray. Adjustable nozzle trajectory. Butt dryer. Predator-style control panel. The gang debates the ethics of plug-in toilets, self-cleaning mechanisms, and whether standing up to wipe makes you a psychopath. It's educational. It's unsettling. It's everything a daily comedy show should be.And just when you think it can't get grosser — hotel coffee machines enter the chat. A travel influencer suggests washing underwear in the in-room coffee maker. Yes. Brewing. Underwear. We unpack the horror of “panty coffee,” why you should never use hotel coffee makers again, and whether Big Bean (aka Starbucks) is secretly behind the propaganda.But wait — there's more chaos:• A woman abandons her Goldendoodle at the airport because she didn't fill out paperwork.• A pediatric dentist allegedly shows up hammered.• A school custodian hides in a locker room closet.• A former police chief sets houses on fire as revenge.• Thieves are feeding stolen iPhones into EcoATMs for $20.It's a rollercoaster of weird news, questionable humanity, and sarcastic humor — exactly what you expect from this daily comedy show coming straight out of St. Louis.Bathroom tech. Costco conspiracies. Rage bait influencers. Swamp justice hypotheticals. And one extremely adorable abandoned dog named JetBlue.Just another totally average day with Rizz and the gang.Follow The Rizzuto Show → linktr.ee/rizzshow for more from your favorite daily comedy show.Connect with The Rizzuto Show Comedy Podcast online → 1057thepoint.com/RizzShow.Hear The Rizz Show daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point | Hubbard Radio in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robach and Holmes cover the latest news headlines and entertainment updates and give perspective on current events in their daily “Morning Run.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TALK TO ME, TEXT ITHeadlines are loud; the real story is what they reveal about us. We kick off with a jolt of accountability news from across the pond and ask why American power so often talks big and moves slow. That frustration links straight into a charged airport tale: a traveler leaves a two‑year‑old goldendoodle at a Las Vegas ticket counter after being told service dog documentation is required. Police track her down, tempers flare, and charges follow. The twist brings relief—the pup, renamed Jet Blue, finds rescue and a new home—but the questions linger about public space, policy, and the ethics we carry to the gate.From there, the tone pivots to an oddly heartwarming snafu: Snoop Dogg's credit card declines at an Italian restaurant. No drama, no ego. The owners comp the meal; Snoop responds with five tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympic snowboard halfpipe final. It's a small masterpiece in how to recover from an embarrassing moment with style, and a reminder that hospitality and reputation are built in how we repay kindness. Payment systems glitch, famous or not; character shows in the follow‑through.We close on a softer, deeper note: the New York accent slipping from everyday speech. Media keeps it iconic, but mobility, social pressure, and workplace norms nudge people toward smoother, more “neutral” voices. We unpack why accents fade, what they carry—memory, identity, neighborhood rhythm—and how to keep that music alive without gatekeeping. If justice is about what we enforce and grace is how we make things right, then culture is the sound we refuse to lose.Listen for sharp takes on accountability, a clear‑eyed look at service animal rules, a feel‑good celebrity redemption, and a thoughtful walk through language, place, and belonging. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend, and drop a review telling us which accent you love to hear and why.Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREE Thanks for listening! Liberty Line each week on Sunday, look for topics on my X file @americanistblog and submit your 1-3 audio opinions to anamericanistblog@gmail.com and you'll be featured on the podcast. Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREESupport the showTip Jar for coffee $ - Thanks Music by Alehandro Vodnik from Pixabay Blog - AnAmericanist.comX - @americanistblog
Cops take Prince Andrew into custody on his birthday. A JetBlue flight loses an engine midflight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Updates on the DCA midair collision, JetBlue software glitch, Air India B787 fuel control switch, injuries on United B777 flight, and Toronto CRJ-900 rollover. Also, the AA CEO’s message to employees, DOT mandate to purge DEI, Portland International Jetport passenger volume, Elliott Management and Southwest, and flight attendant carry-on bags. Plus, our first report from the Singapore Airshow. Guest Air Accident Updates We look at some air accident and incident updates in the press: NTSB Chair Slams FAA for Ignoring Repeated Warnings, Says Midair Collision Was Preventable In this C-Span video, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy slams the FAA, saying that it let its guard down and ignored repeated warnings that ultimately led to the deadly midair collision near Washington Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025, that killed 67 people. “We should be angry, because for years no one listened. This was preventable. This was 100 percent preventable,” Homendy says. Passengers on JetBlue Plane That Plummeted When Flight Computer “Glitched Out” Sue Airbus for Negligence The JetBlue A320 experienced a sudden “uncommanded loss of altitude,” initially attributed to a software glitch that Airbus believed could result from intense solar radiation. This led to an emergency worldwide recall in November 2025, with an estimated 6,000 A320-series aircraft affected. Three passengers on that flight are now suing Airbus for allowing an “unreasonably dangerous” glitch in the system to go unchecked. Those passengers question the solar flare explanation and claim that JetBlue was aware of a recurring issue with the Elevator and Aileron Computer (ELAC) system. No defect found in switch of jet grounded by Air India – regulator Pilots on an Air India B787-8 noticed that during engine start, the fuel control switch did not “remain positively latched in the run position when light vertical pressure was applied”. This happened twice. The third time, the switch operated normally. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that when the switches were operated according to Boeing’s recommended procedure, they were found to be “satisfactory”, staying at run instead of moving to cut-off. The DGCA reported that, when incorrectly handled, the switch would “move easily from run to cut-off”. See also, Pilot alert prompts Air India checks on all Boeing 787 fuel control switchesby Rachel Chitra. Three United Airlines Flight Attendants Seriously Injured After Air Traffic Control Failed To Alert Pilots Of Turbulence The NTSB has released its final report on the February 10, 2024, incident where a United Airlines 777-200 experienced a sudden drop, seriously injuring three flight attendants and throwing several passengers and an unsecured baby into the ceiling. The NTSB concluded that a contributing factor was air traffic controllers’ failure to alert the pilots of turbulence in the area. TSB Canada Releases Update on 2025 Toronto CRJ-900 Crash Investigation Photo Credit: TSB Canada. The accident occurred at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport (CYYZ) on February 17, 2025, when the CRJ-900 regional jet attempted to land and struck the runway hard, causing the right wing and tail section to separate from the fuselage. The plane flipped upside down and slid to a stop. The wreckage was transported to a hangar while the right wing, landing gear, wing box structure, and related parts were taken to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa for testing. The metallurgical analysis of the wing and landing-gear fractures is now being examined. Recordings from the flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, quick access recorder (QAR), and the enhanced ground proximity warning system have been examined. Data from prior flights on the same aircraft were also compared to the accident flight for context. Evidence was collected from NAV CANADA's Toronto surface movement guidance system and the airport's closed-circuit television footage. A full meteorological review, including wind data and soundings, has also been finalized to understand weather conditions at the time. Simulator sessions have been run. The full preliminary report is available here. Aviation News Under Pressure American Airlines CEO Robert Isom Tells Staff That Everything Will Be Alright In New Video Message In a new video message to staffers, American Airlines chief executive Robert Isom says, “As we look forward to 2026, it's with a lot of excitement and confidence. I know we're going to do better financially and operationally. We have a plan to be solidly profitable this year, which will mean good things for our customers, our shareholders, and all of you.” Isom articulated strategies concerning the customer experience, hub facility investments, maximizing the power of the AA network and fleet, new routes, new frontline team members, new aircraft, AAdvantage program changes, and doing a better job selling the AA product. Trump's U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Doubles Down on Purging DEI From Our Skies, Calls on Airlines to Affirm Pilot Hiring is Merit-Based The FAA is issuing a new mandatory “Operations Specification” (OpSpec) requiring all commercial airlines to commit to merit-based hiring for pilots formally. The mandate (New Mandatory OpSpec A134, Merit-Based Pilot Hiring, for Certificate Holders Conducting Operations Under 14 CFR Part 121 [PDF]) is effective February 13, 2026. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said, “When families board their aircraft, they should fly with confidence knowing the pilot behind the controls is the best of the best. The American people don't care what their pilot looks like or their gender—they just care that they are most qualified man or woman for the job. Safety drives everything we do, and this commonsense measure will increase transparency between passengers and airlines.” ALPA Statement on Pilot Training and Qualification Standards Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued a statement that included: “All ALPA pilots are trained and evaluated to the same uncompromising standard regardless of race, gender, or background. A pilot’s identity has no bearing on their ability to safely operate an aircraft. What matters is training, experience, and qualification — and on that front, there are no shortcuts and no compromises. “At ALPA, our work to advance aviation safety never stops, and as always, ALPA airline pilots remain ready to safely transport passengers and cargo to their destinations. Safety is, and always will be, our number one priority.” Portland International Jetport logs busiest year in its history The Portland International Jetport had a record year in 2025, with more than 2.59 million passengers traveling through the airport. The previous record was 2.44 million in 2024. The Jetport says it became the first airport in New England to surpass its pre-pandemic passenger levels in 2023. Southwest Airlines Turns a Corner as Activist Investor Elliott Walks Away Elliott Management, an activist investor, began to acquire shares of Southwest stock in mid-2024. It bought enough shares to gain board representation and dictate the Airline's strategic and financial changes. As a result, we saw paid assigned seating, baggage fees, expiring travel credits, and adjustments to its Rapid Rewards program. Southwest also looked at asset sales and balance sheet strategies to fund share buybacks. But in late 2025, Elliott began reducing its stake, and by early February 2026, its ownership dropped to about 9 percent. Two Elliott representatives have resigned from the board at Southwest. Southwest Airlines Now Faces a Flight Attendant Backlash As Hand Luggage Woes Grow Southwest moved a dedicated overhead bin for crew members to the back of the plane, and flight attendants are not happy. Passengers sitting at the front of the plane who have paid more or have elite status find that bin space is an issue. Singapore Airshow 2026 Brian Coleman interviewed several people at the Singapore Airshow. In this episode, he talks with Dan McQuestin, the Bell Country Manager in Australia. Mentioned “How LiveATC Went Live” by Rob Mark in the February 2026 issue of AIN Online. Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Erin Applebaum.
In this episode of The Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about where confidence comes from. My guest this week is Jennifer Sahady, a personal finance expert, speaker and passionate advocate for financial literacy and gender equity. In a field that hasn't always welcomed women or fresh perspectives, Jennifer shares how she's charted her own path by focusing on service, curiosity and the quiet power of believing that her voice matters too.We talk about why so many of us wait to speak up until we feel like an “expert,” and how that silence can cost others the benefit of our unique insights. Jennifer shares how she's navigated self-doubt in male-dominated spaces, and why imperfect action is a courageous step toward change. We also explore the importance of mental space, daily reflection and surrounding yourself with people who energize rather than drain you.About My GuestJennifer is an accomplished public speaker and expert in personal finance. She delivers memorable and impactful presentations customizing her financial wellness message to a wide variety of audiences from high school students to executives. Jennifer has delivered presentations at Fortune 500 Companies including jetBlue, Barclays and Sony. Jennifer is a 2025 PLANADVISER Emerging Leader Winner, a 2025 NAPA Woman of Excellence Winner and has won the RAC Award with her clients in 2025 and 2024. Jennifer was a featured TEDx speaker on Money and Relationships. Jennifer has spoken at the Bryant Woman's Summit three times. Jennifer has spoken at the Providence and Worcester Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer is currently a Senior Financial Wellness Consultant on MMA's Retirement Services team and a small business owner. Jennifer graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bryant University and has an extensive background in financial education. Jennifer holds the FINRA Series 7, 63 and 66 licenses as well as the CFP, CPFA, CRPC and AIF. ~Connect with Jennifer:YouTube: https://youtu.be/CGttIHnfBbE?si=qfOIoFOWmFVkPwKz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-sahady ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com
What was the best commercial from this year's Super Bowl? Also, will Lindsey Vonn compete again? We talk about the crazy JetBlue flight that just got grounded, Valentine's Day spending, and lots more!
Guest Co-Host Charles Duncan. Guest: David Seymour, COO, American Airlines. Topics: AA hit hard by weather related operational issues; A good week for Southwest, cash pouring in, will Elliott Mgt cash out? American earnings drop; JetBlue down; NTSB report issued on chopper collision with AA flight; Big increase in flights by United at ORD; Listener questions: Is there room for a new airline? What's the cost to start service at an airport?
Discover how to transform "artificial intelligence" into "artful intelligence" and inspire your brand storytelling in this must-listen episode of the Business of Story. Park Howell is joined by Jen Perry, Executive Creative Director at Vagrants, who shares her journey from building creative teams for brands like JetBlue, IKEA, and Dunkin' Donuts to leading Vagrants' evolution into a creative powerhouse. You'll learn why "artificial intelligence" is a branding problem, and how reframing it as "artful intelligence" helps you keep your storytelling human, emotionally resonant, and truly impactful—even as you embrace the latest technology. Jen reveals practical strategies for using emotional intelligence in your creative process, building lasting client relationships, and coaching teams to bold, effective ideas. Plus, you'll hear a real-world case study from Tom Schwab of Interview Valet on how the StoryCycle Genie™ platform delivers artful, brand-aligned content that saves hours and elevates quality. Listen now to discover: How to blend AI and empathy for better brand stories Why artful intelligence is your creative edge Actionable steps to inspire your team and audience For more insights and resources, visit businessofstory.com.
In this episode, I'm joined by Joe Lalley, author of Question to Learn, to explore why questions are one of the most underrated — and misused — leadership tools. We talk about curiosity, influence, and what really happens when leaders feel they're supposed to have all the answers. In this conversation, we explore: Why most of us stop asking good questions as our careers progress The subtle ways workplace culture rewards answers and punishes curiosity The different motives behind questions — and why some shut people down How questions can build influence without needing certainty What leaders can learn from children, improv, and discomfort Why “I don't know” might be one of the most powerful things a leader can say The role curiosity plays in a world increasingly shaped by AI Joe's favourite question — and why it opens doors most people miss This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like you increase your impact and build a happy and high performing team. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights you can implement immediately, to be better at your job without working harder. Work with Carla: 1:1 Leadership Coaching with Carla – get support to help you get your voice heard at work and develop your career. Book a discovery call About Joe Lalley Joe Lalley is a writer, speaker, and workshop facilitator who has spent much of his career leading innovation workshops for companies of all industries, shapes, and sizes. Joe has published multiple articles ranging from how to use curiosity to navigate remote work in the pandemic to how to fix the endless cycles of bad, inefficient meetings. In 2011, Joe completed the Stanford d.school Design Thinking Bootcamp, an intensive program that draws executives from Fortune 500 companies worldwide. As part of a team with peers from Google and Cisco, he worked directly with JetBlue to redesign the passenger ground experience at San Francisco International Airport. Through field research, interviews, and rapid prototyping, Joe and his team presented innovative solutions to JetBlue executives—a transformational experience that helped shape the next chapter of his career. Joe has held leadership roles at Columbia University, MTV/Viacom, WWE, PwC, and his own consultancy, Joe Lalley Experience Design. His client portfolio spans global brands and organizations such as Meta, Pfizer, Cisco, Chegg, General Assembly, Match Group/Tinder, Latham & Watkins, and Lam Research, as well as mission-driven groups like the American Physical Society, Optica, Banyan Global, and CAQH. In October 2025, Lalley released ‘Question to Learn: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Career, Team, and Organization.' Website...
In today's episode, we discover that not all heroes have capes, some redeem rewards! We learn a trick for extending Southwest flight credits, and we tell all: how we increase our credit card spend.(01:06) - See our podcast episode 197, "13 ways to increase credit card spend" hereGiant Mailbag(01:37) - Mike: We can be heroes...just for one dayListen to our episode about sharing miles and points here(03:58) - Brent: Charitable givingListen to our podcast about rewards from giving hereCard News(09:15) - Bilt quietly removed eBay & Facebook Marketplace as exclusionsRead more about this hereMattress Running the Numbers(10:39) - Bilt Rent Day transfer bonus to AccorAwards, Points, and More(19:21) - Southwest credits are valid for 60 months in some situations(23:22) - JetBlue 25for25 stats(29:16) - Capital One Shopping Home Page Bonus OffersRead more about Capital One Shopping home page bonus offers hereMain Event: How we increase spend to earn big card bonuses(32:55) - See our podcast episode 197, "13 ways to increase credit card spend" here(33:57) - Today, we'll describe the ways we (Nick and I) increase spend in real life(34:15) - About paying fees(37:43) - Pay taxesRead about paying taxes via credit card here(45:23) - Use a service to pay bills that don't ordinarily accept a credit card, like PlastiqLearn more about Plastiq here(52:07) - MelioLearn more about Melio here(53:49) - Fund college savings or pay student loansLearn about miles for college here(1:01:12) - Make loans through KivaLearn about Kiva here(1:03:40) - Pay bills for friends or family(1:07:10) - Fund new bank accountsLearn more about funding a bank account with a credit card here(1:11:52) - Buy and sell merchandiseLearn about buying groups here(1:13:13) - Buy and sell gift cardsLearn about buying and selling gift cards...
Silver and Gold – Still Going. Big week for earnings. Fed decision on Wednesday. Nat Gas price exploding higher. US Dollar drops hard over past few days. PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - What we learned from Davos - President Miyagi - tariffs on, tariffs off - January: stocks are trying to finish with gains - Small-caps flying - S&P 500: All-time highs going into earnings Markets - Silver and Gold - Still Going - Big week for earnings - Fed decision on Wednesday - Nat Gas price exploding - US Dollar drops hard over past few days Can't Keep Track Anymore -Trump has announced he is raising tariffs on South Korean imports to 25% after accusing Seoul of "not living up" to a trade deal reached last year. - In a post on social media, Trump said he would increase levies on South Korea from 15% across a range of products including automobiles, lumber, pharmaceuticals and "all other Reciprocal TARIFFS". - South Korea is planning on voting on the "agreement" with the US in February - KOSPI hits all-time high after being down 1% on the news - S. Korea President re-affirms their commitments Davos - 2026 - What we learned - Not much - Same bifurcated view of the world - Trump backed off the Greenland threats - Framework of a "deal" / "plan" - So, no tariffs - (Going to get a boy who cried wolf ....) Gold and Silver - Off to the races - Silver was up again in a big way Monday. Fell back down to earth (up 5% from up 15% earlier in the day - Hovering around $110 - that is impressive - parabolic move - GOLD! - Proving itself as a USD hedge and safety trade (Bitcoin in the dust) - Gold above $5,000 per ounce - - Plenty of reports that central banks are buying up| - USD weakness Economy - Still Strong - The US economy expanded in the third quarter by slightly more than initially reported, supported by stronger exports and a smaller drag from inventories. - Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product increased at a revised 4.4% annualized rate, the fastest in two years, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data. - Consumer spending advanced at a 3.5% annualized pace last quarter, reflecting the fastest pace of outlays for services in three years, while spending on goods also accelerated from the previous quarter. Amazon - Trimming.... 30,000 jobs is plan - First half of that was in October and now trhery are laying off the remainder - CEO Jassey says that it is not financial of AI issues ---- Again - why so important to state that and make that a focal point? - Layoffs amount to 10% of the corporate workforce - Company still has 1.5 million employees Comeback? - Spirit Airlines is in talks with investment firm Castlelake for a potential takeover of the discount airline, CNBC has learned. - Remember, all started when Jetblue deal was blocked - Frontier tried - Spirit tried a few times to get head above water - nothing worked Booz Cancelled - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent canceled department contracts with the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, whose employee leaked President Donald Trump's tax records to The New York Times. - The department noted that between 2018 and 2020, Booz Allen employee Charles Edward Littlejohn “stole and leaked the confidential tax returns and return information of hundreds of thousands of taxpayers.” - Booz Allen Hamilton's stock price dropped by more than 10% on the heels of the Treasury Department's announcement. - Why does Booz have tax records in the first place? - Stock down 50% since end of 2024 Private Credit - BlackRock TCP Capital shares lower by 13% after it disclosed Friday night that net asset value declined approximately 19.0%; other private credit stocks falling in sympathy - The Company's net asset value per share as of December 31, 2025 to be between approximately $7.05 and $7.09, an anticipated decline of approximately 19.0% during the quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to a net asset value per share of $8.71 as of September 30, 2025. - This decline is primarily driven by issuer-specific developments during the quarter. - The Company's net investment income per share to be between approximately $0.24 and $0.26 for the three months ended December 31, 2025. - Decliners: TCPC -13.40% OWL -3.07% ARES -3.30% KKR -2.08% BAM -0.41% CG -0.33% Zoom Communications - Valuation of Anthropic stake - The news is driving shares higher as analysts suggest ZM's $51 mln stake could now be worth between $2-$4 bln based on Anthropic's rumored $350 bln valuation, effectively acting as a "hidden gem" on its balance sheet. - From a fundamental perspective, the company's performance has also significantly improved, evidenced by its Q3 beat-and-raise report in late November where revenue rose 4.4% yr/yr to $1.23 bln. - This stronger financial performance is being driven by robust growth in the Enterprise segment, the rapid adoption of AI Companion features, and the scaling of adjacent growth businesses like Zoom Contact Center and Workvivo. - Consequently, the combination of high-margin operational rigor -- highlighted by a 41.2% non-GAAP operating margin -- and the massive unrealized gains from its AI investments has shifted investor sentiment firmly back toward growth. UNH and Health Stocks - DOWN 20% today - The administration's proposal (via the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS) for Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates to rise by only 0.09% in 2027. This was far below Wall Street expectations of 4-6% (or higher), following a more generous ~5% increase for 2026. - The near-flat rate aims to improve payment accuracy, curb overbilling practices, and protect taxpayers, according to CMS statements, but it sparked widespread concerns about squeezed insurer margins, potential benefit cuts for seniors, reduced plan offerings, or market exits. - UnitedHealth has significant exposure to Medicare Advantage (roughly 30% of national enrollment), making it particularly vulnerable. The proposal, announced late Monday (January 26), led to a broader sell-off in health insurers: - - Humana (HUM) plunged over 20-21%. - - CVS Health (CVS) and Elevance Health (ELV) each dropped around 13-14%. Tech Earnings Microsoft (MSFT) Reports: Wednesday, January 28 (After Market Close) - Wall Street Expectations: Earnings per share (EPS): about $3.86 and Revenue: about $80 billion - Growth: high teens year over year revenue growth - Investors are focused on Azure and broader cloud growth, particularly how much of that growth is coming from AI related demand. Microsoft has built a reputation for consistent execution, which also means expectations are high. The critical issues will be cloud growth sustainability, margin stability, and how aggressively management plans to keep spending on AI infrastructure. Meta Platforms (META) Reports: Wednesday, January 28 (After Market Close) - Wall Street Expectations: EPS: about $8.15–$8.20 and Revenue: about $58–$59 billion - Growth: roughly 20–21% year over year revenue growth - Advertising remains the core driver, with AI driven ad targeting continuing to improve returns for advertisers. While topline growth expectations remain strong, investors are closely watching expense growth. The biggest question is whether rising AI and infrastructure spending can be managed without eroding margins or spooking investors, as Meta works through the next phase of its AI strategy. Tesla (TSLA) Reports: Wednesday, January 28 (After Market Close) - Wall Street Expectations: EPS (non GAAP): about $0.40–$0.45 and Revenue: about $24.5–$25 billion - Trend: earnings expected to be sharply lower than a year ago - Tesla enters earnings with the weakest expectations among the major tech names this week. Vehicle deliveries declined year over year, and automotive margins remain under pressure. While the energy and services segments continue to grow, they are not yet large enough to offset slowing EV demand. - Investors will be far more focused on forward guidance than on the quarter itself—particularly updates on Full Self Driving, robotaxis, and the broader AI roadmap. Apple (AAPL) Reports: Thursday, January 29 (After Market Close) Wall Street Expectations - EPS: about $2.65–$2.67 and Revenue: about $138 billion Growth: approximately 11–12% year over year revenue growth - This is Apple's most important quarter of the year. Expectations call for record revenue driven by the iPhone 17 cycle and continued Services growth. The focus will be on margins, China demand, and forward guidance—particularly how higher costs (memory prices and tariffs) may impact profitability. Apple typically beats expectations, but the stock reaction will hinge on what management says about growth beyond this quarter. Company Ticker Report Date Est. EPS Key Focus Area Microsoft MSFT Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $3.92 Azure AI revenue growth & CapEx spending Meta Platforms META Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $8.17 Ad monetization of AI & 2026 CapEx guidance Tesla TSLA Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $0.45 Full Self-Driving (FSD) & Robotaxi updates Apple AAPL Thu, Jan 29 (AMC) Varies iPhone 17 demand & Apple Intelligence rollout ServiceNow NOW Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $0.88 Enterprise AI software adoption rates IBM IBM Wed, Jan 28 (AMC) $4.28 Hybrid cloud and watsonx performance *AMC = After Market Close; EPS = Earnings Per Share (Consensus Estimates) Boeing - The company's airplane deliveries last year were the highest since 2018, helping drive revenue. Boeing brought in $23.9 billion in the last three months of 2025, a 57% increase over the same period in 2024 and topping analysts' expectations. Cash flow of $400 million was roughly double what Wall Street was expecting. - Boeing brought in $23.9 billion in the last three months of 2025, a 57% increase over the same period in 2024. The airplane manufacturer delivered 600 airplanes last year, up from 348 a year earlier. Another MoonShot - U.S. natural gas prices surged over 17% on Monday morning, climbing above $6 for the first time since late 2022. - It comes as Winter Storm Fern leaves hundreds of thousands without power and forces mass flight cancellations. - The National Weather Service has forecast wind chills as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45.56 degrees Celsius) across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. this week. -Up 68% YTD - Nat gas is used in a whole lot of things - electrical grid 43% is fueled by Nat Gas Government - Not Again! - Seems like Dems are threatening a shutdown again - A partial U.S. government shutdown is set to begin on Friday, January 30, 2026. - The Senate is expected to vote on a funding package to avert this shutdown, with delays from a winter storm pushing initial votes to at least January 27, 2026 - The issue is being exacerbated with the ICE / Minnesota issues This is precious - Ex-finance minister Noda currently co-heads largest opposition party - He says that Japan unlikely to get international consent for intervention - Yen, bond selloff requires Japan to be in crisis mode, he says - Government must vow to restore fiscal discipline to end yen fall, Noda says - Japan must create environment allowing for steady BOJ rate hikes, he says - THIS shows us all that the whole thing with these guys/gals is all political. - NEVER EVER if he was in the role would he say anything like this. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN CUP 2025 Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt! FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter
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Watch Us On YouTube! Scroll down for timestamps and details. Much to the disappointment of thousands of M2G fans around the world, Julian Kheel is back with Ed this week as they dig deeper into Bilt Cash, now that Bilt has finally filled in some of the missing details. They break down what works, what's confusing, and why expiration rules might actually limit how much spend ends up on the card. From there, the conversation shifts to travel news: Heathrow quietly becoming one of the easiest international airports to clear security, American Airlines' messy rollout of "free" Wi-Fi, Delta's long-awaited plan to replace coffin-class seats (eventually), and why JetBlue continues to embarrass the legacy carriers on connectivity. Plus, a reminder about a 15% Miles To Go listener discount on one of our favorite award-search tools.
In der heutigen Folge sprechen die Finanzjournalisten Nando Sommerfeldt und Holger Zschäpitz über das Pinterest-Problem, das Comeback der grünen Energien, den Run bei Momentum und die Aktie, die den Dow ins Minus drückt. Außerdem geht es um UnitedHealth, Humana, CVS Health, Micro Technology, Texas Instruments, Corning, Coreweave, iShares USA Momentum ETF (WKN: A2AP36), GM, Boeing, American Airlines, JetBlue, Richtec Robotic, Microsoft, iShares Global Clean Energy (WKN: A0MW0M), Energias de Portugal, Acciona, Rexel, Prysmian, NKT, Siemens Energy, Orsted, Engie, Adidas, Puma, Anta Sports. Wir freuen uns an Feedback über aaa@welt.de. Noch mehr "Alles auf Aktien" findet Ihr bei WELTplus und Apple Podcasts – inklusive aller Artikel der Hosts und AAA-Newsletter. Hier bei WELT: https://www.welt.de/podcasts/alles-auf-aktien/plus247399208/Boersen-Podcast-AAA-Bonus-Folgen-Jede-Woche-noch-mehr-Antworten-auf-Eure-Boersen-Fragen.html. Der Börsen-Podcast Disclaimer: Die im Podcast besprochenen Aktien und Fonds stellen keine spezifischen Kauf- oder Anlage-Empfehlungen dar. Die Moderatoren und der Verlag haften nicht für etwaige Verluste, die aufgrund der Umsetzung der Gedanken oder Ideen entstehen. Hörtipps: Für alle, die noch mehr wissen wollen: Holger Zschäpitz können Sie jede Woche im Finanz- und Wirtschaftspodcast "Deffner&Zschäpitz" hören. +++ Werbung +++ Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte! https://linktr.ee/alles_auf_aktien Impressum: https://www.welt.de/services/article7893735/Impressum.html Datenschutz: https://www.welt.de/services/article157550705/Datenschutzerklaerung-WELT-DIGITAL.html
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The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1254: GM takes a multibillion-dollar EV hit but says 2026 looks brighter, white-hat hackers cash in by cracking EV chargers and infotainment systems, and the airline industry gets its annual report cardGeneral Motors closed 2025 with a wider quarterly loss after taking billions in EV and China-related charges. But underneath the headline number, core profits held up, cash flowed in North America, and GM is signaling confidence that 2026 will be stronger.GM reported a $3.3B Q4 net loss after booking more than $7B in charges, largely tied to cutting back EV production and restructuring its China joint venture.Adjusted EBIT rose 13% in the quarter, and GM earned $10.5B in North America for the year, resulting in profit-sharing bonuses up to $10,500 for UAW workers.EV losses are projected to improve by $1B–$1.5B in 2026CEO Mary Barra told shareholders the company sees stability ahead: “We expect the U.S. new vehicle market will continue to be resilient… 2026 should be an even better year for GM.”From EV chargers to infotainment systems, the Pwn2Own Automotive 2025 competition exposed how much of the industry is still very hackable.Hackers earned $886,250 uncovering nearly 50 zero-day vulnerabilities in EV chargers, infotainment systems, and automotive softwareInfotainment systems from Kenwood, Sony, and Alpine were successfully exploited, along with chargers from ChargePoint, Autel, Ubiquiti, Phoenix Contact, WolfBox, and Tesla.Tesla Wall Connectors alone accounted for more than $140,000 in payouts, while the overall winning team, Summoning Team, took home $222,250.Notably, no one attempted to hack a Tesla vehicle, despite a car and large cash prizes on the table.If 2025 felt like a rough year to fly, you're not wrong. But turbulence hit everyone. What separated airlines wasn't the chaos—it was execution. The Wall Street Journal's airline scorecard crowns a new winner and reshuffles the pecking order.(Worst → Best): Frontier (T-last), American (T-last), JetBlue (7th), United (6th), Spirit (5th), Alaska (4th), Delta (3rd), Allegiant (2nd), Southwest (1st).Southwest wins for the first time since 2020, ending Delta's four-year streak with strong all-around operations and industry-low complaints.Explaining Southwest's edge, COO Andrew Watterson said the airline avoids the “easy” option when things go sideways: “It's very easy to cancel a flight. That's the path of least resistance.”This episode of the Automotive State of the Union is brought to you by Amazon Autos: Meet customers where tJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're sharing a preview of a new podcast from Skift called Skift Take Sessions. Skift Take Sessions is a weekly, journalist-led podcast built from the most important conversations shaping the global travel industry. Each episode features candid interviews with CEOs and senior leaders across airlines, hotels, and travel platforms, recorded live at Skift events and expanded with context around why the conversation matters now and what we learned. Hosted by Wil Slickers, the show brings listeners inside executive-level thinking from leaders at companies like Hilton, Expedia Group, Airbnb, JetBlue, and more. New episodes drop every week. Listen and follow Skift Take Sessions: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skift-take-sessions/id1871511773 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oKApv7z0I65VpySjh9rqP?si=2e8f1e3e83e8459d Skift.com: https://skift.com/skift-travel-podcasts/
i6 Group is connecting the fragmented aviation fuel ecosystem-airlines, fuel suppliers, and service providers-through a real-time digital platform that eliminates paper-based processes at over 260 airports worldwide. After launching with British Airways at Heathrow in 2015 and recently closing their Series B with German PE firm Itrium, i6 is proving that even heavily regulated, risk-averse industries can achieve step-function operational improvements through software. In this episode of BUILDERS, Alex Mattos, CEO and Managing Director of i6 Group, breaks down how they navigated decade-long enterprise sales cycles, leveraged strategic customers as Series A investors, and are now building toward profitability to maximize exit optionality. Topics Discussed: The surprising analog nature of aviation fuel operations despite advanced aircraft technology i6's pivot from defense fuel system testing to commercial aviation digitization The multi-party fuel ecosystem: airlines, suppliers, service providers, and logistics chains Strategic approach to landing British Airways and Virgin Atlantic as launch customers Fundamental differences between European fuel optimization vs. US supply chain management models Multi-stakeholder enterprise sales involving fuel teams, flight ops, pilot unions, and CFOs Strategic Series A with customer-investors: British Airways, JetBlue, Shell, and World Fuel Services Series B transition from strategic to PE backing focused on scaling operations and go-to-market Network effects driving compounding value as airport coverage expands Path to self-sustainability and exit strategy considerations GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Target brand DNA, not just budget, for early enterprise customers: i6 deliberately approached Virgin Atlantic because of Richard Branson's reputation for "being entrepreneurial, taking a risk, doing something different." This wasn't naive brand worship—it was strategic targeting based on organizational risk tolerance. When selling complex infrastructure to enterprises pre-product-market fit, a prospect's innovation track record matters more than their budget size. Map your early pipeline based on cultural willingness to partner with startups, not just technical fit. Invest in non-paying reference customers as currency for tier-one deals: Virgin Atlantic became i6's first operational deployment without payment. This wasn't charity—it was strategic capital allocation. The working reference at Virgin directly unlocked British Airways: "we turned up, demonstrated what we were doing...we've done this trial with Virgin and here's the results, and it went really well." For founders selling to conservative enterprises, one live deployment at a credible brand is worth more than a dozen pitch decks. Budget 6-12 months of runway for strategic pilots that generate proof points, not revenue. Create forcing functions with specific follow-up commitments: When British Airways said "if you're still here in six months, come back," most founders would hear soft rejection. Alex heard a calendar commitment and returned "to the day" with results. This precision signaling—we take your requirements seriously enough to track them to the day—separates serious vendors from tire-kickers. When enterprises set conditional bars, treat them as binding contracts and demonstrate execution discipline through exact follow-through. Position for market disruption by maintaining warm enterprise relationships: i6 benefited when an incumbent competitor liquidated, creating urgent procurement needs at British Airways. But luck favors the prepared—they had already established credibility through their Virgin deployment. Maintain enterprise relationships even when deals seem stalled. In concentrated B2B markets, competitive exits, budget releases, and trigger events happen regularly. Your position in the consideration set when disruption hits determines whether you capture the opportunity. Engineer word-of-mouth in concentrated industries through excellence, not marketing: Four months after Heathrow deployment, Dubai airport approached i6 unsolicited: "we've heard great things." In the aviation fuel community—which Alex describes as "surprisingly small"—exceptional execution travels faster than any outbound motion. This changes GTM strategy: in concentrated industries, over-invest in customer success and operational excellence at early deployments rather than spreading thin across many accounts. Your first customers are your sales team. Segment GTM by operational model, not just geography or company size: i6 discovered European airlines optimize for fuel efficiency and real-time decisions, while US airlines (controlling their own supply networks since the late 1980s) prioritize supply chain visibility: "how much fuel did we put in the plane, how much have we had delivered, how much have we got left." These aren't feature preferences—they're fundamentally different jobs-to-be-done driven by market structure. Don't assume global enterprises have unified needs. Segment by operational model and regulatory environment, then customize messaging and roadmap accordingly. Stage investor expertise to match company evolution, not just valuation milestones: Series A brought strategic investors who were actual users (British Airways, JetBlue, Shell, World Fuel Services) for product validation and network access. Series B brought PE firm Itrium for "scaling the business...building and growing our sales and revenue teams." This wasn't opportunistic—it was deliberate staging of capital sources to match capability gaps. Don't optimize fundraising purely on valuation or dilution. Map your next 18-month bottleneck (product validation vs. operational scaling vs. market expansion) and raise from investors who've solved that specific problem. Build for profitability to control your exit timing and terms: Alex's goal is avoiding Series C entirely: "we build and establish a fully self-sustaining business...the business becomes fully sustainable in the next couple of years." This isn't conservatism—it's strategic optionality. Reaching profitability eliminates the forced march toward subsequent rounds, letting you choose between IPO or M&A based on market conditions rather than cash position. For infrastructure plays with long implementation cycles, factor sustainability into your growth model early, even if it moderates topline growth rates. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM
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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.
In this week's podcast episode, we'll talk about stacking 2025 and 2026 JetBlue elite perks, how you can use Visa cards you already own to get free international roaming, and we'll predict what's coming to points & miles in 2026.Giant Mailbag(01:09) - "I certainly admire the continued approach to display only the best offer even if it is not the affiliate link, but I may suggest that you consider showing both options for readers. I am happy to support the site and would likely be willing to choose an inferior offer in many cases, should it be beneficial to the site."(04:45) - What to do when Chase Sapphire Reserve® Exclusive Tables removes a restaurant without notice...See a list of Sapphire Reserve® Exclusive Tables here(07:28) - A Sapphire Reserve The Edit credit success story...(11:02) - A 25for25 challenge success storyAwards, Points, and More(16:45) - Visa Signature / Infinite GigSky benefit (Nick's experience)Learn more about the GigSky free eSIM opportunity hereMain Event: Our 2026 points forecast: coupony with a chance of acquisitions(21:31) - New credit cards(37:21) - Card refreshes(55:31) - New transfer opportunities(1:09:35) - Mega promos(1:17:27) - Devaluations(1:25:01) - Misc other(1:32:10) - Guaranteed PredictionsQuestion of the Week(1:33:50) - What's in your digital wallet? Do you keep all of your cards in your digital wallet?Subscribe and FollowVisit https://frequentmiler.com/subscribe/ to get updated on in-depth points and miles content like this, and don't forget to like and follow us on social media.Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie YoderMentioned in this episode:Check out this month's sponsor and support our showJoin the loyalty program for renters at joinbilt.com/mileshttps://joinbilt.com/miles
A JetBlue plane plunged uncontrollably last month prompting the parent company to issue an order to inspect all Airbus A-320 jets. It's bad timing for holiday travel. Afghans waiting for asylum say they are in limbo after the Trump administration paused all asylum decisions. This comes after an Afghan national killed a National Guard soldier and wounded another. Tips on how to tell a real video from one generated by AI.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy